700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Emily Decker, MD

Posted by: Emily Decker, MD on Aug 06, 2026

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to break the budget. Learn how thrifting, shopping your own home first, and timing purchases can help your family save money, reduce waste, and make back-to-school shopping a fun experience for kids.

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Child covering mouth while adult holds a spoon of medicine.
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Get a Black Belt in Giving Medicine
First published February 2015 Updated June 2026 So you waited to see the doctor, then waited in line for the pharmacist to give you your medicine, and now it’s time to give it to your kids. Maybe you got the “yummy pink medicine,” but not all medicines are yummy or pink.
Mother holding two infants.
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Tips for Raising Multiples
First published July 2015 Updated June 2026 Disclaimer: I’m an inexpert expert. Let me explain why. I’m a pediatrician. I studied YEARS to get my medical degree, graduated at the top of my class, chose pediatrics because I loved kids, but when I found out I was having twins, I did what

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Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

Teenager smiling

Transition of Care: Helping Teens Become More Involved in Their Healthcare

Feb 05, 2026

"Transition of care" is the preparation of teenagers and young adults to become more involved in their own healthcare, help them learn how to make medical decisions and eventually assist them in a planned move from pediatric healthcare providers to adult providers. Read More

Got a Cough? Hold the Antibiotics!

Jan 14, 2026

Ever wonder if that antibiotic or test your doctor ordered is really necessary? Let's break down some of the top issues our pediatricians see.  Read More

blog pacifiers

Pacifiers: When to Stop Using Them

Jan 13, 2026

Learning how and when to let go of the pacifier might be the first real conflict with your toddler. Even though the process of removing a pacifier can seem like a challenge, there are tips and tricks to make the transition go smoothly for your family. Read More

kids foot on top of a soccer ball in a grass field

Resources for Kids with Special Needs

Jan 13, 2026

Raising a child with special needs comes with extra joys—and extra challenges that go far beyond medical care. Learn how to find mentors, connect with support groups, explore adaptive sports and recreation, access respite care, and advocate for your child, plus how CAP4Kids can help you quickly find local resources with just a few clicks. Read More

Teenage girl looking into the refrigerator

Food Insecurity: The Hidden Epidemic Someone You Know is Facing

Oct 28, 2025

Does putting food on the table worry you? If you are living in America, 1 in 8 of you will answer yes. Even if it isn’t you, chances are it’s happening to someone you know. Read More

Teens volunteering at a soup kitchen

Give Back (to Yourself): 6 Reasons Why It's Good for You to Volunteer

Nov 06, 2024

The power of volunteering has been studied for decades. You may already know how great it is for your mental health, but did you know there’s a growing body of research that volunteering is great for your physical health as well? Read More

young girl holding a lunch tray

New U.S. School Lunch Standards Include Reductions on Added Sugar and Sodium

Aug 16, 2024

School meals are the main source of nutrition for more than half of American children. For the first time in U.S. history, added sugars will be limited in school meals nationwide. Read More

mom and girl looking at backpacks

Handling Back-to-School Expenses on a Budget

Aug 08, 2024

Back-to-school shopping can be a financial whirlwind. But with careful planning and some creative strategies, you can prepare your kids for the new school year without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you navigate this expense.  Read More