Ask Dr. Bob

Dr. Bob:  Bedtime continues to be a real struggle at our house.  Our 3-year-old daughter keeps pushing back the time to go to bed and comes up with every excuse that she can.  We are tired and want to get her settled down.  What suggestions do you have? Answer:  We have all had this problem…

Dr. Bob:  My 18-month-old son is having a lot of ear infections.  At times, it seems like he is having one continuous ear infection.  I have heard about the benefit of ear tubes to prevent ear infections, but I worry about poking a hole in the eardrum.  What is your advice? Answer: Early in my…

Dr. Bob:  My 12-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter are in the midst of developing acne.  At times things seem to be under control and other times the flare-ups are quite frustrating.  I had bad acne myself as a teenager, and I would really like to treat this the best way possible.  I know how frustrating…

Dr. Bob:  My 10-year-old daughter loves her soccer.  Every so often, she complains of knee pain and ankle pain.  How do I know when she should rest?  How do I know when to treat these aches and pains or go to the doctor?  Is there such a thing as too much practice? Answer: Your questions…

Dr. Bob:  I have heard that sleeping with your infant is dangerous.  My daughter-in-law sleeps with her 3-month-old baby, and I am very concerned.  She says that it makes breastfeeding in the middle of the night so much easier, but I have read that there is a real danger associated with co-sleeping.  What can I…

Dr. Bob:  Fever in my child scares me.  When she gets sick and runs a fever, I worry about seizures and serious infection.  She is now 6 years old and has fewer high fevers, but she had many when she was very young.  Is there a possibility of brain damage?  I know that I will…