Spring is a favorite season for many families, but it also brings a common question: is this a cold, or is it allergies? The symptoms can overlap, and when your child is tired, congested, and cranky, it can be hard to know what you’re dealing with. A few key clues can help.

Colds usually come on quickly. You might notice your child feels fine in the morning, then develops a runny nose, sore throat, cough, or low-grade fever later that day. Cold symptoms often peak over a couple of days and gradually improve within 7–10 days. Mucus may start clear and become thicker or colored as the illness progresses.

Allergies tend to build and linger. If symptoms show up around the same time every year, last for weeks, or flare after outdoor play, allergies are more likely. Allergy mucus is usually clear and watery, and itching is a big giveaway. Kids with allergies often have itchy eyes, nose, or throat, frequent sneezing, and sometimes dark circles under the eyes. They may also have a cough that is worse at night from post-nasal drip.

Fever is a helpful clue. Fever is common with colds and other viral illnesses, but it is not typical with seasonal allergies. Body aches and chills also point more toward a virus.

Look at the whole picture. A child with allergies often feels mostly okay besides the congestion and itchiness. A child with a cold may seem more run down, have a sore throat, or complain of not feeling well overall.

When should you call us? Reach out to Fairhope Pediatrics if symptoms are lasting longer than expected, your child is working hard to breathe, not drinking well, has ear pain, has a fever that won’t settle, or you’re not sure what you’re seeing. We can help you decide if this is a virus, allergies, or something else entirely.

• If your child’s spring symptoms keep coming back, schedule an appointment with Fairhope Pediatrics so we can talk through triggers and a realistic plan.
• If you’re unsure whether your child is sick or dealing with allergies, call our office and let’s figure it out together before it disrupts sleep, school, or sports.

Spring is busy enough. You do not have to guess your way through it.

 

February has a way of feeling like the longest short month. The routines are steady, the weather can be unpredictable, and the calendar still fills up fast. If you’ve been feeling more irritable, more tired, or like your patience is running low, that does not mean you are failing. It often means you are carrying too much for too long, and you’re not the only parent feeling it.

At Fairhope Pediatrics, we see how stress shows up in families. Sometimes it looks like a toddler’s bigger tantrums or a teen’s short fuse. Sometimes it looks like a parent who is running on fumes, trying to hold it together through another school week. A reset usually does not need a full life overhaul. It’s often a few small shifts that make the next week feel more doable.

Start with one non-negotiable. Pick one habit that supports you and keep it small enough that it feels realistic. Ten minutes outside. A short walk after dinner. A shower without rushing. A consistent bedtime for you, not just your kids. The goal is not productivity. It is recovery.

Lower the bar on “extras.” In busy seasons, it’s okay to simplify. Choose easy meals. Say no to one thing. Move one task to next week. Burnout gets worse when every day is treated like it needs to be optimized.

Use the “next right step” rule. When you’re overwhelmed, your brain wants to solve everything at once. Instead, ask: what is the next right step for the next hour? Not the whole day. Not the whole month. Just the next hour. This can be especially helpful during mornings, the after-school stretch, and bedtime routines.

Create a quick support plan. Write down three people you can text, two things that reliably help you feel calmer, and one place you can ask for help if things feel heavy. Support can be practical, like swapping school pickup or having someone bring dinner. It can also be emotional, like telling a friend you’re not okay and need to talk.

Check in on your child’s stress too. Kids feel the temperature of the home. A simple reset can be a shared routine: read together, take a short walk, or do a quick “high and low” check-in at dinner. Connection helps everyone regulate.

If burnout is affecting sleep, appetite, mood, or your ability to function, reach out. Fairhope Pediatrics is here to support your family, and that includes supporting you. Sometimes the most important step is saying out loud that this feels hard and you want help.

 

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children, affecting about 6 million children in the U.S. according to the CDC. If your child has recently been diagnosed – or you’re concerned about symptoms – it can feel overwhelming to understand treatment options and how insurance plays a role in coverage.

The good news is that ADHD is highly treatable, and early support can make a big difference in your child’s success at school, home, and in relationships. Treatment is often tailored to the child’s needs and may include behavioral therapy, parent training, school-based support, and/or medication. For younger children (ages 4–6), behavior therapy is usually recommended as the first step. For school-age children and teens, a combination of behavior strategies and medication is often most effective.

Parents also play an essential role in managing ADHD. Simple changes at home like consistent routines, clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and minimizing distractions, can go a long way in helping children thrive. Schools can also provide Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans to ensure children have the right accommodations for learning.

When it comes to cost, it’s important to know what your insurance covers. Most insurance plans will pay for ADHD evaluations, follow-up visits, and medications, but coverage can vary. Some medications may require prior authorization, which means your provider must submit paperwork before the prescription is approved. Therapy coverage can also differ; some plans cover a set number of counseling sessions per year, while others require you to use specific in-network providers.

Tips for parents navigating insurance:

• Call your insurance company before starting treatment to ask what ADHD services such as occupational or behavioral therapy are covered.

• Check if your child’s medication requires prior authorization or has a generic version available.

• Ask your pediatrician for documentation to support school accommodations, which are not covered by insurance but are critical for your child’s success if needed.

• Keep copies of evaluations, test results, and school reports as they often help with insurance and educational planning.

ADHD looks different in every child, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. With the right combination of strategies, support, and insurance planning, children with ADHD can thrive at home, in school, and beyond. If you have questions about your child’s symptoms, treatment options, or navigating insurance, schedule a visit.

You can also visit this page over on Healthy Children to find more resources.

The pre-teen years include ages 9 to 12 and are a time of rapid change, growth, and discovery. Parents play a critical role in helping children navigate this transitional stage. Your child’s pediatric provider is a good resource to help make this stage as smooth as possible. Here are three key areas to keep in mind:

1. Puberty: Normalizing the changes
   Puberty can start as early as 8 in girls and 9 in boys, bringing physical, emotional, and social changes. Hormonal shifts lead to growth spurts, body odor, skin changes, and mood swings. For girls, breast development and menstruation may begin; for boys, testicular enlargement and voice changes are common. Parents can help their child by starting conversations early about body changes, normalizing emotions and mood swings as part of hormonal changes, and teaching healthy ways to cope, and providing hygiene products like deodorant, face wash, or menstrual supplies before they’re needed. 
2. Scoliosis checks: Early detection matters
   Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine which often emerges during the growth spurts of puberty. Pediatric providers screen for scoliosis during well-child visits, usually between ages 10–12. It’s a simple physical exam where your child bends forward, and we look for uneven shoulders or hips. Early detection can prevent worsening curvature and, in many cases, avoids the need for more intensive treatment.
3. Digital safety: Setting smart boundaries
   Pre-teens are spending more time online for school, games, and social interaction. It’s the perfect time to talk about healthy digital habits. Discuss screen time limits, appropriate content, and the importance of privacy. Teach your child never to share personal information online and to tell a trusted adult if something makes them uncomfortable. Using parental controls and keeping devices in common areas can support safe use.

Final thoughts
Supporting pre-teens means recognizing the whole child’s body, mind, and social world. Regular check-ups at Fairhope Pediatrics give us a chance to monitor development, answer questions, and partner with you through this important season. If you ever have concerns about your child’s growth, behavior, or safety please bring them to us. We’re here to help.

 

As a parent, it’s natural to keep a close eye on how your child is growing – physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the most important ways pediatricians support this journey is through developmental screenings. These screenings help track how a child is progressing in areas like speech, motor skills, social interaction, and emotional development.

But developmental screenings aren’t just routine check-ins. They’re a key part of preventive care that help identify potential concerns early, when support and intervention can make the biggest difference.

What are developmental screenings?

Developmental screenings are simple, age-appropriate tools used by pediatricians to monitor your child’s growth and milestones. These can include parent questionnaires, hands-on activities, and observations by the provider. They’re usually done at regular well-child visits, typically around 9, 18, 24, and 30 months, according to guidelines from the CDC and Bright Futures.

One example you may be familiar with is the autism screening, which often takes place between 18 and 24 months. These screenings give providers and families a chance to check for developmental patterns that may need further evaluation or support.

Why are they important?

1. Early support leads to better outcomes
   When developmental concerns are identified early, kids have a better chance of getting the help they need during the most critical stages of brain development. For example, early therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can significantly improve social skills, language, and overall development.
2. They help track milestones over time
   Every child develops at their own pace, but having a general idea of what’s typical at certain ages helps spot red flags. Screenings help monitor things like speech, movement, attention span, and social behaviors. If something seems off, your provider can offer reassurance or connect you with helpful resources – like a speech-language pathologist or occupational therapist.
3. They support school readiness and learning
   Children who experience delays in communication or motor skills may struggle when they start school. Addressing these areas early on can prevent learning challenges later. For example, a child with speech delays can benefit from speech therapy that helps them communicate confidently and build relationships with peers.
4. They also check on emotional and behavioral health
   Development isn’t just physical, it’s emotional too. Screenings can help spot concerns like anxiety, trouble focusing, or difficulty with self-regulation. Early intervention, such as counseling or behavior therapy, can help kids manage their emotions, reduce stress, and strengthen family relationships.

What should parents do if they have concerns?

Don’t wait for the next wellness visit. If something feels off – whether it’s a delay in crawling, difficulty with communication, or behavior changes – reach out to your child’s provider. Developmental screenings are a great tool, but your observations at home are just as important.

The bottom line

Developmental screenings are a simple but powerful way to support your child’s growth. They help families and providers work together to make sure every child gets the support they need, when they need it. If you ever have concerns, your provider at Fairhope Pediatrics is here to listen, guide you, and connect you with the right resources.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, schedule a visit, or advocate for your child – you know them best.