Pediatric Dentistry

Healthy Smiles are Happy Smiles!

At Redmond Kids’ Dentistry, we treat each family like our extended family. We help each child achieve optimal oral health in a caring and safe environment. From age 1 to 18, our team helps guide you and your child through their developmental stages, starting from your baby’s rst tooth.

Top Dentists

Dr. Stephanie Su and Dr. Purva Merchant say their biggest reward is in all the smiles they see. We look forward to meeting you!

redmondkidsdentistry.com • 425-558-4562

0821_Redmond Kids Dentistry 1-4.indd 1 7/6/21 5:25 PM continued from page 45 Help your child manage their anxiety Many children who experience depression also experience varying degrees of anxiety. Helping your child to better cope with anxiety can lessen their feelings of distress and give them important tools to deal with difficult, anxiety-provoking situations.

Boost your child’s mental well-being Depression is a mental condition that requires professional intervention. That said, the more children feel good about themselves, the better their baseline mental health will be. Here are a few things that may help shore up your child’s emotional well-being:

• Show them that they are safe enough to openly express their emotions.

• Keep your child active; ensure that they are getting enough physical exercise every day.

• Make sure that your child is getting enough sleep. Encourage them to take rests (quiet time) or naps if they need them.

• Keep track of your child’s diet. After all, a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind.

• Help your child understand that they are capable of success. This may mean encouraging them to participate in age-appropriate chores or activities that you know they are good at and enjoy.

Seek professional help, if needed Denying that your child has depression will not make it disappear. Depression, even in children, does not go away without treatment. The earlier your child gets the help they need, the easier it will be to tackle their depression. If you have any doubts about your child’s behavior, or if you are feeling overwhelmed, consult your general practitioner or child’s pediatrician. They will help you determine the next appropriate steps to take to ensure that your child gets the help they need. ■ Sanya Pelini, Ph.D., transforms educational research into practical tools and resources on her blog Raising Independent Kids (raising-independent-kids.com).