children

How can probiotics help your baby’s health?

Angela Manning Health , , ,
How can probiotics help your baby’s health?

The human intestine contains a huge number of bacteria. Probiotics are a combination of beneficial bacteria that live naturally in your body.

Probiotics in foods and supplements are specific strains of live bacteria that manufacturers claim to provide health benefits when consumed in adequate quantities. The theory behind their effectiveness is based on the idea that certain kinds of germs perform specific biological functions in our intestines, and an imbalance of these germs leads to health problems. By absorbing billions of “beneficial” bacteria, we can help restore our microbiome and health.

Do all babies need probiotics?

Given the components that probiotics contain, they are considered to be absolutely safe cures even for babies in their first year of life. The microorganisms present in probiotics are representatives of the normal human flora, so they are usually well absorbed when consumed. It should be noted that the health benefits of probiotics depend on the strain, so you should consult your doctor before taking them.

Popular probiotic products, including baby formula, already contain probiotics. However, many parents wonder whether their child is getting enough probiotics with his or her food and whether probiotic supplements are necessary. Probiotics are some of the most commonly used food supplements in the world.

When are probiotics prescribed for babies?

The most important sign for prescribing probiotics is digestive issues. The doctor finds out under what conditions inconsistent stools form, whether there is enough breast milk, and the nursing woman’s diet. And in cases when it is necessary, prescribes the probiotic supplement for infants.

Probiotics work on the gut microbes, affecting immune mechanisms in the intestinal mucosa, contributing to the production of beneficial metabolic products, interacting with beneficial and harmful bacteria. All this leads to the suppression of pathogenic (harmful) microbiota, increased growth of beneficial bacteria, reduced inflammation in the intestinal wall, and strengthened the GI tract barrier. These mechanisms and effects help reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea, which is the most common reason for prescribing probiotics in children.

Probiotics for babies are more often used in liquid form. Parents can instantly drip drops into the mouth – it is more difficult to dilute dry powders in sachets or capsules. At the same time, there is no difference between children’s and adults’ products, and it’s more a marketing ploy. With the right probiotic, the stool frequency and consistency improve.

What are the most common probiotics?

The most commonly used and studied probiotics are strains of two main species.

Bifidobacteria is a type of bacteria generally used in supplements and baby foods to:

  • Boost the baby’s immune system
  • Limit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut
  • Help break down lactose into nutrients to enrich the body

Lactobacilli produces an enzyme that breaks down lactose or milk sugar. The other significant function of these bacteria species is also to produce lactic acid. Lactic acid helps regulate the population of harmful germs.

 

There is a huge variety of probiotics for babies available today, and you can find such supplements at any pharmacy. And although these products are considered safe, you should not prescribe them to your child by yourself. Before giving probiotics to your baby, it is essential to consult a doctor and have tests done to determine exactly which bacteria are lacking and which are in excess.

Choosing the Best Education for Your Child

Angela Manning Education , ,
Choosing the Best Education for Your Child

As a parent, we are responsible for making many decisions that affect the path of our child’s life. Our children rely on us to help them thrive and grow. Every choice, from how to raise your child to selecting a great place to live, affects their upbringing and helps them become who they will be later in life.

One of the most important decisions a parent has to make involves evaluating and choosing the best educational opportunities for your child. At an early age, your child begins to learn and absorb everything and the right education will give your child a superb foundation. For the best childhood education select a top-notch school with skilled administrators, talented teachers and a great curriculum.

Early Childhood Education

With today’s economic realities, parents are often faced with finding child care for their offspring at an early age. While day care is a possibility it is often far better to look for educational options that cater to infants age 6 weeks to 18 months, toddlers, pre-school and pre-Kindergarten. These schools offer an opportunity for your child to learn and grow in a truly caring environment.

An ideal school will tailor the curriculum and classroom setting to each age group. Administrators and teachers will have training that lets them guide young children to learning and experiences that are perfect for their development level.

Early Childhood Development

A child’s earliest years are perhaps the most formative. During this time the child experiences tremendous cognitive development and learns to solve problems. Being in a caring environment with wonderful teachers and other children in their age group also boosts socialization and emotional development. Many parents have seen amazing advancement with their child’s social interactions and skills when they attend a quality pre-school.

