In an era where parenting advice flows freely from social media and well-meaning relatives, Dr. Cheryl Jones Kendall offers a refreshing perspective from her four-decade tenure at We Care Pediatric and Adolescent Group in East Point, Georgia. Her insights, shaped by experiences as both a pediatrician and mother, provide a valuable roadmap for new parents navigating the complexities of modern childcare.
The personal touch in pediatric care
“When I was a new mom, even though I’m a pediatrician, I probably asked my pediatrician a thousand questions,” Dr. Kendall admits with a gentle laugh. This confession comes as reassurance to new mothers who might feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of their responsibility. Her candor highlights a crucial truth: medical expertise doesn’t eliminate the natural uncertainties of parenthood.
One of the most significant challenges new mothers face, according to Dr. Kendall, isn’t medical but social. “You’re going to have it from the grandmas, the aunties, and even strangers will walk up and give you advice,” she notes. Her practical solution? A diplomatic approach of acknowledging the advice while adhering to medical guidance. “Just say okay, and then go ahead and follow the medical advice,” she suggests, offering a graceful way to handle well-intentioned but potentially outdated recommendations.
The cultural connection in healthcare
Dr. Kendall addresses a crucial aspect of pediatric care that often goes undiscussed: the importance of cultural connection in healthcare relationships. “Studies have shown that you tend to have better health when you’re going to a provider who looks like you,” she explains. This observation highlights the role of representation in healthcare, particularly in communities where trust in medical institutions may have been historically strained.
Perhaps no issue better exemplifies the challenges of contemporary parenting than screen time management. Dr. Kendall observes a troubling pattern where parents, absorbed in their devices, inadvertently model the behavior they wish to discourage in their children. Her recommendation is clear: limit non-academic screen time to a maximum of two hours daily, but the implementation requires parental participation.
Building healthy foundations
From her position as both healthcare provider and mother, Dr. Kendall emphasizes the importance of early health habits. She advocates for outdoor activities from infancy, noting the dual benefits of vitamin D activation and mental health improvement. “Mentally, you feel better when you’re getting the sunshine and fresh air,” she explains, connecting physical activity to reduced instances of anxiety and depression.
When addressing the common concern of providing healthy meals while managing busy schedules, Dr. Kendall offers practical solutions drawn from personal experience. “You can still provide a good healthy meal by preparing something on the weekends, freezing it,” she advises, acknowledging the reality of busy family life while maintaining the importance of nutritious eating habits.
A partnership in health
What emerges most clearly from Dr. Kendall’s guidance is her vision of pediatric care as a collaborative effort. “We’re part of the team,” she emphasizes, describing the relationship between medical providers and families as essential to ensuring children’s future health and success. This partnership approach helps demystify the medical experience for new mothers while providing them with reliable support in their parenting journey.
As we conclude our conversation, Dr. Kendall’s message to new mothers combines professional wisdom with personal understanding. Her forty years of experience have taught her that successful pediatric care requires more than medical knowledge, it demands empathy, cultural awareness, and practical solutions for modern families. Through her guidance, she continues to help new mothers navigate the challenges of raising healthy children in an increasingly complex world.
