Lee's Summit, MO March 2026

Lee’s Summit’s Premier Aesthetic Center

Where aging is OPTIONAL

Home Is Probably My Favorite Word

Home. Just four letters, yet it holds so much meaning. It’s our sanctuary, our foundation, and the place where life unfolds. Home is where we begin and end each day, where our lives take shape, and where our hearts find rest. While the specifics of what “home” looks like vary for each of us, its significance is universal.

Author Wendy Wunder captured it perfectly: “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” With that in mind, this month’s issue focuses on what makes home special—from the warmth of shared meals and thoughtfully designed spaces to the people who bring it all to life.

Home is probably my favorite word—second only to love. I love everything about it: the thoughtful design elements, rooms created for different moods and experiences, and the comfort and security that allow memories to take root. Home has always felt like a refuge to me—a place to retreat from the chaos of the busy world.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve fantasized about living in a cabin in the woods. Never a castle. Always a cabin. A quaint kitchen, a warm fireplace, and a cozy place to settle in and breathe. I would still love that today as long as the insulation was up to current standards of course.

This month, we had the privilege of sharing a handful of local homes that incorporate a variety of new trends and also encompass traditional design. The trend that I love the most this year is designing space for storytelling by incorporating vintage pieces, heirlooms, and bold, curated decor. We hope that as you turn these pages, you’ll be inspired to freshen up your home to bring new life into your space.

Many of our readers tell us they hold onto this magazine long after the month on its cover, treasuring it as a piece of home—whether as coffee table art or a source of inspiration. That’s a tradition we’re proud to uphold, and we remain committed to delivering the value you expect each month.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. Here’s to making this March a celebration of the spaces and people that matter most.

Happy March!

LAURA PASZKIEWICZ, PUBLISHER @LEESSUMMITCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Stephanie Williams | stephanie.williams@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Broockerd, Linda Ditch, Lauren Powers

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Janie Jones, Nate Sheets

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS

MEET JAMI MEEK DESIGNS

A BOLD LIFE DECISION RESULTS IN AN AWARD-WINNING CAREER

At Jami Meek Designs, interior design is approached as both an art and a discipline. Known throughout the Kansas City region for architecturally grounded interiors and highly detailed execution, the firm delivers spaces that feel layered, intentional, and deeply personal. Each project reflects not only refined aesthetics, but a structured process designed to guide clients confidently from concept to completion.

Founded by Jami Meek, the studio has grown into a team driven firm with architectural degrees and experience in both residential and commercial design. That technical foundation sets JMD apart. Rather than focusing solely on finishes, the team considers proportion, millwork, ceiling details, lighting plans, and spatial flow from the very beginning. Every home is viewed as a cohesive whole, where construction decisions and design selections work together seamlessly.

Jami earned her bachelor’s degree in architectural studies with an emphasis in interior design from the University of Missouri. Early experience working on large commercial projects nationwide continues to influence the firm’s precision and depth. Today, JMD collaborates closely with builders, architects, and contractors, contributing insight that strengthens both the design vision and the build process.

Central to the firm’s approach is clarity. Each project begins with a comprehensive preliminary design meeting to establish scope, priorities, and long term goals. All primary decision makers are present to ensure alignment from the outset. From there, the team develops advanced 3D visualizations that allow clients to step inside their future home before construction begins. Custom cabinetry, architectural enhancements, lighting

“SO, WHENEVER WE DO DESIGN, WHETHER IT’S A REMODEL OR NEW CONSTRUCTION, WE LOOK AT IT AS A COHESIVE WHOLE,” MEEK EXPLAINS.

placement, and material combinations are modeled to scale, giving clients confidence in every decision. This proactive approach minimizes revisions, streamlines communication with contractors, and protects the client’s investment.

More than designers, JMD serves as a true partner throughout the design journey. The team advocates for clients during construction, manages countless details behind the scenes, and provides the structure and organization that luxury projects require. The result is an experience that feels thoughtful, collaborative, and carefully guided, with a finished space that reflects both beauty and intention.

