We’re all guilty of being on our phones too much. Because our kids have grown up surrounded by screens, this level of phone use can start to feel normal, for them and us.

But when does everyday scrolling cross the line into something that interferes with sleep, mood, focus, and real connection with your kids, partner, and others in your life?

These questions are being asked more and more as communities, schools and countries start to make policy changes to tone down phone and social media use. Australia recently made headlines by banning social media for kids under 16. The ban was put in place to protect kids and teens from unhealthy and unsafe social media content that can be negative, manipulative and addictive.

In New Jersey, state officials recently launched a public awareness campaign around “technoference,” a term used to describe what happens when technology gets in the way of healthy relationships. According to a New Jersey Department of Children and Families survey of nearly 2,500 parents, 72 percent admit they use their phones too much when they’re with their kids—and 69 percent say their children have told them they wish their parents would spend less time on their phones.

The reality is that technology is big part of our daily lives and while banning phones altogether is not realistic, most of us wish we could decrease our screen time and be more intentional about putting devices down when we’re with our kids. Many of us also agree phones are a huge distraction in the classroom, and more and more schools have been implementing phone-free policies with positive results.

How can we begin to create healthier phone habits and be more intentional about giving our kids our undivided attention? We spoke with Allison Devlin, a licensed clinical social worker and clinical director of Serenium Therapy & Wellness, a New Jersey–based mental health and wellness practice with over 75 licensed mental health professionals, about how to do just that. Serenium recently launched a 30-Day Digital Reset program designed to set healthy boundaries around phone use for the whole family.

We asked Devlin how phone overuse shows up in families, the ways parents may be modeling bad habits without realizing it, and what small, doable changes we all can make to help us reconnect with our kids.

New Jersey Family: Most of us agree we are all on our phones way too much. What are the most common ways heavy (and even mindless) phone use affects families, and how does it start affecting mood, sleep, and daily connection?

Allison Devlin: When it comes to each individual, this kind of use can make it more difficult to fall asleep, to focus on tasks, and in things like doom scrolling, can change your mood to one that feels anxious, sad, or even afraid. In children, those who become accustomed to being on the phone, when it’s taken away, they can begin to have tantrums even in grade school. Collectively, when we’re spending more time on our phone, we’re spending less quality time with our family. Kids mimic what their parents do many times, so if your go-to is to be on your phone or to give your child your phone, it might be time to consider ways you can begin to decrease these habits and better connect as a family.

NJF: What are some phone habits we as parents might be modeling without realizing that it could be shaping our kids’ phone use?

AD: It can be something like giving your child a phone or tablet to play with to keep them quiet or occupied too often instead of interacting with them. It can also look like being on your phone more often than not when your child asks you to play or wants to talk to you. It can look like the social media video you’re watching is more entertaining, more interesting, or more important than your child when they can’t seem to get or hold your attention. Young children are quite honest and even at 3 or 4 years old will start to tell you that you’re always on your phone.

NJF: You compare phone use to food: something we need, but too much or unbalanced use can lead to struggles. How does this analogy help parents understand both their kids’ scrolling and their own reliance on screens?

AD: In 2025, it’s extremely difficult to not use your phone at all. It’s become our camera, our computer, our GPS, and essentially a piece of technology we can’t live without. Just like food, we need our phone at the very least to stay in touch with loved ones and use it for work. Yet, similar to food, too much of something can be detrimental to our health. If you eat bad foods often, you could possibly get diabetes or heart problems, for example. When we use our phone nonstop to consume bad news, when we’re scrolling until we fall asleep, or when we are still answering work emails at 10 pm at night, it starts to create an excess of technology leading to trouble sleeping, excess worry and fear, and in some cases signs of anxiety, depression, or even ADHD.

NJF: What are the first signs that phone use is becoming unhealthy for a child or a parent?

AD: In children or adults, if you can’t put it away for more than a few hours without feeling uncomfortable, that’s a big sign. In children, you’ll see the response typically in the form of tantrums or perceived obsession of only wanting to be on the phone and not interested in doing anything else. In adults, it can look like anxiousness, feeling out of sorts or like you’re missing out; and in teens and adults, excessive use can lead to distractions from other things that need to get done, feeling a high sense of worry, or feeling like if you don’t respond immediately to a text, email, or social interaction, that you may not be liked or as though you’re not working hard enough even though it’s 10 pm at night, for example.

