Parents often tell me that their toddler doesn't eat anything, yet most of those toddlers are growing and developing fine. First step is to check with your pediatrician and make sure that your daughter is truly gaining weight and growing appropriately. Here are a few reasons why she may not be eating what you think she should:

Unlike adults, children often don't tire of eating the same thing every day. As long as it is healthy and he eats it, I wouldn't worry too much about repetition. When he stops eating it, then it's time to get creative or try new items.

She CAN have almost everything you eat, as long as it's cut into small pieces. Infants actually learn to eat by mashing food with their gums, so even toddlers who don't get their first tooth until they're a year old do fine with soft pieces of grown-up food. I find that one-year-olds love eating small pieces of steamed veggies (such as carrots and sweet potato), whole grains (pasta, cereal and bread) and chicken. Take whatever you eat, cook it a bit more if needed or mash it slightly so it's soft, cut it into small pieces and serve it as finger food. Thick yogurt works well when it comes to learning to use a spoon, and most infants and toddlers love it.

Around this age, parents either tell me that their child won't eat anything, or that they eat all day long, so yes, it is very common. Your daughter may be going through a growth spurt and therefore is truly hungry.

How old is that boy at school? Obviously his behavior is inappropriate at any age, but it may need to be handled differently if he is younger or older.

It sounds like your daughter may need some encouragement and reassurance. Try sitting with her and helping her along the way. If an assignment is long, break it into smaller, more manageable sections so she can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

It's perfectly fine to take your new baby home for the holidays. The danger isn't in the airplane itself, but the potential contact with sick individuals. If possible, wait until she is 6-to 8-weeks old and has received her first set of vaccinations--to protect against whooping cough, pneumococcal and Hib meningitis and rotavirus (a vomiting and diarrhea illness).

Starting middle school can be an exciting time filled with many challenges, including changing classrooms, meeting new teachers and making new friends. To help ease the transition for your son, take a tour of the school ahead of time and walk to each of his classes if you know where they are.

Since you have a history of a consistent bedtime routine and your toddler previously slept well, it does sound like something is causing him discomfort and disrupting his night. He's at the right age for teething and some toddlers do experience quite a bit of pain as teeth poke their way through sensitive gums...ouch!

You are lucky to have family members taking care of your son. I know it's hard, but try not to take it personally when he chooses them over you.

Of course she loves her mommy, but at this age it may be more of the routine, or the way that you hold and sooth her that she's attached to. Help your husband and dad experiment with different soothing methods while you are near that they can then use when you are out.

If you haven't yet given him a bottle, I would recommend introducing a bottle of breast milk or formula as soon as possible so he can get used to drinking from a bottle.

Thunder can be scary for some children. If your son is oversensitive to loud noises in general, you may want to buy earmuffs to wear during a loud storm. Get two pairs so you can wear one too.

Constipation is common in toddlers and can usually be corrected with some simple, healthy dietary changes. So before you take him off milk, take a look at everything your son eats and drinks.

Sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk with your daughter. Let her know that it's her choice whether or not she wants to play soccer, and that you'll love and support her whether or not she plays.

Your 20-month-old doesn't intend to hurt you. It's just his way of expressing himself, but that doesn't mean it's okay. You do need to teach him how to appropriately touch and that hitting is not acceptable. Model the words and behavior that you'd like him to copy. Say, "Gentle, make nice to Mommy," as you softly run his hand down your arm. When he does hit, say "No" firmly. Put him down and then redirect his attention.

I'm sorry you have an early riser, and I know it's exhausting, but 6:30 is when some children wake up. While you can try black-out curtains, an earlier or later bedtime, and even ignoring the crying, it may not make much difference. She's had a full night of sleep and now it is morning and that means playtime! As my son says, "The world is bright. Get up!"

First, if he hasn't seen his pediatrician lately, consider going in for a visit just to make sure he is growing and developing well, and that nothing is causing him discomfort (like an ear infection). Next, you need and deserve a break ASAP, so that you don't end up even more frustrated and exhausted. Enlist your spouse, partner or get a babysitter or mommy-helper so you can have some quiet time to do whatever will help you feel better.

Sleepwalking is common, especially in kids ages 4 to 8. We don't know what causes sleepwalking, but it does tend to run in families.

Healthy children can catch around 10 infections a year--almost one a month! This is especially true when they are in daycare. During the summer months kids are mostly well, but during the winter, they may get sick every other week. Why? Because children constantly touch things and viruses can live on toys and surfaces for hours.

A new baby and a new house -- wow. Your daughter's life was recently turned upside-down. It's not surprising that she's having accidents. That's a normal reaction at this age.

