Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Parenting

Answered: How can you help your dehydrated child at home?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:56:50 +0000

You may be able to help your child rehydrate at home.

Have him continue to drink unsweetened fluids.
Let him eat.
Encourage him to rest.
Keep an eye on him for other symptoms

Answered: How do I know if my child is dehydrated?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:55:02 +0000

These symptoms may be a sign that your child may be dehydrated:

Headache
Nausea/vomiting
Pees less
Dark yellow pee
Overly tired
Dizziness/passes out

Answered: How can you tell if the family therapist is a good fit for you?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:53:35 +0000

To see if a family therapist is a good fit for you, ask her these questions:

Are you trained in family therapy?
Do you have experience with our family's particular issues?
Where is your office? What are your hours?
How long does each session last?
How many sessions do you think we'll need?
Do you take my health insurance?
How much does each session cost? Do I need to pay up front, or do I pay per session?

Answered: How can you find a family therapist?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:52:57 +0000

Try these ways to find a family therapist:

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral.
See if friends have a family therapist to recommend.
Contact your health insurance company and ask for a list of therapists. You may be able to find the list online.
Check the website of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and search for a marriage and family therapist near you.
Search the Internet for a family therapist in your area.

Answered: How can family therapist help?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:52:28 +0000

Some of the things that family therapists can help with are:

Conflicts between family members
Substance abuse or addiction
A family member's mental illness
Financial problems or disagreements about money
Problems in school
Difficulties between siblings
Children's behavior problems
Caring for a family member with special needs
Issues with extended family members
A family member's illness or a death in the family
Infidelity
Separation or divorce
How to plan for shared custody of children

Answered: How can you avoid germs when traveling with children?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:51:37 +0000

Your child’s immune system isn’t as strong as yours. So washing hands often is one key step to avoiding nasty germs. Wash for 20 seconds before meals and after using the bathroom. Help your child keep their hands out of their mouths. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Get your child current on vaccines for measles, whooping cough, and other diseases. The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for everyone six months old and older.

Answered: When should you call a doctor if your child is dehydrated?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:51:00 +0000

Call the doctor if your child:

Has symptoms like headache and throwing up that get worse.
has diarrhea.
Lacks energy or is sleepier than normal.
Seems confused or passes out.

Answered: What is family therapy?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:50:19 +0000

If your family is going through a tough time -- whether it's from stress, anger, or grief -- family therapy can make a difference. It can help couples, children, or members of an extended family learn to communicate better and work through conflicts.

Sessions are led by a specialist called a family therapist. She could be a psychologist, social worker, or therapist who's had extra training in family therapy. She can help you find new ways to manage struggles, conflicts, and challenges.

Answered: What can help you remove germs from your kitchen sponge?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:49:42 +0000

Washing a sponge in the dishwasher also isn't enough to kill germs unless you have an extremely high-heat germicide cycle. You can soak them between cleanings in a solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water, or vinegar and water. Soak them in the bleach solution for about 5 minutes or in the vinegar solution for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry.

Answered: What can help you remove germs from your kitchen counter?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:48:58 +0000

Spraying a 10% vinegar solution on counters will wipe out lots of kitchen counter germs at once. Keep the surface wet for 30 to 60 seconds, then wipe. Keep purses, briefcases, lunchboxes, keys, mail, and electronic devices like remote controls off countertops because they're teeming with germs.

Answered: How can you help your child avoid swimming pool and water parks germs?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:46:14 +0000

Have kids rinse off before and after taking the plunge at pools and water parks. These can be breeding grounds for pinkeye (conjunctivitis), skin viruses, and cryptosporidium and giardia, which cause diarrhea. Chlorination does not kill all bacteria. Also teach young children to avoid swallowing water in pools and water parks.

How is diaper rash treated?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:44:29 +0000

What is a recreational drug?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:44:00 +0000

Answered: How are germs spread when you use a kitchen sponge?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:42:14 +0000

Experts say that when you use a sponge throughout your kitchen -- wiping dishes, counters, or the sink -- you're just moving germs from one spot to another. While zapping the sponge in the microwave will get rid of some germs, it won't get rid of all of them. There are dead spots where the microwaves or heat doesn't reach, like cold spots in food, and germs survive there.

Answered: What are tips to keep your active child hydrated?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:41:39 +0000

Give them water.
Make sure they drink lots of fluids before, during, and after playing or other activities.
Check that they drink before they get thirsty, which is a sign they may already be dehydrated.
Avoid sodas, iced tea, and other caffeinated drinks. Caffeine is a diuretic, which makes you pee more and become dehydrated quicker.

Answered: How can you avoid germs on airplanes?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:40:59 +0000

Sanitize "high touch" areas. Germs linger longer on nonporous materials like plastic. Wipe down surfaces such as tray tables, seat armrests, and lavatory door handles with an alcohol-based wipe or gel. Avoid touching restroom surfaces. Use a paper towel to turn the faucet, and to open the door.
If someone near you isn't covering coughs or sneezes, ask them politely to do so. And be sure you do the same.

Answered: How can you avoid germs when traveling with children?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:40:22 +0000

Get your child current on vaccines for measles, whooping cough, and other diseases. The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for everyone six months old and older.

Answered: When should you call a doctor if your child is dehydrated?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:39:39 +0000

Call the doctor if your child:

Has symptoms like headache and throwing up that get worse.
has diarrhea.
Lacks energy or is sleepier than normal.
Seems confused or passes out.

Answered: What can you do to treat motor skill delays in children?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:39:06 +0000

For motor delays, your child's doctor may suggest that you encourage your little one to move and be active at home. Your child may also need:

Physical therapy to help with movements that use a lot of muscle groups
Occupational therapy to improve small movement skills or coordination problems
Medication or other treatment for a muscle disease

Answered: What are signs of motor skill delays?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:38:23 +0000

Some children can have trouble with movements that use a lot of muscles, such as playing ball, or with smaller movements, like coloring. Sometimes the problem isn’t with their strength, but with their coordination. You may notice that your child seems clumsier than other kids his or her age.

Answered: How should I care for my newborn baby's circumcision?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:37:22 +0000

Your son's penis will be quite red for a few days. This should disappear within about a week. If it gets worse, if you see any crusted sores with cloudy fluid, or if you're concerned, call your doctor.

Keep your son’s penis clean, especially after a dirty diaper. Use just water, or a mild cleanser and water, as needed. Dab a little petroleum jelly on the tip to keep it from sticking to the diaper.

Answered: How much sleep do 4-12 month olds need?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:36:46 +0000

A baby 4 months to a year old needs about 14 - 15 hours of sleep a day

It’s ideal to get 15 hours of slumber, but most babies at this stage get only about 12 hours. Setting good sleep habits during this time is important as your baby gets more social and follows a more adult-like sleep schedule.

By 6 months of age, babies need only a couple of naps a day and should be able to sleep through the night.

Answered: Why do teens misbehave?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:34:13 +0000

Sulking, arguing, lying, and rebelling are just a few of the ways teens misbehave. There's a good explanation for these bad behaviors. As teens become more independent, they still lack the emotional maturity they need to make informed, thoughtful decisions. The parts of the brain that control decision making and impulse control haven't fully developed. The combo can lead to risky teen behaviors like drinking, smoking, and having unprotected sex.

Answered: How do you put things in writing to help discipline children?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:32:53 +0000

So there are no misunderstandings, create a formal list of house rules, or type up a behavior contract that you and your teen sign. Post the list or contract on the fridge or in another central location where your kids won't be able to miss it.

Examples of clear rules include: "Curfew is 8 p.m. on weekdays, 10 p.m. on weekends, and no going out until homework is finished." Spell out the consequences, too: "Anyone who breaks one of these rules loses television for a day." If your kids do fall out of line, all you have to do is point to the list.

Answered: How should you position your baby for bed to prevent SIDS?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:32:11 +0000

Your baby’s risk of SIDS is much higher any time he or she sleeps on his or her side or stomach. (A baby placed on its side can roll over on its stomach.) These positions put your baby’s face in the mattress or sleeping area, which can smother your baby. So, every time you put your baby in bed to sleep -- for naps, at night, or any time -- lay your baby down on his or her back. Don’t let your baby sleep in a stroller, car seat, baby seat or swing for a prolonged period of time. Get your baby out and lay him or her on a flat surface or bed.

Answered: How can breastfeeding help prevent SIDS?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:31:19 +0000

Breastfeeding your baby can lower the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%, though experts aren't sure why. Some think breast milk may protect babies from infections that raise their SIDS risk. Do not drink alcohol if you breastfeed, because that raises your baby’s risk of SIDS. In addition, the simple touch is helpful. Skin-to-skin contact is important for your baby’s development.

