Ask the Experts

Jonah Nelson

FAMILY TREE NURSERY Family Tree Nursery is a team of passionate horticulturists, providing an unmatched selection of plants and gardening products for the KC area since 1964. 913.642.6503, FamilyTreeNursery.com

Anna Nicek, MD

ADVENTHEALTH AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s pediatricians and primary care providers offer compassionate, expert care for children of all ages. Find a provider at AdventHealthKC.com.

Q

What are the benefits of planting in fall?

Fall is the best season to plant the vast majority of plant material because of the soil temperatures that have been warmed from the summer sun. Typically, the air temperature cools in September evenings, allowing plants to focus their energy on developing a strong root system in the warm soil, as a strong root system is the main factor in successful establishment of plant material. In addition, the gentler autumn rainfall is more easily absorbed, compared to the gully washing rains that we can receive in spring. With this in mind, it is always important to water newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials thoroughly and weekly until dormancy for best results in establishment. Jonah Nelson

Family Tree Nursery

Q

My child is constipated, what can I do to help?

Constipation is very common, so don’t fret! Treatment is age dependent. If younger than 4 months, speak with your baby’s doctor. If your baby is eating, start with 2-3 ounces of prune, apple or pear juice. For children who have been constipated a short time, you can simply change what they are eating by focusing on high-fiber foods and adequate hydration. The goal is to have soft, painless stools daily. If your child has recurrent constipation or has been constipated for longer, speak with your pediatrician about evaluating for possible causes and getting guidance for a laxative clean-out and maintenance medicines that can help your child stay regular. Anna Nicek, MD

Pediatrics & Internal Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Shawnee Mission

ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer. Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line. As always, please consult your health care provider with any medical questions or concerns.

It’s the Little Things

14 PARENTAL TRIUMPHS

Parenting success doesn’t always look like early potty training, meeting every developmental milestone or feeding your toddler snacks from each of the food groups on a daily basis. I think we should take time to celebrate the parenting triumphs that are sometimes overlooked. The ones we all feel secretly overjoyed about.

Yes, I mean getting all of them to brush their teeth and take a bath. Or sneaking in a nap on the couch while your baby snoozes in her Pack ‘n Play. Maybe you finish your iced coffee before the ice melts, or you put that load of laundry away as soon as you take it out of the dryer.

Heck, you should be rejoicing about the Cheerio you removed from your 1-year-old’s nose during lunchtime! (What goes through their curious little minds we may never know!)

Parenting is complicated. Here is my letter of encouragement to you, moms and dads, filled with 14 triumphs you should feel proud of today. Celebrate every little victory.

Dear Mama or (Dad),

1You rock. Know why? You managed the impossible—your son took a bath today, which makes for more than twice in one week! I know how hard it can be. Great job!

2Your awesomeness is contagious—I can sense it all the way over here. You put that load of laundry away—not two days later—but immediately, fresh out of the dryer. You deserve a gold medal.

3I am in awe. Your sink is not full of dishes, and the dishwasher is empty. Bask in that sparkling clean kitchen for a few moments.

4You’re a superhero. Congratulations on finding a match for every sock in the house. That’s no simple feat.

5Parent of the Year award goes to you for picking up all the toys in the house and putting them away. Not a Lego remains to be stepped on.

6High-five for getting everyone loaded into the minivan to pick up that grocery order on a rainy day. You’re pretty much the coolest thing since sliced bread.

7You answered a phone call in the middle of the day when it wasn’t even nap time. I’m so proud of you.

8You remembered to put the Play-Doh away before it dried out. You’re killing it.

9Hats off to you for barely making the deadline to register your kiddo for kindergarten. Seriously. Deadlines are hard. 10 Great job dodging a toddler meltdown with fruit snacks. 11 Props for removing that apple juice stain from the carpet. 12 Give yourself a pat on the back for remembering to take the trash out. 13 Two thumbs up for remembering you have soccer practice tonight. 14 You should feel great about removing that chocolate stain from your kid’s favorite shirt.

See? You guys are nailing parenting.

Love, Emily P.S. Keep up the good work.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.