When young girls first start wearing makeup, they usually wear too much. She's lucky to have you to guide her. Explain to her that beauty comes from within and that too much make up can actually distract from her natural beauty. At age 11, lip-gloss and a tiny bit of eye shadow should suffice.

Every child is unique and different in his or her own way. It can be challenging for a family when there are two extremes in the house. It's important to help your older son feel special in his own way and boost his confidence in things he does well. Perhaps he runs fast. Maybe he's a real comedian. Praise character and other accomplishments instead of grades. Create a task or a situation in which you know he will excel and then congratulate him.

Not only is it appropriate, it's a good routine to start. However, she might not have much to say at age 9, which is fine.

First, let me reassure you that medical research has never shown any link between vaccines and autism. There is also no evidence that delaying vaccines has any potential benefit over giving vaccines according to the recommended schedule -- the CDC schedule that scientists spent years developing and studying. We do know, however, that delaying vaccines may put your infant at risk for catching infections that cause serious disease and death. In the last 10 years, I have seen two forms of childhood meningitis (a serious infection around the brain and spinal cord) virtually disappear, thanks to vaccines. And, we have seen how quickly diseases can make a comeback when small groups decide not to protect their children -- Measles and Hib meningitis outbreaks occurred recently in our country, causing illness and death in young children.

Say thank you, and then decide if you should keep or toss the items. Lead may be found in paint on toys as well as in flexible plastics.

Your 10-month-olds are still at an age where they enjoy putting things in their mouths. It's part of being an infant and hard to prevent. So, how do you know which items are safe to suck and which aren't? That's the million-dollar question that scientists and environmentalists are trying to figure out.

It's a bit late to get a flu vaccine this year, but I am still seeing a few cases every day in my practice. Yearly flu vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, which includes your 10-year-old and you as well. For next flu season, the most ideal time to get the flu vaccine and protect your family from catching the flu is in the fall or early winter--before the flu hits.

Your newborn still needs to feed when he wakes up every 3 to 4 hours at night. That said, good sleep habits are best formed at a young age, and there are some things you can do now to make it easier for your little one to begin sleeping through the night in a few months:

As long as she is not trying to climb out, you can leave her where she is. Most children remain in their crib until 2 or 2-and-a-half years old.

Definitely. I’m very concerned if you’re letting your daughter email people she hasn’t met. After all, you wouldn’t let her get in the car with someone you’ve never met before.

It’s true that kids this age need some privacy; for example, while getting dressed or while reading a book. But just as you wouldn’t let her spend time with people that you don’t know, you shouldn’t let her do this on the Internet, either. There are dangerous things she can see online and very dangerous people such as child predators.

Yes, this should concern you. Talk to the school and see what the teacher has to say.

If you find out it’s true, talk to your son. A 9-year-old should be able to understand the difference between right and wrong, so talk to him about why he is acting this way. Ask him how he would feel if a friend bullied him. It’s important to let him know that along with such actions come consequences. At this age, a consequence might be a withdrawal of privileges such as watching television, playing video games, playing with friends or other activities.

Many ear infections will improve on their own without antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections. You can’t always tell if the infection is viral or bacterial without sticking a needle in and taking fluid out. We don’t do this very often anymore, but years ago, it was done and that's how we discovered that most infections children get are viral. 

Many parents today do understand that using antibiotics when they’re not needed can cause further problems. Some parents tell me that they don't want an antibiotic it's absolutely necessary, while others request on for every little cough and cold. Have an open conversation with your pediatrician about your child's illness and whether or not treatment is indicated. 

There is some recent research that may connect cell phone use during the younger years with increased risk of brain cancer later on. We don’t have all the answers, but based on what we know, limiting your child’s exposure is important.

But the real question is: Why does an 8-year-old need a cell phone? It opens a lot of doors to potentially dangerous things. When I was growing up, there was a phone in the middle of the house, and if I was talking to a friend, I knew that my parents could hear even though I tried to talk really quietly.  Once you give your child a cell phone, he or she can text anyone or talk anytime when you're not around.  You have no way to control it who she communicates with, or who communicates with her. A child in second gradestill needs a parent to be involved in their life, place limits and keep them safe. An adult should drop him off at school and pick him up. I can’t really think of a situation where a child at this age would need a cell phone.

By breastfeeding, you’re already doing the very best thing you can do to prevent allergies. There’s evidence that breastfeeding for at least four months may prevent or delay eczema.

We used to think that holding off on feeding a baby certain foods would delay the onset of food allergies. Earlier this year, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics, after evaluation of all the research, released a statement that basically says that doing so may not decrease the chance of a child becoming allergic later on.