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Perhaps nothing signals that your little girl is growing up like the start of her period. Since so many of my patients ask me how to discuss this topic with their daughters and what to expect, here are a few pointers:

Start the Discussion Early

Don't wait until your daughter actually starts her period (which, on average, occurs around age 12 or 13) to start talking about menstruation. I generally recommend that you begin broaching the subject as early as age 8. Yes, some girls start sexual development that young! 

Instead of leading off with menstruation (which is likely to elicit "Eww!" from

It doesn't take much to be kind. Here are 50 ideas. How many of them do you do?

1. Fill parking meters. It's a simple act. Kids love thinking they are helping someone, and it never costs much.
2. Saying please and thank you are a great start.
3. Listen and assume heartfelt understanding.
4. Do unto others what you would want done to you.
5. Bring cookies and treats to emergency responders, firemen, police and EMS workers.
6. Volunteer at a local food bank.
7. Smile at 10 people every single day.
8. Smile kindly, chat, and spend an extra minute paying attention to patients.
9. Wear happy colors to cheer patients subconsciously.
10. Wh

A birth defect, also called a congenital anomaly, is a problem that occurs when a baby is developing in the womb. An estimated one out of every 33 babies in the U.S. is born with a birth defect, of varying severity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

If you're a parent-to-be, or planning to be, it's important to understand what causes birth defects and the steps you can take to prevent them during pregnancy.

5 of the Most Common Causes of Birth Defects

Here's an overview of the most common causes of birth defects:

• Genetics: A genetic abnormality occurs when genetic

Racial justice is strangely controversial these days. Funding for research mentioning diversity, equity and inclusion is newly scrutinized and defunded; monuments, military bases and battleships named for military heroes of color recently renamed; and contributions of black and brown soldiers and citizens removed from history books, as if their race makes their achievements and contributions to our society less remarkable. 

These changes may have sparked some important and uncomfortable conversations in your home. So how do you react when your children start asking the tough questions? You talk