Young & Healthy

Cincinnati on a Budget: Summer Activities for Families

Summer is right around the corner and with it comes fun in the sun and plenty of time to make memories with your family. But let’s be honest—summer activities can get expensive. The good news is there are tons of things to do in Cincinnati that are free or super affordable for families.  
Linsey Kraeling is our guest. She’s a mom of 2 and lifelong Cincinnatian that knows the Queen City inside and out.  Linsey runs Tour de Cincinnati,  a go-to resource for discovering the best that Cincinnati has to offer—including food, events, parks, and hidden gems perfect for families.  
Linsey has all the best recommendations for fun spots and activities that are great for kids of all ages. Whether you have a baby, toddler, school-aged kids or teens, there are ideas in this episode for you! We talk about parks, museums, playgrounds, libraries and Linsey’s best tips for how to spend a few hours exploring. 
Local families and those visiting for a few days will all discover something new to do for the summer. Listen today. 
More resources from Linsey are available at Tour de Cincinnati and you can follow her on Instagram @linsinnati.  
Places mentioned in this episode: 
Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library 
Discovery Pass through Cincinnati Public Library 
Cincinnati Art Museum 
American Sign Museum 
Creeking in Cincinnati 
Parks Mentioned: 
Great Parks of Hamilton County 
Devou Park 
Winton Woods 
LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center 
Caldwell Nature Center 
Playgrounds Mentioned: 
West Fork Park 
Kingswood Park 
Home of the Brave Park 

Toddler Spells vs. Seizures: What’s Normal and When to Worry

Toddlerhood comes with lots of surprises, and some can be a little scary.  Have you ever noticed your little one zoning out or holding their breath and that made you pause and question, “Is that normal?” You’re not alone. Toddler spells can be alarming for parents, and it can be hard to tell the difference between a harmless toddler spell and a seizure.  
In this episode, we’re joined by two pediatric neurologists, Dr. Marissa Vawter-Lee and Dr. Barbara Hallinan, to break down toddler spells vs. seizures. We talk about common toddler spells—like breath-holding or staring spells— what they look like, and what to do in the moment. We also cover how to tell a spell from a seizure, including signs and symptoms of seizures and what you should and shouldn’t do if your child is having a seizure. 

Navigating Kids' Routines: Tips for Caregivers

Routines are a series of steps that repeat regularly—some happen daily, while others happen in certain situations. But what happens when those routines get interrupted? In the newest episode of the Young & Healthy podcast, host Kate Setter talks with Dr. Alex Nyquist, a pediatric psychologist at Cincinnati Children’s, about how life’s changes can help shape routines and help kids grow. 
Listeners will learn how to develop routines to fit their child’s needs, how bedtime routines change over time, and why interruptions are a natural part of development. Dr. Nyquist also shares tips for re-establishing routines after vacations or big changes, preparing for summer, and even discusses whether routines can ever become too strict. 
No matter what your podcast routine looks like, tune in and discover how to keep growing, adjusting, and moving forward! 
Resources
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Separation Anxiety in Kids

Letting go is hard—on kids and parents alike. At what age can separation start causing anxiety for a child? What should parents and caregivers expect? In this episode of Young & Healthy, host Symfhani Fair-Harris sits down with pediatric psychologist Dr. Lynne Merk and child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Brian Kurtz to explore the ins and outs of separation anxiety. They break down its causes, common signs, and strategies to ease transitions for both kids and caregivers. Plus, they discuss when separation can be beneficial and how to recognize when professional support might be needed. 
Parenting isn’t always easy, and in the tough moments, grace can feel out of reach. So, grab your headphones, hug your little one, and learn how to navigate the art of letting go. 
Resources:  
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Scared, but Strong: Understanding Fear

Fear is something that we all have experienced at some point.  Whether it’s from watching a scary movie, facing a natural disaster, having a bad dream, or simply an overactive imagination, fear can be overwhelming, especially for children. When kids experience fear, they might not know what is happening in their bodies and how to process this emotion.  
In this episode Bo McMillian is joined by two child and adolescent psychiatrists, Dr. Desiree DiBella and Dr. Brian Kurtz, to talk about how kids understand fear and ways parents can help them process. They break down what fear is and some common ways it can show up in a child’s body. They also share how positive self-talk can impact a child, strategies parents can use to help navigate fear, when to seek professional help and more.  
Don’t miss this insightful conversation that is packed with practical tips to help kids feel secure during times of fear.