Helping Keep Your Kids Happy & Healthy

Hey Parents,

We know you’re juggling all the things—keeping your kids healthy, managing schedules, and making sure they’re thriving. It’s a lot, especially this time of year. So let’s talk about three big things on every parent’s mind:

✅ Keeping kids’ stress levels in check
✅ Setting healthy screen time habits
✅ Knowing when to slow down

Oh, and of course—allergy season is here! We’ve got tips on keeping your family well. Let’s dive in!

Allergy Season is Almost Here – Let’s Get Ahead of It!

Spring may still be a few weeks away, but if your child suffers from seasonal allergies, now is the time to prepare.

Common allergy symptoms:
🤧 Constant sneezing & runny nose
👀 Itchy, watery eyes
😴 Fatigue from poor sleep
💨 Coughing or wheezing

We offer easy, convenient options to help your child find relief:
✅ Online Allergy Assessment – Quick & simple for parents!
✅ In-Clinic Allergy Testing – Find out exactly what’s triggering symptoms.
✅ Customized Treatment Plans – Including medication & immunotherapy options.

Still have questions? Check out our article on Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Allergies for expert answers on everything from allergy symptoms to treatment options.

Want to get ahead of allergy season? Take our online assessment now!

Kids & Stress: When to Worry & What to Do

More than 1 in 3 Tennessee kids have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, with anxiety and stress becoming more common. While it’s normal for kids to feel overwhelmed sometimes, ongoing stress can lead to bigger issues.

Signs of stress in kids:
✅ Frequent stomachaches or headaches
✅ Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
✅ Mood swings or increased irritability
✅ Trouble focusing in school

What can parents do?
✅ Make time for open conversations – Let them know you’re listening.
✅ Encourage downtime – Kids don’t have to be busy all the time!
✅ Know when to get help – If stress is affecting daily life, we can help.

Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?

Every parent has had this moment: Your kid has been glued to a screen, you ask them to turn it off, and suddenly you’re dealing with a full-on meltdown. Sound familiar? You’re not alone!

In today’s world, digital screens are everywhere—tablets, phones, TVs, gaming consoles. While technology has its benefits, too much screen time can affect sleep, behavior, and development.

Guidelines for healthy screen time:
👶 Under 2 – Minimal or none (unless FaceTiming family!)
👦 Ages 2-5 – No more than 1 hour/day
📱 Ages 6+ – Set consistent limits and keep screens out of bedrooms

Easy Screen Time Swaps:
❌ No screens 1 hour before bed 💤 (Blue light = bad sleep)
❌ No devices at the dinner table 🍽 (More convos, less scrolling!)
✅ More outside play 🌳 (Fresh air = happy kids!)

Having screen time battles? We can help!

Are We Over-scheduling Our Kids?

Between school, sports, and after-school activities, some kids have busier calendars than we do! While activities are great, too much can lead to exhaustion, stress, and even burnout.

Signs your kid might be too busy:
⚡ Always tired or moody
📚 Falling behind in school
😩 No longer enjoying activities they used to love
🎭 No free time for just being a kid

How to Find Balance:
✅ Cut back when needed – Kids don’t need to do everything!
✅ Leave room for boredom – That’s when creativity happens!
✅ Make family time a priority – Even just a few unplugged moments together each day.

It’s okay to slow down. Your child (and your stress levels) will thank you!

We’re Here for You!

Raising happy, healthy kids isn’t easy—but you’re doing an amazing job! If you need help with mental health, screen time struggles, scheduling stress, or cold & flu care, we’re just a call away.

📍 Find a location near you | 📞 Call us anytime | 📅 Schedule a Visit

With care,
Your Kids Central Pediatrics Team