Mt. Spokane Pediatrics

03/17/2026

03/13/2026

There are some great things coming up this weekend for the whole family!

03/11/2026

Spring is coming— and so is pollen.

Nasal allergies are common in children. Dust and mold top the trigger list, followed by tree, grass, and w**d pollen. Longer, stronger seasons can mean more sneezing, congestion, clear runny noses, itchy or watery eyes — and for kids with asthma, more flare-ups.

Allergies or a cold? Allergies may cause cough or sore throat, but they do not cause fever, body aches, or thick colored mucus. If symptoms show up suddenly, come and go, and include persistent itching and clear drainage, allergens are the likely culprit.

A few practical moves make a real difference:
-Track pollen levels (PollenWise, and other apps may help).
-Limit outdoor time when counts are high.
-Shower and change clothes after being outside.
-Keep windows closed during peak season.
-Use high-efficiency air filters and clean indoor surfaces regularly.
-Take allergy or asthma medications as directed by your medical provider.

Sources:
Washington State Department of Health – Climate & Health: Pollen
Seattle Children’s – Healthy Tides: Seasonal Allergies or a Cold?
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) – Seasonal Allergies

03/09/2026

✨ Team Spotlight: Meet Mariah! ✨

Mariah joined us this winter and has quickly become a steady, cheerful, and calming presence in our clinic. She helps our providers by getting patients ready for their appointments and supports the many behind-the-scenes tasks that keep our days running smoothly and our families well cared for.

When asked what keeps her energized, she doesn’t hesitate: caring for kids and seeing their smiles is her backup battery. And honestly, that tracks.

At home, Mariah loves spending time with her kids doing puzzles, walking her dogs—Gizmo (a spunky Chihuahua) and Nova (a sweet Pittie)—and creating culinary masterpieces with her boyfriend. She recharges by laughing at her kiddos’ jokes, snuggling with Nova, and enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

Fast Facts:
🦕 Favorite Dinosaur: Ankylosaurus
🐶 Dogs or Cats: Dogs
🧶 Learning for Fun: She’d love to learn to crochet and is fascinated by all the incredible things you can create

We’re grateful to have Mariah on our team—our patients and families are, too.

03/06/2026

Gardens aren’t just cute little patches of dirt. They’re living laboratories.

When kids dig, plant, and wait (impatiently) for something green to appear, they’re learning science, math, and patience. They’re practicing trial and error. They’re discovering that food doesn’t magically appear in plastic packaging.

And here’s the kicker: when children grow food, they’re far more likely to taste it. Ownership changes everything.

Gardening nurtures curiosity, wonder, and joy. It strengthens ecological literacy and helps kids understand where food comes from and how communities are connected. It also gets them moving outdoors—fresh air, sunshine, vitamin D, and steady physical activity that can become a lifelong habit. The rich sensory input of soil, textures, scents, and movement supports calmer, more focused bodies and minds—especially important for young children whose brains are built through movement and experience.

No yard? No problem. Start with herbs in small pots on a windowsill. Plant a “dinner salad” garden with greens, carrots, cucumbers, or grape tomatoes. Choose fast growers like green beans to keep motivation high. Start small. Let them observe. Let them experiment. Let them get dirty.

Sometimes the most powerful classroom is a patch of soil.

Sources:
KidsGardening.org – Why Garden with Kids?
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (EatRight.org) – Kids in the Garden: Nutritious and Fun
University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources – Real Dirt Blog: Children & Gardening

03/04/2026

When we “spring forward,” (March 08th, 2026) we lose an hour of sleep — and kids feel it.

Teens may be extra sleepy during the day. Younger children often show the opposite: more energy, more dysregulation, especially at bedtime. When adults are tired, we slow down. When kids are tired, they often speed up.

Sleep disruptions from daylight saving time can last up to a week for some children.

To ease the transition:
Start moving bedtime earlier in 15-minute increments a week or two before the change. Shift naps 15–30 minutes earlier. Encourage older kids to wind down sooner and avoid heavy meals close to bedtime.

Use blackout curtains, calming routines, and plenty of daytime sunlight to help reset their internal clock. Give 5–10-minu te warnings before transitions to reduce meltdowns.

Most importantly — stay patient. Fussiness usually means they’re adjusting, not misbehaving.

Sources:
Erikson Institute – “How Parents Can Prepare Young Children for Daylight Savings Time”
https://www.erikson.edu/blog/how-parents-can-prepare-young-children-for-daylight-savings-time/

HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) – “Daylight Saving Time: Don’t Lose Sleep Over It”
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/daylight-saving-time-dont-lose-sleep-over-it.aspx

03/02/2026

Here’s something that might surprise you: the classic “sugar rush” isn’t as scientifically solid as we’ve been led to believe.

The idea that sugar makes kids hyper mostly traces back to a small study from the 1970s. Since then, dozens of larger, well-designed studies have found that sugar does not significantly impact behavior, attention, or school performance for most children.

