Making friends at school

 

Teach your child basic social skills.

Children need to learn the basics of social interaction: how to say hello, answer a question with a sentence and not just a word, using eye contact and the importance of letting a person finish what they say before speaking.

Don't answer for a shy child.

If your child is overly timid or shy, be supportive but don't always step in and answer for them. You may be in a shop and the person serving you asks your child a question; give your child the opportunity to answer and gently encourage them to do so if they remain quiet. Taking small steps to learn to speak for themselves is the path to overcoming shyness.

Encouraging your child to talk about their experiences.

During the drive home from school or over dinner, chat to your child about their day but rather than asking, "What did you do today" talk about what you did during the day. This will make it easier for your child to join in with what they did during their day. More often than not they will find it easier to join a conversation than start one.

Find like minded friends.

Joining an extra curricular activity will offer your child the opportunity to spend time with like-minded children and is a great way to form friendships. A team sport is another quick route to making new friends.

Listen don't do.

Sometimes your child just needs to talk about their feelings and experiences and don't always need or want you to solve their problems. Often it's best if you don't step in to solve peer problems, rather help your child to feel less anxious about the pressure to be popular.

Role playing.

If you have identified a problem that is getting in the way of your child making friends you can help come up with a plan for solving this by role-playing. Ask your child to play the role of the person they are having problems with and you play the role of your child. This way you can show solutions in action, which are much easier for a child to grasp than just hearing you talk.

Invite children over.

You need to make time to have children over for a play. Keep an eye on the children without interfering and you'll soon see which children play well with your child and which ones don't. You'll also notice whether your child has any problems with interacting socially, such as being too bossy or too timid. Make it a fun experience for children to visit your home but don't appear desperate. Once you have invited a friend for a play wait until that friend invites your child to play before offering another invitation.

School communication

Schools in UK are now fairly sophisticated in how they communicate with the parents of the children in their school community.

In many schools, gone are the days when parents needed to hope their child managed to bring home the weekly or monthly newsletter. Most schools now have websites on which they load their newsletters, regular communications and calendars of events.

The best way to understand how your child's school communicates with parents is to find out how information is disseminated at their school.

Good school communication

 

Quality school will provide:

• regular newsletters
• access to an annual report
• orientation packs or guides for new parents
• an up-to-date website
• a principal accessible by appointment.
  

There are so many ways now that schools communicate with parents, it’s up to parents to do their research and engage with all the school has to offer.

Other methods of communications

 

These include:

• class orientation at the start of the year
• parent-teacher interviews
• informal gatherings and school welcome events
• the appointment of parent representatives
• parent-only social functions.
  

Parents take the opportunities usually offered at the start of the school year to meet their child’s teacher.

Many schools have class welcome events for parents to see their child’s classroom and hear about what is planned for the term or year. These are usually group affairs, and not one-on-one meetings, but give parents the chance to meet the teacher and other class parents.

A lot of classes also appoint a parent representative whose job is to communicate class activities and events with parents. These parents will try to get the email addresses and mobile phone numbers of all the parents, so make sure if your child brings a note home asking for your contact details, you fill it in.

These lists can be lifesavers when you’re trying to find out if there’s a class event coming up, or if you lose a party invitation or similar.

Structured contact with your child’s teacher is built into the curriculum via parent-teacher consultations. At most schools these enable parents to find out how their child is doing, see examples of their work and discuss any issues. Some schools now include the children in these meetings.

How to raise a polite child

In our time poor society, it's all too easy to spoil your children and many modern day parents, especially those who work, do tend to spoil their children. Unfortunately it's sometimes easier for parents to give money than their time. Instead of rewarding your child' good behaviour with a new DVD, or buying the latest toy, go back to basics. 

Please and Thank you

Start with the basics. Saying "please" and "thank you" are fairly new skills to your preschooler, and they take time to learn and become a habit. Begin with this as a first step towards politeness, and move on from there.

Practice what you preach

As you probably know by now, your child is always watching, listening and learning from you - especially when you least expect it. The best way to encourage your preschooler to be polite is to demonstrate good manners yourself. Make sure you say "please" when asking something of your child and thank him when he does nice things for you. Use a polite tone of voice and make eye contact so that your child will learn that there’s more to good manners than using the right words.

Emphasize the positive

Rather than telling him off when he forgets his manners, pour on the praise when he's behaving the way you want him to. Tell him that he seems so grown up when he says "please" and "thank you", and that people appreciate it. While it's disappointing when your child is rude to others, getting angry about it could cause him to resist your efforts to teach considerate behaviour.