Immersion in a school environment with classmates of the same age can also boost speech and language development. If a child has difficulty communicating, being around other children their age can really help them with the language and speech process. Fine and gross motor skill development is also enhanced in the right environment when learning activities and classroom materials are designed specifically to help in this area.

Montessori Educational Options

One of the most interesting childhood learning options is to select a school that follows the Montessori educational method. The Montessori philosophy allows for hands-on learning and lets the child make creative choices for learning activities, This gives the child the freedom to follow their natural curiosity and excitedly explore learning that fascinates them.

By making learning fun and opening the door to the child choosing what’s compelling to them, the education process moves from routine and drudgery to imagination and a thirst for learning more. Critical thinking and self-discovery skills are greatly enhanced with the Montessori method.

If you want to offer your child the best opportunities in life, a top tier education is one of the best gifts you can give your child. Children that love learning and have a great educational foundation are able to excel in life and in their future endeavors.

4 Fun-Filled Activities for Children with Special Needs

Angela Manning Travel , , , ,
4 Fun-Filled Activities for Children with Special Needs

For the last two decades, passive entertainment as an industry has grown to a multi-billion industry. However, traditional means of enjoying life remain unmatched. Activities such as traveling, camping and discovering new places are still one of the best ways to enjoy life. Children and adults with special needs can tap on the following four avenues regardless of their locality.

1. Camping

Among the four activities in this piece, camping is arguably the best way to help these children experience new realities in a controlled and fun-filled environment. Not all campsites are ideal for children with special needs and doing background research is vital for a better camping experience. Luckily, some camps, such as Christian special needs summer camp, are unmatched for children with special needs.

Apart from research, it is vital to have schedules and pre-planned rules for camping. Planning helps in reducing instances of confusion, an unexpected behavior, and more importantly, the code of ethics while on the camping trip. Rules and expected behavior, in this case, should also entail safety for everyone. In a special camping trip like this one, safety for everyone should be an obligation for all. Adherence to collective safety should, however, not interfere with individual responsibility and everyone enjoying their time on the camping trip.

In most camping trips, it is normal to forget some important camping necessities. It is, therefore, your obligation to make the packing list one month before the camp trip to avoid missing some items.

2. Road Trip

Road trips are arguably one of the most exciting summer activities. Unlike using air, road tripping gives the family members a chance to bond and spend time together. However, for a better experience, it is essential to follow the following guideline. First, when you are traveling with special needs, it is important to update them on the destination and any stopovers. This update helps them to be psychologically prepared, and it is one of the first steps of building their expectation about the trip and new experiences.

Second, snacks are important for any road trip. Any road trip for children is incomplete without snacks. When shopping for snacks, however, it is vital to involve them as opposed to dictating their snacks selection. You should also ensure that the car interior and the seats are comfortable. The more the seats are comfortable, the better the road trip.

Finally, having a clear destination is essential. However, it is advisable to have a flexible schedule and the more flexible the summer retreat, the better.

3. Discover new places 

A get-away should also include a chance to experience a new locality. Discovering new places is different when you have children with special needs. Regardless of the location, it is advisable to have a balanced approach to experimentation. Children, unlike adults, have a different perception of what is fun. Therefore finding a balance between the two demographics is important for a better experience.

Discovering new places have the following advantages to both parents an children with special needs. First, it is one of the best ways to learn something. A visit to a museum is not only fun but also a chance to learn. Second, new places are ideal for self-discovering and exposing children with special needs a chance to understand more about them. This new self-discovery, according to pundits, is unmatched for better development. When on a trip to discover a new place of a new culture, it is important to involve them in planning and let them feel like they are in charge.

4. Visiting friends and families 

Visiting families and friends is one of the best ways to spend time with children who have special needs. Unlike other activities which involve new experiences and new places, a trip to see friends do not require a lot of planning and high budget. However, planning on logistics, the day of the visit, and gifts is important. While planning for all these logistics, it is important to ask for their opinions and any suggestions for gifts.

When planning for home visits, informing the hosts is vital. Informing them helps them to prepare for refreshments and their time. It is also one of the ways to help them get special activities, such as children’s games. If they cannot afford these activities, it is vital to assist where you can. Whatever you decide to do, there are many ideas that will let everyone have a fun time.

Coping With Children’s Allergies

Angela Manning Health , , ,
Coping With Children’s Allergies

With so many children suffering from allergies, it comes as no surprise that most parents are quite knowledgeable when it comes to the ways to deal with this issue. Still, it’s always a good idea to revisit the tips for coping with allergies, especially since there are always new discoveries, forcing us to rethink the approach we have been taking so far.

We all know how complicated life is when your child is suffering from allergies. It shapes their eating habits, social life and, very often, it has a profound effect on how our kids spend their free time. This affects not only the kid but the whole family, since they all have to adapt to the circumstances. Depending on the type of allergy, we need to invest less or more effort into preventing our kid from coming into contact with various allergens and treating the symptoms.

Whatever the case, one thing is for sure: we mustn’t give up fighting, but reevaluate how we care for our allergic kid and integrate some activities into our routine to help us all have an easier life. Here are some tips on how to go about this issue.

Finding the best allergy medicine

In order to be absolutely sure whether the treatment is right, you need to know exactly what triggers an allergy in your kid. Without this step, there’s no guarantee you’re giving your kid the best possible treatment. With so many new medications appearing on the market, you might be stuck with an older alternative that is inferior to a new medication. That’s why you need to make regular visits to your doctor and have consultations about the treatment.

Immunotherapy is said to be the closest thing to curing allergies, with more than 80% of people responding positively to the treatment. Allergy shots help your kid not only with allergies but also with asthma. Immunotherapy is particularly useful when it comes to kids who can’t take medications or whose medications aren’t working well.

Avoiding contact with allergens

If there’s no allergen, there’s no allergy to cope with. Creating an allergen-free environment is something most parents are most concerned about, since it’s always better to prevent than to cure a health issue. Some allergens are quite simple to avoid, but others are more difficult to deal with. For example, if your child is allergic to peanuts, you’ll make sure they don’t eat anything that contains or has been in contact with this allergen.

Similarly, if you’re not sure about the indoor air quality and your kid is allergic to mold, which is one of the most common allergens, you should find an efficient air purifier for mold to prevent the problem from aggravating. Finally, if your kid is allergic to pollen, you’ll simply avoid spending time in an environment that is rich in pollen.

Other tips

If possible, you should plan your vacations during non-allergy seasons. A nice ski-trip or fall camping holiday can be a great substitute for a spring holiday if that’s the season when your kid suffers the most. Traditional summer camps can be substituted with alternatives, such as art or surf camps.

When it comes to pets, experts claim that no animal is truly hypoallergenic. Still, there is a huge difference in terms of shedding when you consider various dog and cat breeds. So, if your child would really like to have a pet and you’re willing to make their wish come true, make sure you choose wisely. Also, if you already have a pet that causes occasional allergy symptoms, don’t give it up before you consider how much stress that would cause for the child. Instead, pay more attention to combing it regularly and keeping it outside as much as possible. If that’s not possible, try to find a new home for the pet in your family, since that would allow your child to pay occasional visits.

Take a break

You can have fun with your kid even if it has severe issues with allergies. A simple board game or any activity that doesn’t include contact with allergens will go a long way in establishing a better parent-child relation. You should never let your child feel that your life is greatly affected by their health issues, since they will feel guilty. Instead, keep a positive attitude and teach your child about the things they shouldn’t do if they want to be healthy.

Having a child suffering from allergies can be a great inconvenience, but it’s something a lot of us have to deal with. The most important thing is to be fully informed about the nature of the problems and the ways of coping with it so that the negative effects can be minimized.

Why Is It Mandatory for Children to Study Science?

Angela Manning Education , , , ,
Why Is It Mandatory for Children to Study Science?

