Ask the Experts: May 2026

Each month in TulsaKids Magazine, local experts answer frequently asked questions from their area of expertise.

Is thumb-sucking or pacifier use harmful, and when should parents be concerned?

These habits are normal and soothing in infancy and early toddler years. We typically become concerned if the habit continues past age 3–4, as it can affect jaw growth and tooth alignment. If the habit is persistent, a dentist can help guide gentle, positive ways to stop.

Dental Depot
7 locations across the Tulsa area
dentaldepot.net

We just built a pool. Besides a pool gate, what are some things I can teach my twins to keep them safe?

Remember: “Reach, Throw, Never Go!”

We practice fire drills, we teach traffic safety, but how often do we talk about pool safety?

Just as we teach our children not to chase their ball out into the street, we must teach them to not jump into the pool after a toy or a friend.

Drowning victims, especially adults, can be dangerous. Someone who is panicking will instinctively clutch at anything and use it to push themselves up. This means pushing the rescuer down, which is easy to do if the rescuer is a child, or if they are pinned in their rescuer’s arms.

Teaching our children and loved ones to “Reach, Throw, Never Go!” is a life-saving skill to help save someone in danger while keeping you safe.

We can REACH our hands, noodle, broomstick or something else that’s long to help them.

We can THROW a noodle, an inner-tube, life jacket or something that floats to them.

But we should NEVER GO in to help them.

Miller Swim School
4 Locations in Tulsa, South Tulsa, Jenks and Owasso
918.254.1988c
millerswimschool.com

If I separate from my spouse and leave the house…do I lose rights to the house?

So long as you are married, you do not lose any rights you may have in the property as far as the share of equity. That equity will be determined as part of the divorce. However, you may lose your right to come and go from the house in the meantime, depending on factors such as Protective Orders.

I get a lot of concerns about a party not being listed on the title, or only on the mortgage — those issues do not dictate who actually owns the property in a marriage/divorce. If it was purchased during the marriage, then it is a marital property to be divided, regardless of who moves out. Also, if the property was owned by a party before marriage or inherited — it becomes more complicated, and you should consult an attorney.

Simon Harwood, Fry & Elder
1630 S. Main St., Tulsa
918.585.1107
simonharwoodlaw.com

How can parents protect their kids from risky behaviors during the summer?

Summer is here and with it comes more free time for kids – time they could spend exploring risky behaviors like experimenting with alcohol or drugs. The best thing parents can do is mitigate experimentation before it becomes a problem.

Talk with your kids often, but don’t lecture or judge. Ask open-ended questions and have a two-way conversation. Let your child know how you feel and give them space to speak. Stay informed about who their friends are and set clear rules. Put their extra free time to good use and encourage your kid to get involved in activities like sports, hobbies or part-time jobs. Most importantly, be a good role model yourself. You may not believe it, but your kids do pay attention to you.

At GRAND Mental Health, we believe mental health doesn’t take summers off. Remember, addiction comes in all shapes and sizes. If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, never be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

Grand Mental Health

844.458.2100
24/7 Crisis Line: 800×722.3611
grandmh.com