Mt. Spokane Pediatrics

06/05/2026

🌞 Summer break is here! While kids deserve time to relax and have fun, a little structure can help make the season smoother for everyone.

A few simple routines, opportunities for learning, and some planned adventures can help kids thrive all summer long. Best of all, creating great memories doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate. ☀️📚🌳

https://childmind.org/article/strategies-for-a-successful-summer-break/

https://www.ednavigator.org/resources/the-busy-familys-guide-to-summer

06/01/2026

You can’t see indoor air pollution—but your child’s body feels it.💙

Children spend up to 80–90% of their time indoors, where pollutant levels can be 2–5 times higher than outside. And because their lungs, brains, and immune systems are still developing, they don’t just breathe more air for their size—they absorb more of what’s in it.

To***co smoke (including second and thirdhand exposure), va**ng, and indoor ma*****na use all increase risk for children. These exposures are linked to higher rates of respiratory illness, infections, and asthma. Research also suggests that compounds in cannabis smoke can be absorbed by nearby individuals, including children, with potential effects on attention, memory, and brain development.

Many other common household sources also contribute: pets, mold, cleaning products, and fragranced items like “fresh linen” candles.

Open the windows. Cut the fragrances. Fix the leaks.
And above all-keep the smoke far, far away from kids.

Because clean air isn't a luxury. It's a foundation.

Sources:
https://cchp.ucsf.edu/resources/fact-sheets-families/indoor-air-quality-your-home
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/indoor-air-pollution-and-childrens-health-clearing-the-air-for-healthier-breathing-at-home.aspx
https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/environmental-health/promoting-healthy-environments-for-children/indoor-air-pollutants/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-wgiz9Qw5t0b9XarQDl2KC3jOWgL_6fAwJ0gEd6LJF44R-dWU
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/secondhand-ma*****na-smoke-and-kids-2018060514012

05/27/2026

Video games aren’t the enemy—but pretending they’re harmless isn’t doing kids any favors either. 🎮

For today’s kids, gaming is part playground, part social life, part escape—and sometimes, part problem. The truth? It’s complicated. The impact depends on what they play, how long they play, and who they’re becoming while they play it.

Too much screen time can quietly replace movement, friendships, and time outdoors. Violent games may nudge behavior in the wrong direction—less empathy, more aggression—especially with long hours or peer influence in the mix.

But here’s the twist: not all gaming is bad.

Some games actually sharpen problem-solving, improve coordination, and even help kids build resilience. Research shows gaming can support stress management and emotional regulation—because unlike passive screen time, games demand effort, persistence, and grit.

So what matters most isn’t just the game—it’s the balance.

Kids are watching us, too. Our habits become their habits.

👀 Pay attention.
💬 Stay curious.
🎯 Set boundaries that make sense for your child.

Because the goal isn’t zero screen time—it’s raising humans who can handle the real world and the digital one.

Sources:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-relationship-parenting-gaming-disorder-young.html
https://www.bu.edu/articles/2026/are-video-games-bad/
https://www.kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/technology-and-social-media/gaming-and-kids-mental-health

05/26/2026

05/22/2026

🌳Creating fairy homes is an amazing way to clear out all the crafting scraps, spend time outside, and create memories.
Nothing fancy required!
If you have built any of these charming little projects with your kids we would love to see them and share how it went!

Great Guides and Project Inspiration:
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-make-fairy-houses-1244393
https://whatsonmyporch.blogspot.com/2018/05/how-to-make-fairy-house-with-twigs-and.html
https://www.redtedart.com/kids-crafts-fairy-house-or-woodland-elves-house/

05/20/2026

For many parents, it’s becoming increasingly clear: the world our children are growing up in looks very different from the one we knew.

Many of us remember taking turns on the family computer, waiting through the screech of dial-up internet, and logging off after our allotted 30 minutes online. Today, many children carry a powerful computer in their pocket at all times. Schoolwork is completed online, toys are often internet-connected, and digital tools have become woven into nearly every part of daily life.

One of the newest and fastest-growing technologies children may be using is AI chatbots.

AI chatbots are computer programs designed to answer questions, solve problems, and offer conversation in ways that can feel friendly, encouraging, and deeply personal. They can mimic human interaction surprisingly well—and for some children and teens, these tools can feel comforting. Many young people are turning to chatbots for companionship, advice, and emotional support.

While this can feel helpful, it’s important to remember: AI is not human.

Chatbots cannot read facial expressions, understand emotional nuance the way people can, or fully recognize the developmental needs of children and adolescents. They may also unintentionally reinforce harmful thinking, provide inaccurate information, or offer advice that misses important context.

That’s why ongoing conversations with our children matter.

Consider asking:
• Have you ever used an AI chatbot?
• Which ones do you like, and why?
• Has a chatbot ever said something that felt confusing or upsetting?

These discussions can also be an opportunity to remind children that there are some things technology simply cannot replace. Human conversations can be complicated, messy, and sometimes frustrating—but they are also where empathy, perspective, and meaningful connection are built.

We may not be able to slow the pace of technology, but we can help our children learn how to navigate it wisely—and remind them that no digital tool can replace the value of being truly seen, heard, and understood by another person.

Sources
HealthyChildren.org – Are AI Chatbots Safe for Kids?
(American Academy of Pediatrics)
American Academy of Pediatrics (PDF resource on AI and children)
ParentMap – The Dangers of Kids Using AI Chatbots for Emotional Health

05/18/2026

Myth Busting Monday: Does an apple a day keep the doctor away?🍎

Well, an apple a day might not literally keep every doctor away—but the science behind apples is quietly impressive.

Apples are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and powerful plant compounds like quercetin, caffeic acid, and epicatechin. These antioxidants help fight oxidative stress and support the body against chronic disease.

Research has linked regular apple consumption with:

Lower risk of heart disease, partly due to flavonoids that reduce inflammation
Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (up to 28% lower in one large study comparing daily apple eaters vs. non-eaters)
Potential protective effects against certain cancers, including lung cancer in some population studies

Even broader dietary patterns matter—healthy, plant-rich diets may reduce cancer risk by up to 40%, thanks to bioactive compounds found abundantly in foods like apples.

And yes, there’s a catch most people miss: eat the peel. That’s where many of the polyphenols live.

Color doesn’t matter much—red or green, both bring similar benefits.

So no, it’s not magic. But it is a pretty solid piece of fruit.

05/15/2026

It's Free Fun Friday!
Today marks to opening of the park season! It's a great weekend to plan a picnic with the family!
A complete list of parks and services can be found at https://www.spokanecounty.gov/1383/Parks

05/13/2026

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