Ask Dr. Bob

Dr. Bob: How do feel about children having mobile phones in schools? Answer: This is certainly a hot topic these days. But before I address the specifics of phones in schools, let’s talk about phones in general for children. Phones are different than other internet-connected devices. They are so much more portable (“mobile”) and, as…

Dr. Bob: How can two siblings who are raised in the same home behave so differently? Answer: This is an age-old question.  How is it possible that two sibs, with the same parents and raised in the same household, behave so differently?  My forty plus years of pediatrics experience has certainly demonstrated this phenomenon, and,…

Dr. Bob: How do I talk to my 7-year-old about their grandparent’s cancer diagnosis? I am worried about saying too much, but I want to be honest. Answer: I completely understand your concern.  Let’s first acknowledge one thing – I suspect that you are very worried about this diagnosis yourself.  Whether the diagnosis of cancer…

Dr. Bob: My 5-year-old snores. Should I be worried? Answer: There are multiple causes for snoring in children.  Most of them are self-limited but when snoring persists, medical attention should be sought. Since snoring is usually related to partial obstruction of the nasal passages and upper airways, one of the most common causes is an…

Dr. Bob: My seven-year-old is anxious. Should she see a counselor? Answer: This is an excellent question.  We are currently in a pediatric mental health crisis – too many children are manifesting anxiety or depression and too few services are available.  If you are concerned that your child’s anxiety is comprising her ability to function…

Dr. Bob: How do you manage “sibling rivalry?”  Answer: This is a very broad question.  One can address this question from the newborn period (when a newborn comes home and, all of a sudden an older child has competition for affection) or later in childhood (from preschool rivalries to teenage squabbles).  Let me address this…