Since 1988 our country has come together to appreciate and recognize the strength and courage of foster families by declaring May National Foster Care Month. Right now, foster families are caring for nearly 500,000 American children who are in foster care because their own families are in difficult situations and are unable to provide for them.

I work directly with treatment foster families in the Milwaukee area through Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin, and I know that foster children have an extraordinary capacity to overcome many challenges, but only if they have the support of a caring adult in their lives. Loving foster parents add the stability and structure children need to grow to become successful adults.

(more…)

Lately, a day doesn’t go by without hearing some bad news about the economy. As parents, it’s natural that we sometimes may become stressed, depressed or angry. Children often sense this, and can feel stressed and anxious, too. So what can we do for our children during these difficult times? The following tips may be helpful:

Keep the lines of communication open
It’s more important than ever to keep communication open and honest with your children. Kids sense when their parents are worried – and they need to know why. Reassure your children that while circumstances may have changed, they will be safe and OK.

(more…)

Starting today, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and 96.5 WKLH’s Dave & Carole kick off their annual 96-hour Miracle Marathon. It runs on air through Friday, May 22. Thanks to the commitment of the WKLH team, they have raised more than $11 million for Children’s Hospital since they began the event 11 years ago. Dave and Carole will be broadcasting live from our new west tower lobby – you will hear amazing and inspiring stories from many, many families and, most notably, from our courageous patients, the children we care for each and every day. You also will meet many of our dedicated physicians, nurses and staff

(more…)

Dave, Jules, Brodie (3 1/2) and Marlie (1 1/2).

Today we are writing a “guest blog” to share with you our story. Six years ago, we got a lesson on what true love and dedication really mean. With the arrival of our first daughter, Lilie, we experienced a true miracle. The staff at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin not only cared for Lilie, they cared for us as well. Some people will read this and say, “Of course, that’s their job.” I would strongly disagree. For many of the doctors and nurses, this is their calling.

(more…)

I frequently hear from parents that they’ve had long-standing concerns about their child’s speech, language or feeding abilities, but “my ____ told me not to worry about it.” You can fill in that blank with any number of well-meaning people: family, friends, teachers or physicians. More often than not, I’ve found that parents are right about their child’s developmental delay and valuable time has been lost.

It is important that you follow up on your concerns and have a professional evaluate your child’s communication development. Children of all ages can be evaluated. Depending on the age of the child, we look for things like:

• Problems understanding words or directions.
• Late talking.
• Trouble communicating wants and needs, such as using words, phrases or sentences.
• Difficulty in school.
• Struggling to make sounds or say words clearly.
• Hoarse, raspy, or breathy voice.
• Feeding or swallowing problems.

A big part of our evaluation is listening to your concerns and learning more about your child. We also play with or talk to your child. Most children will take at least one test during the evaluation. This information helps us develop techniques that you can use at home to improve your child’s skills. If therapy is needed, we will create a treatment plan and identify resources within the hospital or community that will help your family.

You’re an expert on your child. If you are concerned about you child’s speech and language development, talk to a speech-language pathologist.