Be consistent

As soon as he is saying "please" and "thank you" at home, prompt him to do so with others too. Preschoolers like consistency, and a rule that applies only to certain situations will be confusing and become difficult to enforce.

Give time rather than presents

If you do use gifts as ways to encourage good behaviour or to make up for a late night at the office, try offering your children your time instead of spoiling them - even if it is the promise of it on the weekend when you can actually give it.

New DVDs or computer games offer quick gratification but will never substitute what children really want and need, which is time with their parents. Rather than bringing presents or the promise of them, it would be far better if parents promised to play a game, read a story or plan an outing on the weekend with their children. Children just want some attention.

Good manners go a long way

 

Polite, well behaved, well mannered children are charming children and parents should never underestimate the value that other people put on charming children.

They will make friends easier, have more confidence, interview better and basically just get along with people better. Charming children make charming adults and there certainly aren't enough of those around.

Show them the worth of money

 

If you shower your children with cash without them having to earn it, you're not providing them with the necessary money skills as they grow.

To try and teach them the value of money, it mustn't come too easy. They need to learn how to save for something they really want or to do some work around the house for a bit of extra cash. Child who is given money every time they ask is not going to appreciate hard work and will expect everything in life to be given to them.

Do not spoil your children with food

 

While your children might beg for chocolate and lollies, give in too often and you'll be affecting their mood, body image and performance at school - and no one likes a moody child.

Most children eat far too many sweets, biscuits and cakes, and almost all of these products may contain some type of food colouring, preservative, salt and sugar. Hyperactivity, moodiness, obesity, long term health problems and poor intellectual performance can all be connected to a poor diet.

The easiest way to keep sweet treats in check is by not having them in the house where they can easily be found, and giving them as once-a-week treats instead.

Make sure they get a good night's sleep, every school night

 

While your children might beg to stay up past their bedtime, getting too little sleep will have a detrimental affect on their behaviour and performance at school.

Creating a weekday sleep routine will help create a well-rounded child. From an early age create a bedtime routine, such as bath, a warm drink, story and bed - then, as soon as your children have their bath, their brain will tell them that it is wind down time. Don't fall into the trap of letting children watch TV in bed to go to sleep, because all it will do is activate their visual senses and make it harder for them to sleep.

Life lessons

As a parent I like to take advantage of any opportunity to teach my children life lessons. I feel the more prepared they are for the challenges and joys that life brings, the easier they will be able to cope and deal with what may come their way. It is after all our responsibility as parents to teach them about the world we live in.  This text is for Helena and Stefan, my two children.

Have I learned half of the things I need to learn? Or done half of the things I need to do while I’m here? Life lessons that everyone should share with children:

• Other people matter

More than any other truth I have discovered, other people matter. Make sure that you treat everyone – everyone! – like they matter. Because they do. And your life and their life will be better because you did.

• Try new things

The world is a magical place if you’re open to exploration and new experiences. Try new places, new activities, books or sports. So long as it doesn’t clash with your moral compass, try new things and be amazed by what you discover.

• Appreciate failure

When you get something wrong, or when something doesn’t work out, be glad you tried. Learn from it. Try not to repeat the failure again. And go and be better because you tried.

• Relationships are hard

To make a relationship work, you have to work. Hard. But if you put the hard work in – together – you won’t regret it.

• The burden of discipline is far lighter than the burden of regret

It can be hard to study or practise. But what can be harder is getting your exam results and knowing that with a little more discipline, you could have done that much better. Or being good at something but quitting only to see one of your friends persist and succeed because of that discipline. Work out what you want and work hard to get it. The discipline will pay off. And while it can be a burden, it’s not nearly as heavy a load to carry as the burden of knowing you could have but didn’t.

• Be where your feet are

Being in the here and now brings joy. Right here. Right now. Now is all you really have – so live it.

• Only buy what you can afford

Credit cards and loans and ‘interest free’ make life easy now, but they make it harder later. Use your own money, rather than the bank’s money. Plus, the accomplishment of saving up and paying in full is a great feeling of accomplishment.

• Judge intention, not behaviour

We want people to judge us by what we meant, not what we did. Everyone has struggles and everyone makes mistakes … but nearly everyone wants to do the right thing – whatever they perceive that to be.

• Tell the truth – even when it’s going to hurt

Lies undermine trust and relationships. There is no greater compliment than to be trusted, not only by those who don’t know you well, but particularly by those who do.

• Try – even when you don’t think you can

The world is full of stories about people who shouldn’t have been able to do what they have done. But they’ve done it because they had a vision of it, and they tried. