Screens are everywhere—classrooms, tablets, video calls, and even the grocery store checkout line. For many families, they’re part of learning, connecting, and relaxing. But as helpful as screens can be, today’s kids use them far more than any generation before, and that can take a toll on pediatric vision and eye comfort. Eye strain, dryness, […]

If you’ve ever felt torn between entertaining your child and getting five minutes to fold laundry, you’re not alone. Parents often feel pressure to fill every moment of their child’s day with engagement, learning, or together time. But here’s the reassuring truth: letting kids play independently isn’t just okay—it’s wonderful for their development. Independent play, […]

When temperatures drop and daylight fades early, it’s easy for kids (and parents!) to slip into hibernation mode. Between school, early sunsets, and icy sidewalks, families often find themselves spending far more time indoors. While that cozy winter nesting has its charm, staying active and healthy through the colder months takes a little extra creativity. […]

When your child develops a cough, it can send your parental radar into overdrive. Is it just a common cold, or something more serious like RSV, asthma, or pneumonia? Coughs are one of the most frequent reasons families call or visit their pediatrician, especially during the colder months in Central Oregon. At Central Oregon Pediatric […]

The preteen and teen years bring rapid change, physically, emotionally, and socially. Between growth spurts, shifting friendships, and new responsibilities, this stage can feel like a rollercoaster for both parents and kids. That’s exactly why teen wellness visits are so important. At Central Oregon Pediatric Associates (COPA), we see these visits as a chance to […]

When temperatures drop, many parents notice their child’s eczema flaring up again — itchy spots, rough patches, and extra crankiness at bedtime. You’re not imagining it. The cold, dry months can be especially tough on sensitive skin, but with a few simple habits and some consistent care, most kids can get through winter much more […]

Each fall and winter, parents brace for the parade of sniffles, coughs, and fevers that seem to sweep through every classroom and daycare. It can be hard to tell what’s just a simple cold and what might be something more serious, like RSV, influenza (flu), or COVID-19. These viral infections often share similar symptoms, which […]

Life brings plenty of ups and downs for kids, from playground disagreements to hard homework days, friendship drama, or big life changes like a new sibling or school move. Helping children bounce back from challenges is one of the most valuable gifts parents can give. That ability to adapt, recover, and keep going is called […]

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures dip across Central Oregon, kids head back to school, sports, and indoor playdates, while parents brace for the annual round of sniffles, coughs, and runny noses. It’s all part of fall and winter life, but there’s good news: with a few consistent habits and timely preventive care, […]