I saw something today that truly broke my heart. I saw two teenage girls with a woman who had two babies. I wasn’t completely sure who the babies belonged to, but I believe they were the woman’s, because one of the babies called her “Mummy.”
At one point, the woman asked one of the teenage girls to look after one of the babies while she went to check something, possibly bus details. While the girl was holding the baby, she was vaping. What upset me most was that the baby was right in front of her face while she was vaping, and the vapor was going straight toward the baby. The woman saw the teen smoke yet nothing was said or done.
The girl even made videos of herself vaping while the baby so close. Watching this made me extremely uncomfortable. I wanted to ask her to please step away from the baby, but I didn’t. I was not sure of how the lady would react when she got back and there were people watching but I kept itching to say something honestly.
It made me wonder how children and teenagers reach a point where smoking becomes so normal at such a young age, and how some adults appear to accept it without concern, even in public spaces and around babies. I’m not saying smoking is good in any situation, but seeing it done so casually and so close to a baby was deeply upsetting.
When that teen was vaping directly near the baby’s face, she wasn't just creating a plume of flavored air; she was releasing a cocktail of chemicals directly into the most vulnerable person's developing respiratory system.
Immediate Effects on a Baby:
- Respiratory Distress: A baby's lungs are tiny and still developing. The ultrafine particles, heavy metals (like nickel, tin, and lead), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in vape aerosol can cause immediate irritation and inflammation. This can trigger or worsen asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections.
- Nicotine Exposure: Vapes contain high levels of nicotine. Even passively inhaling the aerosol leads to nicotine absorption. For a baby, nicotine is a potent neurotoxin that affects their developing brain.
- Increased Risk of SIDS: Exposure to any secondhand smoke or aerosol has been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Long-Term Effects on a Child:
- Pulmonary Damage: Constant exposure can lead to chronic lung conditions and reduced lung function later in life. They are essentially starting life with a handicap on their respiratory system.
- Neurodevelopmental Issues: Nicotine exposure in early life can cause lasting problems with brain development, potentially affecting attention, learning, and impulse control.
- The Addiction Pathway: This is incredibly disturbing. The baby's body is absorbing nicotine (a highly addictive substance) through passive exposure. While they are not choosing to smoke, their body is being physiologically primed for addiction. This early, involuntary exposure could theoretically lower the threshold for them becoming smokers or vapers themselves later in life, a truly cruel start.
Why Teens Think It’s "Cool"
The sight of the teen recording herself while smoking perfectly illustrates part of the problem. Why do teens take up vaping?
- The "Cool" Factor: Vaping companies, despite regulations, use marketing that appeals to youth, from fun flavors (like "Gummy Bear" or "Strawberry Milk") to sleek, tech-like devices. It's often framed as a rebellious, sophisticated, or modern alternative to traditional smoking, a way to fit in or appear edgy on social media.
- Misinformation: There's a widespread, but dangerous, belief that vaping is "just water vapor" or "harmless." This misinformation, often spread peer-to-peer, dismisses the real chemical dangers.
- Stress and Anxiety: Some teens use it as a coping mechanism, mistaking the rush of nicotine for relaxation or stress relief.
- Accessibility: Vapes are often easier to obtain and conceal than cigarettes, making them a more accessible vice.
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9 Ways to Encourage Children to Connect, Create, and Play Away from the Screen
Is it almost time for school vacation? Are you wondering how to spend that time? Given how exhausting holidays can be, especially for working parents, it's understandable that children are frequently allowed to spend hours watching TV, playing video games, or using a tablet. After all, happy, quiet children make for happy parents who can finally get some work done — or relax.
However, children are spending an excessive amount of time in front of screens. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children aged 8 to 12 spend four to six hours each day watching or using screens, while tweens and teens spend nine hours.
Given how appealing devices and social media can be, those figures could easily rise during unscheduled periods such as weekends and school vacations. That is why it is important to be proactive and come up with alternative activities. Here are some ideas for parents and caregivers to try. These are mostly appropriate for elementary school-aged children, but some may also appeal to tweens and teens.
