Tips from the doc
The "Tips from the doctor" section contains lots and lots of information on the topics and concerns that parents are most concerned about - from A for adenoids to Z for school reports. Everything is explained simply in short videos and on information sheets.
Latest video
Bauchschmerzen-Webseite meine-bauchstelle.de
Eines der häufigsten Themen in der Kinderarztpraxis sind Bauchschmerzen. Viele Kinder sind davon immer wieder betroffen – ohne dass es eine echte Ursache für die Schmerzen gibt. Für betroffene Familien gibt es eine Weltklasse-Webseite dazu: www.meine-bauchstelle.de
Video & InfoAll tips at a glance
To help you find the information you are looking for quickly, everything that has been published so far is listed here in alphabetical order.here are two links to excellent brochures from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy at Ulm University Hospital that are a little out of the ordinary:
A
Adeonide
Is your toddler breathing strangely? Then enlarged adenoids could be responsible. We explain what this is all about - and what you can do about it.
ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A long word that describes a complex topic. And a phenomenon that we still have to learn to deal with properly - not only paediatricians, but also society as a whole.
Adultism
Recently, the word "adultism" has been cropping up again and again in the education/school/nursery sector. So it's time to say something about it from a paediatrician's point of view.
Affective convulsions
Some parents have asked for the topic of "child affect convulsions". No problem. Here is the most important thing you need to know.
Monkeypox
Ever since monkeypox became a topic in the media, parents have been asking whether it is also relevant for humans here and whether there is cause for concern, especially for children of course. Reason enough for us to take a look at the topic.
Affirmations
Today we have a combined topic, so to speak: it's about something very important when dealing with children and at the same time it's a gift idea. The keyword is: affirmations.
"Screen-free from three" campaign
Screen-free until three - Formatted textDocument A nationwide campaign has been launched in many German paediatric practices this week: "Screen-free until three". We are taking part - even at the risk of offending parents ...
Fear of (visiting) the doctor
There are always children who are terrified of their paediatrician - or of a visit to the surgery. What can you do about it? A lot.
Antibiotics
CopyPublishAntibiotics can be great medicines, no question about it. But I maintain that they are still prescribed far too often and far too quickly. Here's some basic information to help you get a feel for when it's necessary.
Doctor's visit not necessary
Don't worry, we don't want to put anyone off. On the contrary. Everyone is welcome. We are always happy to see you again. Even if the occasion is often not a particularly good one. Nevertheless, we want to help you to know when a visit to the paediatrician's surgery is not necessary. To make life a little easier for you and us.
Do you need to see a doctor?
Recently we have been asked more often: "What is actually a good reason to come to the practice with my child?" The answer is not that difficult ...
Dark circles
The question of whether dark circles under the eyes in children are dangerous or a sign of a serious illness pops up again and again in everyday practice. First of all, it's understandable where the idea comes from - but basically it's just a myth.
Eye screening
Today we are talking about a very important device in our practice: the eye screening device! We use this to check the eyes of small children from ten to twelve months of age. It is a far-sighted examination - because serious visual defects can be recognised and treated in good time.
Eye smears (baby)
A topic for parents of babies. A common reason why parents come to the practice with their baby is that their child's eye is oily. Parents notice that the eye is a little red and very sticky and that there may be a yellowish "smudge" in the eye. The parents then usually think that the eye is suppurating - but this is almost never the case.
Rash
CopyPublishWe paediatricians spend half our day looking at rashes. This is because they often cause great concern among parents and carers, especially with regard to the supposed risk of infection.
Autimus-Spektrum-Störung
Es gibt kaum ein Krankheitsbild, bei dem Falschinformationen, Mythen und Geraune eine so große Rolle spielen wie bei der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung (ASS). Zeit für eine Einordnung vom Doc.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
A serious and stressful topic: foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, i.e. disorders caused in the foetus by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
B
Babies in the mountains
The mountain is calling? Then let's get out there! But be careful with babies and toddlers in the first one to two years of life.
Abdominal pain
A perennial topic in paediatrics today: abdominal pain. These are largely a phenomenon - because it is often not clear why children suffer from them.
Bauchstelle
Eines der häufigsten Themen in der Kinderarztpraxis sind Bauchschmerzen. Viele Kinder sind davon immer wieder betroffen – ohne dass es eine echte Ursache für die Schmerzen gibt. Für betroffene Familien gibt es eine Weltklasse-Webseite dazu: www.meine-bauchstelle.de
Package insert
It's a bit of a double-edged sword ... On the one hand, package leaflets are very important and helpful: for example, if you want to look up the dosage again or if there is anything you need to bear in mind, e.g. with regard to the time between meals.
