Are You Kid-ding Me?

Much of the care during childhod is proactive, not reactive, including regular recommended checkups and milestones. How often should children visit their pediatricians -- and what other preventative expectations exist in childhood? In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Tara Forcier shares the recommended schedule for preventative care in childhood and some of the often-overloooked ways to keep kids he...

Gun violence is prevalent in American society, so how can parents keep their children, and themselves, safe? In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Tara Forcier talks about responsible gun ownership, how children can stay safe at home and away from it, and what conversations parents should have with their kids about gun violence.  Like what you hear? Subscribe to Are You Kid-ding Me and leave us a 5-st...

Mental health distress is high among American youth -- and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic appear to have made matters worse. Parents play an important role in recognizing mental health struggles in their children and finding ways to address it.  In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Tara Forcier shares her insight into the mental health epidemic among kids and teens, what parents should look for...

Anxiety and depression are two of the most-common mental health struggles of American kids and teens -- and can even be present simultaneously. What can parents do when symptoms arise? In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Tara Forcier shares her insight into what depression and anxiety look like, including the less-obvious signs, and how parents can best support their children during mental health st...

Lice. Ringworm. Warts. Pinworms Does your skin crawl when you hear the names of these common childhood illnesses? You're not alone -- and it's okay to not completely understand them or how your children contract them. In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Tara Forcier explains just how common some of these childhood illnesses are, what symptoms look like, and what parents can do to prevent a...

Substance abuse is a sensitive topic, but one that should be addressed in childhood. Knowing how to broach the topic can feel overwhelming but it's important to find the time to talk about drugs, alcohol and other addictions with your children, honestly. In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Tara Forcier shares her insight into appropriate ways to talk about drugs, alcohol, vaping, tobacco use an...

Sports involvement builds confidence, knowledge and physical fitness -- but it's also supposed to be fun for kids. Where is the healthy balance between discipline in sports and the pressure overwhelming kids? In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Tara Forcier shares her insight into how to incorporate sports into family life, how to set expectations for kids in sports, and when to take a look at...

Does the amount of technology your kids access make you nervous? Are you worried about the effects of screen time? Do you want to know what the experts think about social media use for kids and teens? In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Tara Forcier shares her insight into making the best use of screens, social media and technology for kids and teens -- and how these modern amenities can actually br...

Do you have questions about parenting? Childhood illnesses? How to talk to your kids about social media use, drug addiction and gun violence? Welcome to Are You Kid-ding Me?, the pediatric podcast for parents from Pediatrics in Brevard. On each episode, pediatrician Dr. Tara Forcier shares her insight into how parents can bring their best to the childhoods of their kids -- keeping them safe, healt...