Screens are part of everyday life, from homework and video calls to cartoons, games and social media. For many families, the question is no longer simply, “How much screen time is too much?” but rather, “What is my child watching, when are they watching it, and what is it replacing?” Used thoughtfully, digital media can support learning and connection, but when screen use becomes excessive, poorly timed or emotionally overwhelming, it can affect behaviour, sleep, concentration and family routines. On this page A more balanced way to think about screen time How screens can affect sleep and mood Why some children become more irritable or impulsive Why content matters as much as time What screen time may be crowding out Healthy screen habits that actually work When to ask for help A more balanced way to think about screen time It is not only about counting minutes ...

🗓️ Updated: May 2026 🏷️ Midrand Medical Centre When allergies affect children, they can interfere with sleep, school, play, and day-to-day comfort in ways that are easy to underestimate. One child may have constant sneezing and a blocked nose, another may develop hives after a food, and another may wheeze or struggle with eczema that never seems to settle. The important thing to remember is that paediatric allergies do not always look the same from one child to the next, which is why recognising patterns matters so much. On this page Common allergy triggers in children Symptoms can range from mild to serious Why proper diagnosis matters Treatment has moved beyond “just avoid it” Closing thoughts Common allergy triggers in children Food is one of the best-known allergy trigge...

  Children are naturally active, constantly running, jumping, and exploring the world around them. So, when they complain of foot pain, it’s easy to brush it off as growing pains or just tired legs. However, persistent or unusual foot pain in children shouldn't be ignored. Early intervention can prevent long-term problems and ensure your child stays active and pain-free. Here’s how to tell the difference between what’s normal and what needs medical attention. When Growing Pains Are Normal Mild foot or leg discomfort is common during growth spurts, especially at night. These “growing pains” usually go away with rest, massage, or stretching. They don’t affect your child’s ability to walk, run, or play during the day. If pain is mild and occasional, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Keep an eye on patterns and comfort your child as needed. Red Flags to Watch For If your child has foot pain that affects how they walk, run, or play, it may be more serious. Limping, avoiding...

  Wheezing, persistent coughs, or that tell-tale whistling sound when your child breathes – these can be frightening for any parent. Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children and spotting it early can make a huge difference in a child’s well-being. Early asthma symptoms in kids can be subtle or easily mistaken for recurrent colds or bronchitis. In a warm, caring tone, this article will help you recognize the early signs of asthma in children, so you can get the right help and ensure your little one can breathe easy and play freely. What Is Childhood Asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung condition that makes it hard to breathe at times because the airways become inflamed and narrowed. In children with asthma, the lungs and airways can overreact to certain triggers like pollen, dust, cold air, or even a common cold virus. This leads to symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Childhood asthma isn’t a different disease than adult asthma, but younger children have...