Taking time off the screen
Go outside. This may sound obvious, but kids spend less time outside than they used to, and it can be a lot of fun. If you have a yard, go outside and play hide-and-seek or make a fort out of snow or other materials. If you don't have a yard, visit a nearby park or simply go for a walk. A scavenger hunt around the block or a game of I Spy could be a good incentive.
Walk to the library
Do this early in your child's vacation to ensure that they have plenty of books, puzzles, and games to keep them entertained. Check out as many as they allow you to carry. Ask if a Library of Things is available at a branch near you: crafts, tools, musical instruments, birding kits, telescopes, and even metal detectors can be borrowed for free.
This might not happen over night, but parents can help preschoolers sleep in their own beds. This might not happen over night, but parents can help preschoolers sleep in their own beds.
Step one: Understand the process
Children always want to sleep with their parents. This is because they feel loved and protected while also enjoying a snuggle. Most parents need privacy, but make sure you are emotionally ready before starting the sleep-ahead process.
If during this process you notice that the child becomes more irritable than usual, you should see a doctor.
The sleeping space has to be appealing. Nothing can replace you. A relaxed room makes it easier for the child to sleep. Decorate the room. Let the room represent the child's personality. Example: If the child likes angels or a particular character, let the wall paper be an artwork with their favorite character.
Add details that suit the child: if the child likes a bright room, use light curtains, but if they like a dark room, use light-blocking curtains. While the child is adjusting to the change, use white noise to help them sleep better. Avoid TV, iPad, or devices in the bedroom. These devices change their sleep patterns.
Create a consistent bedtime schedule. Avoid letting the child stay up late.
A consistent and calming bedtime routine is important. To help lower the energy level, give them a bath and snuggle with them while reading a bedtime story. This helps them wind down and end the day with you being the last face they see before they sleep off.
If your child finds it difficult to go to bed, you can sit in the room. Try to gradually shorten the time you are in the room.
If the child gets out of bed, take them back to bed. The child might not like it, but you need to not give in. Take them back to their room.
Let the child know you appreciate the progress. You can use a reward system, but be careful not to overdo it in order not to pass the right message.
If nothing is working and you notice the child getting really upset, it is advisable to talk to your doctor.
Photo by Artem Podrez
Step one: Understand the process
Children always want to sleep with their parents. This is because they feel loved and protected while also enjoying a snuggle. Most parents need privacy, but make sure you are emotionally ready before starting the sleep-ahead process.
If during this process you notice that the child becomes more irritable than usual, you should see a doctor.
Step two: Changing habits
When you change where your child sleeps, it also means you are changing the child's habit. Here are some tips to help the child change the habit to start sleeping alone:
When you change where your child sleeps, it also means you are changing the child's habit. Here are some tips to help the child change the habit to start sleeping alone:
The sleeping space has to be appealing. Nothing can replace you. A relaxed room makes it easier for the child to sleep. Decorate the room. Let the room represent the child's personality. Example: If the child likes angels or a particular character, let the wall paper be an artwork with their favorite character.
Add details that suit the child: if the child likes a bright room, use light curtains, but if they like a dark room, use light-blocking curtains. While the child is adjusting to the change, use white noise to help them sleep better. Avoid TV, iPad, or devices in the bedroom. These devices change their sleep patterns.
Create a consistent bedtime schedule. Avoid letting the child stay up late.
A consistent and calming bedtime routine is important. To help lower the energy level, give them a bath and snuggle with them while reading a bedtime story. This helps them wind down and end the day with you being the last face they see before they sleep off.
If your child finds it difficult to go to bed, you can sit in the room. Try to gradually shorten the time you are in the room.
If the child gets out of bed, take them back to bed. The child might not like it, but you need to not give in. Take them back to their room.
Let the child know you appreciate the progress. You can use a reward system, but be careful not to overdo it in order not to pass the right message.
If nothing is working and you notice the child getting really upset, it is advisable to talk to your doctor.
While it may not result in any major issues, a shorter-than-usual band of tissue may limit tongue movements.
A band of tissue known as the lingual frenulum holds the tongue partially to the front of the mouth. A small frenulum might limit the tongue's range of motion. This is referred to as a tongue tie.