Counselling centre
Did you know? Doc is not only a big fan of VfB Stuttgart, but also of the counselling centre for families and young people. Our practice has been working very well with this centre in Schorndorf for 16 years, which is why Doc would like to introduce it today and tell you, dear parents, about the valuable work it does.
Bedwetting
When it comes to bedwetting, parents are often surprised by the point at which it is first mentioned. The good news is that if the child has been wetting the bed for a longer period of time, it's good news: It often only takes patience for the issue to resolve itself.
Get moving!
Today the doctor has an expert at his side: Nina Kurz is a pre- and postnatal trainer and is very committed to the topic of sport for children and young people - and that's exactly what the two of them talked about.
Devil's circle of movement
"Bird flies, fish swims, man runs" Emil Zatopek, the legendary Czech long-distance runner, once said. And the man was right! Running, racing and exercise are part of our basic genetic make-up. But they should also do it - especially children.
Bee and wasp sting (allergy)
A topic that is worth taking a closer look at because things are often mixed up: bee and wasp venom allergies.
Conjunctivitis
During the cold season, children often present to the practice with oily and reddened eyes. Conjunctivitis - the clinical picture is still often made more dramatic than it actually is.
Blood sampling
Today we are focussing on taking blood samples. This is not such an uncritical issue in the paediatric practice because very few children find it cool. So here are a few things to bear in mind.
Blood in the stool
We are starting the new year with a not so appetising topic: blood in the stool. It happens once a week in our day-to-day practice that we receive a very excited phone call or a somewhat panicked email saying: "Oh God, my child has blood in their stool." In most cases, the excitement is unnecessary.
Blood test
Parents keep asking if we would like to do a blood test on their child. There are two main things to say about this.
Blood poisoning
Today a topic from the category: Myths of medicine. Colloquially, a red line on the arm or leg is often referred to as blood poisoning. Just as often we are presented with children whose parents are full of fear and worry and immediately need antibiotics because the child has blood poisoning. A little education is needed here.
Bark/ground lichen
A small and also a little bit disgusting clinical picture, which does not occur so rarely, is bark lichen. How do you recognise it and how is it treated?
Pool development
Savings must be made. Especially on energy. Also from the public sector. That is why many towns and municipalities are deciding to close their swimming pools these days - at least temporarily. However, this would have far-reaching consequences for children.
C
Catcalling
A topic that initially looks like a social/political issue, but which is also relevant from a paediatric and adolescent medical perspective: catcalling. The doctor wasn't really aware of this topic and its importance for a long time. However, his three young adult daughters were able to help him understand.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Going to school, cycling a bit, meeting friends - all far too strenuous. This or worse can be the case for people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalopathy (ME). A difficult, very complex clinical picture.
Co-regulation
This time there is a combined tip: On the one hand, it is a recommendation for a website with articles on various parenting and development topics. And secondly, it's a specific reading tip on the topic of co-regulation.
D
Recognising diabetes
Today we're talking about a disease that everyone knows from hearsay - but certainly not everyone would recognise in their own child: Type 1 diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes. There are four warning signs of this disease that you should be aware of.
Dr Google
Today we have a difficult topic: public criticism of colleagues. But I have to admit that there is one colleague who is so annoying that I have to say something about it today.
Diarrhoea
One of the most common clinical pictures in paediatrics is acute gastroenteritis, i.e. diarrhoea - often accompanied by vomiting and fever.
Volunteer interpreter service
A sensitive topic, but one that is really important in the everyday life of a paediatric practice - and above all for the health of the children concerned. What do you do if the parents of a (sick) child don't speak German or barely speak it?
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School enrolment
Stress, excitement, anticipation, anxiety: the feelings surrounding starting school can be very different. But the time is emotional in almost every case - for children and parents. A few tips and thoughts from the doctor. His three children have already survived school, so he knows quite well what he's talking about :-).
Occupational therapy in everyday life
Yes, it really does exist, World Lost Sock Day. Since 1998, the poor socks that disappear without a trace in the Bermuda Triangle between the laundry basket and the washing machine have been commemorated on 9 May.
Nutrition
Nutrition and healthy eating in a family with children is a really complex and demanding topic. And yet you can get quite far with just two basic rules.
