Leveraging My Strengths to Support Your Family

Have you ever taken the VIA Character Strengths test? It’s a survey tool that helps you take a look at yourself from a whole new perspective. This may seem a little off topic compared to my normal content, but hang with me.

I’ve always been someone who takes her time with decisions—quietly and carefully weighing options, sometimes long after others think the choice is obvious. It can come across as indecision (just ask my spouse), but in truth, I’m normally trying to honor the weight of the outcome — especially when someone else’s well-being is involved.

That’s why it felt so validating to see that many of the traits I once questioned in myself are actually core strengths that have shaped how I show up in this work. Strengths that have helped me build Oris Wellness and support parents navigating confusing, high-stakes decisions about their child’s health.

Here are my top VIA strengths:

• Prudence – Not the Beatles' song, it just means I'm cautious.
• Judgment – I try to see things from every angle. I change my mind when the evidence asks me to.
• Kindness – I care deeply. Helping others—especially when they feel stuck or misunderstood—is at the heart of why I do this work.
• Fairness – I believe everyone deserves clear information and a chance to be heard. No family should feel overlooked or left behind.
• Perseverance – I stick with things, even when they’re hard. Building this business—and challenging the status quo—takes a lot of that.

Looking at these now, it’s no surprise I’ve ended up here: helping parents think clearly, choose confidently, and support their children with care and courage.

Oris Wellness was never meant to be flashy or fast. It’s meant to be thoughtful, relational, and rooted. And if you’re here reading this, I have a feeling that’s what you’re looking for, too.

If you’re a parent feeling stuck, cautious, or unsure of what to do next, I want you to know—there’s nothing wrong with that. Thoughtful decision-making is a strength, not a weakness. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I do this work: to support families who care deeply and want to get it right. You don’t have to rush. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start by asking the right questions—and I’m here to ask them with you.

FAQ: Ear tubes - How is it related to the need for dental expansion?

If your child has frequent ear infections or has been recommended for ear tubes, you might be surprised to learn that these issues can sometimes be tied to jaw development. In my latest video, I explore how a similar "root cause" can contribute to both chronic ear infections and crowded teeth—and why understanding this connection matters for your child's muscle function and overall growth. Whether you're a parent seeking holistic answers or a provider curious about dental-airway links, I hope this video will help you connect the dots.

Goodbye Paci Resource from LOVEVERY

I just got back from visiting family and friends in Chicago, which meant lots of time catching up on all the updates with my favorite little ones (the extended family, if you will). One highlight was celebrating a 2-year-old’s birthday—and meeting her brand new baby sister!

While the baby is just getting acquainted with her pacifier, her parents have started thinking about weaning the older sibling off hers. Apparently, trimming the tip of the pacifier didn’t go unnoticed, so they were open to exploring other strategies. I recently came across a sweet resource called The Goodbye Paci Book and shared it with them. I love the idea of a “pacifier fairy” or a special send-off for this beloved object to help with the transition. They just ordered the book to give it a try!

You can find the book on Amazon, or check out the Lovevery sales page here. As a side note: I really like the short podcast episode featured on that page—it offers some thoughtful insights. My one suggestion? It's subtly mentioned, but if you're deciding between pacifier or thumb, I’d actually lean toward the pacifier. It’s much easier to let go of something that isn’t physically attached to your body when the time comes!

P.S. The ideal time to begin weaning from the pacifier is between 6–12 months of age. That said, it’s not always easy—and sometimes it takes patience and a variety of strategies. If you have a 2-year-old and are looking for support, this book might be a helpful starting point. And if you're still running into challenges, there are professionals who can help guide the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to talk through some options.

Shareable mini video introduction for my Smile Support Stairsteps eBook

First of all, thank you so much for the incredible feedback on last month’s release of my Smile Support Stairsteps ebook. I created it with parents in mind—offering a more comprehensive overview than what’s typically found in blog posts that only cover one treatment option at a time. What surprised me most? About half of the people who purchased the ebook weren’t parents at all—they were providers: SLPs, myofunctional therapists, and even other dentists. That’s when I knew this resource could be a powerful tool for getting the right information into more families' hands.

If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, now’s the perfect time. I’d love to hear what you think! And if you found it helpful, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from it, too. Here's a little YouTube video about it to make it easier to share.

That's all for this month. If you’re a parent navigating questions, concerns, or even quiet curiosities about your child’s growth, habits, or health—I’d love to hear from you. Your insights help me shape future newsletters and resources that speak directly to what matters most to you. Just hit reply and let me know what's on your mind.

All the best,

Dr. Julia