NJF: What are a few small, doable changes families can try, either at dinner, before bed or another time, that can make a difference?

AD: As a family, you can create no phone zones. An easy one to start with is that at dinner, phones are put in another room and it’s a time to chat and learn more about one another. Replacing one habit with another is helpful, too. Instead of scrolling on the phone, replace that activity with a book at night you read or read to your children.

NJF: Talk to us about your 30-Day Digital Reset program designed to help technology be a healthy part of your life without having it negatively affect your relationships, sleep and mental well-being. How does the program work?

AD: Our 30-Day Digital Reset Program includes a clinical intake where our clinician learns more about you to get you ready for the program. Then it includes 4 sessions with a therapist either in person at one of our locations or virtually online. It also includes weekly homework with actionable things to implement to help you reset. Anytime we’re doing more of things we may not want to or when we feel stressed and overwhelmed, it’s important to understand what the underlying emotion is and where it stems from. For some it’s understanding why they are actually using the phone to cure feelings of loneliness or boredom or wanting to feel constantly needed. This program helps you understand more of what’s causing the digital burnout with actionable tips to implement so you can reset and refocus on what matters most.

NJF: Is this just for parents or the whole family?

AD: This program is for ages 16 to adult. Kids learn very often from watching what their parents do. So if a parent takes the program, they can begin to implement new habits and help their kids understand more of what they’re craving – attention, connection, and entertainment, and help them find ways to discover it in the healthiest ways possible.

NJF: The program has week-to-week goals, During the second week, you help people figure out what they’re really craving (i.e. stress relief or escape) when they reach for their phones. What patterns do you see most often in parents?

AD: Although it can vary from person to person, we’ve seen things such as feeling like they don’t want to disappoint their boss or clients, to feeling like they have to keep up with what they think others are doing on social media, to using the phone to scroll as a moment to decompress. For many this can be needing an escape to relax, to issues with pleasing people or even sometimes, insecurities around where they think they should be in life compared to others.

NJF: How do you teach parents to set boundaries as far as phone use and help them reconnect with their kids without devices?

AD: A big one is turning off notifications or silencing notifications at certain times of the day. It can also be about putting boundaries in place all the time, like not adding the work email to integrate with your personal email, putting limits on social media so your phone locks you out of those apps, or setting up family events where you are actively doing things together, like bowling or mini golf.

NJF: What can people expect after they complete the 30-Day Digital Reset? Are there follow-up check-ins?

AD: If more concerns are uncovered that a client wants to work through, they can continue regular therapy sessions once a week. We also have our 6-month wellness check-in for all of our clients who successfully complete their goals. For those interested, we contact them 6 months from their final visit to see how things are going. We find that helps us see those who have found the tools helpful but also an opportunity to come back if another life event comes up they want to discuss in therapy like grief, job loss, or even a new baby.

NJF: Is the program done virtually or in person?

AD: We offer the program for anyone in the state of New Jersey virtually and in person at our locations in Brick, Cranford, Manalapan and soon Hackensack. Because this is a digital reset program, if you live close, we recommend in-person sessions, but we can work with any clients successfully in virtual sessions as well.

NJF: Is this program covered by insurance and if not, is there a payment plan?

AD: Yes, for this and any of our therapy services, Serenium accepts most insurance plans. You can view our full list here. However, if you’d like to pay out of pocket, we do have options for that as well.

NJF: How long has the 30-Day Digital Reset been in place so far and what are your high-level takeaways so far?

AD: We’ve had many clients in therapy, kids, teens and adults, and in couples therapy, too, where the use of the phone was causing stress, anxiety, and disconnection. With the continued growth of technology use and what we were seeing in sessions, we decided to create our own Serenium branded 30 Day Digital Rest Program for phone and social media to create a more focused and curated program for an experience many are struggling with.

Read More:
New Jersey Urges Parents to Take a ‘Tech Timeout’ to Reconnect With Their Kids
Are Your Kids Phone-Obsessed? Here’s How to Reduce Screen Time
Could a Ban on Cell Phones in Every Public Classroom in NJ Become a Reality?

The post Is Your Phone Getting in the Way of Connecting With Your Kids? appeared first on NJ Family.