Drowning
Anyone who knows me from practical experience knows that I am usually very relaxed and not very anxious when it comes to parenting and development issues and often advise people not to take a too tense view of things. But when it comes to today's topic, there is simply zero room for compromise. It's one of the most important issues in paediatrics: the risk of children drowning.
Food
In keeping with Joachim Löw's resignation as national coach, today we have a "highly" complex topic: food.
F
Fennel tea
There is a lot of excitement in many online forums and social media channels at the moment. A popular household remedy for stomach ache and flatulence, but also for coughs, toothache and sleep disorders, is under suspicion: Fennel tea. And now all of a sudden it's supposed to be poisonous? Cause for panic or pure scaremongering? The doctor explains.
Fever
Many parents have one thing in common: the fear of a high temperature. Especially when the body temperature exceeds the 40-degree mark. The following lines should help you to correctly assess a fever.
Fever app
"You give me fever" - even the King sang about fever, so it's more than justified for us to dedicate ourselves to this topic for the second time. Because there is something cool and new.
Febrile seizure
Today we have a topic from the category "The Stephen King of paediatrics". In other words: sheer horror. It's about febrile seizures.
Taking a temperature
Now it's getting curious. Bavaria's Minister President Markus Söder told the Süddeutsche Zeitung this week that he takes his temperature every day. And he's not the only one. But is that even necessary?
Fontanelle
Today a topic that isn't really a topic at all: the fontanel. In other words, the gaps in the bony skull of babies. Although it has no medical significance, there are always questions about it. So here's everything you need to know about the fontanel.
Free play
Not a ground-breaking innovation, but rather a reminder of what you should focus on in everyday life with children. Inspired by a quote from the educationalist Friedrich Fröbel, a plea for free play.
Overcoming frustration
Norbert F. Schneider, sociologist and family researcher in an interview with "Der Spiegel"
G
Gaming Disorder
From our series "Things that didn't exist 20 years ago" we present today: "Gaming disorder." As the name suggests, it's all about playing games (on mobile phones/tablets). Parents should be on their guard - but also think about their role as role models.
Joint cracking
Today a topic from the category: "Annoying, but it's not bad." And no, we're not talking about the doctor. But the cracking of joints.
Health letter
A somewhat more difficult topic today - but one that we paediatricians are very concerned about. Because we are very often confronted with the fact that we are supposed to give a child a "clean bill of health". In other words, we are asked to certify schools, nurseries or childminders: This child is healthy. But we can't do that.
Preventing violence through education
25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. And it doesn't matter which source or which statistics you look at: The figures are simply staggering.
Grass does not grow ..
Let me start with a less glorious example of my own career as a father: We were on holiday and I thought, now I have to teach my child how to do a Köpper from the edge of the pool. My plan ended in a huge argument and a terribly bad mood.
Gynaecomastia
Today's topic concerns boys aged twelve to 15, or their parents. Everyone else can of course continue reading :-). The topic is called "gynaecomastia" and often leads to boys being somewhat desperate in the surgery and parents being really worried.
H
Hair problems
Everyone wants to have beautiful hair. And the topic is by no means just one for the hairdressing salon - but also for the paediatrician's practice. There are various hair problems in children and adolescents. A quick run-through:
Sore throat
With all the justified corona debates, we should not forget the classic symptoms. A sore throat today. A very banal topic. Actually ...
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
An article from the category "It's funny what nature comes up with": hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD). This is a viral disease that mainly affects kindergarten children and young primary school children.
Hand in mouth
When a baby puts its hand in its mouth, parents almost always have one reflex: there's definitely a tooth coming. If I wanted to live from hand to mouth (not in the original sense, of course), I would have realised my brilliant idea long ago - and invented the so-called dentiometer for the U4 examination.
Urinary tract infection
The child has to wee very frequently, is in pain or wets in an atypical way. Classic symptoms of a urinary tract infection. If you notice these in your child, you should pay particular attention to one thing.
Home pharmacy
Today we are looking at a topic that has often been asked about: the medicine cabinet. However, the question is whether I am the right person to talk to.
Heart pricking
A topic for parents with children who can already speak and express themselves well. It is not uncommon for them to come to the doctor's surgery or an emergency department with the worried sentence: "My child's heart is stinging!"
Car heat trap
In summer, you just want to go and buy an ice cream or quickly withdraw some money and the baby can wait in the car. That's one of the things you should never do! Because the car can become a life-threatening heat trap within minutes.