A child with a tongue tie is unable to touch the top of their upper teeth with their tongue when their mouth is open or to extend their tongue past their bottom lip. Their tongue seems to be heart-shaped or notch-shaped when they extend it. A baby's tongue might be knotted if you can't get a finger beneath it, as they don't usually stick out their tongues.
How often do tongue-ties occur?
Tongue ties are common. People's definitions of this condition vary; therefore, it's difficult to pinpoint its actual prevalence. Roughly 8% of infants younger than one-year-old may have a mild tongue tie.
Is having a tied tongue an issue?
It's important to remember that tongue-ties are not always an issue. Many infants, kids, and adults have tongue-ties that don't give them any problems at all.
There are two primary ways in which tongue-ties can lead to issues:
They may make it difficult for some babies to latch on to the mother's nipple, which can lead to nursing issues. Both the mother's nipples and the baby's have pain when feeding due to this. Not every baby with tongue tie experiences it; a good number of them can breastfeed. When a breastfed baby is gaining weight well, gassiness or fussiness is not the result of tongue-ties. Bottle feeding does not provide any difficulties for infants with tongue-ties.
They may result in speech issues. Some kids with tongue-ties could have trouble saying some sounds, like t, d, z, s, th, n, and l. Speech delay is not caused by tongue-ties.
How should you respond if you believe your child or infant has a tongue tie?
See your doctor if you believe that your infant's poor latching is the result of a tongue knot. A baby may not latch onto the breast well for a multitude of reasons. To gain a better understanding of the problem, your doctor should carefully record all past events and examine your infant.
To receive assistance with breastfeeding, you should also see a lactation consultant. This is because there are numerous reasons why babies struggle to latch on, and with the correct care and assistance, many kids with tongue ties can nurse effectively.
If you believe that your child's difficulties pronouncing words could be related to a tongue knot, consult your physician. It just takes some time for many kids to pick up specific sound pronunciations. To be sure that tongue-tie is not the issue, it is also a good idea to get a speech-language pathologist's assessment.
What can I do about a tongue tie?
When necessary, a frenotomy—a surgical incision—can be used by a physician to relieve a tongue tie. A frenotomy can be performed with a laser or by just cutting the frenulum.
Still, there's no need to take any action regarding a tongue tie that isn't producing issues. Even though a frenotomy is a relatively simple operation, problems like bleeding, infection, or trouble feeding can occasionally happen. For this reason, doing it merely to avoid issues later on is never a wise idea. Only in situations where the tongue tie is obviously causing problems should the operation be considered.
It is also vital to understand that removing a tongue tie does not usually solve the problem, particularly when nursing. Research indicates that not all moms or newborns will clearly benefit from it. For this reason, consulting with a breastfeeding specialist is essential before choosing a frenotomy.
A frenotomy should be considered if a newborn with a tongue tie is not gaining weight and is not latching effectively, despite significant help from a breastfeeding expert. If it is carried out, it ought to be done quickly and by a professional with the necessary training.
What other information about tongue-tie procedures should parents be aware of?
A lot of doctors are ready to prescribe frenotomy even if the evidence for their advantages is unclear. If your child is being advised to have one, inquire about it:
Verify the precise reasoning behind the recommendation.
Find out whether there are any other choices, such as waiting.
Seek advice from another medical professional or speak with other members of your child's care team.
A child with a tongue tie is unable to touch the top of their upper teeth with their tongue when their mouth is open or to extend their tongue past their bottom lip. Their tongue seems to be heart-shaped or notch-shaped when they extend it. A baby's tongue might be knotted if you can't get a finger beneath it, as they don't usually stick out their tongues.
How often do tongue-ties occur?
Tongue ties are common. People's definitions of this condition vary; therefore, it's difficult to pinpoint its actual prevalence. Roughly 8% of infants younger than one-year-old may have a mild tongue tie.
Is having a tied tongue an issue?
It's important to remember that tongue-ties are not always an issue. Many infants, kids, and adults have tongue-ties that don't give them any problems at all.
There are two primary ways in which tongue-ties can lead to issues:
They may make it difficult for some babies to latch on to the mother's nipple, which can lead to nursing issues. Both the mother's nipples and the baby's have pain when feeding due to this. Not every baby with tongue tie experiences it; a good number of them can breastfeed. When a breastfed baby is gaining weight well, gassiness or fussiness is not the result of tongue-ties. Bottle feeding does not provide any difficulties for infants with tongue-ties.