Science is an integral part of our life. Even if you try you can’t remove Science completely from your life. It is there all around us in the form of smartphones, internet, healthcare, electricity etc. Children are attracted towards practical Science experiments and often look forward to the Science practical class in school. Separating your kids from science is an impossible job. Parents understand the importance of learning Science as it is the very foundation of modern life and often hire the services of a private Science tutor to get their kids a little exposure to the scientific concepts. Following are the major reasons highlighting the fact that studying Science is essential for kids.

Fuels Curiosity

Science is a fuel for the curious brain of your kids. Children tend to ask more questions about what is happening around them and science helps them to get their answers. Children are natural explorers and Science provides them a lot of material to explore, investigate and learn. Moreover, unlike other subjects, Science brings the desire for discovery and innovation in kids at an early age, which is essential for the overall development of their brain. When children study about the lives of great scientists they get inspired and motivated to succeed in life, no matter what hurdle comes.

Develops the ability to think

For those who have studied Science know that in science they think of an idea or a hypothesis to explain a particular situation and then work towards approving or disapproving the hypothesis. The one which gets approved becomes a concrete solution and a fact. This way of thinking can be applied by a kid in his/her daily life problems as well. Moreover, when the kids grow up and join a job; they will be facing multiple issues. The hypothesis and research approach help them to deal with and take care of the issues smoothly.

Science helps to study other subjects

A considerable part of Science, especially Physics, contains Mathematics. Hence, a child who is interested in Science will develop good mathematical skills as well. It happens naturally. Moreover, Science even tells the difference between the old age and the modern times; thus encouraging the kids to learn History. It is obvious that whenever children study the life of a great Scientist, they are indirectly learning history as they will be studying the events that happened in that period of time. Science helps your kid to develop great writing skills by pinning down a good lab report is not an easy task.

Making kids future ready

 

We can see that our parents are not that comfortable in using modern gadgets. This is because science wasn’t that much developed in their period. Hence, studying Science makes your kids ready to take on the future. Technological development is happening at a rapid pace and without studying Science children cannot adapt themselves to the changes in technology. Science helps to build a better understanding of what is happening around us.

Conclusion

It is pretty essential for the parents to encourage their kids to study Science and appreciate their achievements in the same. Asking kids how and why questions are the best way to make their curious mind prosper and develop and without Science it is almost impossible to satisfy a child’s curious mind.

Ruchi gupta is a writing enthusiast who has penned down a number of articles along with numerous tech , business and health blog posts over the last decade. She is a freelance blogger.

8 Alternatives To Public School That Pave The Path To Success

Angela Manning Education , , , , ,
8 Alternatives To Public School That Pave The Path To Success
Group Of Elementary School Children In Computer Class

Are you interested in an alternate curriculum or learning method instead of what’s traditionally offered? Here are 8 alternatives to public school.

Wondering if public school is your only option?

You might be surprised to learn that there are plenty of alternatives to public school. Public school certainly isn’t for everyone. If you have issues with the teaching styles, the social setting, or something else, it’s time to look into some alternatives to public school.

In this guide, we’ll show you what you need to know about the alternatives to public school, including some of the main choices you have for your education. Keep reading to break free from the public school system.

What is an Alternative School?

An alternative school is defined as a school that doesn’t provide the same experience as a traditional public school. There are a variety of different alternative schools, with widely varied experiences.

This is great, because it means you have lots of options! Some alternatives to public school will work better for you than others. Online schools, charter schools, and magnet schools are all among the options you have – more on those below.

Sometimes, your school district will offer alternatives, but other schools are completely independent of public school systems. For example, online schools happen over the internet and can easily be run without public school support. See more information about what online schools have to offer here.

Many alternative schools are there to give other options to students who have a hard time in public school. These students might be described as “troubled,” “gifted,” or something else.

However, the issue usually isn’t really with the student – it’s with the school they’re attending.

Once a student finds a school that’s a good fit, they tend to thrive.

Alternative School Features

Let’s take a close look at some of the things that often set alternatives to public school apart.

1. Smaller Classes

These kinds of schools often feature small class sizes, so students get more individualized attention from teachers. This also helps teachers specifically tailor the content to a student’s learning style.

