700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posted by: Cheryl Boop, MS, OTR/L , Emily White on Jul 21, 2025


Selecting a toy for a child with differing needs and abilities involves more than just looking at the age label on the box. With thoughtful choices, toys can support skill-building, encourage creativity and provide meaningful play.

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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.

Latest Posts

image of a gymnast tumbling

Ankle Impingement Syndrome: Pain in the Gymnast Athlete

Oct 12, 2018

Most gymnasts can recall a time when they’ve landed a tumbling pass or vault and immediately experienced a painful stinging sensation in their ankles. As a former gymnast, I thought that feeling was just part of the sport, but ankle pain with landings in gymnastics is not normal. Read More

image of en pointe shoes

If the Shoe Fits: Going En Pointe

Oct 08, 2018

For most children who start ballet, the goal is to dance in pointe shoes (or go en pointe). Hours are spent practicing proper technique at the barre and being able to perform flawless choreography to make every performance look effortless.  But, to safely go en pointe, it takes more than just desire.  Read More

image of a smiling toddler boy

Hydronephrosis: A Defense Mechanism for the Kidneys

Oct 04, 2018

Hydronephrosis is a radiology term describing fluid buildup within the kidney. It is like a defense mechanism for the kidney when urine is slow to drain. Stretching of the kidney allows the backpressure of urine to be more evenly distributed. This may help to limit or slow down some of the potential damage to the kidney from urine backing up abnormally. Read More

image of five kids looking at cell phones

Children and Cell Phones: Weighing the Risks and Benefits

Oct 02, 2018

We live in a world full of technology and, for many of us, our children understand it better than we do.  Parents may feel pressured by their children to provide them with a cell phone at an early age, but aren’t sure when children are actually ready for this responsibility. So, when's the right time for your child to get their first cell phone? Read More

image of an inpatient rehab patient getting into a car

Inpatient Rehabilitation: Comprehensive Services to Treat the Whole Child

Sep 27, 2018

Comprehensive, family-centered, individually-tailored rehabilitation services are critical to patients who are recovering from a spinal cord injury, traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurological disorder, severe illness or other potential life-altering event. Read More

image of two pairs of feet facing each other

7 Ways for Parents to Support Their Child In Their First Relationship

Sep 17, 2018

How can parents of teens have a conversation and an open line of communication upon his or her first relationship without it seeming like an after-school special? Here are some of our expert's favorite tips to address questions and concerns.  Read More

image of two kids playing

Emotional Support for the Colorectal Patient

Sep 12, 2018

Children with colorectal diagnoses, such as an anorectal malformation, Hirschsprung disease and functional constipation, can experience a wide range of medical, social and emotional challenges. These diagnoses are unique in nature due to invasive treatment plans that can largely impact life at home, school, peer relationships and overall quality of life. Read More

image of a girl doing homework looking frustrated

Take the Hassle Out of Homework: 6 Ways to Help Your Child

Sep 06, 2018

Homework is important and provides countless benefits like improved comprehension, cognition and memory. So, how can you encourage your child to do their homework without a nightly battle? Check out these six tips to take the hassle out of homework. Read More