photo credit: timsamoff

Nowadays, it is a common sight to see that every household has a computer. It is also common to be hooked up to the internet and everyone in the house can surf the World Wide Web. Hence, children accessing the computer are exposed to the dangers of the internet. I gleaned the information below from a locally published newspaper which I found very useful.

Children’s Internet Safety Tips

• Do not give out personal information like your name, home address, school name, school address or parent’s name.

• Do not create online profiles that normally request for personal information.

• Do not visit or join chat rooms without parental consent.

• Do not meet online friends in a private online situation. Get parental guidance when doing so.

• Do not visit new Websites without parental consent.

• Do not send, post or receive pictures through the internet.

• Do not reply to any instant messages or to unknown emails or postings.

Parent’s Internet Safety Tips

• Do not place a computer in your child’s room. Place it in high-traffic areas.

• Educate your child on the safety tips above.

• Install screening software in all the computers.

• Do not allow your child to spend a long time on the computer and it is necessary to monitor them often.

• Instruct your child to refer to you if he ever encounters ‘obscene, suggestive, strange, or threatening emails or messages.’

• Be alert when your child tells you something unusual that he learned through the internet.

• Go through unfamiliar emails or messages or postings that your child receives.

• Children tend to forget easily, therefore post the above safety rules beside the computer.

Good parenting means ensuring your kids are healthy including having good mental health. There are ways to accomplish this goal and most of them are easily doable.

#1: Provide educational opportunities, coaching or tutoring

If you can afford it, get your child a personal tutor or encourage him to join such a program in school. I do this for my kids by sending them for extra tuition in the subjects that they have difficulty in understanding.

#2: Good diet

A good diet means providing a balance meal to ensure your child gets the proper nutrition. Therefore, limit the junk food consumption inside and outside the home.

#3: Cut down on TV time

Limit the amount of time your child spends in front of the TV as well as playing computer or video games. Surfing the internet should also be controlled except if it is for school related work.

My kids get limited amount of TV and computer time especially during school days. On average, they get about 2 hours daily which is more than enough for them.

#4: Provide exposure to music and art

If the interest is there, enroll your child in music, dance or art classes. However, do not force your child to do something he is not interested in doing.

#5: Give encouragement to pursue personal hobbies, sports and outdoor activities

Give your child plenty of opportunities to explore personal interest. If he likes a pet, then discuss the options with him. If he cannot get a dog, then maybe a cat or a small fish tank is acceptable. He will learn about being responsible for a live animal which will enhance his personal development.

Parents can take their kids for trips to the museum, park, zoo or to a sports match. Encourage participation in school clubs or sports.

photo credit: foundphotoslj

#6: Ensure enough rest and relaxation

Your child needs enough sleep and rest everyday. Set a reasonable time each night so that your child wakes up refresh every morning.

What is your preference from the suggestions above and what other ways do you have to promote good mental health in your child?

Like adults, children may also experience depression. Children with problems like learning disorders, attention disorders or health problems are more likely to experience depression.

The obvious signs of depression to look out for are:

• Feelings of sadness accompanied by crying or tearfulness

• Poor performance in school

photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

A cheerful child may suddenly become quieter and withdraw from his friends and keep more to himself. He may also express negative feelings or expressions like suicide. A well behave child may suddenly become rebellious and uncooperative.

Hence, parents need to constantly monitor their children to ensure any problems faced by them are solved immediately. There are so many reasons for a child to become depressed and it can also run in the family. Communication and interaction with the child may help to clear any worries that he has causing him to become troubled and unhappy. For severe cases of depression, medical treatment or professional help is necessary which may also include the use of antidepressant medication.

As parents, we all want to ensure that our children are healthy. Therefore, the brief information on nutrition in this article will give you some ideas on the necessary preparations or on what to expect.

• Vitamin supplements for babies

Babies who are exclusively breastfed is lacking in vitamin D. Hence, vitamin D drops may be necessary to make up for it. Preemies or premature infants need a multivitamin with iron supplement as they require the extra nutrient to ensure a healthy growth.

All babies will benefit from having DHA which is a fatty acid that boost brain development. The breastfeeding mom can take the supplement to pass it on to the baby.

I was doing both breastfeeding and giving formula and hence, I did not give any vitamin supplements to my kids.

• Signs of food allergy

The normal symptoms to look out for are eczema or a hive, vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms can appear instantaneously or after 24 hours of eating the offending food.

My kids were able to accept most food and does not suffer from any food allergy. My daughter was allergic to cow’s milk and I switched to plant-based and soy-based milk for her instead. My son had a friend who was allergic to chocolates and had to stay away from it. He also could not drink chocolate based beverages like Milo and Vico which are popular with kids.

• A picky eater

Most parents have encountered this problem with their children. Your child is a picky eater due to several reasons such as seeing you being fussy, he is not offered new foods often enough or it could be in his genes.