2. Flexibility

These schools also tend to offer more flexibility in everything from class schedules to requirements for graduation.

For example, some schools might offer night class, which works better for students who raise children or work jobs during the day. Flexible graduation requirements can allow students to focus on the classes they’re more passionate about, which is perfect for students who are thinking about their future careers.

3. Varied Teaching Methods

Different teaching methods allow students with different learning styles to succeed more easily.

Many alternative teaching methods focus on creativity and interactive, hands-on work, which is effective for many learners. Lecture formats and note-taking aren’t always the best way to teach information.

In fact, many researchers believe that outdated teaching problems are holding the field of education back. However, at alternatives to public school, this isn’t the case at all!

4. Different Evaluation Methods

Grades aren’t the only way to measure success. Many alternative schools offer other ways to evaluate a student’s progress.

For example, written evaluations can give a more thorough perspective on how a student is doing in class. Students can learn much more from this than from a simple letter grade.

Other alternative schools might offer school credit in exchange for internships or jobs, which allows students to gain real-world career experience before they’ve left the classroom completely.

5. Meet Different Needs

Student needs aren’t strictly academic. Alternative schools can help by also meeting a student’s social, emotional, or mental needs.

Resources like support groups and counseling offer a more well-rounded support system than public schools can offer. This is great for any student who has run into emotional, mental, or social barriers to education.

Why Go to Alternative School?

Wondering if an alternative school is right for you? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of these educational options.

1. Difficulty Learning

If you find that you’re having trouble learning in your traditional classroom setting, an alternative school might be right for you.

You might have a learning disability that makes traditional school hard, or you might simply find that you don’t retain information well when it’s given in lecture format.

Even if you simply feel bored at school, your boredom is probably holding you back from learning. An alternative school can present information in an exciting way that will hold your interest.

2. Seeking Guidance

Looking for more support or guidance for navigating life, your career, or both? Alternative schools can help.

You’re also likely to find more support from your peers and teachers. The smaller class sizes encourage more teamwork, and your teachers can get to know you on a whole other level.

3. Lack of Challenge

If you feel like your public school is too easy, seek out the challenges you need at an alternative school. If you settle for education that feels easy, you’re selling yourself short by not maxing out your learning potential.

Three Alternatives to Public School

Now that you know what makes alternative school a great fit, let’s take a look at some of your top choices.

1. Online School

Online school is a form of “homeschooling” that many modern students love.

You can easily get your degree online from the comfort of your own home. This also means you can study on a more flexible schedule.

2. Magnet School

A magnet school is operated by the public education system, but it’s different from a standard public school. You’ll often need a high test score to be accepted.

These specialized schools have a focus in one area of art or science, allowing you to move forward faster in the special areas that interest you.

3. Private School

There are a variety of types of private schools you can choose from. Although some private schools are expensive, they often pay off well by offering better education in a tight-knit educational community.

Ready for an Alternative School?

If you’re interested in an alternative school, don’t wait. Start making the change now – your education and your future are at stake.

Which alternative school feels right for you? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Jay Eitner LinkedIn – Websites Which Will Greatly Help Kids Understand Science

Angela Manning Education , , , , , ,
Jay Eitner LinkedIn – Websites Which Will Greatly Help Kids Understand Science

Whether you are a teacher or a parent, getting boys and girls interested in the sciences is something which is not always easy. In fact studies by the federal government have shown that this is one subject where there is a far less interest than ever before, and they are taking steps to remedy that. As a parent I have worked hard on encouraging my kids to engage more with science, be it though a quiz about food sources based on the main menu of a restaurant to trying to teach them the biology behind a goldfish which they looked after. the best place that I have found to teach them new things and spark their passion for sciences however, has been online, and here are some great sites which you should be using to motivate you kids to love science.

Jay Eitner Blog

Jay Eitner is a real inspiration to me in terms of education, he was schooled in New Jersey like me and then went on to play a key role in the improvement of education in the state. Jay Eitner Linkedin profile may talk about the fact that he is superintendent of Waterford Township School District, but it skips over the part about who inspiring his teaching methods are. On his very own blog you can find a great amount of resources to help encourage your kids to get more into the sciences.

