Ask the Experts: September 2025
Each month in TulsaKids Magazine, local experts answer frequently asked questions from their area of expertise.
Does it matter who files for divorce or custody first?
Ultimately, filing first or second affects who goes first at trial. Does it affect the outcome legally? No, not directly. The judge will hear the same evidence either way—unlike the movies that show the first to file wins the case! There are preferences between attorneys on whether having the “first impression” versus the “last word” is important, especially if you want to frame an issue before the other side has that chance.
Practically, the one that files first gets some short-term advantages, such as choosing when to file. This can help in preparing finances, living situations, or children for the upcoming legal battle before rules go into place that stops that flexibility. Plus, some like the psychological advantage of having the other side being “served” by a sheriff or process server. If you need a more detailed discussion, please call me and mention TulsaKids for a free consult.
Simon Harwood, Fry & Elder
1630 S. Main St., Tulsa
918.585.1107
simonharwoodlaw.com
As families ease back into school routines, how can parents help their kids maintain healthy smiles during the busy days ahead?
Summer’s over—and for many kids, so is the structure that helps them stick to healthy habits. Here are three tips from Dr. Christian Doan with Dental Depot Tulsa:
- Bring back routine and reward: You only get one set of adult teeth. Make brushing part of the morning checklist, just like packing a backpack or tying shoes. Supervise brushing when you can and offer simple rewards. Maybe it’s extra time at the park or getting to pick dinner on Friday—whatever helps reinforce the habit.
- Track progress in a visible way, like a sticker chart or checklist: If they hit their brushing goals for the week, celebrate it. Then when they go to the dentist and have a great checkup, that’s a bigger reward.
- Start small: Don’t expect perfection. If they’re brushing more often than they were last month, that’s already a win.
Dr. Christian Doan, Dental Depot Tulsa
6 Tulsa Metro locations
dentaldepot.net
How does screen time impact children’s mental health, and what strategies can families use to find balance?
While technology offers opportunities for learning and entertainment, excessive screen time can contribute to increased anxiety, disrupted sleep and decreased face-to-face interactions. Striking a healthy balance is essential to ensure that digital engagement enhances, rather than hinders, emotional well-being.
One way to promote balance is by encouraging social connections both offline. Parents can foster healthy digital habits by setting designated screen-free times, such as during meals or before bedtime, allowing children to engage in meaningful conversations and unwind without digital distractions. Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities, sports and in-person social events helps children develop interpersonal skills and build strong relationships beyond the screen.
Modeling responsible screen use is another powerful strategy. When parents practice mindful technology habits, such as limiting their own screen time and prioritizing face-to-face interactions, children are more likely to adopt similar behaviors.
Rather than viewing screen time as inherently harmful, families can focus on fostering intentional and meaningful digital interactions. By prioritizing social engagement, setting boundaries, and leading by example, parents can support their children’s mental health while helping them navigate the digital world in a healthy way.
Grand Mental Health
844.458.2100
24/7 Crisis Line: 800×722.3611
grandmh.com
Why are swim lessons important for babies under one year old?
Many parents wonder if starting swim lessons for babies under one year old is necessary. The short answer is yes! Here’s why early swim lessons are beneficial for your little one:
- Building Essential Skills: Although infants won’t be swimming laps, early swim lessons focus on fundamental water skills, which are crucial for later swim development.
- Bonding Time: Swim lessons provide a unique opportunity for parents and babies to bond in a fun, relaxed environment.
- Lays the Groundwork for Safety: Early exposure to water, under the guidance of trained instructors, introduces babies to basic water safety concepts.
- Social Interaction: Even at a young age, babies benefit from the social aspects of group swim classes.
- Routine and Consistency: Establishing a routine with swim lessons helps create a sense of consistency and security for your baby. It also sets the stage for lifelong water safety habits.
Starting swim lessons early builds a strong foundation for water safety and is an investment into their future that goes beyond the pool!
Miller Swim School
4 Locations in Tulsa, South Tulsa, Jenks and Owasso
918.254.1988
millerswimschool.com