Undescended testicles
Easter is over, the eggs have hopefully all been found ... and that brings us to the topic of undescended testicles. It doesn't sound very spectacular, but it's an important topic in everyday practice.
Cough
"Houston, we have a problem," was the emergency call from the Apollo 13 mission. The paediatrician's version needs a question mark. Because coughing doesn't automatically mean you have a problem. On the contrary.
Hip cold
Today from the series "What's not there": the hip cold. Small, harmless trigger, big effect. But don't worry, we'll get it under control quickly.
I
Immune system
A good immune system cannot prevent every illness. But the chances of only falling ill slightly or not at all are much greater if the body's own defences are working well. Here are our tips for the winter months.
Immune training
Is it Christmas already? At least when we look at how many children are currently coming into the practice with mild respiratory infections, you could almost think so. While we had virtually no mild infections last autumn and winter, we can hardly save ourselves from children with coughs, colds and fevers. This is extremely atypical for summertime - but it's not bad. Quite the opposite.
Influenza
It's the same every year. The nativity scene disappears - and the flu arrives. In other words: after Christmas, the sick season begins. And now we're right in the middle of the influenza wave. Here is the most important information.
Ingestion accidents (swallowing)
Today's topic is ingestion accidents in children. Ingestion... what? In other words: your child swallows something that was not meant to be swallowed. An exciting and highly complex topic. With lots of surprises.
Insect bites
Insect bites are annoying and can be painful. However, they are almost always completely harmless. And if it does become serious, you will recognise it immediately.
"I'm going to count to three ..."
There is currently a Unicef campaign "Never Violence", which emphasises how important growing up free of violence is for the emotional development of our children. Violence-free does not only mean free from physical violence, but also from verbal violence.
J
J1 screening
This is almost the end of our series on medical check-ups. We are looking at J1, the penultimate examination.
J2 screening
The final article in our series on preventive check-ups for children and adolescents: The J2 adolescent check-up is the last of its kind.
K
Cold limbs
Today we have a medical history from the category: small, but very annoying. It is the so-called Raynaud's syndrome. The result: cold fingers and toes.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough is a disease that has unfortunately not completely disappeared and is unlikely to disappear completely. One problem is that the vaccination only offers around 80 per cent protection. Even with good immunisation coverage, it must therefore be assumed that cases of whooping cough will occur again and again. So here are the important facts about this disease.
Childcare
At what age should children be looked after and how? A question that I am constantly confronted with. Most recently, it was even a political issue here in Schorndorf. Clear answer: There is no clear answer - only many omissions.
Certificate of suitability for kindergarten
Again and again, and unfortunately more and more often, we see families in our practice who are completely desperate because they can't find anyone to sign a form that is a kind of "certificate of suitability for kindergarten".
Nanny elbow
Demigods in white, my arse. The work of us paediatricians is very unspectacular. We only briefly become heroes when it comes to "nanny's elbow".
Childhood is not a disease
A topic that is very close to my heart - and is not a purely medical issue, but rather a social one: how do we deal with children who have characteristics that are not quite within the so-called "normality"? And what is "normality" anyway?
Buckling/lowering foot
Today a topic that can be categorised under "avoiding unnecessary visits to the practice", a true classic: the child's foot or the child's foot position.
Head contusion
A situation familiar to almost all parents. The child has hit their head quite hard - and now you have to decide quickly whether it is a serious injury or not. Here's how to find out.
Headache
Today, this is a topic that very often needs to be discussed with parents in paediatrics. And it is also a very, very complex topic. It's about headaches in children. Don't worry: in most cases, it doesn't have to be a headache.
Crawling
This will not be an excursion into the realm of insects, crawling is at least as big an issue for parents of small children. Two questions always take centre stage: When should a child crawl? And does a child have to crawl at all?
Avoid disease transmission!
I received an interesting question from a mum. Namely: How can you, or to what extent do you have to avoid possible disease transmission to children in everyday life? Note in advance: We are making this generalised here, i.e. independent of coronavirus. Because it's clear that sensitivity to the transmission of infection is extremely high at the moment. But I think the question is generally important and will therefore be answered accordingly.
War - how do I talk about it?
One topic that I would not have liked to have dealt with: talking to children about war. This is a topic, similar to death, where there is no one right way. Because everyone is different, deals with such topics differently and, of course, age also has a big influence. Nevertheless, there are a few basic aspects.
Avoid short-sightedness
Although the study situation is not yet 100 per cent clear, the trend is quite clear: there are more and more short-sighted children.
L
Baby walkers
Today it's time once again to cut off an old braid that is still braided far too often: It's about the fact that many children supposedly learn to walk faster with walking aids such as "Gehfrei" or "Babywalker".
Moles
Children are not small adults. One topic where this beautiful phrase once again applies is the mole, medically known as a nevus. Dealing with brown moles and the need to have them looked at by a dermatologist is very different for children than for adults.
Reading - a real superpower!
Today is the nationwide Read Aloud Day. And I don't think I need to say too much more about the great importance of reading aloud. Reading is a real superpower for children. Hence the tip, the advice, the request: Take today as an opportunity to read something really nice to your child again.
Pneumonia
Complicated topic: pneumonia in children. Why complicated? Because it often causes extreme anxiety in parents. However, in most cases this is not necessary.
Lymph nodes
Today once again something from the very important category: reassuring parents. It is not uncommon for them to call us worried because they have noticed a lump on the back of their child's neck or head. And this often causes great anxiety.
Lice
First things first: I know of almost no family with children, including my own, who have not had a visit from these little creatures. Head lice infestations have nothing to do with a lack of hygiene. Lice don't care whether they crawl on freshly washed hair or walk over an unkempt head - they take what they get.
Lies
Tears don't lie - at least that's what Michael Holm claims in his famous hit song. Children, on the other hand, do lie. Sometimes even like printed matter. This often causes parents a lot of stress, which is why we are taking a closer look at this topic. And also because it's honestly a topic where we parents always have to look at how big our own part in it is.
M
Mongolian spot
Medically, our topic today is a very small, harmless one. But it does include a bit of cultural history - and even an excursion tip. It's about the so-called Mongolian spot.
Mouth fungus
For many, there is always room for a pilsner between the liver and spleen. In babies, unfortunately, there is often room for a troublesome fungus between the tongue and cheek. But don't worry: we can get it under control with a few simple measures.
Paediatric myths
Have you ever heard these phrases or said them yourself? "The child has such yellow snot, it's probably something bacterial!" "The urine smells so bad, it's probably a urinary tract infection!" "The child is coughing so badly, it must be pneumonia!" You hear all these sentences over and over again and they are all, you guessed it, rubbish.
N
Night terror
It sounds like a character from a horror story and can actually be quite frightening. Fortunately, however, night terrors are a harmless phenomenon.
Nail bed inflammation
Today something from the category: small cause, big pain. It's about nail bed inflammation, also known medically as panaritium.
Nosebleed
A constant issue with children is a bloody nose. And when the blood is flowing in streams, it's easy to lose your cool. But don't panic. Nosebleeds are actually quite harmless. And with our tips, it's quickly under control.
Nature never disappoints
I once read this sentence in a parenting book and I have to say: it's simply true. With my children, too, it was sometimes a fuss until they were dressed, they whinged that they didn't want to go out and it took forever until we were outside. But when we were outside, in the snow, by the stream, in the meadow, somewhere in nature, it was always great, the children always had fun discovering something, something that interested them.
Hives
The technical term is urticaria, the common word is nettle rash. This is appropriate because the children look as if they have fallen into a bed of nettles.
Neonatal jaundice
Today we're talking about very, very small babies - and newborn jaundice. It's not usually serious - but you should still keep a close eye on it.
Neonatal acne
A small topic that is a big issue, especially for new parents: newborn acne.
Neurodermatitis 1
Dry, itchy, sometimes inflamed skin - this can be neurodermatitis, but it doesn't have to be. Because as important as this condition is, it can also be complicated to recognise and treat. Because there's so much to say about it, we're making two videos and factsheets on the subject.
Neurodermatitis 2
Dry, itchy, sometimes inflamed skin - this can be neurodermatitis, but it doesn't have to be. Because as important as this condition is, it can also be complicated to recognise and treat. In the second part on this topic, we look at the aspects of treatment, care and prognosis.
Renal pelvic inflammation
Renal pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as upper urinary tract infection, is a condition that is not at all uncommon in babies and small children - and it is important to know something about it.
Sneezing (photic sneeze reflex)
Do you know this? You step into the sunlight and - whoops - you have to sneeze. This phenomenon is called the photic sneeze reflex. Around a third of all people have this reflex.
Nail biting
Nail biting is a nuisance - and around 10 to 15 per cent of children have this bad habit. It often causes parents stress, irritation or even concern because they ask themselves: "What's wrong with my child?" However, nail biting is not a disease in itself.
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Earache
Earache is one of the most common reasons why parents take their child to the doctor's surgery. The doctor lists possible causes and treatment tips.
P
Change of perspective
Raising children is a complex and difficult task in which perfectionism is not a good companion. Be lenient - with yourself and with the child.
Pfeiffer's glandular fever
Today we are once again looking at a real classic in paediatrics: Pfeiffer's glandular fever. A disease without an antidote. But don't worry - we can still get your child back on track.
Phubbing
From what, please? Phubbing. A word that would be best if it didn't exist. It's a contraction of the two English words "phone" and "snubbing", which means to snub or offend. And it describes the moment when an interaction or communication is interrupted by reaching for a smartphone or other digital media.
Polio
Recently, there have been repeated reports that poliomyelitis viruses, i.e. polio viruses, have been found in waste water in large German cities. Is there cause for concern? A categorisation.
Pollen allergy
Spring is actually fantastic. The sun is finally shining again, temperatures are rising and there's an end to grey in grey, because everything is green and in bloom. And that's exactly where the spring glories come to an end for some: for those who suffer from pollen allergies.
Pseudo croup
An autumn classic in paediatrics: the pseudo-croup attack. This mainly occurs in the autumn/winter months and mainly affects small children.
Psychological problem?
Today we have the combined knowledge of two experts: The Doc talked to Frank Köhnlein, author and child and adolescent psychiatrist from Basel, about the behaviour of children and adolescents in particular - and about when parents need to start worrying. The most important results.
"Picky Eating"
Many parents are familiar with this: there's stress and arguments at the dinner table because the little one only eats the cheese or sausage - but not the bread. And definitely not cucumber - or even broccoli!!! Whatever the case may be, children can be terribly particular eaters. Under certain circumstances, this is known as "picky eating".
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Dogan paediatrics guide
Our paediatrician colleague Özgür Dogan from Stuttgart has created something really great: He has basically written a book that covers all aspects of our profession - and published the whole thing not as a book, but as an app.
Regulation problems
It could all be so wonderful: The baby has finally arrived, everyone is happy and well. Actually. Because the little one cries and screams all the time and hardly sleeps. So the parents don't sleep either, are completely exhausted and at the end of their tether. The problem: so-called regulation difficulties.
Travel sickness
Oh, you wonderful holiday season. If only there wasn't one thing ... because all too often: holiday time is travel time - is time for spit-up car seats. This unpleasant phenomenon is called kinetosis or simply: travel sickness.
Remo Largo
"The child does not belong to its parents, but to itself. It was not born to fulfil the expectations of its parents, but to become the being that is inherent in it. It is the parents' responsibility to make this possible."
Ringworm
There are always phases in which rubella infections increase. In the vast majority of cases, this is not a major issue for the children affected - and yet the disease can be problematic.
RSV
Today we're talking about a topic that is currently on everyone's lips - and not just a challenge in terms of pronunciation: We're talking about the "respiratory syncytial virus", or RS virus for short, which is keeping paediatric practices and clinics particularly busy this year.
RSV vaccination
For a few years now, parents have been particularly concerned and worried about the RS virus. And an infection in babies and small children can indeed have a severe course. So it's good that there is a vaccination.
S
"Writing baby"
Babies who cry and scream a lot have always existed. In the past, they were often referred to as crying babies or people were quick to talk about three-month colic, which plagued children and caused them to cry. Today, people are increasingly talking about regulatory disorders when a baby cries and screams a lot. This often occurs mainly in the evening. But there is a remedy.
"Sharenting"
"Jeez, what's sharenting?" some people will be thinking. It is the often somewhat careless uploading of children's photos to social media by parents. But there is so much to consider!
Sauna with a child?
From a medical point of view, there is no question that going to the sauna is a healthy thing to do. Regular sauna sessions strengthen the immune system and do something good for the cardiovascular system. But is it also good for children? And if so, from what age?
Sleep I
I've avoided the subject of sleeping for long enough now. However, the whole thing is so complex that we will tackle it in several stages. Today: the five insights I have gained after 15 years of paediatric practice and three children of my own.
Sleep II
The subject of sleep is very complex, which is why we will be looking at it more often. So today it's part two. And we want to dispel a myth.
Sleepwalking
Today we're talking about somnambulism. This is neither something naughty nor something to eat - but quite simply: sleepwalking.
Dummy
When is my child too old for a dummy? All parents ask themselves this question sooner or later. There are many answers. But there is also a very simple way.
Truancy
A really difficult topic today - but one that has been taking up more and more space in paediatric practices in recent years. And that's why it's important to discuss it here: It's about truancy.
School readiness
When should my child start school? This question is on the minds of many parents every year. Especially if their child's birthday is after the deadline for school enrolment. The solution is complex, but there are pointers that make the decision easier.
Weaknesses weaken ..
One of my favourite sentences - from which a small but effective task can be derived: sit down and write down seven things that your child is particularly good at or that you particularly like about them. And then give him positive feedback every day during the week.
Shaking trauma
I would like to draw attention to an extremely important topic: #ShakeKills. That sounds a bit drastic, but I think it's absolutely justified because it's an incredibly important topic - one that can have drastic consequences. It's about shaking trauma in babies.
Self-harming behaviour I
Today we are looking at a really serious topic: self-harming behaviour in young people. Unfortunately, we've been seeing more and more of this in surgeries in recent years. It typically becomes an issue from the age of around 14. It occurs more frequently in girls, but also in boys, also increasingly in recent years.
Self-harming behaviour II
A difficult, stressful topic: self-harming behaviour or scratching. The doc gives us the most important facts in a nutshell. For anyone who would like to read more, here is a link to an interview that the child and adolescent psychiatrist Frank Köhnlein gave to the Swiss parents' magazine "Fritz und Fränzi".
Singing
Today we're talking about singing and there's basically one clear message: singing in everyday life is important and very good (not only) for children.
Sitting
It's a small topic - but one that I get asked about very, very often. It's about the question: When is a baby allowed to sit?
Sunburn
As an introduction to the topic, here's a little joke: What is black, white and red? A zebra with sunburn. Haha. But sunburn is actually nothing to joke about.
Sun protection
When it comes to sun protection, as is so often the case, there are rules - but you also have to approach things with common sense. Please don't lock your children up out of panic about UV damage. Because both are possible: outdoor exercise and safe sun protection - if you follow a few rules. What never hurts: when adults set a good example.
Social media
Media education and media literacy is a topic that keeps us busy - and will continue to do so. Digital media is playing an increasingly important role in our children's everyday lives. It is therefore becoming increasingly important that we adults stay up-to-date and keep thinking about what we need to do to support our children.
Language development
Comparing children is rarely a good idea. But in one area, comparisons with others are even more stupid than they already are: language development. Because this is a very individual story. Nevertheless, there are of course a few pointers and tips. Not only the doctor knows this, but also Myriam Mayländer, speech therapist in Lorch.
Stork bite
Not a disease, but an interesting phenomenon that occurs in babies and sometimes causes irritation in young parents: the so-called stork bite.
Stool examinations
One issue of increasing importance is unnecessary and often expensive faecal examinations. Very few very useful tests can be carried out with a stool sample. But it can also be used to do a whole lot of - to stay on topic - crap.
Addicted parents
If a mother or father suffers from an addiction problem, this is not only a burden for them, but also for their children. There is also a high risk that the children will later suffer from an addiction problem themselves. There is a model project in Baden-Württemberg to deal with this issue: "SALTO".
Infant formula
There's no doubt about it: breast milk is the ideal food for every infant. But please don't put your baby under pressure, don't stress and above all don't panic if breastfeeding doesn't work or doesn't always work.
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Tics
Today we are talking about tics - a topic that causes great anxiety among parents. So let's start with the good news: for most children, a tic disorder is only temporary. And in most cases, it resolves itself. Sometimes after weeks, sometimes after months - but it goes away again.
Death and mourning
When there is a bereavement in the immediate family, parents often have many worries and uncertainties about how to deal with their children in this situation, in addition to their own grief. Doc talked to Gabriele Schmidt-Klehring, who has been offering bereavement counselling for children and young people in Schorndorf for over 20 years, about what needs to be considered.
Separation children
Unfortunately, this is a topic that you have to talk to parents about time and again in the paediatric practice: How do parents deal with separation or divorce? What do you need to bear in mind to minimise the impact on the child?
Drink
Time for a classic. The parental question "How much does my child need to drink?" is an integral part of the paediatrician's daily routine.
Comfort
Anger, sadness, pain, despair - there are many moments when children need comforting. And because the whole thing is not as trivial as you might think at first, here are the most important tips on giving comfort.
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The task of the environment
"The task of the environment is not to mould the child, but to allow it to reveal itself." So what does that mean? It means that we parents often have to think and feel what makes our child tick.
U-examinations
They are fixed points for all parents: the famous U-examinations, which, at least in the early years, are documented in the equally famous yellow booklet.
U3 provision
A topic for new parents or people who are about to become parents: the U3 check-up. This is usually the first check-up that takes place at the paediatrician's practice. The U1 is actually always carried out in the hospital or maternity centre, and the U2 usually takes place there too.
U4 provision
Screenings are a recurring topic for parents. The U4 check-up is about growth, motor skills, nutrition and hearing.
U5 screening
Preventive medical check-ups are an important topic for parents. When it comes to the U5, the child is six months old and they already know some of the key elements of these appointments.
U6 screening
The U6 screening is the doctor's favourite screening. Because at 10 to 12 months, the children are still cute and baby-cute and not yet so big that they can blow up the whole examination with a violent tantrum (yes, there's all that ...). In other words, the U6 is usually a very pleasant experience. How does it work?
U7 screening
This time our presentation of the U examinations is about the U7. And a big block is how far the child has already developed linguistically.
U7a screening
Our series of U examinations continues a little irregularly, because U7 is not followed by U8 - but by U7a.
U8 screening
In our series on the U examinations, this time we look at the U8. The focus here: Movement, language, logic.
U9 screening
Our series on the U examinations continues with the U9 - which is almost like a repeat of the U8.
U10/U11 screening
We are slowly approaching the home straight in our series on preventive medical check-ups. Here's the double pack for U10 and U11.
Undertemperature
One topic that often causes uncertainty and worry among parents is low temperature. However, you can almost always stay cool.
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Burns, scalds
"Paulinchen was home alone ..." - many of you know the fate of the girl from Struwwelpeter. Here are our tips for preventing and treating burns and scalds so that your children are spared this.
Compare
"Never compare one child with another, but only with himself." A wonderful sentence by the educationalist Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, who lived around 200 years ago.and yes, I know that's difficult.
Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common reasons why parents come to the practice with their children. The good thing is that the problem is usually easy to solve and is rarely a symptom of an illness.
Foreskin inflammation
Once again an "unfair" topic, because it only affects boys. It's about balanitis or foreskin inflammation, a common condition in young boys and one that often makes parents extremely anxious. It is also often wrongly regarded as an emergency, although it is not usually such a dramatic story.
Foreskin constriction
You can twist and turn it however you like: this topic cannot be presented in a gender-appropriate way. It's about foreskin constriction.
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Growing pains
Are you interested in winning a Nobel Prize for Medicine? Then we have a tip for you: try to find out why growing hurts even though it doesn't hurt. Sounds mysterious? It is a bit.
When to stay at home from daycare?
Today we are discussing the unfortunately rather complicated question of when a child should not go to nursery for health reasons - and when it is unnecessary to leave them at home. There are hardly any clear facts that can be used to judge this, but there are some points of reference for nursery teachers and parents.
Warts
They are small, disgusting, annoying - but medically completely harmless: warts, or more precisely plantar warts.
Tantrums I
It turns the sweetest child into a bully: the tantrum. How to recognise whether tantrums are a cause for concern or simply a minor evil:
Tantrums II
It turns the sweetest child into a bully: the tantrum. How to recognise whether tantrums are a cause for concern or simply a minor evil:
Worms
Something from the disgusting box again today. It's about worms. This is actually a very, very common story in small children - and often causes a lot of disgust in the children concerned and their families, even though the whole thing is a fairly harmless story from a medical point of view.
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Dental health
Please all go "aaaaaaah". We are focusing on the topic of dental health - together with dentist Irina Kuhnert, our practice neighbour. We have summarised nine important points:
Ticks
My conclusion after almost 15 years as a paediatrician in private practice: tick-borne diseases are probably the most overestimated health risk - at least from the parents' point of view.
Certificates I
A few thoughts on the not-so-easy subject of school reports. I don't normally ask parents to read my texts or watch videos. But please do this time.
Certificates II
The days on which children receive report cards are important for families - and often difficult and conflict-ridden. So here are a few tips on how the day can go well.
Lingual frenulum
A topic that often concerns new parents and that should definitely be assessed by experts: a shortened frenulum of the tongue in babies.
Constraints
Where does compulsive behaviour begin - what are normal rituals? Doc spoke about this with Frank Köhnlein, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy. Here are the most important points from the conversation.