Hats off to all the moms and dads out there.

Seriously, you deserve it.

Being a parent is easily one of the hardest tasks that anyone will endevour in their lifetime. There are all kinds of challenges and obstacles, and what’s worse is they not only multiply as your kids get older, they also get way more complex as time goes by.

One day your kid’s biggest problem is needing a diaper change, the next, they’re deciding what career path to follow.

One of the most important, and most difficult challenges in raising a child is ensuring they develop a healthy level of self-esteem. A lack of healthy self-esteem lies at the root of all kinds of mental health disorders, and is fundamental to creating success in almost all aspects of your child’s life, from social relationships to academic and career success down the line.

What does every parent want for their child?

Good news… a handful of studies have given us some insight:

• To have a positive attitude
• To be responsible
• To be capable
• To be successful
• To have good friends
• To have manners
• To be a good person

Yet, as important as each of these are, there were 3 aspirations that stood out as the most important qualities every parent wanted for their children…

The winter months are upon us bringing cooler temperatures, reduced time outdoors, and less sunshine… this also means a higher incidence of illness for our family members.

One of the most common questions I get from patients is “What should I do about my child’s fever?”