Playdates with Dr. Jen

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Playdates with Dr. Jen

By Dr. Jen Canter
Dr. Jennifer Canter, aka “Dr. Jen®,” is a double board certified pediatrician, professor, researcher, educator, published author, nationally recognized expert in child safety and, last but not least, mom to two pairs of twins. In her spare time, she’s an entrepreneur–in 2008 she invented the patent-pending U-Play Mat (a U-shaped play mat that promotes interactive play), now licensed by Sassy Baby® for the mass-market baby toy category, with additional versions for education and special needs in the works with other distributors. Dr. Jen believes play should permeate parenthood, from exercising and eating well to using love and laughter to raise happy, well-adjusted little people who can tackle anything life hand them with creativity and self-assurance. She herself was raised by a single mom with two younger brothers – and credits her mom for teaching her problem-solving skills. As one of a handful of child abuse pediatricians nationwide, Dr. Jen has seen the darker side of parenthood–so she is even more dedicated to leading a life filled with light and balance. Her days as a working mom are hectic, but are also filled with passion, purpose and playfulness. As Dr. Jen chronicles her journey as a professional and a parent, she shares her hard-earned wisdom with warmth and a healthy dose of humor. You can find more about her at https://www.playthisway.com/index.php?
Bullying is a hot topic of discussion from the playground to the schoolroom to the workplace.  For professionals working with children there are two foci – the bully and the bullied.  For a parent, it’s hard to find yourself standing behind either child. Read more...
We’re constantly torn between home & work, right? Often, it’s a concrete battle with our choices: Do I go to my child’s school volcano panorama exhibit and miss an important work meeting? ... Read more...
What did our mothers do before cell phones? I was giving a presentation in front of an audience of about 80 medical professionals on a serious “academic” topic.  As always, I keep my cell phone with me – but put it on silent and check who’s calling. If i ... Read more...
Can we ever really relax?  Well, I tried. In late August, I bought myself an under desk foot massage machine to celebrate the accomplishment of our youngest set of twins starting Kindergarten.  I'd been eyeing it for months & finally jus ... Read more...
My 5 year old son recently asked me why I was growing boobies under my arms (thanks, buddy) and I tried my best to laugh. That’s why Dr. Rebecca Puhl and colleagues’ recent article, Read more...
You never know when those moments are going to pop up. My kids and I were strolling along the Walkway Over The Hudson (which I highly recommend for New Yorkers!) and someone walked by us prompting my daughter ... Read more...
Early this morning I received a few emails telling me if one went to the main page of my website, it said “You’ve been hacked by a Turkish hacker”.  I laughed, and I was so proud of myself. Somehow the balance between what a real problem is, and a proble ... Read more...
Sharing my interview with this special amazing woman is a thrill. I was watching the news a few years back, and - POW- right there on the screen was a woman on a playground with her beautiful son. I recognized her - we had a mutual friend years ago and then both mov ... Read more...
Once in a while, something catches your eye and there is a visceral reaction.  I was reading the Wall Street Journal and came across an article exploring gender differences in play styles, based on a new book called Read more...
This is a response to the Sunday, June 11th Op-Ed piece in the New York Times - Don't Quit This Day Job by Dr. Karen Sibert. I’m also a do ... Read more...
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