I have not met a child who could accept and eat everything that is put in front of him. My own kids have different preferences. I have one son who avoids vegetables in every meal and another son who avoids meat. The only way to ensure that they do eat is to offer a variety of dishes and to make the food interesting by cooking in various styles. For example, the one who does not eat meat likes to eat hamburgers instead. Hence once in awhile, I prepare beef or chicken hamburgers or hot dogs for him.

• Breastfed baby

Mothers know that their breastfed baby is getting enough to eat from the number of wet diapers, about 6 to 8 wet diapers per day. The baby should also be steadily gaining weight.

• Choking hazard

Small children are susceptible to choking due to their small throats and the lack of a full set of teeth. Do not give a young child under the age of 4 round foods like hard candies, nuts, and popcorn or whole cherry tomatoes. Cut up the food into smaller pieces to enable the child to chew easily before swallowing.

photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

This is Part II of the same title posted earlier. I suppose a lot can be said about keeping our kids safe. Hence, this second part to round things up. Remember to repeat and re-educate your child time and again so that he remembers them.

#1: Your child should know his full name, address and important phone numbers like the house telephone but should never reveal the information to a stranger.

#2: Your child should get the parents consent first before he agrees to invite someone to the house or visit to a friend’s house.

#3: Teach your child never to let it be known that he is completely alone in the house. He should not simply open a door to a stranger and he has to inform an adult in the house to do it. If he does happen to be alone, then not to open the door at all and to phone his parents immediately.

#4: Teach your child on how to use the phone like the house phone, cell phone or pay phone to call for help. He should know where you keep the list of emergency contacts and numbers.

#5: Educate your child to not travel alone and to move or travel in groups or at least in pairs. He should avoid isolated places or areas like the back alleys.

#6: Teach your child about traffic and safety rules especially on how to cross the road safely. Tell him to use the pedestrian crossing and overhead bridge if there is one.

#7: Inform your child that no one, not even an adult has the right to touch or speak to him in an inappropriate or indecent way. As parents, get to know your child’s best friends and the group he is mixing with.

#8: Educate your child on the proper usage of the internet. He should never leak personal information like his full name, address, where he goes to school and phone number. He should be aware of the dangers of scammers and only use the internet to communicate with friends that the parents know off. He should not get to know or befriend a total stranger in the internet. Constant parental guidance is necessary in this area to prevent untoward behavior or incidence.

If you would like to share a safety tip, your comments are welcome.

photo credit: Just a Prairie Boy

Part I

As parents, we want to protect our children from encountering any harm. However, over protecting them means limiting their experiences and self-learning process. In addition, we cannot always be on stand-by beside them 24/7 all the time.

Your children will start to separate from you and learn to stand on their own feet when they begin day care, nursery or play school. They will start to practice their social skills and independence with other children as well as other adults. This may be the correct time to talk to your children about safety. Below are some of the main advice you do not want to leave out.

#1: Do not take candy from a stranger

Your child may not know your definition of a stranger, so you may have to be specific when giving this advice. You can tell him not to take anything from another person except his parents, teacher, uncle, aunt, etc.

#2: Do not talk to strangers

Tell you child to check with you first on whether it is alright to talk to another person or grown-up. If he is with a baby-sitter, then to ask the baby-sitter for permission first.

#3: If you suddenly get lost in a supermarket or mall, get an adult to help you

Tell your child to go to the counter or to find someone with a name-tag or one of the store workers to help him find you. Your child should stay inside the building and not to wander out. Also remember to teach your child his full name, the parents’ full name and phone number.

#4: Do not wander out of the parent’s sight

Teach your child to stay within sight, where he can see you all the time. Tell him to inform you first before he moves to another spot at the playground for example.

#5: Do not keep secrets

Be clear with your child that the only secrets he can keep is relating to “surprises”. For example, a present for someone’s birthday. It is important to emphasize that parents have a right to know all other things that is said or done to him.

What is your opinion or personal experience regarding the above?

photo credit: lepiaf.geo

While you were growing up, did your mom have health rules that are almost repeated daily or often? My mother did and to this day, I still remember some of them. Well it is hard to forget as she continues to dispense the same advice to all her grandchildren including my kids. I realize that some of these rules are actually universal. Below are listed some of the rules and see whether any of them sounds all too familiar to you.

#1: Do not sit too close to the TV as it will ruin your eyesight

Sitting too close to the TV will not ruin your child’s eyesight according to the American Optometric Association. It is fine if your child wants to watch TV even with his nose pressed against the screen. It will cause eyestrain and eventually a headache but this does not worsen his vision. It is important not to watch TV in total darkness though as the lighting contrast will worsen the strain. Anyway, advice your child to sit within a normal distance to prevent eyestrain.

photo credit: treehouse1977

#2: Do not read in the dark

Reading in the dark can give eyestrain and in the long period may cause blurred vision and headaches as well. This bad habit may speed up the occurrence of nearsightedness in children that are genetically predisposed. Hence, ensure there is sufficient lighting when reading and to keep books at arm’s length.