Amid national headlines about new CDC guidance on the hepatitis B vaccine that suggests doctors use discretion with infants to hepatitis B-negative parents, many are wondering what is best for their babies. In New Jersey, health officials have made their position clear: every newborn should receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a proven step that protects infants from a virus that can cause chronic, lifelong liver disease.

Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver and is spread through infected blood or bodily fluids. Babies can be exposed during birth, and adults can be infected through close contact, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. It’s important to note that Hep B is not spread by sharing utensils, breastfeeding, holding hands, hugging, kissing, coughing or sneezing.

Members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently voted to allow parents to delay vaccination at birth if their parents don’t carry the virus. The decision was partly based on information that hepatitis B cases have declined significantly since 1985.

But the New Jersey Department of Health is insisting that newborns receive protection immediately. This is backed by the Northeast Public Health Collective and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Part of the issue is that not all mothers are screened during their prenatal checkups, which is a worry since a pregnant mother can spread the disease to their newborn during birth, and babies aren’t able to fight off the virus. Babies who are infected at
birth have a 90 percent chance of developing chronic hepatitis B, the most serious form of
the disease, according to the NJDOH.

The way to fight it off is to vaccinate your baby within 24 hours of birth, and then two more shots: at 1 to 2 months of age, and then at 6 to 18 months of age. If an infant’s parent is infected, that baby will need to get not only the first B vaccine, but also a hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) shot within 12 hours of birth.

Because hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and certain bodily fluids, it’s important not to share items that could cause minor skin breaks (like razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, needles, or glucose meters) and to be careful around blood or open sores.

As the illness develops, it can either be short-term (acute) or chronic (long-term, or even lifetime). Chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious health issues, like cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Many people with hepatitis may not know it, because they don’t look or feel sick. Symptoms include loss of appetite, stomach pain, extreme tiredness, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. You can check via bloodwork.

The best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. According to a pamphlet from the DOH, the Hep B vaccine “is very safe,” and has been used since 1991. The most common side effects are soreness at the injection site, or possibly a slight fever, and serious side effects are very rare.

The NJDOH has a Hepatitis Services Locator so you can find free or low-cost publicly-funded hepatitis services, including vaccination, testing and treatment.

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Read More:
6 Common Kids’ Health Myths Debunked
Is Your Child at Risk For Pre-Diabetes? Here’s How to Know
The Surprising Impact Diet Has on Your Kid’s Dental Health

The post New Jersey Department of Health Wants Hepatitis B Vaccines at Birth, Despite CDC Guidance appeared first on NJ Family.

You’ve probably heard them all before—warnings about what will happen if you crack your knuckles, sit too close to the TV, or cross your eyes. But while these kid health “rules” get passed down from parents, friends, and even social media, many don’t hold up when it comes to science and research. Here’s the truth behind some common myths:

MYTH: SUGAR MAKES KIDS HYPER.

Does it seem like your kids start bouncing off the walls every time they have a piece of cake or candy? Moms everywhere swear the “sugar high” is a thing. However, studies don’t back it up. “Research has consistently shown no link between sugar intake and hyperactivity,” says Margaret Quinn, DNP, clinical professor and specialty director of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in the Division of Advanced Nursing Practice at Rutgers Health School of Nursing. “What often seems like a ‘sugar rush’ is usually excitement from the environment, such as being at a birthday party with friends.”

While research has found no link between sugar and cognitive performance of kids, other factors may play a role. “Sleep deprivation, stress or illness can affect behavior,” says Quinn. But “while the sweet taste of candy may trigger a small adrenaline response, it does not directly cause hyperactivity.”

MYTH: GOING OUTSIDE WITH A WET HEAD WILL MAKE YOUR KID SICK.

This is probably one you’ve heard from as far back as your grandmother! Your kid’s wet head may make them feel uncomfortable on a chilly day, but it’s not going to give them a cold or the flu. “Germs make you sick, not wet heads,” says Heidi Weinroth, MD, assistant professor of clinical pediatrics, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. “People do get more upper respiratory infections in the winter because we’re around each other more, indoors, in close contact. But even if your head is wet, germs don’t get in through your head or scalp.”

MYTH: GREEN OR YELLOW MUCUS MEANS YOUR KID NEEDS ANTIBIOTICS.

