700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Alena Schuckmann

Posted by: Alena Schuckmann on Oct 07, 2026

Learn how animal abuse can be a warning sign of domestic violence and what families can do to help protect both people and pets.

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Safe Adults at School: Helping Your Child Identify Who They Can Go to For Help
Back-to-school preparation is about more than supplies and schedules. Learn how to help your child identify trusted adults, set healthy boundaries, recognize unsafe behavior, and feel confident speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.
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Challenges in the World of AI and Deepfakes: A Guide for Parents

AI and deepfakes are changing the online world—and creating new risks for teens. Learn how these technologies are being used for cyberbullying and exploitation, how to talk with your child about digital safety, and what resources are available if your family needs help.

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About this Blog

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

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Welcoming a New Child: How to Prepare Your Kids for a Foster Sibling

May 12, 2026

Welcoming a foster child into your home is a big transition for the whole family. Learn how to prepare your children with honest conversations, clear expectations, and ongoing support so every child feels heard, safe, and included during the adjustment. Read More

Four people sit on a couch and chairs in a bright living room setting, facing one person who is holding a clipboard and taking notes, with a small table holding water glasses and a pitcher in the foreground.

Child Advocacy Center: A Quick Guide for Parents

Apr 10, 2026

When a child shares that someone may have hurt them or crossed their boundaries, it can feel overwhelming and confusing for any parent or caregiver. You may not know what to do next or how to best support your child. A Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is here to help. Read More

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How Social Workers Help Families Navigate the Healing Process After Abuse

Mar 17, 2026

When a child discloses abuse or family violence, it can be hard to know what to do next. Learn how social workers and trauma-trained therapists help children and caregivers navigate resources, understand trauma responses, and begin the healing process together through safe, evidence-based support. Read More

A man and a young girl sit on a couch facing each other in a living room. The man leans in with one arm resting on his knee, while the girl sits cross‑legged and gestures as they appear to be engaged in a serious conversation. Light-colored walls, cushions, and shelving frame the calm indoor setting.

Consent Under Pressure: How Caregivers Can Help Teens Build Safety, Boundaries, and Confidence

Feb 04, 2026

For many teens, dating and social relationships come with excitement, uncertainty, and pressure. Caregivers can help by creating space for honest conversations and by teaching teens how to recognize unsafe dynamics, set boundaries, and ask for help when needed. Read More

young lady with her head in her hands

Gaslighting Was the Word of the Year in 2022

Jan 19, 2026

The results are in, and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Word of the Year 2022 is... GASLIGHTING. Gaslighting is defined as the act or practice of grossly misleading someone, especially for one's own advantage. Read More

image of boy holding a cell phone with the text that says young love or stalking where's the line

Stalking and Harassment: What to Do If Your Child Is Being Threatened

Jan 12, 2026

Stalking is a repeated pattern of behavior that includes following, watching or harassing a specific person. It occurs over a period of time and could be defined as threatening behavior. Most importantly, stalking is a crime. Read More

A young woman with long braids looks directly into the camera with a serious expression. She is standing outdoors near a body of water, wearing a leather jacket and a ribbed sweater.

Strangulation and Domestic Violence: A Critical Warning Sign

Oct 09, 2025

Strangulation is not just physical violence—it’s a critical warning sign that abuse could turn deadly. Learn how to recognize the signs, understand Ohio’s new felony law, and find support and safety resources for yourself or someone you love. Read More

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Foster Care Facts: Busting the 5 Most Common Myths

May 19, 2025

To truly support children in care, we must first understand the system they’re part of—and that means letting go of some long-standing misconceptions. Read More