Meek has grown her business into an award-winning firm. Along with the Design KC award for the butler's pantry in the Hidden Chateau project, the company has also received the Best of Houzz Design award for the past five years. Jami Meek Designs was recognized as Quality Business Awards Best Interior Designer in Lee's Summit 2025 and won the 2024 Hospitality and Retail Award from the Midwest Design and Furniture Fair for their Meyer Music retail store remodel.

"So, whenever we do design, whether it's a remodel or new construction, we look at it as a cohesive whole," Meek explains. "We bring in more architectural features. We think more about the construction of things, the overall color palette, and materials. It's not just textiles or pillows. It's so much more."

The firm also offers basic consultations, during which Meek goes through the home and provides suggestions to improve the space. Sometimes it's as simple as changing the kitchen hardware, painting a wall, or rearranging furniture.

For example, Meek met with a woman who thought she needed a major redo of a living room. She was ready to paint and make other significant changes.

"I said, 'You actually just need to rearrange the furniture a bit to create a better flow. And you need an area rug. I think I know the perfect one that would pull all these colors together.'

I sent her the information, and she bought the rug. Then she sent us a picture and said, 'Look! It really pulled everything together.' She didn't do any of the things she called me for."

Many new clients are attracted to the completed project images on the JMD website for their European flair and use of color. Meek isn't afraid to feature beautiful and bold wallpapers, including the stunning mural in the Design KC-winning pantry. More and more clients are asking for those traditional touches that move away from the grey and white neutrals common in recent years.

Meek's firm serves the Kansas City metro area on both sides of the state line. They are also known for their work on homes around Lake Lotawana and Lake Winnebago. To learn more about JMD, visit jamimeekdesigns.com or call 816.739.7377.

ABOUT JAMI MEEK:

Jami Meek Designs is a luxury interior design studio located in downtown Lee's Summit.  From new construction, commercial spaces to residential remodels,  JMD can take on your design project from beginning to end. Our first priority is to always listen to our client’s project goals and to streamline the overall design process.  We utilize 3D software for our clients to experience their space before any decisions or selections have been made.  This allows clients to understand their project, from new paint colors or walk through their new space plan.  It minimizes changes and creates better communication with the contractors during construction.  At JMD, we make the decisions and take the time to create more livable spaces for busy families.  We love our job and are excited to work with you!

Jami loves meeting new people and connecting through design. Her approachable demeanor takes away the stuffiness

& pretentious misconception about interior design.  She listens to her clients and helps makes the decisions to create livable spaces for families.  With over 16 years of experience and an Interior Design degree from the University of Missouri, she has worked on large corporate projects during her time at a local architecture firm. Since opening her business she has worked on a variety of projects ranging from high end new construction, boutique commercial spaces to luxury home renovations. All of these experiences have allowed her to continue her passion for designing spaces that are both beautiful and functional.  When she's not contemplating the perfect color palette or space layout she's busy with her husband and two kids, enjoying some lake time or hiking.

CONTINUED >

Where Tradition Welcomes a New Generation

ARTICLE BY LAUREN POWERS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED AND RYAN ERVIN

By honoring the land, preserving family history, and building with intention, one Harrisonville home proves that progress doesn’t have to erase the past.

Some homes begin with a blueprint. Others begin with a memory.

For Sherri Moreland Peters, building a new home with builder, Michael Burns (Jameson Homes), on her family’s farm wasn’t about creating something flashy or trend-driven; it was about coming full circle. After her husband retired in 2021, the couple made the decision to return to Harrisonville, where Sherri’s roots run deep. What followed was a thoughtful, deeply personal journey that honored generations past while creating a lasting place for generations to come.

The land itself tells a story. In 2024, Sherri and her husband Jim purchased 20 acres of the farm where her grandparents once lived between 1936 and 1944. It was here that Sherri’s father spent his childhood years, growing up in a modest farmhouse surrounded by barns that still stand today. Though the home had never been owned by the family, her grandparents were renters during the Depression, and it remained an important chapter in their story.