Answered: When should children be taking vitamins and supplements?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:20:13 +0000

Foods are the best sources of vitamins. But your pediatrician may recommend a daily multivitamin or mineral supplement for a child who:

Doesn’t eat well-balanced, healthy meals regularly
Is finicky and won’t eat enough
Has asthma, digestive problems, or other long-term conditions, especially if they’re on medications
Is a vegetarian or a vegan (they may need an iron supplement), a dairy-free diet (they may need a calcium supplement), or other restricted diet
Drinks a lot of carbonated sodas, which can leach vitamins and minerals from their bodies

Answered: What are signs that my child is smoking?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:16:09 +0000

Signs include: Smoke smell on clothing
Coughing
Throat irritation
Hoarseness
Bad breath
Worse athletic performance
Getting colds more often
Stained teeth and clothing (which also can be signs of chewing tobacco use)
Shortness of breath

Answered: What causes mononucleosis in teens?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:06:03 +0000

Infectious mononucleosis is caused by Epstein-Barr virus, which can be found in saliva. Mono shows up most often between the ages of 10 and 19.

Answered: Where did my teen pick up Athlete's foot and jock itch?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:05:17 +0000

Your teen can get these common fungal infections by exposure to damp areas like locker rooms and swimming pools, or in the case of athlete's foot, by sharing shoes with someone who has it.

Answered: How can I keep my child away from germs at the petting zoo?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:04:43 +0000

Taking your toddler to a petting zoo or an animal exhibit can be fun and educational. When you go:

Find the hand washing stations as soon as you get there. And make use the sanitizer dispensers often.
Don't take food or drink in with the animals. Leave strollers, pacifiers, and cups outside, too.
Don't let an animal lick your child.
Wash your toddler's hands when you leave, even if he didn't pet an animal.
Don't try samples of raw, unpasteurized milk.

Answered: How do keep my child from getting germs from our dog?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:03:24 +0000

Teach your child to respect the dog. If the dog gets upset and nips or bites, germs in his saliva can cause a potentially serious skin infection.
Dry dog foods, dog treats, and the water bowl can carry germs. Put them where your child can't reach.
Don't feed the dog in the kitchen.
Be sure your toddler doesn't grab the dog's toys and put them in his mouth.
Get the dog his own bed.
Don't let your dog lick your child's face or skin
Teach your child to wash his hands after petting the dog.

Answered: When can children get hearing aids for hearing loss?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:01:54 +0000

Children can begin to use these as young as 1 month old. A hearing specialist will help make sure that your child gets the right device.

Answered: How is hearing loss in children diagnosed?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 06:00:43 +0000

Many hospitals test newborns’ hearing before they go home. Others only test infants who are at risk for hearing problems, such as those with deafness in their families. Many states have laws that require hearing tests for all infants. Check with your pediatrician or hospital to find out if your child has had a test. If not, ask how you can get one.

Answered: What can you do to help remove germs in your dishwasher?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:59:14 +0000

_{Do you see a black fungus on the seal around your dishwasher door or inside your dishwasher? It may be Exophiala dermatitidis, a fungus that likes high heat and is resistant to most detergents. Scrub it away with a paste of vinegar and baking soda. While you're in the dishwasher, pour a couple of cups of vinegar in the bottom and run a cycle to kill other tough germs.}

Answered: What should I consider when deciding whether to leave my child home alone?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:57:51 +0000

Do you live in a quiet rural or residential neighborhood?
Does the area have a low crime rate?
Do you have an alarm system? Does your tween know how to operate it?
Can your child understand and follow basic rules, like locking the door after coming inside and not opening it for strangers?
Has your child shown good judgment in past situations?
Do you have friends, family members, or neighbors who can get to your house quickly in case of an emergency?
Has your tween shown signs of responsibility in the past? Examples include finishing homework on time without having to be asked and doing chores around the house.
Is your preteen comfortable with the idea of staying home alone?

Answered: How can I avoid germs at the park?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:57:11 +0000

When you take your toddler to the neighborhood park:

Steer clear of sandboxes. They attract cats and other animals. Cat droppings can carry bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Keep away from stray dogs. Up to 20% of dog bites lead to infection. Dog droppings can carry bacteria and parasites like hookworms.
Avoid any wild animals, such as raccoons or squirrels.
Have your child wash their hands after the visit.

Answered: What does strep throat feel like for a teen?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:56:20 +0000

For anyone, strep throat feels like a really bad sore throat. Your teen may notice that her tonsils are inflamed. She may also see yellow or white patches at the back of her throat. Strep often causes a fever.

Answered: How can implants help children with hearing loss?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:55:11 +0000

Many children and adults get cochlear implants, which are electronic devices that doctors put in the inner ear to help with hearing. They’re usually only for children with serious hearing problems after hearing aids haven’t helped.

