Let’s Talk Kids’ Health is a blog by a behavioral pediatrician and health services researcher in Indianapolis. I started this blog with the intent to share ideas, practical tools and resources I have developed over time. Those who know me will attest to my constant need to make new handouts, tools and resources.

The idea for this blog started in January 2016 after I shared a newly developed handout about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on Facebook.  The response was overwhelmingly positive and request from colleagues, family and friends came pouring in for copies to have and read or use. I want this blog to serve as an ongoing resource for other pediatric providers, educators and families. I want it to be a forum for ongoing, respectful dialogue with interested individuals. Because,  ultimately we all can learn from each other how to go about improving the healthcare of children and families facing developmental and behavioral challenges.

My philosophy is simple. Clear communication should always be at the heart of every medical encounter. When information exchange is two-way, collaborative and clear, it can help a parent feel ready to try an alternate parenting strategy or it can boost a parent’s understanding of why certain recommendations were made. Parents and children leave the visit excited to try something new and have renewed hope. My tools, handouts and resources serve to EDUCATE, ENGAGE & EMPOWER the physicians or providers who share it and the families who receive it.

The first word of this blog is “let’s”.  I first learned about the “let’s” command from one of my mentors, Dr. Carolyn Webster-Stratton (developer of the Incredible Years parenting series). I usually tell parents not to use the “let’s”command unless they have every intention of partaking in the activity. However, here I fully intend to bring everyone together to improve the developmental-behavioral health of children at the point of care and with health services research I conduct.

It is my sincere hope that these resources become a trusted “tool” in your toolbox too.

Follow me on Twitter: @nerissabauer