Ask the Experts: November 2026
Each month in TulsaKids Magazine, local experts answer frequently asked questions from their area of expertise.
My extended family keeps asking what to get my kids for Christmas, but our house is already overflowing with toys! What are some gifts that are actually meaningful?
Give them something they can use for a lifetime: swim lessons! Toys may eventually break or lose their appeal, but water safety skills stay with a child as they grow.
At Miller Swim School, lessons are about more than learning strokes. Children build essential skills like floating, rolling to safety, breath control and independent movement in the water. They also gain confidence, independence and comfort—skills that can help them stay safer around water year-round.
A swim lesson gift is also a great way to give grandparents, aunts, uncles and other loved ones an opportunity to invest in something truly meaningful. Instead of adding another toy to the playroom, they can give a gift that supports your child’s growth and helps build lifelong water safety skills.
Want more gift ideas? Read our full blog, The Holiday Gift That Helps Keep Kids Safer, for more reasons to make water safety part of your holiday giving.
Miller Swim School
4 Locations in Tulsa, South Tulsa, Jenks and Owasso
918.254.1988c
millerswimschool.com
As the holiday season begins, how can parents support their children’s mental health amid busier schedules and heightened emotions?
As adults, you know that the start of the holiday season can bring just as much stress as it does joy. The same is true for your children. Changes in routines, crowded events and increased expectations may feel overwhelming, especially for kids who thrive on predictability.
Parents can support emotional well-being by maintaining consistent routines where possible. Regular sleep schedules, meals and downtime help children feel grounded during busy weeks. Preparing children ahead of time for gatherings or travel by explaining what will happen and who will be there can ease uncertainty.
It’s also important to normalize a wide range of emotions. While holidays are often associated with joy, children may feel anxious, sad or overstimulated. Acknowledging those feelings without judgment helps children feel safe expressing themselves.
Simplifying plans can make a big difference as well. Not every tradition needs to be perfect or packed into the calendar. Prioritizing meaningful connection over busyness reduces stress for the entire family.
Make emotional health part of your holiday preparation. When children feel supported, heard and balanced, the season becomes more enjoyable for everyone.
844.458.2100
24/7 Crisis Line: 800×722.3611
grandmh.com
When can children start using a water flosser?
Most children can begin using a water flosser around age 6, once they can follow directions and use it safely on their own. For younger children, a parent should help or supervise. A water flosser can be a great addition to brushing and flossing, especially for kids with braces or areas that are difficult to clean with traditional floss.
Dental Depot
7 locations across the Tulsa area
dentaldepot.net
