Little Oaks Pediatrics

06/10/2026

Tick season is officially here, and Dr. Guerra wants Raleigh families to head into June prepared.

After hikes, yard play, or anywhere with tall grass, do a full-body tick check. The most common hiding spots are behind the ears and knees, under the arms, around the waistband, and along the hairline. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, so take your time and look closely.

If you find one attached, do not panic. Use fine-tipped tweezers to pull it straight out, clean the area with soap and water, and keep an eye out for any rash or fever in the weeks that follow. If anything seems off, give the office a call.

A few minutes of checking each evening can prevent a lot of worry later.

06/03/2026

Summer adventures look different for every kid, especially those with sensory processing differences. Dr. Martin shares three small swaps that can make the season a lot easier:
• If sunscreen feels unbearable, try a UPF 50+ sun shirt instead.
• If your child forgets to drink, a visual water tracker or a favorite character water bottle can help build the habit.
• If fireworks, parades, or crowded pools overwhelm them, pack noise-reducing headphones and find a quiet spot you can retreat to before the event starts.

One more thing worth knowing: heat exhaustion and sensory overload can look very similar. If you are not sure which one you are seeing, get your child somewhere cool and quiet, then give us a call.

06/02/2026

Summer is not automatically restorative for teenagers. For some of them, it is when they become a bit unhinged due to a lack of structure.

Our full take on teen mental health and summer is up on the blog. Read it here: https://f.mtr.cool/jjmqevtbcv

05/27/2026

Summer is all about experiences. Why not give kids a 90s kind of summer? That means less time in front of screens and more time exploring and just being a kid. Getting a little dirty is a definite sign of a good day!

Here is how to give your kids a classic, active summer:

Get Bored: In the 90s, boredom was the spark for creativity. Without a screen to turn to, kids invent their own games, build forts, and explore their imaginations.

Explore: Whether it’s a local park or just the backyard, outdoor play helps develop gross motor skills, coordination, and a sense of adventure.

No Rules Play: Let them lead! Unstructured, child-led play teaches problem-solving, social negotiation, and independence.

Move Your Body: Swap the tablet for a jump rope, a bike, or a game of tag. Physical activity isn't just about fitness; it’s vital for brain health and emotional regulation.

The 90s Summer Checklist:
1. Running through the sprinkler
2. Bike rides to a friend's house
3. Scavenger hunts in the neighborhood
4. Popsicles on the porch
BONUS: Flashlight tag outdoors at night!

05/26/2026

There is no higher compliment than being asked to care for a family’s first, second, and third child. Thank you for trusting us with your most precious cargo!

05/22/2026

Getting a "healthy base tan" might seem like a good way to get ready for summer, but it’s actually a dangerous myth.

The Truth About the "Base Tan":

* A tan means your skin is already damaged. It’s your body’s way of trying to protect itself after UV rays have harmed your DNA. There is no such thing as a "safe" tan.
* Research shows that a base tan only gives your skin a natural SPF of about 3 or 4. This is much lower than the SPF 30 or higher that experts recommend to prevent sunburn.
* For children, even just one or two bad sunburns can greatly raise their risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Teach kids and teens the importance of protecting their skin. Remind your skin-conscious teen and pre-teen that sun damage eventually causes wrinkles - that often gets them thinking!

05/19/2026

It’s a scary thought, but a vital one: Drowning is silent.

Unlike what we see on TV, there is rarely splashing or shouting. A child struggling in the water often looks like they are treading water or simply looking up at the sky.

Because drowning happens so quickly and quietly, "active supervision" is our best defense. This means putting the phone away, avoiding distractions, and having a designated "Water Watcher" whose only job is to keep eyes on the kids.

05/12/2026

Check out this blog by littleoakspediatrics.com

Preventive pediatric wellness visits in Raleigh, NC. Little Oaks Pediatrics supports growth, screenings, and child health. Call today and schedule!

05/12/2026

Is it "just being a kid," or is it something more?

It can be tough to tell the difference between typical childhood energy and signs of ADHD. While every child is unique, there are some potential concerns.

The biggest takeaway? Consistency. If the behaviors are happening across all environments, at home, at school, and at play, it might be time to dig a little deeper.

We’re here to help. You know your child best. If your gut is telling you something is off, or if you want peace of mind, let's chat. Schedule a visit with your provider at Little Oaks Pediatrics to discuss your concerns and find the best path forward for your child.

05/10/2026

To the women who nurture, guide, and love the children of our community, Happy Mother’s Day!

We know that motherhood isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s a verb, an action defined by late nights, big hugs, and endless support. Today, we’re celebrating every "Mom" in our community.

Being a mom looks different for everyone, but the heart remains the same: a fierce dedication to the health and happiness of a child.