Hartman Pediatrics

06/03/2026

Turning off the screen can be a really difficult transition for many children. Here are some tips to help!

06/03/2026

Great tips for choosing a swim suit for your kids this summer! I always try to get orange/yellow/pink for my kids.

When it comes to spotting your child in the water, the color of their swimsuit can make a big difference. Before purchasing new swimwear this season, see how visible certain colors are in pool and lake water, and head to https://bit.ly/3S6HtD0 for more water safety tips.

05/31/2026

🦟 Big mosquito bite or allergic reaction? It could be Skeeter Syndrome!

Some children have a strong allergic reaction to mosquito bites called Skeeter Syndrome. Instead of a small itchy bump, kids may develop:✔️ Large swelling✔️ Redness and warmth✔️ Itching or pain✔️ Sometimes even low-grade fever

These reactions can look scary, but they are usually not dangerous and are NOT an infection.

💡 What helps?• Cold compresses• Antihistamines (but opt for the newer versions like Zyrtec and skip Benadryl for fewer side effects! )• Anti-itch creams• Avoid scratching

🛑 Call the pediatrician if:• Swelling keeps getting worse• Your child has trouble breathing• There are signs of infection like pus or spreading redness• Symptoms are severe or recurrent

The best prevention is mosquito protection:🧴 Use child-safe insect repellent👕 Wear long sleeves outdoors🌅 Avoid peak mosquito times at dawn and dusk

If you’re concerned about your child’s reaction to bug bites, we’re here to help

05/22/2026

Recognizing Teen Depression: What to Watch For 💜

Teen years can be emotional and stressful, but depression is more than “just a phase.” Many teens struggle silently because their symptoms are mistaken for moodiness, attitude changes, or normal growing pains.

Here are some signs that may indicate a teen is dealing with depression:

* Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
* Irritability or anger over small things
* Loss of interest in hobbies, friends, or activities they once enjoyed
* Changes in sleep — sleeping too much or not enough
* Changes in appetite or weight
* Trouble concentrating or falling behind in school
* Low energy or constant fatigue
* Withdrawing from family and friends
* Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
* Talking about self-harm, death, or feeling like a burden

Depression can also show up physically through headaches, stomach aches, or unexplained body pain.

What helps most is creating a safe space where teens feel heard without judgment. Listening calmly, checking in consistently, and encouraging professional support can make a huge difference.

Depression screening is a standard component of every well child check at Hartman Pediatrics, but if you’re concerned about a teen in your life, trust your instincts and reach out to our office. Early support matters.

You never have to struggle alone. 💜

05/19/2026

First edition of Tech Tip Tuesday! I will try to share a few posts on Tuesdays this summer with tips regarding screen use.

Children under age 2 learn best from exploring the world around them. They have a hard time understanding what they’re seeing on screens unless it’s explained by an adult. Researchers have found that overall screen time in young children is linked with lower language and social-emotional skills, but viewing high quality educational content—think Sesame Street—with a parent has been associated with increased language skills. Main tip: select quality content and watch with your kids! Learn more: https://bit.ly/48hexQW

05/19/2026

Eating habits can change often for children and it is common for kids to develop preferences and be selective sometimes. When eating habits seem extreme, there may be more to it. If you are concerned about your child’s eating habits, I highly recommend contacting us to schedule a visit so we can help provide any resources that are available.

05/19/2026

Children’s ibuprofen recall alert! Check your bottles at home and discard if your bottle has been recalled.

Parents, a quick reminder about a recall from March.

A batch of Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension has been voluntarily recalled after some bottles were found to contain unexpected particles or gel‑like clumps. While the FDA considers the risk of serious harm low, these products should not be used.

Check your bottle for:
• NDC: 51672‑5321‑8
• Lot numbers: 7261973A or 7261974A
• Expiration: 01/31/2027
• 4 oz (120 mL) size

If you have one of these, stop using it and reach out to your child’s clinician with any concerns. You can also report issues through the FDA’s MedWatch program. The recall is active as of March 2, 2026.

To check current recalls see https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts

05/13/2026

It is honestly quite difficult to raise a child in 2026 without screens. They are everywhere! Did you know that children can develop emotional dependence on a screen if used/offered in certain situations repeatedly? We know there are sometimes difficult things that we have to do at the doctor or a wait in the office at times and it can be easier to just bring a tablet. We would love for our office to be a screen free zone though, and we are to help!

05/13/2026

If dipping is the only way your kid will currently eat meat or veggies, that’s ok! At least they are trying! Here are some of the more nutritious options to consider when it comes to dipping.

05/12/2026

If we’ve ever had a discussion at the office about behavior concerns, I’ve likely shared with you that being a doctor is my easy job, being a parent is my hard job! Every family, every child and every situation can be so unique. However, there are some key factors based on normal brain development that may help you to be more successful at modifying less desirable behavior.

If you’ve ever found yourself mid-lecture, wondering how you got there — you’re not alone.
In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to slip into long explanations, over-talking, and trying to get a child to understand right now.

But here’s the truth: children don’t learn from lectures.
They learn from reflection — and reflection only happens when both adult and child feel safe, calm, and connected.

Guiding a child through reflection can actually help you deregulate too.
It slows the moment down, reduces the pressure to “fix it immediately,” and shifts the focus from frustration to understanding.

You start to see the why behind their reactions — the feelings, needs, and overwhelm that drove the behaviour.
And when the adult feels calmer, the child’s nervous system follows.

If you’d like structured reflection prompts, co-regulation strategies, and guides for tricky moments, they’re all inside my Managing Big Feelings Toolkit. Find it via the link in comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

Follow for more on reflection, consequences, and brain-based parenting this week.