YouTube

As long as you carefully supervise it, your kids can get a greta amount of value from the video sharing website Youtube. The site features thousands of videos about science which are aimed at all age groups. What I love most about using these videos is that some of them are ‘wow’ videos featuring explosions and chemical reactions, or fascinating videos about the animal kingdom, whereas there are others which delve deeper into the theory behind the science. You will need to watch your kids when they are on YouTube, as there can be the temptation to look at other, unrelated videos. When managed well however, this is a great resource which can inspire your kids.

NOVA

Of all the educational websites which I have found that relate to science, NOVA seems to be the best, and the kids absolutely love it. The website is filled with educational resources from literature to videos and it approaches things at a classroom level. Arguably the best part of this website, and the aspect which keeps the kids involved and interested, is the existing and fun delivery of the information. Using a wide range of fancy graphics, images and videos to support the information, it helps all types of children, regardless of their learning style. The website has information about all of the sciences and offers support for all age groups.

If you are looking to further inspire your kids’ scientific education, make use of these wonderful online tools.

Highly Essential Tips for Celebrating Your Kids 1st Birthday Party

Angela Manning DIY, Fashion , , , ,
Highly Essential Tips for Celebrating Your Kids 1st Birthday Party

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A first birthday party of a kid is definitely a special occasion for the parents as it’s a milestone in your baby’s life and of course the first of many exciting birthdays to come. It is a very obvious fact that kids don’t remember the first birthday of their lives and they don’t enjoy as much as everyone does. As a loving and caring parent, you need to make sure that it has to be a fun-filled day for everyone, especially for your kids.

Planning a birthday party and execute it properly is not an easy job at all. It is quite a hectic and time-consuming affair where you really try to give your best performance as a parent. One thing that you must need to keep in mind that the activities you have planned should engage the kids invited to the birthday party.

You need to put a lot of efforts into the planning and organizing process of the first birthday party of your kid.

There are lots of 1st birthday ideas that you can choose from. From a simple family gathering to an extravagant birthday party, there is the huge numbers of ideas but you, as a parent should choose one based on your prerogative.

The birthday party can be arranged at home or somewhere outside of your home. You need to first determine how much hard work you are ready to put into the birthday affair and choose the venue on the basis of that. Outdoor birthday parties have almost become the trend in these days. All you need to do is spend some money and almost everything will be arranged for you. But if you want to throw a homely birthday party then you can follow some of the first birthday tips-

1.Theme:

Start with finalizing a theme for the birthday party. The theme can be a cartoon that your kid just loves or even a toy. There are many options for choosing the theme and some of the very popular themes include Thomas the train, Superman, Mickey Mouse, Cars or anything that the birthday kid loves.

2.Invitation:

Once you are done with finalizing the theme, it’s time to focus on the invitation part. If you have any dress code in your mind to match up with the birthday theme, then you should definitely mention it beforehand.

3.Birthday Dress:

The dress of the birthday kid plays a very crucial as your kid is the center of the attraction for this special day. You can simply go for the theme based dress. If you don’t want to go for the themed based dress then you should go for something simple and casual as this will keep your kid comfortable for the longer span of the birthday party.

4.Birthday Cake:

A cake is one of the inevitable parts of any kind birthday party and when it comes to choosing the cake for the first birthday of your baby, needless to say, it has to be ultra-special. Almost everyone loves cake and that’s why you should order a large sized kids birthday cake online.

5. Decoration:

It completely depends on the choice of the individual. You can either go for a heavy or light decoration based on what fascinates you more. If you want to decorate the birthday venue with the latest decoration idea, employing an event management group would be a nice idea.

Your childs first dentist visit how to make it as smooth as possible

Angela Manning Health , , , , , ,
Your childs first dentist visit how to make it as smooth as possible

Let’s be honest: going to the dentist is tough enough for adults, so it isn’t surprising kids are similarly uneasy with the whole exercise as well.

While part of this is due to us projecting our insecurities onto our children, dentist offices are sterile environments filled with the uncomfortable whines of drills, so even the most comfortable parents will have issues introducing their kids to this place.

