Making a move can be hard on anyone, but for a single parent and their child, it’s almost always a huge adjustment. It can be difficult to know how to go about making sure your child is safe, comfortable, and happy in a new city, but doing so will help him excel at school and will give you peace of mind at the same time.

Fortunately, if you’re in the Portland area, there are tons of fun and educational things to do with your little one that will keep him entertained and open up his eyes about the benefits of living there. From museums to sports to shopping to sweets, Portland is packed full of awesome things to do and places to visit with a young person, and you may even be able to help him socialize at the same time.

Below you’ll find some of the best places to explore in the Portland area, as well as tips on how to make the day an unforgettable one.

Find the best deals

Most single parents are on a tight budget, but there are apps designed to help you keep your wallet intact. Download Chinook Book for access to over a hundred deals around the Portland area, then treat your kiddo and yourself to a fun night out without feeling guilty about it.

Head to a museum

Museums are great places for kids to get some hands-on learning in, and they’ll enjoy this one no matter how old they are. Chock full of cool exhibits, activities like archery, and seasonal events, the Portland Children’s Museum is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or even to have a birthday party, if you’re looking for a place.

Get outside

When the weather is nice, Portland has a ton of things to offer that can be done outdoors. Getting outside and walking around for a bit is a great way to spend quality time with your child while getting in some exercise. Try the Portland Saturday Market–a combination arts and crafts show and bazaar, where you can see live music shows and support local artists–or Washington Park, which boasts a zoo and beautiful gardens. Pack a picnic lunch and fill the day with a little adventure! You can take the worry out of your exploration by making sure everything is taken care of at home; consider hiring a dog-walker to come and feed and let your pet out so you can spend the day having a good time.

Have a backup plan

Because Portland’s weather can be a bit wet, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan when you want to go out. Look for places that will give you and your kiddo shelter and offer up some fun at the same time, such as museums, movie theaters, art galleries, and amusement parks. Try Oaks Park, where you can head to the skating rink for some old-fashioned fun! You can also think outside the box a bit and find some interesting activities, such as touring a submarine.

You can also head to the library, where there’s a good chance your little one will find some kids his age to play with and talk to. Helping him get socialized in a new city will build his confidence and may help him thrive in school.

Getting used to a new city can be a big change for you and your child, but with a little planning and a positive attitude, you can both find ways to love Portland and have fun at the same time.

Guest blog written by Daniel Sherwin.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Sunset Pediatrics.

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.

Many kids love to be involved in Thanksgiving preparations.  To keep this holiday happy and accident free, check out these safety tips:

• • Added little hands in the kitchen can lead to an increased risk for burns and other accidents. Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time.

• • Bacteria are often present in raw foods.  Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.

• • Keep hot liquids and food away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child’s exploring hands.

• • Closely supervise children at all times. No child should be left alone in the kitchen, or be allowed to use the stove, oven or appliances.

• • Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.

• Traveling, visiting family members, shopping, etc., can all increase your child’s stress levels. Trying to stick to your child’s usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, turkey and treats! We are thankful for you!

Sunset will be closed Thursday, November 23^rd in observance of Thanksgiving.  We are available 24/7 by phone, regardless of holidays.  Call our main phone-line at 503-296-7800 where you will be connected to our answering service and be able to speak with a triage nurse or the on-call physician.

Information from the AAP

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.

Fall celebrations like Halloween are fun times for children, who can dress up in costumes, enjoy parties and eat yummy treats.  These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity and focus on safety.

While fun for everyone, Halloween poses special safety risks.  Did you know that children are twice as likely to be run over by an automobile on Halloween than on any other night of the year?  To help you prepare for the festivities, check out the following Halloween safety tips from the CDC and AAP:

Walk Safely

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.

Trick or Treat with an Adult

• Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Review with children how to call 9-1-1 if they ever have an emergency or become lost.

Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe

• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers.
• Choose face paint or makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

Healthy Halloween

• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
• Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30PM to 9:30PM so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.

Starting October 1st, your family may have received an email invitation to complete our annual patient satisfaction survey.

This year’s survey is shorter.  Your input on our survey this fall will help us continue improving care.  We really value your feedback.

Click the link to take the English or Spanish version of the survey.

All families that complete a survey will be entered to win an Apple iPad 32GB or a $100 Target gift card.  The prize drawing will take place on November 15th, 2017.