Southern Pediatric Clinic

09/04/2026

Social media is part of growing up now, and for parents, that can feel complicated.

Dr. Charlene Blache reminds families that social media is not all bad. For teens, it can offer connection, belonging, creativity, identity support, information, a voice, and a way to relax during downtime.

But there are also things parents need to watch closely. Late-night scrolling can affect sleep. Curated photos, filters, and reels can impact comparison and body image. Feeds are designed to be hard to put down, so “five more minutes” often becomes much longer. Likes, follows, and fear of missing out can create pressure, and teens may also run into cyberbullying, harmful content, scams, messages from strangers, oversharing, and privacy concerns.

The goal is not to pretend social media does not exist. The goal is to help teens use it in a way that is safer, healthier, and more balanced.

If you have questions about screen time, social media, sleep, mood, or your teen’s overall well-being, call Southern Pediatric Clinic to schedule a visit with Dr. Blache and our team.

09/04/2026

Wishing everyone a safe weekend!

09/02/2026

Drowning is fast, silent, and preventable.

For toddlers, water safety has to be taken seriously every single time. A child can slip under without a shout or splash, and it can happen in very shallow water.

Dr. Charlene Blache recommends using layers of protection. Assign one adult as the water watcher with no phone, chores, or distractions. Use barriers around pools, including a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Consider door and pool alarms. Empty buckets and bathtubs, keep toilet lids closed, and remember that toddlers are curious and top-heavy.

Around open water or on boats, use a properly fitted life jacket. Swim lessons and CPR training can also add important protection, but they never replace active supervision.

If you have questions about toddler safety, drowning prevention, or your child’s development, call Southern Pediatric Clinic to schedule a visit with Dr. Blache and our team.

09/02/2026

"So far I love this place for my baby, listens to my concerns and actually explains things to you!" says Samantha on Google

★★★★★ So far I love this place for my baby, listens to my concerns and actually explains things to you!

08/31/2026

When it comes to fever in babies, an accurate temperature matters.

Dr. Charlene Blache explains that a re**al temperature is the most accurate method for infants and is the one pediatricians rely on when deciding what to do next. Ear, forehead, and underarm thermometers can be less reliable in young babies and may miss a true fever.

A re**al temperature of 100.4°F or 38°C is considered a fever. If your baby is under 3 months old, or if another thermometer gives a reading close to 100°F, call your pediatrician for guidance.

If your pediatrician says the fever can be managed at home, acetaminophen may be used for comfort in some infants. Ibuprofen should not be used in babies under 6 months, and aspirin should never be given to infants.

You can also help by dressing baby lightly, keeping the room comfortable, and offering breast milk or formula more often in smaller amounts to help prevent dehydration.

If your baby has a fever or you are unsure what to do next, call Southern Pediatric Clinic for guidance from Dr. Blache and our team.

08/29/2026

Bedwetting is common, and many children outgrow it with time. But sometimes it is worth checking in with your pediatrician.

Dr. Charlene Blache recommends calling if your child is older than 7 and wetting the bed most nights, if they were previously dry for at least 6 months and then started wetting again, or if they are having both daytime and nighttime accidents.

You should also reach out if bedwetting is causing significant distress, embarrassment, or withdrawal, or if you have tried consistent strategies for 3 to 6 months without improvement.

Your child should not be shamed or punished for bedwetting. If it is becoming stressful for your child or your family, call Southern Pediatric Clinic to schedule a visit with Dr. Blache and our team.

08/28/2026

In honor of Dolly🩷
“The higher the hair, the closer to God”

08/28/2026

Bedwetting can bring a lot of stress and embarrassment for school-aged kids, but it is also very common.

Dr. Charlene Blache reminds parents that bedwetting is not laziness, bad behavior, or poor parenting. Many children who wet the bed are deep sleepers and truly cannot control it while they are asleep. It can also run in families, and most children outgrow it naturally over time.

The most important thing parents can do is avoid punishment, shame, or scolding. Your child already feels bad enough, and bedwetting is not their fault.

Practical steps can help make nights easier. Use a waterproof mattress protector, keep spare pajamas and sheets nearby, use a nightlight, limit caffeine, encourage your child to use the bathroom right before bed, and avoid screens before bedtime.

For some children older than 6 or 7, a bedwetting alarm may also be helpful over time.

If bedwetting is causing stress, affecting your child’s confidence, or continuing as they get older, call Southern Pediatric Clinic to schedule a visit with Dr. Blache and our team.

08/27/2026

Remember to wash your hands!

08/26/2026

Play is not just fun for toddlers. It is how they learn.

Toddlers build brain connections, language, motor skills, emotional skills, and social skills through hands-on play. That is why simple activities like stacking blocks, pretending to cook, dancing, running outside, rolling a ball, or playing near another child can be so valuable.

Dr. Charlene Blache reminds parents that you do not need fancy toys. Simple toys and household items like pots, pans, spoons, balls, blocks, and books can create some of the best learning moments.

Try setting aside 15 to 20 minutes of screen-free play each day. Follow your toddler’s lead, narrate what they are doing, let them repeat the same activity, and expect a little mess. That repetition is part of learning.

Call your pediatrician if your toddler shows little interest in exploring, is not engaging in pretend play by 18 to 24 months, loses words or skills, rarely makes eye contact, or does not respond to their name during play.

If you have questions about play, screen time, milestones, language, or toddler development, call Southern Pediatric Clinic to schedule a visit with Dr. Blache and our team.