They may result in speech issues. Some kids with tongue-ties could have trouble saying some sounds, like t, d, z, s, th, n, and l. Speech delay is not caused by tongue-ties.
How should you respond if you believe your child or infant has a tongue tie?
See your doctor if you believe that your infant's poor latching is the result of a tongue knot. A baby may not latch onto the breast well for a multitude of reasons. To gain a better understanding of the problem, your doctor should carefully record all past events and examine your infant.
To receive assistance with breastfeeding, you should also see a lactation consultant. This is because there are numerous reasons why babies struggle to latch on, and with the correct care and assistance, many kids with tongue ties can nurse effectively.
If you believe that your child's difficulties pronouncing words could be related to a tongue knot, consult your physician. It just takes some time for many kids to pick up specific sound pronunciations. To be sure that tongue-tie is not the issue, it is also a good idea to get a speech-language pathologist's assessment.
What can I do about a tongue tie?
When necessary, a frenotomy—a surgical incision—can be used by a physician to relieve a tongue tie. A frenotomy can be performed with a laser or by just cutting the frenulum.
Still, there's no need to take any action regarding a tongue tie that isn't producing issues. Even though a frenotomy is a relatively simple operation, problems like bleeding, infection, or trouble feeding can occasionally happen. For this reason, doing it merely to avoid issues later on is never a wise idea. Only in situations where the tongue tie is obviously causing problems should the operation be considered.
It is also vital to understand that removing a tongue tie does not usually solve the problem, particularly when nursing. Research indicates that not all moms or newborns will clearly benefit from it. For this reason, consulting with a breastfeeding specialist is essential before choosing a frenotomy.
A frenotomy should be considered if a newborn with a tongue tie is not gaining weight and is not latching effectively, despite significant help from a breastfeeding expert. If it is carried out, it ought to be done quickly and by a professional with the necessary training.
What other information about tongue-tie procedures should parents be aware of?
A lot of doctors are ready to prescribe frenotomy even if the evidence for their advantages is unclear. If your child is being advised to have one, inquire about it:
Verify the precise reasoning behind the recommendation.
Find out whether there are any other choices, such as waiting.
Seek advice from another medical professional or speak with other members of your child's care team.
During this holiday season, when parents, friends, and family members are looking to purchase toys for the children on their lists or donate them to those who are less fortunate, I have a few suggestions for what you should avoid buying and what you should consider instead. Of course, not all gifts have to be bought. Daily opportunities for play bring joy and help children and teens sharpen their skills. Responsive games are great for infants and toddlers, as they help strengthen the bond between them and their carers while also promoting healthy development.
Here are 10 helpful tips to consider when selecting safe toys and using them in a safe manner. Make sure to select toys that are suitable for your child's age.
Depositphotos
Make sure to read the safety labels! Please be extra cautious with anything that has small parts or attached small parts if you have a child who is under 3 years old. Balloons are not suitable for this age group, either.
Be cautious of magnets in toys. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is cautioning people about the potential risks associated with toys that have small, ultra-powerful magnets. These include items like tiny magnetic balls and magnetic building sets. It's really important to make sure that children don't put this toy in their mouth. Furthermore, younger siblings, as well as older children and teenagers, might also face potential risks. These small magnets are much stronger than regular magnets. If someone accidentally swallows two or more of these objects, they can end up getting stuck in the intestinal walls, which can cause blockages and tears.
It's not always a great idea to go for "vintage" toys. Although many vintage and used toys are probably safe to use, it's important to note that they may no longer have their safety labels. It's possible that you don't know if they have been recalled or if they are broken in a way that could make them less safe. Please exercise extra caution when dealing with items manufactured prior to 2008, as that was the year when toy safety laws were implemented.
Moving toys. Make sure your child knows how to use toys like scooters, skateboards, and bikes safely and that they actually do use them safely. Make sure to also include the appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, to go along with these gifts.
