Tag: health

child development, child safety, health, momblog, Relationships

How Parents Can Help with Childhood Anxiety & Fear

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Children are happy creatures, right? But we must also acknowledge the fact that they can feel anxious and fearful at times.  Although they were seemingly born without any conceivable problem yet, there are those rare moments when we see them cry, frown, and feel agitated. What could be the cause of their anxiety? Why do they become scared of certain circumstances and environments?

In this article, we will look into the reasons why babies, toddlers or young children may feel anxious and afraid, and the ways by which parents can help them overcome these emotions.

Reason Number 1: Separation Anxiety

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The natural comfort zones of infants, toddlers, and children are their parents. Some infants who have already developed their sense of attachment to their parents or caretakers would easily cry when separated even for a few seconds from them. Most babies who are breastfed also experience a great degree of separation anxiety that’s why they would eagerly hold onto their moms and refrain from being carried by other people even by their own family members. Separation anxiety may continue to present itself until children reach their preschool years when they finally become accustomed to being with their teachers and classmates.

What can you do?

Be strategic in letting your child spend time with other family members so that you can also do other activities without feeling the guilt of being separated for a while. It would be ideal to bring your child wherever you go, but if that proves not to be mentally and physically healthy for you, then just make sure that you communicate the need to go somewhere and promise to be back after a certain time.

Reason Number 2: Presence of Strangers

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Do you notice that most infants simply look so adorable when they suddenly giggle and smile upon seeing other people? That’s particularly because they still haven’t fully developed their sense of familiarity. But as these infants grow older, they slowly become less welcoming towards strangers. This continues until the age of five or six when these children would shy away from interacting with people who are new to them.

What can you do?

It is definitely not advisable to let strangers touch your child just to prove that your family is approachable and friendly. When you go to a party or walk in the neighborhood, do not force your baby to like the people around her. Give her a sense of space and allow her to normalize the new environment until she gets used to seeing other people.

Reason Number 3: Animals and Stuffed Toys

Is your child among those who get afraid of large stuffed toys or baby dolls? Don’t ever think that it is abnormal. Some children simply feel afraid of large animals such as lions, dogs, and gorillas because they are naturally wired to perceive these images as uncommon and fearful.

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What can you do?

Do not force your child to like the gorilla drawn on the book or the large barking dog of your friend. Acknowledge her fears. Put away these stuff for a little while but be sure to introduce them little by little through stories or short interactions until your child gets used to whatever image makes her afraid.

Reason Number 4: Being Alone

Admit it, even adults like us can be uneasy when left alone somewhere. We are social creatures and very few of us would be comfortable being left alone. What more would kids feel when they are the only person left in a room?

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What can you do?

As much as possible, do not leave your child alone anywhere even during her slumber most especially when your baby hasn’t passed the one-year-old mark yet. The likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome increases when infants sleep alone in their own bedrooms.

Reason Number 5: Darkness

LCBD-storiesMost kids do not like the dark except when you have trained your child to sleep with the lights turned off. Our babies and toddlers perceive security, assurance, and comfort with what they see with their eyes. They are highly visual beings, thus their emotions also depend on their ability to clearly see the people and things around them.

What can you do?

If your toddler can already speak or express her emotions, you may start asking questions why she is afraid of the dark. From there, you could have an idea whether your child thinks that monsters or other scary creatures may be lurking in the dark. Reassure her that there are no such creatures and that you are always ready to protect her.

Reason Number 6: Sudden Loud Noise

ear-acheHow does your toddler react when an airplane passes through the skies above you? Some children immediately seek comfort from the people around them upon hearing a sudden loud noise such as a car’s engine, a vehicle’s horn, a dog’s bark, or any other loud sound.

What can you do?

Offer physical comfort by hugging your child so that she can feel safe and secure with your embrace. Once the loud noise ends, do not fail to give an explanation of its source. Explaining circumstances will help your child overcome certain fears.

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child development, healthy food, Relationships

Training the Fussy Eater

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Toddlers can be fussy eaters who refuse to try a new food at least half of the time. Approximately half of all toddlers fit this description, so it is no wonder that food issues are a source of stress for parents.

Establishing healthy eating patterns is important to avoid problems such as obesity and eating disorders later in life. Various strategies can help your child accept a wider range of foods.  It may be necessary to offer food to your child as many as 10 different times before they choose to eat it. The problem is, many parents get frustrated and give up before the fourth or fifth try.

