Summer Break: What's a Parent to Do?
by Michele Tryon, CCLS, CHKD Parent Educator
School's out and summer's in! What's a parent to do? To enjoy family time and increase cooperation, start by developing a routine. Children are more likely to cooperate when they know what to expect. Plan activities and divide up chores. Remember, all children want to belong and feel important. Also, limit screen time and set aside at least one hour a day to play with your children. Kids use play to learn about themselves and the world around them. For more parenting tips, consider signing up for one of CHKD's free parenting classes. Visit CHKD.org for a complete list. 

by Dr. Paul Whiteside, Chesapeake Pediatrics, CHKD Medical Group
Getting stung by a bee or a wasp is usually more frightening than painful for children. Most stings don't require medical care; however, if your child is stung and has trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing or speaking, nausea, dizziness or swelling of the face or mouth, call 911 right away. These are all signs of a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. If your child is stung and not showing any of these signs, reassure them they'll be okay and remove the stinger using a scraping motion without pinching. Wash the area gently with soap and water and apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for a few minutes. Learn more on CHKD.org.

by Dr. Robert Fink, Pediatric Specialists, CHKD Medical Group
Did you know drowning is the number one danger to children during the summer, and most drownings occur in home swimming pools? That's why it's so important that parents be on high alert around any body of water. Never leave your child unattended near water and make sure they stay within arm's length. Give children 100 percent of your attention and teach them not to go in or near water without an adult present. Empty wading pools after each use and keep toys out of the pool so that your little one isn't tempted to reach for them. These tips and more can be found on CHKD.org.

by Dr. Jegit Inciong, Children's Plastic Surgery, CHKD Surgical Group
Children and home fireworks can be a dangerous combination. The AAP recommends that families attend public displays of fireworks, rather than hosting their own. Forty percent of all firework-related injuries are to children under age 15. Injuries from fireworks can last a lifetime and can result in severe burns, scars and disfigurement. Never allow your child to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode. Follow these and other safety precautions to ensure your holiday is a blast and safe for all.

Recipe: Refreshing Fruit Pops
by Lynn Kistler, MS, RD, Healthy You for Life
Beat the heat  with this cool summertime treat, brought to you by our Healthy You for Life team. It's packed with goodness the kids will love. All you need is some chopped fresh fruit, sugar and a touch of lemon juice. Blend, freeze and enjoy. CHKD's Healthy You for Life program promotes health and wellness among today's youth. Learn more on CHKD.org. Get the recipe.

Anthem LemonAid: Kids Helping Kids
Instill the spirit of giving and help put the "squeeze" on childhood cancer by signing up to host an Anthem LemonAid stand this summer. All proceeds benefit CHKD's cancer program and fund services not reimbursed by insurance, including programs like child life, social work, pastoral care, pet therapy and more. It's a great way to have fun while doing something good in your community. To sign up, visit www.anthemlemonaid.com. Like Anthem LemonAid – CHKD on Facebook for event updates and more. Visit CHKD.org for other fun ways to support CHKD.

Check out CHKD's magazine, Kidstuff, featuring patient stories and hospital news, mailed each quarter to hospital donors. In this issue, see photos of CHKD's cool new lobby and read about patients like Zechariah, who was treated for burns, and Faith, who is being treated for neurofibromatosis. Want to receive Kidstuff magazine by mail? Make your donation today, and make a difference at CHKD.