The parent-pedia partnership

MANILA, Philippines – A parent’s motivation, it seems, is often fueled by an endless cycle of worry and apprehension. From the moment our children are conceived, our loving concern frequently turns into troubled anxiety, especially with first-borns. Do the mother and child get the right amount of rest and nourishment? Is the baby growing at the proper pace?

This becomes even more magnified when the child enters the crucial developmental stage. By then, the parent paradigm shifts, so to speak, in order to cover a whole new array of subject matters. Mood swings, temper tantrums, and other peculiar mannerisms may now begin to surface, as well as the common phenomena of HTF (Hard-to-Feed) behavior. This is a particularly problematic concern, considering that HTF children are frequently taken for granted. When children take hours on end to finish a meal, eat noticeably smaller portions, or consume only one type of food, many parents often dismiss this as a stage. Unfortunately, if HTF behavior is not a concern, its consequences may include stunted growth, underdevelopment, and a weakened immune system.

Thankfully, parents are more than well-equipped to face these concerns and overcome them. Just as nature intended it to be, both a father and mother possess an innate knowledge and primary instinct to care for their young, ensure their wellbeing, and nurture their growth. This, together with unconditional love, care, and attention, still comprises the best solution to hurdle any challenges. Accordingly, a responsible parent will know when to consult a health care professional based on observations and parental intuition. The insight and expertise of a qualified pediatrician makes them a valuable partner in raising a happy, healthy child.

Given this, parents are well advised to “listen closely to their gut feel, and ask their Pedia to be Sure”. In the previous example of HTF behavior, for instance, a perceptive parent would notice the tell-tale signs described above, and address the situation by providing supplements to compensate for the HTF child’s inadequate meals. A probable course of action would be the daily consumption of two glasses of powdered milk, growth syrup, and various vitamins and immunity boosters. However, this might become an expensive and complicated routine.

On the other hand, seeking the advice of a pediatrician can provide a better and more cost-efficient solution. They would know which among the nutritional supplements available in the market is clinically proven to provide catch-up growth and reduce the sick days of HTF children. At present, only PediaSure Plus milk formula fits this description, making it the number one pedia-recommended supplement for HTF children. Moreover, the complete and balanced formula and immune-enhancers found in PediaSure Plus eliminates the need for additional growth syrups and other immunity boosters, resulting in definite savings.

So while it is true that “parents know best”, a “parent-pedia partnership” is equally important in a child’s continued development. After all, when it comes to raising children, every parent would like to have all their bases covered.