Peninsula Pediatrics

06/04/2026

AI-generated content is becoming more common online, and not everything labeled "educational" is actually helpful for young children. 🤖📱

Experts are raising concerns about the "AI slop," which refers to low-quality, AI-generated videos and content created to capture attention rather than support healthy learning and development. These videos may be repetitive, overstimulating, inaccurate, or lack meaningful educational value.

Young children are especially vulnerable because they are still learning how to understand stories, emotions, and what is real vs. pretend. That’s why it’s important for parents and caregivers to stay involved, choose trusted sources, preview content when possible, and prioritize real-world play, conversation, and connection. As AI-generated content becomes more widespread, being intentional about what children watch can help support healthier screen habits and early development. Learn more here. 👇

Discover the clear indicators of AI-slop that we can use to make good decisions about what kids are watching.

06/03/2026

Babies may enjoy splashing and playing in the water, but it's important to remember that without adult supervision, they are at high risk of drowning when in water. It only takes a few inches of water for drowning, and it can happen within seconds. Always make sure that there is close, hands-on supervision at all times that your baby is in or near a source of water. 💦👶

Not only should you stay within arm's reach, but flotation devices should never be relied on as a substitute for supervision. Create layers of protection, including barriers around pools. For more info about water safety for babies, check out this link. 👇

Infant water safety essentials: AAP guidance on preventing drowning with touch supervision, bath safety, water hazards at home and protecting babies around even small amounts of water.​

06/02/2026

Toddlers are naturally curious and love to explore, but that curiosity can put them at greater risk around water. 💦

At this age, children are often drawn to pools, ponds, buckets, bathtubs, and other sources of water, but they don't yet understand the danger or have the skills to keep themselves safe. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, even in small amounts of water. That's why close, constant supervision is essential whenever toddlers are near any water. It's important to have multiple layers of protection, including constant adult supervision around water, pool fencing, locked gates, and emptying buckets, wading pools, and other containers after use.

Read more here for important water safety tips to help keep young children safe this swim season. 👇

Water safety is important for all ages, but especially for toddlers. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children 1-4. Young children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water, and it can happen quickly and silently. Learn how to keep your toddler safe in this article.​

05/28/2026

Sleep plays an important role in children’s mental and physical health. When kids and teens don’t get enough quality sleep, it can affect mood, behavior, focus, stress levels, and overall well-being. 😴

Poor sleep has also been linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges in children and adolescents. Many kids, however, struggle to get enough sleep because of busy schedules, screen use before bed, and inconsistent sleep routines. ⏰

To help your child get adequate rest, encourage healthy habits like maintaining a consistent bedtime, limiting screens at night, and creating a calming bedtime routine. 🛏

Read more here to learn about the connection between sleep and mental health in children and teens. 👇

​Sleep plays a key role in children’s mental and emotional health. Learn how poor sleep affects stress, mood, anxiety and depression—and practical ways families can support better sleep at every age.

05/26/2026

Swim lessons can help children build confidence in the water and reduce the risk of drowning, but it’s important to remember that lessons do not completely protect kids. Rather, it serves as one layer of protection, and it is recommended to have multiple layers to prevent drowning. These include constant adult supervision around the water, pool gates, and life jackets when appropriate. 🏊

Many children can benefit from swim lessons starting around the age of one, depending on their developmental readiness and comfort in the water. But keep in mind that even strong swimmers still need close supervision, especially around pools, lakes, and beaches. Water safety is most effective when families combine swim skills with safe habits and active supervision. 🌊

Check out this article to learn more about swim lessons and water safety recommendations for children. 👇

​Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on the best time to start swim lessos and what to look for in a quality learn-to-swim program.  

05/21/2026

Food allergies in children are becoming more common, and even a small amount of an allergen can cause a serious reaction in some kids. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. 🥜

Symptoms can range from mild issues like hives or stomach pain to severe reactions that affect breathing. Because reactions can happen quickly, it’s important to recognize the signs and know when to seek emergency care. 🏥

Check out this article for more information, including symptoms, diagnosis, creating an allergy and food management plan, and treatment options. 👇

A food allergy happens when the body reacts against harmless proteins found in foods. Food allergies are most common in babies and children, but they can occur at any age. They also occur more often in children who have other allergies or who have family members with allergies. Learn more here.​

05/19/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. While social media can help teens stay connected, too much social media time or unhealthy habits around using it can lead to depression, anxiety, loneliness, or low self-esteem. It can also interfere with kids' sleep, which can impact their health further.📱

That doesn’t mean social media automatically causes depression, but it’s important for families to pay attention to how online experiences affect their child’s mood, behavior, and overall well-being. Open conversations, healthy screen habits, and device-free time can make a difference. Learn more here. 👇

Is using social media making our kids unhappy? Evidence is mounting that there is a link between social media and depression. How us of Instagram and other platforms may be negatively affecting teenagers and young adults.

05/18/2026

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

05/14/2026

Prom can be an exciting night for teens, but it's important to talk to your kids about safety and responsibilities and help them navigate any complex feelings they're having around it.

Check out this guide for tips on how to openly communicate with your teen about peer pressure, substance use, social media, and making safe choices during prom night. 💃

What you need to know about how prom has changed since you were in high school and how to manage expectations — both yours and your teen's.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day! 🌸