There’s no denying that sometimes what comes out of your kid’s nose is colorful and downright disgusting. But that doesn’t mean it’s time for a prescription. “Mucus can be a variety of colors, which does not mean it is a bacterial infection,” says Quinn. “Our body produces enzymes to fight infections, and some enzymes contain iron, which can make mucus appear green. As we inhale things from the environment, like pollen in the spring, our mucus can turn green then also.”

A cold is viral, and antibiotics don’t treat viruses. Sometimes you simply need to watch and wait it out. But if the illness lasts more than ten days, high fever isn’t going away, or your kid feels worse, contact your pediatrician, says Weinroth. You know your child best, so it’s never wrong to call the doctor.

MYTH: YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TREAT A COUGH.

There’s nothing worse than a kid hacking all day and night; it makes everyone, especially your child, miserable. But before you grab that over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrup, consider the facts. “A cough is your body’s way of getting mucus out of your lungs, so some coughing can be beneficial,” says Weinroth. “These OTC cough suppressants are minimally effective and often have adverse side effects.”

However, if your child’s cough is disruptive or causing them to lose sleep, you can give them a teaspoon of honey (if they are older than one year) at bedtime, says Weinroth. Studies have shown that honey may be as effective as OTC cough medications. It’s also okay to add honey to a warmed beverage, such as apple juice, if kids prefer.

MYTH: IT’S TOO LATE TO GET A FLU SHOT THIS YEAR.

While the best time to get a flu shot is September or October, it’s really never “too late” because flu season typically lasts from October to May. So, vaccination at any point (it takes two weeks to become effective) can still provide protection, says Quinn.

Last year was a particularly bad season. According to the CDC, 266 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported during the 2024–2025 season, and 90 percent of these children were not fully vaccinated. Although flu vaccines are recommended for ages 6 months and older, less than half of kids in that age group received the shot last year. If you still haven’t scheduled your child’s (or your) shot, call your doctor’s office ASAP.

MYTH: FEVERS ALWAYS NEED MEDICATION.

If your kid feels a little warm to the touch, it’s not necessary to dose them immediately with a fever-fighting medication. “Fevers are your body’s way to fight infection,” says Quinn. “A child who is eating and sleeping well and is playful and active does not need any fever-lowering treatment. The use of an antipyretic, such as acetaminophen, may make one feel more comfortable, but is not required.”

Most importantly, keep a digital thermometer on hand so you can gauge fevers accurately, and encourage your child to drink more to prevent dehydration, says Quinn.

Call your pediatrician if your child has the following fevers:

• Infants 3 months or younger: A rectal temperature of 100.4 or higher
• Children younger than age 2: Fever lasts more than 24 hours
• Children ages 2 and older: Fever lasts more than 72 hours
• Any age: Any fever higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with other symptoms such as seizure, severe sore throat, ear pain, headache, rash, vomiting or diarrhea, sleepiness or persistent fussiness.

—Arricca Elin SanSone is a health and lifestyle writer.

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Read More:
What to Know About Suggested Links Between Taking Tylenol in Pregnancy and Autism
Tips to Help Your Kid Sleep Better Before the New School Year Begins

The post 6 Common Kids’ Health Myths Debunked appeared first on NJ Family.

Pre-diabetes, a warning sign of increased risk of diabetes, is on the rise in kids. This condition occurs when blood glucose (i.e. blood sugar) levels are higher than normal, but they aren’t yet high enough to be diabetes. One report in JAMA Pediatrics found that nearly 1 in 5 kids ages 12 to 19 years old has pre-diabetes, with the rate jumping from 12 to 28 percent between 1999 and 2018.

Talk to your pediatrician about your child’s risk, especially if there’s a family history of diabetes. The good news is that, in some cases, early treatment can bring blood glucose levels to normal range, effectively preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes. Even small changes like these from the American Diabetes Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics can help:

• Cook and eat meals together. Genetics can play a role in developing diabetes, but you can reverse the risks for the whole family by working together to eat better. Simple tweaks can make a difference, such as eliminating sugary beverages, adding more whole fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and avoiding ultra-processed foods. Have kids help with new recipe selection and meal prep, which gives them a sense of ownership.
• Get moving together. Even if it’s just bundling up for a brisk walk together after dinner or taking a short weekend hike, making exercise a part of your family’s routine is the best way to incorporate more movement into everyone’s week. Aim for an hour of activity a day for your kids, but anything is better than nothing.
• Make sleep a priority. It’s often the first thing to do when we get busy, but model good behavior yourself by making sure everyone gets to bed on time, and shut off screens at least an hour before bedtime. Maintain consistent wake and sleep times, even on weekends, and keep phones out of bedrooms (that means you, too!).
• Find ways to de-stress. Studies have found that stress can affect blood sugar levels, so make sure everyone in the family has some downtime to do fun things—playing with the dog, spending time with friends, pursuing hobbies you love, or watching a funny movie together all help us feel more relaxed.

—Arricca Elin SanSone is a health and lifestyle writer.

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Read More:
Everything You Need to Know About Diabetes and Kids

The post Is Your Child at Risk For Pre-Diabetes? Here’s How to Know appeared first on NJ Family.

We are all on our devices too much – so much so, that Disney Pixar made a tablet the villain of next year’s Toy Story 5.

But screens are not the problem. The amount of time we spend on them is.

In an effort to reconnect parents with kids offline, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, in partnership with the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey (PCANJ), created a public awareness campaign to call a “time-out on tech.”

“We know that safe and stable nurturing relationships are the foundation of childhood resilience—and that moments of loving connection and full presence to one another are key,” Dr. Rebecca Bryan, director of the DCF Office of Resilience (OOR), says in a statement regarding the initiative. “We also know that technology is a necessity of daily life, and shaming parents around their technology usage doesn’t work to empower them to change their behavior. Through robust public awareness, we can shine a light on this issue, and direct parents and caregivers to our ‘Technoference’ webpage and connect them to useful information and resources that will help them be more intentional in connecting with their children.”

What Exactly is a Technoference?

Technoference is a new term used to describe what happens when technology interferes with healthy relationships. In the case of parental technoference, it creates obstacles for parents and caregivers to be emotionally present for their children, according to the statement.

DCF surveyed almost 2,500 New Jersey parents to understand trends and attitudes toward technology use. Seventy-two percent of parents admitted they use their cell phones too much when they’re with their kids. Sixty-nine percent reported that their kids sometimes say they wish their parents would spend less time on their phones.

The goal is for parents to connect with their kids (sans devices) more so that there is healthy brain development in babies, and to avoid depression and isolation in older children. “Every moment of full attention we give to our children tells them they are valued, safe, and loved,” says Gina Hernandez, executive director and CEO of PCA-NJ and the Child Wellness Institute. “Parents reducing their own screen time isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about being present when it matters most. By putting down our devices, even briefly, we open up space for meaningful connection, communication, and the positive experiences that help children thrive.”

To learn more about parental technoference, visit nj.gov/technoference, and watch the video below:

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Read More:
Help Your Kids Beat Test Stress With These Game-Changing Tips
Tips to Help Your Stressed-Out Kid Cope With Academic Pressure
Pros Weigh In on The Upside of Downtime for Kids

The post New Jersey Urges Parents to Take a ‘Tech Timeout’ to Reconnect With Their Kids appeared first on NJ Family.

E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco products by kids, with an estimated 1.63 million middle and high school students reporting having used them—and 1 in 4 using them daily. Available in fruit and dessert flavors, they’re marketed to imply that they aren’t dangerous or addictive.

Another new category, nicotine pouches, has also captured kids’ attention in recent years. These products, which require no spitting, are deemed more “socially acceptable” and are sold in fruit, candy and mint flavors. They’re widely marketed on social media, where they’re promoted as discrete and easy to hide from adults. In fact, a new study found a shift from 2023 to 2024, with a doubling in nicotine pouch past-30-day use, an increase in pouch plus e-cigarette dual use, and a decrease in exclusive e-cigarette use by high-schoolers.