Picky eater

Try to make foods fun.  Colorful foods like carrot sticks, raisins, apples, grapes, cheese sticks and crackers can all be fun and healthy choices for your growing toddler.  Explain to them that eating good food is important so they’ll grow big and strong, and how it will help them run faster and play longer.

Children learn behaviors from their parents. If you restrict yourself to a narrow range of foods, your child will take notice and mimic your caution. Don’t limit your child’s food variety to only those foods you prefer. It may be that your child’s tastes are different to yours, and perhaps you are simply serving them foods they don’t happen to like.  Try to set a good example and try a variety of foods in front of your child. It could motivate them to do the same.

If your child seems healthy and energetic, then they are eating enough. If you are still concerned, keep an eye on how much food they actually eat over the day. Children tend to graze constantly, rather than restrict their eating to three meals per day like adults. You may be surprised how those little handfuls and snacks add up. For further reassurance, check your child’s growth and weight charts, or check with your child’s pediatrician.

Try not to worry, and remember, that unless a child is ill, they will eat.   Children are very good at judging their hunger and fullness signals. Try to stay relaxed about mealtime and offer your child a wide variety of foods, and most importantly, remember to set a good example by trying a wide variety of foods yourself.  You may discover you and your toddler share a new found favorite food!

 

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child safety, health

8 Crucial First Aid Tips that Every Parent Must Know

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We must know that real danger is looming most especially when we have babies and toddlers under our care. Do you have any idea how to respond when your child accidentally gets choked by a piece of candy? What shall you do when your little one’s nose suddenly bleeds?

As parents, we must know how to appropriately react to every accident or misfortune that happens to our babies. To help ensure the safety and well-being of your little child, here are some of the 8 crucial first aid tips that you must be aware of:

  1. Know how to save your baby from choking.

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The first step in saving your child from choking is by administering five (5) firm back blows between her shoulder blades. It is done by putting your baby on your arm towards the floor and then forcefully tapping her back in a repeated manner.

The second step for rescuing a choking infant is by turning her over from facing the floor towards your direction. Then you will have to perform five (5) chest thrusts. You can do this by placing two fingers in the middle of her chest and exerting effort to bring out the

  1. Immediately cool off skin burns.

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Accidental burns usually happen in the kitchen and in the dining area. It is, therefore, important to have burn ointments in your cupboard. The first thing to do when a boiling pot of soup has been poured onto your child or when a flammable substance hits your little one is to wash off the burnt area in running water for 10 minutes so as to cool off the surface. Severe burns shall require emergency medical attention.

  1. Disinfect wounds immediately.

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Wounds can be a normal part of childhood but you have to know that some wounds are prone to infection. You will have to immediately wash your child’s wound with water and soap. After that, apply an antibacterial ointment to prevent infection.

  1. Never disregard insect bites.

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Insect bites are very common among children. Despite this, you still have to be very careful about handling insect bites because they can cause large swelling and skin infection.

The first thing to do upon observing an insect bite is to apply a cold compress to the affected area. Then it would be nice if you have an insect bite ointments, an antibacterial cream or hydrocortisone ointment which you can apply on the bite.

  1. Pinch the nose in case of nosebleed.

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Nosebleeds without any known cause can be very alarming. You can pinch the soft part of your child’s nose for about 5-10 minutes until the bleeding stops. However, children with G6PD deficiency and other blood-related conditions shall be brought to the hospital immediately after a nosebleed incident.

  1. Observe your child after bumping her head.

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Infants who are learning to crawl and stand are those that usually experience head blows. Immediately get an ice pack or cold compress if this happens. Do not let your child sleep right after an accident that involves her head. It is also crucial that you observe your child for any changes in behavior, vomiting, drowsiness, or unconsciousness. Bring her to the doctor at once if you have observed any of the previous conditions.

  1. Learn CPR and first aid.

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Education and practical training are keys to making sure that you can protect your children in case of untoward incidents. It would be very wise to learn about CPR and first aid from reputable professionals.

  1. Have a first aid kit in all your rooms, in your car, and in your baby’s bag.

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Accidents are unpredictable. Every second is crucial to saving your child’s life. Be sure to have a first aid kit in every part of your room most especially in your bathroom and kitchen. Also, be sure to have the kit in your car most especially when you frequently travel with kids.

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