Adolescent Topics

Autism Pride: 5 Common Myths about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

While there are certainly still misunderstandings about autism that continue to permeate throughout society, the Autism Society of America (ASA) has recently made an effort to move beyond the “awareness” aspect of their actions. With one in 54 Americans living with autism in our country, the ASA has shifted their messaging to address what they […]

What’s Causing My Child to Act Out? What You Need to Know

While we all prefer to focus on our children’s positive qualities – their personalities, accomplishments, and milestones – we, as parents, know that they’re still developing the tools to deal with disappointments, stress, uncertainties, and fears. Sometimes, they argue or show aggression. Other times, their moods quickly shift, and they become quiet, distant, or even […]

Helping Your Kids Eat Healthier, Combat Pediatric Obesity During a Pandemic

As we reach the one-year anniversary of our lives being significantly disrupted by COVID-19, it’s important to recognize the significant impact pandemic-related lifestyle changes have had on our children. From stay-at-home orders and school closings to, for many, limited access to nutritious food and regular exercise, the pandemic has likely exacerbated another epidemic that our […]

Allergy or Cold? Relief for Seasonal Allergies

The longer, warmer days of spring have a way of drawing even the most screen-focused children to the out of doors. Yet, when the seemingly fresh air regularly leads to itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing, it can feel like game over for some kids. Sadly, while the budding trees and blooming flowers do add […]

A Parent’s Guide to Surviving Puberty and Adolescence

Does it feel like you are on a roller coaster with your teen? Puberty can be a seemingly endless soiree of ups and downs. One minute your child is happy, and the next, in tears. What is up? Here are eight tips to help you navigate through this tenuous time and hopefully come out having […]

The Pediatrician Will See You Now

Across the nation, pediatricians have experienced a significant decrease in the number of patients they see each day. Despite illnesses such as RSV, flu, cold, and strep throat, many people are avoiding the pediatrician (and other healthcare providers’) offices unless a visit is necessary. Not going to the pediatrician means kids aren’t receiving the vaccinations […]

Why Vitamin D Will Be Your Best Friend This Winter

Ahh, the sunshine. It is packed full of a vitamin critical for building strong bones. But when the cold weather arrives, our ability to pull vitamin D from the sun drastically decreases. So we give our kids lots of milk and cheese to bridge the gap. However, that isn’t enough for everyone. Research suggests that […]

ADD and ADHD and Finding An Accurate Diagnosis

Psychiatric diagnoses are made in a unique way, as psychiatric providers are unable to obtain objective tests like lab work or MRIs in order to make a diagnosis. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) publishes a diagnostic manual used by practitioners to make psychiatric diagnoses. This manual is called the DSM. A few years ago, the […]

Talking to Teens About Suicide

Suicide – something no one wants to think about, but every parent should talk about it. Many believe that if you mention suicide, you plant the idea, but this is not the case. Some things should never be swept under the rug. Open communication can be challenging for some teens and parents. However, identifying age-appropriate […]

Parental Burnout: Four Tips for Parents

Summer is usually a time for camps, trips to the pool, sleepovers, and listening to the joyful sounds of kids giggling outside while playing. But this year is different. This year, most camps are closed. Pools aren’t open, and sleepovers aren’t permitted. Making matters even more challenging for working families: daycares aren’t open. Back in […]

The Damaging Effect of Racism and Discrimination on Children in America

The recent events surrounding racial discrimination have caused a cacophony of sounds from people on both sides of the argument. While the adults fight for injustices near and far, children are left with a myriad of feelings. Understanding racism and its effect on children is critical for parents, teachers, and everyone. The fact of the […]

Debunking Scoliosis: 5 Myths You Should Stop Believing

Scoliosis is a common spine condition that is most often diagnosed during adolescence. Scoliosis occurs when the vertebrae form a curve as opposed to being straight. While small curves do not usually cause a problem, they can worsen. There are approximately 3 million new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. While there are […]

COVID and Multisystem Inflammatory Disorder: What Parents Need to Know

New research and media coverage surrounding the mysterious illness affecting children and adolescents have many parents rapt with concern. It is called Multisystem Inflammatory Disorder in Children, or MIS-C, and while around 220 confirmed or suspected cases had been reported, the latest research indicates it may be connected with COVID-19. North Carolina is actively monitoring […]

Pediatric Immunization Rates Plummet and How This Can Impact Your Child

Many parents are avoiding the pediatrician’s office due to concerns about COVID-19. This means well-child appointments are being postponed, and necessary pediatric immunizations aren’t being administered on time. Public health experts warn that collateral damage from the current crisis epidemic could show up as outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and whooping cough. National […]

Pediatrician Approved Tips for Helping Families Thrive During Social Distancing

Too much of a good thing can be a little overwhelming. The current health pandemic has given us many things to be concerned about but has also provided many things for which to be thankful. Despite this, many families are struggling in search of some semblance of normalcy and peace amid the chaos. Fear and […]

Eight Things Parents Need to Know About Coronavirus COVID-19

This past week, the first two positive cases of Coronavirus-COVID-19 were reported in North Carolina. With that change, many parents are concerned about the safety of their families. Here’s what your trusted pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics wants you to know about Coronavirus COVID-19. What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)? While Coronaviruses are common causes […]

Pediatric Obesity Rates in North Carolina are Not Adding Up

According to the State of Childhood Obesity, pediatric obesity rates have declined in North Carolina. However, what is being reported state-wide doesn’t correlate with what many pediatric providers are seeing in their offices. At Rainbow Pediatrics, we see patients every day who are morbidly obese. Often, when we look back on their medical history, the […]

Is My Child Ready for Contact Lenses?

There are the kids who love glasses and how they look in them, and there are kids who would prefer not to have to wear them. No matter the person, at some point or another, contact lenses may become a topic of conversation. Here are some readiness tips and age-appropriate considerations to help you decide […]

Identifying and Addressing Eating Disorders in Kids

My daughter and her friend were talking in the car last week about a girl in their circle who they believe has bulimia. They spoke about how they have talked with her about their concerns to no avail and were curious about what they should do next. They didn’t want to compromise their friend’s trust […]