Whether or not you’ve already talked about nicotine use with your kids, it’s time to have another conversation. Try these tips from the CDC, the American Lung Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here’s how to start a conversation:

• Make it casual. You’ll usually get further if you bring it up when you see someone vaping, if you pass a vape store or if you see an ad on social media. Avoid saying “We need to talk,” which can elicit an eye roll.
• Explain why all nicotine is harmful, especially to kids. This includes harming brain development, which continues until about age 25; impacting memory and attention; and increasing the risk for future addiction to other drugs.
• Talk about how companies target kids specifically. Candy and fruit flavors are added to appeal especially to young people.
• List the harmful substances. Explain what e-cigarettes contain, including nicotine, heavy metals, and cancer-causing chemicals.
• Help them find resources to quit. If they’re already using, check out sites such as teen.smokefree.gov for support.

—Arricca Elin SanSone is a health and lifestyle writer.

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Read More:
An Expert Shares Strategies to Get You (+ Your Teen) to Quit Smoking and Vaping 
How to Talk To Your Kids About the Dangers of Tobacco and Alcohol Use
What to Know About Lung Cancer Screenings and How They Improve Survival Rates 
The Truth About Energy Drinks + Your Kids

The post How to Talk to Your Kids About Vaping appeared first on NJ Family.

You may not realize just how big a role diet plays in your child’s dental health. “Dental disease is caused by multiple factors,” says Mario Ramos, DMD, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation, and pediatric dentist at Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Midland Park. “The oral microbiome—or the bacteria in our mouths—use carbohydrates and sugar from foods to produce acid. Acid is what demineralizes our teeth, which leads to cavities.”

This process can begin in infancy. “As soon as the first tooth appears around the age of 6 months, your child is at risk for cavities,” says Mary Beth Giacona, DDS, MPH, associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Rutgers Health School of Dental Medicine. “Many parents don’t realize that even allowing your child to sleep with a bottle or nurse at night can lead to tooth decay.”

But good dental health isn’t only about preventing cavities. “There’s a connection with oral health into adulthood,” says Giacona. “Tooth decay is an infectious disease, and poor oral health may be associated with adverse effects later, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.”

Here’s how to set up your kids for success with a healthy diet that protects their oral health:

• Don’t send kids to bed with a bottle. “Teeth bathed all night in milk provide a substrate for bacteria,” says Ramos. The same goes for nursing at will. In both cases, your child’s teeth are exposed for hours to natural sugars that can lead to cavities, often referred to as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries.
• Limit sticky foods. This includes snacks such as raisins and other dried fruits, gummy candies, taffy, fruit rolls and caramels. You don’t need to eliminate them from your child’s diet, but these foods allow sugar to stay in contact with the teeth for long periods of time. Have kids brush or rinse with water right away after eating them, says Ramos.
• Eliminate grazing. Carbs play a role in tooth decay, too, because the bacteria break down the starch, or carbohydrates, into sugars, says Ramos. Letting kids snack all day long on crackers, pretzels or cereal keeps those substances in contact with the teeth for an extended period.
• Get rid of the all-day sippy cup. “It’s the frequency of sipping, more than the amount, that matters. It’s better to drink beverages like milk in one sitting at a meal than sipping them all day long,” says Giacona. Ditto for the sugar-filled sports drinks that teens love.
• Give kids water to drink. Sugary drinks such as sodas or even 100 percent fruit juice are treats that should be reserved for special events, such as a birthday party, not daily consumption, says Ramos. Plain drinking water is the best option overall, while plain milk is also okay.
• Offer tooth-friendly snacks. Raw fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, carrots and celery are a great choice for snacking because the crunchy texture helps keep the oral environment clean. Foods like yogurt and cheese are other good options to provide calcium that helps build strong teeth, says Ramos.
• Allow a treat once in a while. “It’s unrealistic to not allow kids to have an occasional piece of candy or sweets,” says Giacona. But choose wisely. For example, chocolate is better than a lollipop or sticky candy that remains in the mouth for hours.
• Schedule their first dental visit by age 1. “Baby teeth matter. What we know from studies is that kids who have decay in baby teeth have a much higher rate of decay in permanent teeth,” says Ramos. Establishing a dental home also provides a place to be seen in an emergency, such as a chipped tooth, and allows the dentist to assess your child’s risk for cavities, alignment, and other potential issues before they become problems.
• Make brushing a habit. Before teeth erupt, clean your baby’s mouth with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush. Once your child has his or her first tooth, start brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a smear the size of a grain of rice for kids younger than 3, or a pea-sized amount for kids older than 3, says Giacona.
• Flossing is important, too. Once two or more teeth are touching, start flossing. An electric toothbrush, water device, or special flosser tools can all be helpful for getting into tiny mouths, especially if you’re still the one doing the brushing. “Use whatever works to get the job done,” says Giacona.
• Add fluoride treatments. Because most municipalities in New Jersey do not have fluoridated water, talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist about applying a fluoride varnish to give teeth extra protection against cavities. Fluoride helps harden enamel and makes it more resistant to acidic attacks, says Giacona. Fluoride supplements, much like a daily vitamin, also may be prescribed.

