Jennifer Trachtenberg is a pediatrician and can be reached at Ask Dr. Jen.

This pediatrician gives her kids candy on Halloween. Here are 7 guilt-free candy tips.

Physician
October 30, 2019

I’m a pediatrician, mom of three. And to many, this may come as a surprise, but yes, I give my kids candy on Halloween. And I don’t mean the organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, no artificial colors or flavoring, good for you “treats.” I’m talking about chocolate, caramel bars, gummies, and sour balls. Personally, my all-time favorite is red Twizzlers (yup, I’m admitting over the internet) Nevertheless, I have spent over two …

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This pediatrician gives her kids candy on Halloween. Here are 7 guilt-free candy tips.

A pediatrician’s tips for your kids’ snacking habits

Conditions
March 15, 2019

Parents often ask me about snacks for their children once they are eating table food. Should they even give them snacks? If so, what kinds are good for them, and how often? In general, after age one I recommend three kid-size meals and 1 to 2 snacks to help them get their daily nutritional requirements. Try not to stress or obsess at each feeding about them eating all that you …

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A pediatrician’s tips for your kids’ snacking habits

Motrin vs. Tylenol for children: A pediatrician explains

Meds
March 12, 2019

As a pediatrician, I am asked by worried parents about what they should give their child with a fever, Motrin (ibuprofen), or Tylenol (acetaminophen) to bring down the temperature daily.

This question always requires more than a one-word response to the choice between anti-fever medications. An explanation of medication even being necessary for the fever and to clarify many long-standing fever phobia misconceptions.

Mainly, it is not necessary to treat the number …

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Motrin vs. Tylenol for children: A pediatrician explains

Heart health begins in childhood: 5 tips from a pediatrician

Conditions
February 14, 2019

Heart health starts in childhood to avoid cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Kids today have developed so many bad health habits that they are facing heart attacks in their 30s. Many experts predict they will be the first generation to have a lower life expectancy than their parents.  But it doesn’t need to be this way. Parents like you have a significant influence over your kid’s habits. By modeling …

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Heart health begins in childhood: 5 tips from a pediatrician

6 easy hacks from a pediatrician to make healthier kids’ lunches

Physician
February 13, 2019

You may have noticed your child seems to be bored of their bag lunch and most of it being brought back home or dumped in the garbage. Lunch is an important meal to get kids the energy they need to get through the second half of the school day. Strive to include some protein, fruits, veggies and healthy sources of fats. Now, you don’t have to buy gourmet or even …

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6 easy hacks from a pediatrician to make healthier kids’ lunches

How to say “no” to kids

Physician
February 6, 2019

Do you feel like you’re always saying “no” to your child and not getting the response from them that you are looking for? Do you end up repeating yourself over and over, so frustrated you begin to yell or just given in to your toddler’s demands? Unfortunately, I hear this way too often from moms, so I wanted to give some tips on the art of saying “no” that will …

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How to say “no” to kids