Toys that make noise. Yes, it's true that loud noises have the potential to cause damage to our hearing. It's important to consider the amount of noise we encounter throughout our lives, especially with the widespread use of earbud earphones. Starting early with additional noise is something you definitely want to avoid. You always have the option to mute the sound, but it might be a wiser choice to simply refrain from purchasing the toy.
Slime. It seems that certain brands may contain elevated levels of toxic boron. You can try making your own slime using easy recipes that don't require borax. There are plenty of options available online. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can simply choose to avoid using slime altogether. Fidget spinners and other toys that are specifically made for adults. Be cautious if it states "designed for adults." This implies that the manufacturer is not required to comply with the toy safety standards set by the United States for children.
"Hatching" playthings. When the eggs hatch, they produce tiny fragments that can potentially pose a choking risk.
Smart gadgets and toys. There is a possibility that they might gather information that you would prefer not to disclose, and there is also a risk of potential hacking incidents. Mozilla offers a fantastic resource that can assist you in determining which devices are more secure compared to others. Don't forget to consider privacy when giving these items as gifts to children.
Makeup. Certain brands may contain harmful chemicals. In my opinion, I believe that it's not really necessary for young children to wear makeup.
What are some of your favourite back-to-basics toys to choose from? The best toys for kids are those that are straightforward and promote pretend play, creativity, fine motor skills, language development, and movement. Imagine things like dolls, puppets, costumes, train sets, blocks and other building sets, balls, jump ropes, bikes, Paw Patrol Toys, books, and, of course, all sorts of art supplies. The toys that provide the most long-lasting fun are the ones that require imagination and interaction, encourage kids to be active, and support their development.
Paw Patrol Advent Calendar with 24 Surprise Toys
I have three specific types of toys that I would like to recommend: I'm looking for toys that don't have screens. A lot of kids spend way too much time in front of screens.
Let's consider skipping the electronics this year. games that promote physical activity. These days, it seems like we're all leading such sedentary lives.
Getting outside and exercising is really wonderful, so gifts like bikes and balls can be absolutely fantastic. If it's really cold outside or you don't have much outdoor space that's easy to get to, try finding activities that you can do indoors instead. I genuinely take pleasure in playing with balls that feature handles and permit sitting and bouncing. They are so much fun! Balance boards, riding toys, stepping stones, and even indoor tightropes are also great options for having a good time. You can use a yoga mat for various types of exercise. If you have the opportunity, it's a great idea to create a designated exercise area in addition to your home office setup. toy sets that can be used for group play. You should try looking for games that the whole family can enjoy together. There are plenty of options available, so you're bound to find something that everyone will love. You could also consider getting a train set or a building kit that both of you can enjoy doing together. Now, more than ever, we realise how much we rely on each other. It's important to find joy and have fun, especially during the holiday season. Combining both of these things is truly a wonderful gift.
Hey guys, you know what's really cool? Small pets! They can be so adorable and bring so much joy. But here's the thing: some of them can actually carry bacteria that can be harmful to us. So, it's important to be aware of that and take the necessary precautions when handling them. Safety first, right? Turtles, iguanas, frogs, and other small pets can actually carry germs that have caused outbreaks of illness in multiple states. It's pretty crazy, right? Just thought I'd share this interesting fact with you all!
You know, when it comes to picking pets for kids, a lot of people go for small animals like turtles, iguanas, and frogs. They're pretty popular because they're super easy to interact with and don't require a tonne of attention, which is great for families with a lot going on. They may be enjoyable, but it might be best to stay away from them.
So, here's the deal. The reason behind all of this is... drumroll, please. Did you know that reptiles and amphibians can actually carry germs that can make us humans sick? It's true! According to Dr. Elizabeth Hohmann, who's an expert in infectious diseases from Massachusetts General Hospital, one of the most common germs they carry is the Salmonella bacteria. It's important to be cautious when handling these reptiles and amphibians in order to stay healthy! Did you know that these animals actually prefer to live in warm and wet environments? It's crazy, right? And guess what? Salmonella, that pesky bacteria, just loves those kinds of places too! It's like a match made in heaven for them.
Have you heard about all the recent outbreaks of illness happening across the US? It's been pretty crazy!