Answered: How can otitis media cause hearing loss in children?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:54:11 +0000

This middle ear infection happens often in young children because the tubes that connect the middle ear to the nose, called Eustachian tubes, aren’t fully formed. Fluid builds up behind the eardrum and can get infected. Even if there’s no pain or infection, the fluid can affect hearing if it stays there, at least for a short time. In severe and long-lasting cases, otitis media can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Answered: How can medications help in treating otitis media in children?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:53:35 +0000

Your pediatrician may prescribe antibiotics or other meds for your child.

Answered: How does taking away privileges work as a discipline technique?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:51:47 +0000

Sometimes there isn't a natural or logical consequence for a bad behavior -- or you don't have time to think it through. In this case, the solution may be taking away a privilege. For example, if a middle schooler doesn't complete their homework on time, you may not let them watch TV for the evening.

This discipline technique works best if the privilege is:

Related in some way to the behavior
Something the child values
Taken away as soon as possible after the behavior, especially for young children

Answered: How can I get my child to understand their "private parts" as part of their emotional development?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:50:55 +0000

Help your child understand that it's OK to be curious about his or her "private parts," but it's not OK to play with or show them in public. Also make sure your child knows it's never OK for other people to touch his genitals, except mom or dad during bath time, if something hurts down there, or during a doctor's appointment as long as mom or dad is in the room.

Answered: When do I know when sibling fighting has gotten out of control?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:50:19 +0000

It's normal for siblings to fight from time to time. But when fighting gets to the point that one child is becoming emotionally or physically victimized, it needs to stop. Repeated hitting, biting, or "torturing" behaviors (for example, incessant tickling, teasing, or belittling) are forms of sibling abuse and justification for you to step in. If you can't stop the violence yourself, talk to your child's pediatrician or a mental health provider to get immediate help.

Answered: What can help you remove germs from your kitchen cutting board?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:49:22 +0000

Disinfect cutting boards by soaking them in straight vinegar or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water for about 30 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with hot, soapy water or put them in the dishwasher. Using the dishwasher alone isn't enough to sanitize them.

Answered: What are baby talk milestones?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:48:34 +0000

Baby talk is the coos, babbling, facial expressions, and other ways your baby communicates before they start speaking real lagugage.

At 3 months, your baby listens to your voice, watches your face as you talk, and turns toward other voices, sounds, and music. By the end of 3 months, babies start "cooing” happily.
At 6 months, your baby may babble with sounds. The might say "ba-ba" or "da-da." By age 6-7 months, your baby will react to their name, recognize their native language, and change the tone of their voice to let you know if they're happy or upset.
At 9 months, babies can understand a few basic words like "no" and "bye-bye."
At 12-18 months, most toddlers can say few simple words like "mama" and "dada." They also can understand short commands like, “put that down."
At 18 months, kids know several simple words and can point to people or things you name. They repeat words or sounds they hear you say.
By age 2, toddlers string 2 to 4 words together into short phrases, like “Mommy bye-bye." They start picking up abstract words like “mine.”
By age 3, a child’s vocabulary expands quickly. They understand symbolic and spatial concepts like “now," "sad," and "in."

Answered: What kinds of food should kids eat to get vitamins?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:47:56 +0000

It’s best for kids to get their vitamins from a balanced, healthy diet that includes:

Plenty of fresh fruits and leafy, green vegetables
Protein like chicken, fish, meat, and eggs
Whole grains like steel-cut oats and brown rice
Milk and dairy products like cheese and yogurt (preferably low-fat products for kids over age 3)

Answered: Can separation anxiety disorder be cured?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:43:18 +0000

Most children with separation anxiety disorder get better, although their symptoms may recur for many years, particularly when stressful events or situations occur. When treatment is started early and involves the family as well as the child, their chance of recovery improves.

Answered: When do preschoolers start to want independence?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:42:50 +0000

The older your preschooler gets, the more she'll crave independence. The best way to nurture your preschooler's independence and self-confidence is to keep her life fairly structured. Give her choices, but not endless ones. Let her choose between two outfits to wear, for instance. When she asks to do something you know isn't a good idea, say no. Allowing options within a structured framework will help to boost her self-confidence and still let her know she's safe and secure.

Answered: What should you do if your child has a cold or flu and won't drink fluids?

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:42:18 +0000

If your child doesn’t feel like drinking, try some of these alternatives to a glass of water or juice:

Popsicles. If possible, get ones that are sugar-free or made with real fruit juice, or make your own. Pedialyte comes in frozen pops, too.
Gelatin. Use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes.
Soups. The warmth may help break up congestion in your child's airways. Some studies also show that chicken soup -- your grandmother's home remedy -- really may fight inflammation and help with colds.
Put a drink in a cup they don't usually use. Give him a straw. Pour some juice in a bowl and have him eat with a spoon. Try any tricks you can think of to make it more interesting.