Pediatric Associates of Whidbey Island

07/14/2025

Listen to this episode with Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez and Dr. Ken Ginsburg, who talk about how parents and caregivers can connect with their children to build resilience. Learn how to find the balance between showing up in a loving way and protecting them at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/healthy-children-podcast/Pages/ep-037-lighthouse-parenting-building-resilience-and-guiding-kids-through-failure.aspx

07/14/2025

“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say 'It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” -- Mister Rogers

For empathy-building book for young kids about the importance of compassion and being kind to others, visit our blog post "25 Children's Books That Teach Kids to Be Kind," at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=19359

For books for children and teens about the importance of standing up for truth, decency, and justice, even in dark times, visit our blog post, "Dissent Is Patriotic: 50 Books About Women Who Fought for Change," at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=14364

For books to encourage kids' interest in making a difference in the world -- both locally and globally -- visit our blog post “Making an Impact: 40 Mighty Girl Books About Charity and Community Service” at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=10983

And for a simple yet powerful picture book that reassures kids that the world is filled with helpful and friendly people -- and serves as a counterpoint to scary news stories -- check out "Most People" for ages 4 to 7 at https://bookshop.org/a/8011/9780884485544 (Bookshop) and https://amzn.to/3wKwNzL (Amazon)

07/14/2025

🚨 In a world overflowing with misinformation, teaching our children how to fact check is no longer optional — it’s essential. 🧠🔍

We can’t assume kids will just “figure it out.” The reality? Even adults often struggle to tell what’s true from what’s false — and our kids are watching how we respond. 📱👀

From viral “health hacks” to unsafe social media challenges, misinformation can directly threaten a child’s safety. That’s why fact-checking isn’t just about being smart — it’s about staying safe. 🛡️

Start early. Model it. Make it a habit:
✅ Who wrote this and why?
✅ Is this a trustworthy source?
✅ Can I verify this elsewhere?
✅ Does this sound too extreme or dramatic?

Not sure where to start? Check out this great kid-friendly guide from National Geographic:
👉 https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/homework-help/article/how-to-be-an-expert-fact-checker

Let’s raise a generation of thinkers who don’t just consume content — they question it. 💬
Make fact-checking part of your parenting and part of their learning. It’s a lifelong safety skill.

07/12/2025

A viral post repeats a falsehood Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spread about vaccines and autism.

Link to the full story in the comments.

07/05/2025

07/05/2025

Join us! Disney’s Elio at 4:30pm. $8 per person.

07/04/2025

🚨 Sparklers Aren’t Safe for Kids — Here’s Why 🚨

Sparklers might look harmless, but they send thousands of children to the ER every year. Let’s break it down 👇

🔥 How hot do sparklers get?
Up to 2,000°F — that’s hotter than a blowtorch and enough to melt glass. And yet, we hand them to toddlers…

👶🏽 What kinds of injuries do they cause?
Most sparkler injuries in children are severe burns to the hands, face, arms, and legs. These can happen in less than a second — all it takes is one drop of molten metal, one ember catching on clothes, or one spark hitting the skin.

👁️‍🗨️ Eye injuries, clothing fires, and permanent scarring are also reported.

🛑 Sparklers are NOT toys. Here’s how to keep kids safe:

✅ Skip sparklers altogether for children under 12 (and ideally, even older!).
✅ Glow sticks, LED wands, or fiber optic toys are festive and safe alternatives.
✅ Supervise teens closely if sparklers are used.
✅ Always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby to fully extinguish sparklers after use.
✅ Teach kids to hold sparklers away from their bodies, others, and flammable materials.
✅ Never give sparklers to children in costumes or loose clothing.
✅ Remind kids: Once it’s out, it’s STILL hot. Many burns happen when kids touch “used” sparklers.
✅ Never let kids run, play, or wave sparklers around — they’re not magic wands 🪄
✅ Keep pets away too — they can get burned or scared and knock them into others.

🎆 Fireworks are beautiful — but your child’s safety is priceless.

💡 Remember: There is no safe way for young children to handle sparklers. Period.

🧯👶🏾🔥🇺🇸

07/04/2025

07/04/2025

🇺🇸Happy 4th of July🇺🇸
We are closed for the holiday
Have fun and be safe!
❤️🤍💙

07/02/2025

Have a happy and safe 4th of July, here's some tips!

​Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. The AAP continues to urge families view public 4th of July displays rather than buying fireworks for their own or their children's use. Learn more here.

07/01/2025