—Arricca Elin SanSone is a health and lifestyle writer.

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Read More:
Experts Offer Tips to Keep Your Baby’s Teeth Healthy
How to Handle Every Kind of Dental Emergency for Your Kids

The post The Surprising Impact Diet Has on Your Kid’s Dental Health appeared first on NJ Family.

CHIROPRACTIC

Jonathan Dale, DC, CCP • Midland Park
Jennifer Dour, DC • Montclair
Christine Garvey, DC, FMACP • Clinton
Jeffrey Larkin, DC • Warren
Andrea J. Sciarrillo, DC, CCSP, CSCS • Cranford
Andy Smith, DC • Denville

The post NJ’s Favorite Kids’ Docs 2025 – Alternative appeared first on NJ Family.

Smile Wellness

Radhika Kapoor, DDS

Specialty: Pediatric Dentistry, Advanced Training in Airway, Laser, Holistic Dentistry

At Smile Wellness Hoboken, Dr. Radhika Kapoor delivers holistic, whole-body dentistry. A board-certified pediatric dentist and Breathe Institute Surgical Affiliate, she has advanced training in airway health, laser dentistry, early orthodontics and biological dentistry. She partners with families to prevent problems before they start.

Smile Wellness

Radhika Kapoor, DDS
333 15th St., Ste. 3A, Hoboken
201-685-0171
mysmilewellness.com

“Dr. Kapoor is the best because she is accommodating, very personable, friendly, knowledgeable and caring. It is rare to find a holistic practitioner for children in this area who is the whole package. I’m so glad I don’t have to venture out to NYC with my child to see a good dentist. She treats us like family.” – S.S., Jersey City

“I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Kapoor for my newborn daughter’s tongue tie procedure. She offers the perfect balance of holistic and western approaches. She made me feel informed, supported, and confident in my decision. She was incredibly gentle and understanding, especially given how little my baby was, and I’ve already seen a big improvement in feeding. Her entire staff was amazing—everyone in the office was warm, knowledgeable, and truly spectacular. Highly recommend!” – S.M., Jersey City

The post Smile Wellness appeared first on NJ Family.

President Trump’s news briefing on Monday suggesting that acetaminophen use in pregnant women—especially late in pregnancy—may have a causal link to autism is continuing to stir up controversy among medical experts. Pointing to select studies listed on the White House website, Trump advised pregnant women not to take Tylenol. Medical experts and organizations have swiftly pushed back.

For starters, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., said causation has not been proven. Makary advised clinicians to minimize Tylenol use for routine low-grade fevers when possible, but also added: “This consideration should also be balanced with the fact that acetaminophen is the safest over-the-counter alternative in pregnancy among all analgesics and antipyretics; aspirin and ibuprofen have well-documented adverse impacts on the fetus.”

Major groups strongly rejected any suggested connection. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) said that acetaminophen remains appropriate for treating pain and fever during pregnancy and that existing research has not established causation between prenatal acetaminophen and autism or ADHD. “To be clear, SMFM stands behind our recommendation that acetaminophen use during pregnancy has not been shown to cause or increase the risk of autism or other neurobehavioral problems in children,” according to an SMFM statement.

The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) called the claims premature, warning that selective and limited research poses a risk of being misleading. “The Autism Science Foundation strongly supports research into autism’s causes,” said Autism Science Foundation Chief Science Officer Dr. Alycia Halladay in a statment. “More research needs to be done before alarming families or suggesting steps that may not actually reduce risk, when we know that not treating a fever during pregnancy creates risk.”

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) said autism is complex, and decisions around medications in pregnancy should be made by patients and their physicians using evidence-based guidance.

Kenvue, Tylenol’s manufacturer based in Summit, also pushed back. “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” Kenvue said in a statement. “We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.”

New Jersey Family asked two doctors for their take.

Dr. Amir Miodovnik, M.D., M.P.H., is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician in private practice and formerly an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He also previously worked as an Attending Physician in the Center for Development and Learning at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore.

Dr. Nechama Sorscher is a licensed child neuropsychologist, psychotherapist and author of Your Neurodiverse Child: How to Help Kids with Learning, Attention, and Neurocognitive Challenges Thrive.

New Jersey Family: From your perspective, how strong—or weak—is the current scientific evidence suggesting a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism?

Dr. Miodovnik: “The largest and most rigorous study to date, involving nearly 2.5 million children in Sweden, found that children exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy had a less than one-tenth of one percent higher actual risk of developing autism by age 10. Imagine a school with 1,000 children. Without acetaminophen exposure, about 20 might develop autism by age 10. With acetaminophen exposure, that number rises to about 21. In other words, one additional child in a thousand. However, when the researchers controlled for siblings in the analyses to account for genetic factors, the small risk disappeared.”

Dr. Sorscher: “An analysis by a Mount Sinai-led team called for caution and need for further study in regards to acetaminophen use during pregnancy. If it’s one thing we know, it’s that autism absolutely needs further study and pregnant women should be cautious in general about what they are exposed to, from environmental exposures, which includes everything from highly processed foods to pollutants.”

New Jersey Family: As someone who treats patients daily, what do we actually know about the causes of autism, and what are the biggest misconceptions that come up when studies like this make headlines?

Dr. Miodovnik: “Autism is first and foremost a condition affecting social communication. The way it is often presented in the media can give people the mistaken impression that autism is mainly about flapping, stimming, and behavior challenges. But these visible behaviors are neither necessary nor sufficient for diagnosing autism. The core features of autism include difficulties with nonverbal social communication, such as using and interpreting eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions to share information, direct attention, initiate or respond to interactions, and read social cues.

Autism is a complex condition that involves many parts of the brain working together. It does not have a single cause, and saying it does oversimplifies the science. To the best of our knowledge, autism develops when many common genes, and sometimes rare mutations, combine to influence early brain development. Environmental factors may play a minor role, but what we know for sure is that parenting styles and vaccines do not cause autism.”

Dr. Sorscher: “As a psychologist practicing for over three decades, I now find myself treating the children of former patients. Over the years, one consistent observation has been clear: autism has a genetic component but there are biologic and environmental factors at play as well. We don’t know exactly what causes autism, but some factors can raise the chances. These include having a sibling with autism, certain genetic conditions, complications during birth, or being born to older parents. Ultimately there is more that we don’t know about autism, than what we do know, that’s why it’s important not to spread misinformation and fear.”

New Jersey Family: How should we interpret a suggested Tylenol-autism link in light of the fact that acetaminophen is often used to treat fever, which itself carries risks for pregnancy?

Dr. Miodovnik: “It’s understandable that parents feel worried or even guilty when they hear an alarming announcement taken out of context. But focusing on Tylenol diverts attention away from where it really matters, such as improving prenatal care, preventing premature birth, treating fevers and infections during pregnancy, and avoiding known environmental toxins. In fact, untreated high fevers in pregnancy are much more strongly linked to complications such as neural tube defects. Pregnant women already have enough to worry about, and Tylenol should not be high on the list, especially when limited to single or short-term use at recommended doses.”

New Jersey Family: How should doctors, researchers, and the media communicate these kinds of findings to pregnant women and families—balancing transparency without creating unnecessary fear or anxiety?

Dr. Sorscher: “It’s vital to share information and facts, not speculation and fear. Doctors, researchers, and the media should communicate autism research with clarity and context. Highlighting that risk factors don’t equal certainty, as no single cause for autism has been identified. The focus should be on actionable guidance, reassurance, and encouraging families to discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers. Transparency is important, but it should be paired with perspective to avoid unnecessary fear or anxiety.”

In the end, it’s always best to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!

Read More:
How an NJ Mom of a Neurodiverse Child Found Her Community
Ways to Help Your Neurodiverse Child Navigate Success at School
Nurturing the Talents of Children With Autism

The post What to Know About Suggested Links Between Taking Tylenol in Pregnancy and Autism appeared first on NJ Family.