#3: Finish up your food, other kids are starving

Your child should eat and stop eating based on his appetite. The goal is not necessary to have a clean plate every time. This trains your child to control his eating and to eat when he is hungry and to stop when he is full. This prevents overeating and reduces the risk of becoming overweight.

#4: Eat your breakfast

Children who eat breakfast perform better in class. A lot of breakfast food also supplies plenty of fiber, calcium and iron to them. However as long as your child has something to nibble on, even though it is leftover pizza, it still counts as breakfast.

#5: Sit up or stand up straight

When a child slouches or slumps over, it puts a lot of strain or pressure on the neck, shoulders and back. It also prevents the lungs from completely filling. Besides nagging, a parent can help by keeping their kids active. This makes the muscles strong to maintain alignment.

As you can see, some of your mom’s teaching may not be totally wrong after all. I like to nag my own kids on the above once in awhile especially the one on eating breakfast every morning before going to school.

Not many people are unaware of swine flu nowadays with the number of cases rising everyday. In Malaysia, many schools have been closed down for a week to prevent the spread of the virus. However, parents are worried as this affects their children’s studies. What if there are still new cases arising within the school? Will the school continue to close for weeks or months?

Swine flu symptoms

Get medical attention if you have the following symptoms to ascertain that it is or is not due to influenza A (H1N1):

• A high fever above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
• A cough
• A headache
• Aching joints
• Nasal congestion
• General fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you have a fever for over three days and suffer from difficulty in breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important for the elderly people, the young children and pregnant women or for those who have a health complication.

photo credit: SarahMcD ॐ

Take the necessary precautions

Each individual must take responsibility for his own health and parents must teach and remind their children to be more careful on their hygiene. The following are steps that you can take to prevent infection:

• Avoid going to crowded places like the shopping malls
• Cover your mouth or face while sneezing or coughing with a clean tissue or handkerchief
• Wear a face or surgical mask
• Keep good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water often
• Keep the house and commonly-touched surfaces cleaned, for example the telephone, door handles, computer keyboards, etc.
• Maintain overall good diet and health

Treatment for swine flu

A person with flu should take plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and take the prescribed painkillers. Your doctor may prescribe Tamiflu or Relenza which works by preventing the virus from reproducing. These drugs if given or administered in time can help to ease the symptoms, shorten the period of illness and also reduce the risk of infecting others.

For more information on swine flu, you can visit this website at http://www.moh.gov.my

My children are still going to school but I insists that they wear a face mask cover. Their cousins have missed a few days of school already due to the swine flu scare. I avoid taking my children to crowded places and ensure that they keep good personal hygiene.

What is your opinion about swine flu? Please share them here.

Have you ever noticed how fast your kids are growing? I do, each and everyday especially my youngest daughter who seems to be growing so fast. What influences the growth? Is your child growing normally? These are some of the questions that will be addressed below.

At birth

A newborn’s size right after birth is based partly on genetics. Other factors that can influence his size are the mother’s weight where a heavy woman tends to have a bigger baby, weight gain during pregnancy where a low weight gain produces a smaller baby and the mother’s health where a diabetic mom will often have a bigger baby.

Toddlers

The baby’s birth size and his genetic programming will determine the baby’s growth rate. A small newborn will grow faster in the first two years if he is programmed to be a big child.

Growing up

A child will have certain periods of growth spurts where he will gain weight and also grow taller. It is difficult to monitor when the growth spurt is as he can shoot up one month and stop the next month. A hormone that triggers the growth is called the human growth hormone which is produced during the day but released during sleep time.

The growth spurt for girls is between 10 and 11 years old until about 15 years old. For boys, the growth spurt is between 12 and 13 years old until about age 17. A girl will normally stop growing after about three years when she had her first period. On the other hand, a boy will continue to grow throughout his teenage years.

Below are some signs to watch out for that may signal something is wrong with your child’s growth:

• His height seems abnormal compared to the parents or other siblings
• His weight gain is more drastic compared to the increase in height
• He is not within the normal growth average
• The puberty either comes very early or very late


photo credit: nattu

Living in a country like Malaysia, means getting plenty of sunshine as well as rain showers. The weather can be pretty hot sometimes but this does not deter the people from going outside though. However the children are at risk, as they are more susceptible to heat exhaustion compared to the adults. Hence, it is important to ensure that they are not overheated as their body, specifically the thermoregulatory system is not as efficient in adapting to the temperature changes.

As a parent, watch out for the following symptoms especially when the weather is extremely humid or during a heat wave. The following are normal signs when a child exerts himself during play or while playing sports:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Heavy sweating
• Red-face
• Feeling thirsty
• The skin is very warm to the touch
• Heavy breathing
• Having muscle cramps or stitches

The following signs may warrant extra attention to ensure everything is fine.
• Feeling weak
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling extremely tired and unable to move
• Fainting
• Very little sweat
• Nausea or vomiting
• A headache

If your child does not feel well, get him into the shade immediately. Give him lots of water to drink or something that contains electrolytes like a sports drink. Check to see whether his condition has improved in the next hour. If not, do not hesitate to go for medical attention.

photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography