Q. I want my child to be involved in activities, but sometimes it’s too much – for him and our family. What can I do?

A. Activities are good, but to help your children maintain balance in their lives, establish priorities for a healthy family relationship. One goal may be to eat at least one meal – any meal – together every day. Use this time to talk to each other.
Kenneth R. Keppel, MD/CCP-Armstrong, Kittanning & Sarver, Children’s Community Pediatrics

Q. I keep a clean house. My children are clean, and so are their friends. Yet their school sent home notes that head lice have spread throughout some of the classrooms. How can this happen?

A. Despite the stigma, an outbreak of head lice has nothing to do with cleanliness and there are no known preventive measures. Once the school has notified you of an outbreak, check your child’s scalp for nits. All treatments are available over the counter. Talk with your child’s pediatrician or the school nurse about the best remedies.
Paul Rowland III, MD, PhD/CCP-Pittsburgh Peds, Lawrenceville & Wexford, Children’s Community Pediatrics

Q. My 10-year-old somehow forgets that she has homework – until bedtime. How can I make sure that she does her homework?

A. Homework in elementary school helps kids learn to budget their time and study independently. However, when children come home from school they need a break. Give your daughter a healthful snack and encourage her to play actively – not to sit in front of the TV. Then – perhaps right after dinner – have her sit in a quiet place to do her homework. You can observe and make sure that she is doing it all – and that she doesn’t have too much. If you think the load is too heavy, it is reasonable to discuss it with her teacher.
Kimberly Gordon, MD, CCP-Allegheny, Aspinwall, Children’s Community Pediatrics

Q. How do I know if my child has a learning disability? He is having trouble keeping up with his schoolwork?

A. Your child’s medical history will help you and his pediatrician determine if there is a problem. Talk with his teacher and counselor to make sure he has received neuro-behavioral testing. You want to determine if there is a disparity between the test results and his school performance. The school and your child’s pediatrician can refer you to appropriate services to help your child.
Robert Rutkowski, MD, CCP-Moon & Wexford, Children’s Community Pediatrics