Health and Wellness


Getting a Diagnosis When You’re Worried Your Child Has a Chronic Illness

The journey to finding out if your child has a serious disease or condition can be long and overwhelming. When my younger son confided he was having scary symptoms at 13 years old, our hearts froze with fear while keeping reassuring smiles on our faces for him. Trying to stay calm and positive that it […]

Boy outside with scenery at diagnosis with serious disease

Young boy with autism holding toy train

Does My Child Have Autism? Mom Advice on How to Find Out

I will always remember sitting at the small table with my son’s kindergarten teacher in his classroom, knees knocking, heart beating, as she gently discussed the concerns she had about my son. She handled the moment so sensitively when she suggested I have him evaluated, but it is never easy to hear something could be […]


Facing Holidays with Your Child in the Hospital

Any time your child is sick in the hospital is beyond hard. But during holidays usually so full of happiness and family traditions, it is a true test of the heart. Add to the mix worrying about giving your other children and family members some semblance of a holiday leaves you feeling literally split in […]


Strategies for Your Child’s Hospital Stay 1

If parenting isn’t a snap on an average day, it can truly be a marathon when your child needs to be in the hospital. Whether a short one-time stay or a more serious, lengthy situation, here are pragmatic and coping tips to prepare for and help your child through a hospital stay based on my experiences. […]


Strategies for When Your Child Has a Serious Food Allergy 1

Imagine your little boy innocently nibbling on a pistachio for the first time, relishing the new taste. Five heart stopping seconds later his face turns red and starts to swell, his eyes tearing, red, and his breathing becoming labored. You call the pediatrician in a panic who tells you to get a dose of benadryl […]


When Your Child Is Having Surgery 5

When you find out your child needs surgery the heartbeat of worries merges with practical preparation and to do’s. Here are tips from my Mom experience ranging from simple outpatient surgery of ear tubes, tonsils and adenoids to an extensive birth defect repair that involved a week long stay in PICU (pediatric intensive care).   […]


A New Year’s Resolution for a Cavity-Free Year

Here’s to a new year committed to healthy, cavity-free teeth for us and our kids! Brush each morning and before bedtime AFTER milk. Floss your children’s teeth once your dentist recommends it. Check out our toothbrushing tips for parents at https://gooseling.com/toothbrushing-tips which includes a free story based on the Cavity Dragons app available in iTunes.  


Your Children Are Sick — Tips to Survive a Day in Flu Season

If you can’t guess from the title, my kids are sick.  Nothing drastic, *just* stomach flu, same as half of my son’s preK class.  Meanwhile, in the moment, how do we survive the day or night? Don’t use cold medicines meant for older kids or adults. Cold medicines are banned under 6 years old for […]


I Just Found Out Something Is Wrong with My Child, Now What? 2

The pulse raising, thumping in your chest moment when you find out something is wrong with your child is followed by an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety. You don’t know what to do next or how to look out for the best interests of your child. I know because I’ve been there, more than […]