Reptiles and amphibians sometimes have Salmonella. It's pretty interesting because, even though it doesn't make them sick, they can still carry the bacteria around. The CDC's warning on adopting those cute little pet turtles. Apparently, there have been some serious outbreaks of Salmonella illnesses and hospitalisations in 24 states. It's gotten pretty bad this year, so they're advising people to be cautious. Oh, by the way, did you know that other small pets like mice or hamsters, and even farm animals like chickens, can also carry and spread the bacteria? It's pretty interesting, right?
Salmonella can actually be spread to people in a bunch of different ways. It can happen when we come into contact with animals, their poop, food, or even things like toys and food dishes. Even the habitats where these animals live, like cages, tanks, aquariums, and water, can be sources of Salmonella exposure.
Dr. Hohmann says that they get the bacteria on their hands and then accidentally touch their mouths or noses. You know, this is something that tends to happen more often with younger kids.
People who are exposed to the bacteria can develop salmonellosis.
Who has a higher chance of falling ill?
Salmonellosis can affect anyone, but individuals 65 years of age and older, children under the age of five, and those with long-term medical conditions are more likely to experience severe symptoms, including hospitalisation.
Young kids sometimes struggle with personal hygiene and understanding safety rules when it comes to handling animals. As we get older or if we have chronic conditions like diabetes, our immune systems can become weaker. This means that we're more likely to get sick and catch illnesses. It's important to take extra care of ourselves and stay healthy! In really severe cases, those pesky bacteria can actually make their way into our bloodstream. And once they're in there, they can spread to other parts of our body and cause infections.
What signs and symptoms does this infection have?
The main symptoms of this thing are diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps. If you happen to get infected, you might start experiencing these symptoms within six hours to four days. They usually stick around for about four to seven days before finally going away.
If you have a pet that might have Salmonella, it's a good idea to reach out to your paediatrician or primary care team for some advice. They'll be able to give you the best guidance on what to do.
There are definitely some situations where seeking immediate medical care is super important. For example, if you're experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, it's definitely time to head
If you or your child start experiencing any of these really serious symptoms, it's super important to get medical help right away.
diarrhoea and a temperature greater than 102°F; bloody diarrhoea that is so severe that you are unable to keep liquids down; Symptoms of dehydration include little to no urination, dry mouth and throat, or lightheadedness when standing up.
Toddler formulas are costly, unnecessary, and potentially unhealthy.
Once babies reach the age of one, they no longer need infant formula as their nutritional needs can be met through solid foods. Cow's milk or fortified plant milk like soy milk can be perfectly suitable for them without the need for excessive consumption.
In a recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2023, it was found that toddler milks do not provide any additional benefits for healthy growth and development. It's understandable that some parents may feel hesitant to transition from formula to cow's milk, believing that formula is more nutritious or easier to digest. However, the marketing strategies used by formula companies frequently influence these beliefs.
Toddler formulas marketed as "follow-up formulas," "transition formulas," or "growing-up milks" are not medically necessary and are mainly designed to retain customers past the age of one. As the AAP emphasizes, some toddler formulas can actually be worse than cow's milk. Parents should be aware of the actual needs of older infants and toddlers and not let marketing claims influence them.
It's worth noting that specialized formulas for children over 12 months with specific medical conditions are not the focus of this discussion.
Toddler formulas are not subject to FDA regulation, unlike infant formulas. Infant formulas have strict nutritional requirements and are subject to regular inspections. On the other hand, toddler formulas are not required to prove their claims about nutritional benefits, leading to wide variation in their composition.
This lack of regulation is concerning because some toddler formulas can be unhealthy, with inadequate or excessive protein content and added sweeteners. These sweeteners can contribute to the development of a child's preference for sugary foods and potentially increase the risk of obesity. Moreover, toddler formulas are often more expensive than cow's milk, creating an unnecessary financial burden for families.
Instead of relying on toddler formulas, it is recommended to focus on the healthy diet groups for toddlers. Encourage a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein sources (such as meat, fish, beans, and nut butters), and dairy or dairy substitutes fortified with calcium and vitamin D. It is also important to limit added sugars and, after the age of two, reduce the consumption of unhealthy fats. By establishing healthy eating habits early on, we can set children on the path to a lifetime of good nutrition.