One particularly fascinating study explored parental expectations. Researchers told some mothers their sons had consumed sugar—even when they hadn’t. Those mothers rated their children as more hyperactive and were more likely to closely monitor them. In other words, belief influenced perception. (Hoover & Milich, 1994)

So at birthday parties, what looks like a “sugar high” may actually be excitement, noise, friends, games, and a break from routine. That’s a lot of stimulation for a small nervous system.

That said, this isn’t a free pass for unlimited sweets. Added sugars are linked to childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, dental cavities, and lower overall diet quality. Most children in the U.S. consume more added sugar than recommended. When kids fill up on sugary drinks and snacks, they often eat less of the fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy their growing bodies need.

It also helps to remember: not all sugars are the same. Whole fruits contain natural sugars packaged with fiber, water, and nutrients that support steadier energy. Candy and soda deliver quick spikes with little nutritional value.

Before blaming the cupcake, it may be worth scanning the environment first. And overall, focusing on reducing added sugars for long-term health is where the real evidence points.

Sources:
Hoover, D.W., & Milich, R. (1994). Effects of sugar ingestion expectancies on mother-child interactions. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 22(4), 501–515. doi:10.1007/BF02168088

University of Utah Health (2025). Debunking Old Wives’ Tales: Why Your Child Isn’t Actually Sugar High. The Scope – Kids Zone. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/kids-zone/all/2025/08/debunking-old-wives-tales-why-your-child-isnt-actually-sugar-high

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Sugar: Does It Really Cause Hyperactivity? EatRight.org. https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/sugar-does-it-really-cause-hyperactivity

02/27/2026

Why Drawing Matters 🎨

Art isn’t just cute fridge décor — it’s brain work.

Most children begin scribbling between 12–18 months, and even those early crayon marks help strengthen the small muscles needed for writing, buttoning coats, and other fine motor skills.

But it goes deeper than motor skills.

Drawing engages multiple areas of the brain responsible for movement, focus, memory, and problem-solving. Kids practice planning, cause and effect (“If I press harder, the color gets darker”), spatial awareness, early math concepts, and language as they describe their creations.

Research also shows children often share more about experiences when they draw and talk about them at the same time. For non-verbal children, drawing can be an especially powerful way to communicate thoughts and feelings.

And here’s something beautifully simple: children enjoy drawing more when parents sit with them and show interest — not directing, not correcting — just being present.

The best part? It’s low-cost and low-pressure. Paper, crayons, cardboard boxes — that’s enough to grow a brain.

Sources:
Love Paper – The Importance of Drawing in Children’s Development: https://lovepaper.org/the-importance-of-drawing-in-childrens-development/

Michigan State University Extension – The Art of Creating: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_art_of_creating_why_art_is_important_for_early_childhood_development

Road Scholar – How Drawing Benefits Your Brain: https://www.roadscholar.org/blog/how-drawing-benefits-your-brain/

02/25/2026

Is toe walking normal? 👣

If your toddler is cruising around on their toes, you’re not alone. Toe walking is actually pretty common when kids are first learning to walk — and most outgrow it.

Sometimes kids toe walk because they’re still figuring out balance. Sometimes it’s related to tight calf muscles or a tight Achilles tendon. In rare cases, it can be linked to neurologic or muscle conditions.

But here’s the reassuring part: in the vast majority of children, toe walking is idiopathic — meaning there’s no clear cause and their exams are completely normal.

It’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare professional if:
• Your child is over 2 and still mostly toe walking
• They used to walk flat-footed and suddenly switch
• You notice tight muscles, stiffness, coordination issues, or developmental concerns

Most kids simply outgrow it. If not, treatment might include physical therapy, braces, casting, or (rarely) surgery.

When in doubt, ask. That’s what we’re here for.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toe-walking/symptoms-causes/syc-20378410

AAOS OrthoInfo: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/toe-walking/

KidsHealth: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/toe-walking.htmlT

02/23/2026

Myth Busting Monday 🛡️

If your child seems “always sick,” take a breath.

Most kids average 6–8 colds a year. Sometimes more in daycare or school. That’s not weakness. That’s immune training.

The immune system isn’t something we “boost.” It’s something that learns. Every exposure builds memory.

If you're unsure, that's what we're here for.

02/18/2026

💧 Hydration Check!
Ever wonder if your kiddo is drinking enough water? Daily water needs grow as kids get older — and water should be the go-to drink (plain, sugar-free, simple). AAP guidance breaks it down like this:

👉 Ages 5–8: ~16–40 oz/day
👉 Ages 9–13: ~22–61 oz/day
👉 Ages 14–18: ~29–88 oz/day

Keep in mind these are ranges, and active days or hot weather increase needs. Water helps with mood, focus, digestion, and energy — and kids often need reminders to sip throughout the day.

Make water fun (cool bottles, flavor-infused ice cubes, refill stations) and easy to grab — habits formed now set the tone for adulthood. 💦

Learn more here: https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/32874/How-much-water-should-children-drink?autologincheck=redirected