Providing researched based educational resources to meet the needs of Long Islanders
By Dinah Torres Castro How many times have we heard a parent say, “If you eat your broccoli then you can have a cookie”? And for the most part the child will oblige. The problem with using food (the cookie) as a reward for a desired behavior (eating their broccoli) is that it works in…
By Kerri Kreh Reda As your child’s first teacher, you teach her many things – how to talk, feed herself, dress herself and how to use the toilet. You make a conscious effort to teach these skills. What you may not realize is that you also teach many other things unintentionally by the example you…
By Alysa Ferguson Summertime is great for barbeques, picnics, and fresh produce (think grilled vegetables with your meal and watermelon for dessert!). However, fun-in-the-sun eating also means taking some extra precautions to ensure your family’s food is safe to eat. The warmer temperatures create a perfect environment for bacteria and other pathogens to multiply rapidly,…
By Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H. The World Health Organization recently published new guidelines for children under the age of five. These guidelines address factors impacting children’s physical and mental health. The recommendations seek to help parents balance the need for physical activity with sedentary behavior, including the use of screens. Sleep recommendations are also part…
By Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H. One of the best ways to have a successful outing with a little one is to be prepared with a well stocked diaper bag. The items you pack will change, depending on the outing and the age of your child. Here are some suggestions to get you started: Diapers Wipes…
By Dinah Torres Castro Having your children sleep in your bed is usually frowned upon. If the subject ever comes up, there’s always someone who shakes their head sadly and whispers, “She should know better….” Actually, Americans are in the minority who think this way, while the rest of the world believes in co-sleeping or…
By Dinah Torres Castro Every new parent has a moment when they realize life with a new baby is hard. But there is something that can make things easier…routine. Routines are repeated, predictable events that provide a foundation for daily tasks. Some parents resist establishing routines because they think, “I’ve got this…I’ll sleep when she…
By Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S. How exciting it is to bring that new baby home from the hospital and what awesome responsibilities you are assuming as new parents! You are helping your new little one develop in all ways, physically, socially, emotionally and intellectually. It doesn’t help that babies come without a manual for guaranteed…
By Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S. Parents have the ability to create a positive home environment for their children. We live in busy, stressful times and it might be a good idea to think about the type of home atmosphere you wish to have that will be optimal for your family’s health and well-being. Are you…
By Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H. Sexual development is part of human development and it begins at birth. Children may exhibit behaviors that are considered to be sexual by adults. Here’s what normal sexual development and behaviors look like in young children: Birth – two years: Bonding takes place by making eye contact, face and voice…