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The most typical cause of chronic stomach discomfort in kids and teenagers is difficult to identify and cure.
The most frequent cause of persistent stomach pain in children cannot be diagnosed through testing or treated with medication. Because of this, diagnosing and treating the condition can be exceedingly difficult.Functional abdominal discomfort may be a condition you are unfamiliar with. However, it is the most typical cause of stomach pain in kids and teenagers that lasts for at least two months.
What exactly is functional stomach pain?
We are still trying to comprehend how the mind and body are intertwined, but this is especially true of the brain and the gastrointestinal system. Pain can result from stress, especially chronic stress, despair, and worry. Sometimes the sole sign of stress is discomfort, especially in kids who are great achievers or have a tendency to keep their emotions to themselves.
Sometimes an infection or other sickness, rather than stress, is the cause of the discomfort, which either persists after the illness has passed or exacerbates it while being treated. Worrying about the discomfort and its potential origin can exacerbate the situation. The gastrointestinal nervous system has a tendency to overreact.
In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, it is not surprising that children are spending more and more time on electronic devices. And while there is undoubtedly much to be learned, investigated, and created using devices, there are skills that devices cannot always teach and which children must acquire.
Play enhances executive function and mood regulation.
Children must acquire and practise executive function, emotional control, and general physical skills as they develop. The best method for children to acquire these abilities is through play, which is why we say that play is a child's work. As devices become more pervasive and as many children become more scheduled with lessons and organised activities, it can be easy to forget to schedule time for device-free play.
I also believe that parents and children are forgetting how to play. Parents used to bring toys for their children to play with while they waited to see me, but now they simply give them their phones. Devices are so pervasive and convenient that it can be difficult to put them down and find something else to do.
Play is necessary for optimal growth.
The Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University has devised excellent handouts for parents on age-appropriate games and activities to support their child's development. I especially appreciate those that involve the parent as well, as this not only benefits the infant but also your relationship.
For kids, swimming is a fantastic activity. It's a terrific way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. It's also an important safety skill.
Swimming can be challenging for kids with eczema, often known as atopic dermatitis. This is how parents may assist.
Swimming can be challenging for kids with eczema, often known as atopic dermatitis. This is how parents may assist.
Depositphotos
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin allergy. Both allergies to food and allergies to environmental factors, such as pollen or cats, can cause it. Additionally, excessive sweating, hydration loss from the skin, sensitivity to chemicals or other substances, or other factors may all contribute to it.
The sun and swimming might be helpful for eczema.
In fact, swimming in a chlorinated pool may help with eczema. Baths with bleach, which are frequently advised as an eczema treatment, essentially transform the bathtub into a swimming pool.
The sun and being in the water can both be beneficial for eczema. The secret is to maximise the positive effects while avoiding any potential negative effects.
What to do before and after swimming if your child has eczema
The following recommendations are for parents:
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin allergy. Both allergies to food and allergies to environmental factors, such as pollen or cats, can cause it. Additionally, excessive sweating, hydration loss from the skin, sensitivity to chemicals or other substances, or other factors may all contribute to it.
The sun and swimming might be helpful for eczema.
In fact, swimming in a chlorinated pool may help with eczema. Baths with bleach, which are frequently advised as an eczema treatment, essentially transform the bathtub into a swimming pool.
The sun and being in the water can both be beneficial for eczema. The secret is to maximise the positive effects while avoiding any potential negative effects.
What to do before and after swimming if your child has eczema
The following recommendations are for parents:
- Use sunscreen, especially one with zinc oxide or titanium, if you want to be outside. Look for delicate skin formulations and stay away from anything scented. Use UV-protective swimwear or clothing, especially if you struggle with shame about rashes.
- Before swimming, especially in a chlorinated pool, apply an emollient. The skin can be protected by applying some oil before swimming. You want your child to be able to hold on to things, and you don't want them to slide and fall, so don't overdo it on the palms or soles. The ideal emollient for your child should be discussed with your doctor.
- If it's your first time swimming in a pool, you might want to swim for a shorter period of time than usual to make sure the chemicals aren't too irritating. If at all possible, avoid entering a pool immediately after adding chlorine.
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