“It felt like a full-circle moment,” Sherri says. “This was the site of my father’s childhood home. Building our last house here just felt right.”

Rather than removing the original farmhouse to make way for new construction, the family chose preservation. The century-old home was carefully lifted and moved down the road to Red Barn Ranch. The decision ensured the house would remain part of the family legacy—just with a new purpose.

“This was the site of my father’s childhood home. Building our last house here just felt right.”

Watching the home move was unforgettable.

“It sat in the backyard of the new house for nine months,” Sherri recalls. “When it finally went down the road, it was a big day.” Coordinating the move required multiple utility companies and a team of specialists, but it also brought together family and neighbors to witness a rare moment in time. Sherri made sure her great-nieces and nephews understood the significance. “I wanted them to know this was history, and that someday, they’ll be the ones telling the story of how Grandpa Charles’ house moved down the road.”

Today, the farmhouse rests on its new foundation at Red Barn Ranch, awaiting renovation. Once complete, it will become part of the pumpkin patch experience, an extension of the land’s legacy of family and farming.

While the old house moved on, the new one took shape with equal intention just a few miles down the road.

Sherri wanted a modern home that respected its rural surroundings without leaning heavily into farmhouse clichés. Instead, the design strikes a classic balance, one that feels grounded, functional, and timeless. Exterior colors were carefully chosen to complement the surrounding barns and landscape, and the home was positioned to preserve as many mature trees as possible, including a massive maple that stood on the property when Sherri’s grandparents lived there.

Inside, the most meaningful design elements come from a single tree.

A hundred-plus-year-old American Elm once stood in the front yard of Sherri’s childhood home. The tree with the tire swing, the climbing branches, and the shade where homemade ice cream was enjoyed on summer days. When the elm had to be cut down six years ago, the family salvaged the wood, having it milled into mantles and tabletops so each sibling could keep a piece of it.

“That mantle was the very first element we had for the new house,” Sherri says. Today, it anchors the home in the living room, along with a custom hood in the kitchen crafted from the same wood. Wormholes and imperfections remain proudly visible, a non-negotiable detail for Sherri. “The character makes it even more special.”

The elm’s story continues in smaller ways, too. Charcuterie boards made from the same tree were gifted to family members, each one a tangible reminder of summers spent playing outside at Grandma Marilyn’s house, a tradition that spanned generations, centered around the pool and the farmyard rather than vacations away.

While the old farmhouse represented a simpler time with only four rooms and no indoor plumbing, the new home reflects a different season of life. Designed with “age-in-place” features, the layout prioritizes comfort, longevity, and real farm functionality. A dedicated mudroom and bathroom allow Sherri’s husband to come straight in from the fields without tracking dirt through the house, while thoughtful adjacencies make daily routines seamless.

“It was a privilege to help create their new family home, honoring the history and planning for the future,” says designer Brooke Cover. “Working alongside Sherri and Jim and listening to the stories woven through their family history often felt like

paging through a cherished photo album. The memories came vividly to life.”

Surrounding the home, the family has continued restoring the historic barns, preserving their presence and purpose. The old milk barn now serves as Sherri’s workshop for furniture projects, further blending past and present.

Living next to Red Barn Ranch brings daily joy. Sherri often sees preschoolers caring for animals and exploring the outdoors, greeting her with waves and smiles. “They call us Aunt Sherri and Uncle Jim,” she says. “It’s incredibly heartwarming.”

Though their children are grown and live out of state, the home represents permanence, something Sherri long hoped to give them after years of corporate relocations.

“This is our last house,” she says. “This is where we’ll make memories with our kids and grandkids. No matter where life takes them, we want them to feel connected to this land.”

In the end, the story of this home isn’t about what was built— it’s about what was kept. Memory. Legacy. And the quiet understanding that honoring the past can be the strongest foundation of all.

Orthodontics for ALL AGES Now Open!