If you neglect to prepare them and they have a bad time the first time they go, future trips will be as fun as ripping a hang nail from your index finger.

Thanks to dentists such as Dr. Kami Hoss, though, there are dentist practices kids actively look forward to visiting.

As SoCal’s most popular family dental clinic, The Super Dentists managed to marry fun interior design, explanatory comics in reception, and specially trained staff together to create an environment where kids are instantly comfortable.

If you aren’t lucky enough to be close to this facility, there are several things you can do to make your child’s first dentist trip a positive one.

In this post, we’ll run down how to ensure this landmark visit goes as smoothly as possible.

1) Get it over with as soon as possible

The sooner a child is introduced to something, the quicker they will be able to normalize it as part of their routine. The same goes for going to the dentist, as unlikely as that sounds.

If you wait until they are older, they are more likely to go into the situation with fear in their hearts, as their mind will have developed enough to do that.

Soon after they blow out the candle on their first birthday cake or once they have their first tooth, take them in for their inaugural appointment.

2) Watch what you say beforehand

When your kids are little, anything you say can be taken quite literally. Accordingly, the words you use prior to their first appointment will shape whether they get through it fine or end up breaking out in tears.

Instead of being brutally honest as some parents are wont to do, describe the work dentists do in cartoonish detail. Some paint them as sugar bug hunters, so go with that if you are creatively challenged.

Avoid any words associated with pain, as many children make the connection between pain they feel and the words that describe them early in life. As such, using them will make a dentist appointment more difficult, not easier.

3) Schedule a pre-appointment meet and greet with the dentist

Before your kid goes in for their first dentist appointment, arrange a meeting between them and the professionals that will work on their teeth.

Doing this will humanize them, allowing a bond of trust to be forged between them and your child. If this can be achieved, any procedures done will go more smoothly as a result of this step.

By discussing what they do in terms understandable and relatable to children, this tip is one every parent should act upon before putting their kid in a dentist’s chair for the first time.

How to Help Your Kids Survive this Tucson Heat

Angela Manning Health, Travel , , , , , ,
How to Help Your Kids Survive this Tucson Heat

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Despite having lived in Tucson for 5 years now, I have still not quite got used to the insane heat when it comes and during those days I am the one doing all that I can to stay as cool as possible. I love the temperature throughout the fall and winter months but when that August sunshine starts burning down, evasive action is most definitely required.

I am always more protective of my kids during this time as well, ever since my buddy Michael Thomas Eckhardt told me about the amount of young children who are sent to hospital each year because of the heat and dehydration, I was intent on not being a father who could be accused of not doing enough to help my kids avoid their death in this extreme Tucson heat. If you want to keep your kids cool when the weather is punishing, here are some tips to follow.

Clothing Choices

Naturally you want to make sure that you are dressing your child in an appropriate way for the summer heat. There can be a temptation to put your child in some shorts and t-shirts but just bear in mind the exposure of their skin to the sun’s rays. If you do opt for this type of clothing then you will need to arm yourself with plenty of suncream to avoid them burning. The best course of action that I have found is clothing which covers them up, but is very light thus blocking the sun’s rays whilst still keeping them cool. Don’t forget to give your child a hat to wear as the sun can really blaze down on the top of their heads if you don’t.

Bedroom

Be careful with the air con in the child’s bedroom as it will keep the child cool but the air can also hurt their throat and lungs. Try turning the air con onto a timer so that it can come on intermittently throughout the night to keep your child nice and cool. You could also consider putting frozen water bottles in the child’s room at night, as they melt they will cool the air.

Limit Outdoors Time

When the sun is shining, all kids want to do is play outdoors and whilst it can be a difficult thing to tell your high energy child, you must restrict how much time they spend out in the sunshine. Especially try to avoid the midday sun as this is when things are at their hottest. Try to entertain your child indoors where it is cool and safe.

Fluids

Keeping your child cool is not just about their exterior but their interior too and you need to make sure that they are taking lots of water and cool drinks so that they can say hydrated and lower their core body temperature. Make sure that you are giving your child fluids at least every hour or two to ensure that they stay nice and cool.