Parenting

Parenting is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires patience, dedication, and love. At CHOC, we understand the importance of providing parents with the resources and support they need to raise healthy and happy children. Our team of experts is committed to helping parents navigate the ups and downs of parenting, from infancy to adolescence. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, CHOC is here to help you every step of the way.

Learn more about primary care at choc.org

Parenting Resources from CHOC

TOPIC GUIDE

Social Media

TOPIC GUIDE

Bullying

Active listening tips to improve parent-child communication

ARTICLE

Active listening tips to improve parent-child communication

Child with plant

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Community gardens in Orange County

PODCAST

How to help manage your child’s sleep

people's hands stacked on top of each other

ARTICLE

Community as medicine: How to build and benefit from community for your child and yourself

parent with child on lap talks to a doctor at a computer

ARTICLE

Health literacy: Questions to ask at doctor’s appointments

Woman in white shirt holds baby in arms

ARTICLE

CHOC primary care offers support for new parents: Megan’s story

toddler with brown hair watches tablet in lap

ARTICLE

The effects of screen time on children: The latest research parents should know

Teen crying while holding piece of paper - how to help teens cope with college rejections

ARTICLE

How to help your teen manage college rejection disappointment

Long Live Childhood CHOC podcast - Media's portrayal of mental health

PODCAST

Media’s portrayal of mental health

Child and mom play outdoors together

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Physical activity tips for parents and caregivers

Woman smiles while drinking coffee - self-care strategies for parents and caregivers

ARTICLE

Taking care of you: 5 coping strategies for parents and caregivers

Child and dog look out the window - how to help your child grieve the loss of their pet. Advice from CHOC

ARTICLE

Supporting your child after the death of a pet

Dr. Arnaldo checks patient's ears - 5 questions to ask your child's pediatrician

ARTICLE

5 questions to ask your pediatrician at your child’s next checkup

How to promote your teen's self-image - young teen smiling and looking at the camera while at a coffee shop

ARTICLE

How to help your teen develop a positive self-image

New Year's resolutions for families

ARTICLE

Are New Year’s resolutions actually helpful? Get advice from a CHOC expert

Kids with a childcare teacher - how to choose the best child care option for your child

ARTICLE

How to choose the best place for child care for your child

Tips for teens and parents when there is upsetting news on social media

ARTICLE

How to protect your mental health in the digital age

Little girl lays on mom's shoulder while crying

ARTICLE

Age-by-age symptoms of separation anxiety disorder and how to help your child

Family with dog walks down the street - two girls running in from of grandparents

ARTICLE

5 easy ways for kids to stay active on school days

Child looks to camera and smiles while in classroom

PODCAST

Supporting academic wellness through mental wellness

Eric Mammen, music therapist, play guitar with a patient at CHOC Hospital in Orange

ARTICLE

How music and lyrics can help kids cope: Q&A with a CHOC music therapist

Parent helping child put on helmet - safety activities for kids

ARTICLE

Safety activities for kids

Child closes eyes with hands over heart, looking content - practicing mindfulness with kids

ARTICLE

How to cultivate moments of mindfulness with your kids

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Easing return-to-school anxiety during COVID-19 – Tips for parents

Mom talking to child

ARTICLE

How to create a space to talk about mental health with kids and teens

Dad holds newborn baby

ARTICLE

What to expect at your baby’s first check-up

Parent and child talking

ARTICLE

How to have hard conversations with your children

Teen vaping

ARTICLE

Teens and vaping: What parents should know

los peligros de vapear para los adolescentes

ARTICLE

Los adolescentes y el vapeo: lo que los padres deben saber

Two CHOC nurses stand together and look at computer

ARTICLE

Secrets from CHOC nurses: Preparing for your child’s appointment, surgery or hospital stay

sign outside CHOC's emergency department that says "Emergency"

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

5 tips to keep kids calm in the emergency department

Parent and teen talking about periods (menstruation)

ARTICLE

A parent’s ultimate guide to periods

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Child Passenger Safety

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Sun Safety

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Teen Safety in the Car

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Water Safety

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Información sobre la seguridad de los adolescentes en el automóvil

Child in parent talk while waiting for the doctor

ARTICLE

How to keep kids calm while waiting for care at the emergency department or doctor’s office

Musical instruments

ARTICLE

How music can benefit your child’s mental health

Two kids smiling and looking at a book together

ARTICLE

At-home tips for building social skills in kids

Parent and child practice gratitude together

ARTICLE

Practicing gratitude can benefit kids’ mental health

Lily celebrating the holidays in her hospital room at CHOC Hospital in Orange

ARTICLE

Making the most out of holidays spent at the hospital

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Social media recommended reading

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Social Media Tips for Kids and Teens

father and son watching funny videos together on smartphone

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Social Media Tips for Parents and Caregivers

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Monitoring your child’s news and social media intake during national or global crises

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Avoiding dangerous internet challenges

PRINTABLE ARTICLE

Social Media Overview

Child too sick for school

ARTICLE

Is my child too sick to go to school?

