Reputable Online Sources for Parents

With so many resources out there, and the ease of access, it is difficult as a parent to ensure you are getting the best information possible. It is easy to get sucked into false information and feel like you are doing the worst things possible for your children.

Due to recently finding myself with an abundance of free time with the arrival of my daughter, I found it easy to get sucked into reading various blogs with different mommy tips. While she was either napping in my arms or eating, I found myself reading blogs after blogs after blogs of tips and tricks to either produce more, aid in sleeping, or meet developmental milestones.

At times these blogs had me questioning my ability to be a good parent—was my child odd due to not meeting the guidelines presented in these articles? I found myself thinking that I was failing my child.

Before long I realized while these different posts seemed to have it easy with their child sleeping through the night at six weeks, their tips and tricks did not work for my family and that was OK.

Many “articles” are tips from blogs that seemed to have worked for the source—this does make them reputable and can add stress. Due to this, I felt it may be a good idea to review reputable sources and what is best for your child.

I use the CRAAP test to ensure appropriate information is provided. This stands for:

1. Currency: Is the information up-to-date?
2. Relevance: Is the information relevant and of a level appropriate for your research?
3. Authority: Where is the information published and who is the author?
4. Accuracy: Where does the information come from? Is it supported by evidence?
5. Purpose: Why was this information published? What was the motive?

And appropriate resources to consult with about your child’s mental, behavioral, and overall health should include:

1. Medical practitioners or clinicians, as they have gone to MANY years of school to be able to be a reputable resource. You can find a list of CCH providers at www.cchwyo.org/findadoc.
2. Peer reviewed articles.
3. Websites ending in .EDU or .GOV have credible information from appropriate sources.

There are so many out there that create blogs as a way to make money, and though they may seem to have great information, that does not mean it is accurate for your child. The important thing to know as a parent is that no two children are entirely alike and consult with trusted sources if you have concerns.

Happy Googling!

Lexie Honey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at the Campbell County Medical Group Kid Clinic, a school-based pediatric clinic in Gillette, Wyoming. The medical clinic serves children ages 2 weeks to 18 years old; and counseling services for children 4 years old to 21 years old. It is located at 800 Butler Spaeth Rd., across from St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. The Kid Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm. For more information, call 307-688-8700 or visit www.cchwyo.org/kidclinic.

The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between Campbell County Health and Campbell County School District.