Jewell Orthodontics is a patient-focused practice dedicated to providing top notch orthodontic care to the community of Lee’s Summit and surrounding areas. As a Lee’s Summit native, Dr. Jewell is excited to offer progressive orthodontic technology and an approach where beautiful smiles and healthy bites are created in a welcoming and convenient atmosphere. If you are looking for the most modern and personalized orthodontic care in the Lee’s Summit area, we would love to meet you!

Orthodontics & Jaw Surgery | Early Interceptive Orthodontics | Clear Aligners Braces | Comprehensive Cleft & Craniofacial Care Mention this ad and get an additional $250 off orthodontic treatment!

Samantha Compton Senior Financial Advisor

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

MATERIALS:

DESIGN TAKEAWAY:

In large rooms, architectural details like niches, built-ins, or material changes can create visual rhythm while giving meaningful objects a true home.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

MATERIALS:

Particular Tile in Satin Terracotta and Vanilla Bean, Arté Wallcovering Shards in Brick Red, Red travertine sink, Rachel Donath chunky mirror, Playful art work by Olivia Fields

DESIGN TAKEAWAY:

Small spaces are ideal for experimentation. Mix patterns, finishes, and textures within a tight color family to create depth without overwhelm.

THURSDAY MARCH 19 4-8 PM

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

MATERIALS:

Virginia Sin pendant light, In Common With sconce, Arté Oblong wall covering in Ochre, Particular Tile in Vapor, Custom sage velvet sofa, Plush Vintage Moroccan rug

DESIGN TAKEAWAY:

When a room serves many purposes, let texture and tone create cohesion. A restrained palette with varied finishes keeps the space flexible and serene.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

MATERIALS:

Luca split stone pavers, Vintage Turkish rug, Plants, Virginia Sin Wall hook

DESIGN TAKEAWAY:

An entryway doesn’t need to be loud to be memorable. Combine tactile materials with one or two meaningful elements to create an instant emotional connection.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

PROJECT CREDITS

Builder - Buildwell

Architect and Interior Architect -

Flower Architecture

Designer - Kate Manz

A Fresh Take on Farmhouse Living

A recent home interior refresh at Lone Summit Ranch in Lee’s Summit offers a strong example of how thoughtful design updates can completely transform a space without a full renovation. The main residence on the property, a large farmhouse-style home, already featured beautiful architectural elements such as exposed beams and custom details. However, the interiors no longer reflected the homeowners’ current style or how they wanted the home to feel.

Rather than remodeling, the focus was on a cosmetic refresh of the main level. The goal was to lighten and soften the space, moving away from a palette that felt heavy and dark. The previous design leaned strongly on bold contrasts and deep tones, which no longer aligned with the homeowners’ vision. They wanted something brighter, calmer, and more inviting, with a Southern traditional influence.

The refreshed design embraces a light and airy feel through a layered approach. A simple palette of blues and whites sets the foundation, while a thoughtful mix of textures and patterns adds depth and warmth. Pattern on pattern was used intentionally to create visual interest and a sense of charm without overwhelming the space.

Lighting was another key element in the transformation. Updated fixtures in warm brass and gold tones brought contrast and a touch of elegance, helping balance the lighter palette. Fabric choices also played an important role, introducing softness and comfort to spaces that previously felt more structured and masculine.

The result is a home that feels calm, welcoming, and refreshed, showing how impactful small changes can be when they are carefully planned. "Trust between the homeowners and the design team allowed the vision to come together seamlessly, resulting in a space that feels personal and lived-in," says designer Laura Coleman.

Ultimately, the home now reflects how the homeowners want to live and entertain, proving that a well-executed refresh can breathe new life into a familiar space and often inspire future design updates throughout the home.

“A simple palette of blues and whites sets the foundation, while a thoughtful mix of textures and patterns adds depth and warmth.”

“

— Chuck F.

•

ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON

Stunning and UNIQUE HOMES

Find inspiration in these four gorgeous books.

It takes a lot of work to make a house a home. A home reflects your personal style, functions to meet your goals, and provides relief from the outside world. However, unless you are a design professional, you likely need a bit of guidance to turn your thoughts and

Home:

THE RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE OF D. STANLEY DIXON

Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon has received tremendous media attention since the founding of his firm D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. in 2006. His highly-anticipated debut book showcases thirteen projects from across the country. From a relaxed Jupiter Island coastal retreat to an elegant Englishmanor-inspired South Carolina home, each project varies geographically and stylistically, highlighting a variety of different aesthetic components.

ideas into reality. One way is to immerse yourself in the advice and visions of award-winning architects and designers.

Flip through the gorgeous, glossy, photo-filled pages of these beautiful books and apply their lessons to your own home.

Our Way Home:

REIMAGINING AN AMERICAN FARMHOUSE

The defined style of cozy and simple living has led to a rise in American farmhouse design in recent years. Interior designer Heide Hendricks and architect-builder Rafe Churchill show how they have brought twenty-first-century living to their late nineteenth-century New England farmhouse. This husband-and-wife team combined their talents to create a historic home that is both a personal retreat designed for everyday life and a constant source of inspiration for their other projects.

Learn how to integrate elegant timelessness, celebrate bold colors and eclectic patterns, or embrace the past while living stylishly in the present. You can then combine this global range of influences, unique perspectives, and aesthetic applications to create your own original design plan.

Whether you’re building a new home, planning a renovation, or your home is simply a constant work in progress, these four new releases are sure to provide the inspiration you need to transition your house into your dream home—whatever that may look like and wherever that may be. Enjoy!

COMBINE THIS global range OF INFLUENCES, unique perspectives, AND aesthetic applications TO CREATE YOUR OWN

ORIGINAL DESIGN PLAN.

Villa d’Este:

LEGEND ON LAKE COMO

In 1568 Tolomeo Gallio commissioned a grand villa overlooking Italy’s magnificent Lake Como. After two centuries in the Gallio family, Villa d’Este became home to multiple members of the aristocracy before being transformed into an elegant five-star resort in 1873. After 150 years of catering to an endless array of famous guests wishing to immerse themselves in “la dolce vita,” Villa d’Este stands as an example of blending tradition and modernity to create absolute luxury.

Palm Beach Style:

THE ARCHITECTURE AND ADVOCACY OF JOHN AND JANE VOLK

In the 1920s, American royalty wanted to establish a winter retreat and show off their newfound wealth. Building grand homes inspired by European palaces, they created one of the world’s most famous resort towns. Commissioned to design over 2,000 projects during his sixty years of practice, John Volk’s legacy as one of the “big five” architects of Palm Beach, can now be seen on almost every street.

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN LEE’S SUMMIT.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from January 2026. Source: IRES MLS system.

•

•

•

SIMPLE TOUCHES, Beautiful Spaces

In the world of home decorating, small details can make the biggest impact. Thoughtfully chosen accents, textures, and finishes are often what transform a house into a home that feels personal, welcoming, and current. Today’s interior style leans toward pieces that balance beauty and function, blending timeless design with fresh, on trend elements. At A Thyme for Everything in downtown Lee’s Summit, decorating is all about layering. Whether it is updating a coffee table, styling a bookshelf, or refreshing an entryway, the right decor can instantly elevate a room without a full redesign. This spring is all about bold expression, with pops of vibrant color layered into the beige and grey palettes we’ve grown comfortable with, ushering in a joyful wave of color-forward maximalism. Playful garden influences are blooming too, with lemons alongside tomatoes and fresh veggies showing up in décor and fragrances, while vintage silk scarves from the 80s are making a comeback on handbags and tablescapes. With carefully selected accessories and seasonal finds, decorating becomes an approachable way to refresh your space and reflect how you live today.

Spring Allergies vs. Asthma: What Parents Should Watch For

Spring in Missouri brings warmer weather, blooming trees, and, for many families, sniffles, coughs, and wheezing. As pollen levels rise, parents whose children are experiencing these issues wonder if an over-the-counter allergy remedy is sufficient or if it’s time to visit the pediatrician. By understanding spring allergies vs. asthma, parents will know better how to handle these symptoms. While allergies and asthma are different conditions, they often overlap—especially in young children—making it easy to confuse one for the other.

Spring allergies are especially common in the Midwest due to tree pollen, which tends to peak in early to mid-spring. Oak, maple, birch, and cedar pollen are frequent culprits in our area. For children with sensitive airways, these allergens can also trigger asthma symptoms, even if asthma hasn’t been formally diagnosed yet. This overlap is why understanding spring allergies vs. asthma is so important—particularly for younger children who may not be able to describe what they’re feeling.

Spring Allergies vs. Asthma: The Key Differences

Although symptoms can look similar, allergies and asthma affect the body differently.

Common Signs of Spring Allergies

Spring allergies (also called seasonal allergic rhinitis) are caused by the immune system reacting to specific allergens, such as pollen. Parents may notice:

• sneezing.

• runny or stuffy nose.

• itchy nose, eyes, or throat.

• watery or red eyes.

• mild cough (often from postnasal drip).

• symptoms that improve indoors or on rainy days.

Allergy symptoms are uncomfortable but typically do not interfere with breathing.

Common Signs of Asthma

Asthma affects the airways and can cause inflammation and narrowing, making it harder to breathe. In the case of asthma, parents may notice:

• wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing).

• shortness of breath.

• chest tightness or pain.

• frequent coughing, especially at night or with exercise.

• symptoms that worsen with activity, cold air, or illness.

• trouble keeping up with peers during play.

Asthma symptoms can be mild or severe—and they often require medical management. One can lead to the other, though, as allergies are a common asthma trigger, especially in children.

Why It’s Harder to Tell in Young Children

Confusion between spring allergies vs. asthma is especially common in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. That’s because younger children

can’t often put a name to their physical feelings, especially chest tightness or shortness of breath. They may also:

• cough instead of wheeze.

• have frequent colds that mask underlying asthma.

• appear “out of breath” during normal play.

If your child has recurring coughs every spring, frequent nighttime coughing, or breathing issues during activity, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician—even if symptoms seem mild.

When to Call the Pediatrician

Parents know their children best, and if you have any concerns about your children’s health, it’s a good idea to contact their pediatrician. When it comes to spring allergies vs. asthma, you’ll want to make the call if:

• symptoms persist beyond a few weeks.

• coughing or wheezing interferes with sleep or play.

• over-the-counter allergy medications aren’t helping.

• symptoms worsen with activity.

• your child has frequent springtime breathing issues year after year. Bypass the pediatrician’s office and head right to the emergency room or urgent care if your child experiences:

• rapid or labored breathing.

• bluish lips or face.

• severe wheezing.

• difficulty speaking due to shortness of breath.

How Community Choice Pediatrics Can Help

Spring should be a time for kids to run, play, and enjoy being outside, not struggle with breathing or constant discomfort. Understanding the difference between spring allergies vs. asthma empowers parents to take the right next steps and get the appropriate care at the optimal time.

If you have questions or concerns, reach out to Community Choice Pediatrics. We support families through allergy and asthma season every year. Our team can:

• evaluate symptoms and patterns.

• help distinguish spring allergies vs. asthma.

• create or adjust asthma action plans.

• recommend allergy-management strategies.

• provide guidance tailored to our area’s unique seasonal allergens.

If spring symptoms have you wondering what’s normal— and what’s not—we’re here to help you feel confident and informed. Schedule your appointment online.

Pediatric Behavioral Health Services Open!

Is your child struggling with big emotions, worries, or feeling down as the new school year approaches? You’re not alone — and help is here.

Our pediatric behavioral health team is now accepting new patients ages 5–17! We provide compassionate, evidence-based support for concerns like Anxiety, Depression, Emotional outbursts, School stress and more.

Let’s make sure your child feels confident and supported when the first bell rings. Early support can make a big difference.

What does it mean to be rich?