Child having undesired behavior at the holidays

ARTICLE

Holiday-time tips for managing your child’s undesired behavior

Drawing by art therapist at CHOC's MHIC

ARTICLE

How to add art therapy practices to your child’s routine

Parent and child holding hands

ARTICLE

How to cope with the death of a child

Parent and child sitting on a couch talking about gun safety

ARTICLE

Gun safety and kids: What parents should know

Boy smiles while eating breakfast

ARTICLE

Healthy and energizing before-school breakfast ideas for kids

girl has fingers on temples, looks nervous at school

ARTICLE

How to spot signs of anxiety in school-aged children

child sick in bed

ARTICLE

Why is my child always sick? A pediatrician answers your questions

mom looks at son with backpack on before going to school

ARTICLE

Back to school: A guide for parents

girl laying down in bed at night - looking at bright light on phone

ARTICLE

How to limit screen time for teenagers

teen boy with backpack looking serious

ARTICLE

Why does my teen hate me? Tips and assurance you’re not alone

girl plays dress up with her dad

ARTICLE

Encouraging positive behavior in young children

Little boy throwing a tantrum

ARTICLE

How to manage negative behaviors in young children

Dad and son laying on the floor coloring

ARTICLE

Sick day activity ideas for kids with colds, flu or COVID-19

Boy holds up pill and smilies

ARTICLE

7 easy ways to help your child take medications

Young woman with daughter during teacher-parent meeting at school

ARTICLE

Individualized Education Program (IEP) resources for caregivers

Man checks temperature while sick and laying in bed

ARTICLE

I’m a parent and have COVID-19. What should I do?

family bike riding in park together and smiling

ARTICLE

Tips for a happy, healthy new year

girl frowns as she looks at social media on her tablet

ARTICLE

Social media and friendship: Navigating peer relationships during COVID-19

Teacher and children with face mask back at school, disinfecting hands.

ARTICLE

Back-to-school health tips during the COVID-19 pandemic

boy wearing backpack and mask going to school

ARTICLE

Managing a child’s anxiety about returning to school in the pandemic

mom and daughter, connecting and having a serious talk

ARTICLE

Delta COVID-19 variant and children: What parents need to know

Family taking picture outside of RV

ARTICLE

Are children safe in RVs?

outdoor farmers market with crowd and fresh fruits and veggies

ARTICLE

4 ways to incorporate sustainability into your family’s nutrition

father and daughter playing monopoly for family game night

ARTICLE

At-home activity ideas for families during COVID-19

students_with_autism_remote_learning

ARTICLE

Students with ASD: How to adjust to a new routine this school year

mom, dad and daughter watching TV together on couch

ARTICLE

Monitoring your child’s news and social media intake during COVID-19

teen_cyberbullying

ARTICLE

Cyberbullying and COVID-19

Two kids eat apples at school - Healthy school lunches for kids from CHOC

ARTICLE

Tips for planning kids’ school lunches: From a clinical dietitian

distressed young girl with hands on her face looking at her laptop

ARTICLE

Back-to-school anxiety remedies

father and teen look for suitable place for fishing together

ARTICLE

The benefits of an unplugged family vacation

little girl on the first day of school with her classmates waiting in line

ARTICLE

Why You Should Add an Eye Exam to your Back-to-School Checklist

School boy taking a big bite into an apple

ARTICLE

How to Make a Healthy School Lunch

Teenage girl driving car sun shining through windshield

ARTICLE

Safe driving tips for teens

Teen wearing backpack smiles at camera at college - doctor-approved check list for teens heading off to college

ARTICLE

A doctor-approved checklist for teens heading off to college

young boy and his teddy bear watching TV

ARTICLE

How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

Mother removing lice from young girl's hair

ARTICLE

Lice Removal Tips in Time for Back to School Season

dad and daughter making a healthy meal together

ARTICLE

Healthy Eating Tips for the School Year

Schoolboy crossing road on way to school

PODCAST

Keeping Kids Safe as They Walk to School

Joyous classmates jumping under colorful parachute

ARTICLE

Helping Kids Learn to Share

teen girl crying sitting on floor by lockers at school

ARTICLE

Managing and combating test-taking anxiety in Children

little boy crying on the curb while waiting for the school bus

ARTICLE

Helping kids cope with separation anxiety

Family getting a Christmas tree in a vintage car

ARTICLE

Tips to Keep Your Family Active During the Holiday Break

flat lay of a group of teens laying down on the floor

ARTICLE

Healthy School Habits For Your Teen

a young girl fast asleep in bed

ARTICLE

Kick Off the New School Year with Healthy Sleep Habits

CHOC Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental center patient and artwork

ARTICLE

Tips for being an active participant at your child’s IEP team meeting

depressed teen boy scrolling through social media late at night

ARTICLE

Teens and Social Media Safety: Tips for Parents

Sick little boy eating broth to cure cold at table in kitchen

ARTICLE

Protect Against the Flu to Keep Children’s Learning on Track

family eating healthy food together

ARTICLE

Healthy Habits at Home

Father driving with son and daughter in car seat in back seat

ARTICLE

Heatstroke Awareness Month

Happy family visit Yosemite national park in California

ARTICLE

Travel Tips for Your Family

smiling teen girl in the drivers seat of a car

ARTICLE

Tips For Teens to Avoid Distracted Driving

car window covered in rain drops

ARTICLE

Bad Weather Driving Tips for Teens

Young woman making school lunch in the morning

ARTICLE

Lessons on the Lunch Box

girl smiling while looking at cell phone

ARTICLE

Talk With Your Kids About Inappropriate Cell Phone and Internet Use