Ask the Experts: July 2026
Each month in TulsaKids Magazine, local experts answer frequently asked questions from their area of expertise.
How can summer be used to help children build confidence and independence before the school year begins?
Summer offers a unique opportunity for children to strengthen confidence and independence in ways that aren’t always possible during the school year. With fewer academic demands, kids can explore who they are, what they enjoy and what they’re capable of. These are key components of healthy emotional development.
Parents can support this growth by encouraging age-appropriate responsibility. Simple tasks like managing a small allowance, helping plan a family outing or taking ownership of a personal project allow children to practice decision-making and problem-solving. These experiences build self-trust and resilience.
Summer is also a great time for children to explore interests without the pressure to perform. Whether it’s art, music, sports, reading or helping in the kitchen, pursuing activities for enjoyment rather than achievement helps children develop intrinsic motivation and a stronger sense of identity.
Equally important is allowing room for safe mistakes. When children try new things and don’t succeed right away, supportive guidance helps them learn perseverance rather than fear failure.
View summer as a confidence-building season. When children feel capable and supported, they return to school better equipped emotionally and socially for the year ahead.
844.458.2100
24/7 Crisis Line: 800×722.3611
grandmh.com
How can parents help children who are anxious or afraid of going to the dentist?
Stay calm and positive; children pick up on parental anxiety quickly. Avoid using words like “hurt” or “shot,” and instead frame visits as routine and helpful. Reading books about dental visits or doing pretend checkups at home can also help. Dental Depot offices are designed to be welcoming, and we’re trained to work gently with nervous kids.
Dental Depot
7 locations across the Tulsa area
dentaldepot.net
What is water competency?
Water competency is more than learning swim strokes — it’s the ability to stay safer and respond confidently in real-world water situations. According to our partner, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, nearly 70% of drownings happen during non-swim times, such as family gatherings, playing near water or everyday outdoor activities.
That’s why Miller focuses on teaching true water competency, not just swimming technique. Through consistent, skill-based lessons, swimmers build confidence, safety awareness and the ability to respond calmly if the unexpected happens.
Water competency includes essential skills like safely entering the water, floating, controlling breathing, rolling onto the back, swimming short distances and exiting the water independently. These are life-saving skills that help children move toward safety in real emergencies.
At Miller Swim School, lessons begin as early as 4 months old and progress through our S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise, helping swimmers develop real-world water safety skills over time.
While no child is ever completely risk-free around water, consistent swim lessons can make a meaningful difference. Every lesson helps build confidence, strengthen safety skills and prepare children for a lifetime of safer experiences in and around the water.
Miller Swim School
4 Locations in Tulsa, South Tulsa, Jenks and Owasso
918.254.1988c
millerswimschool.com
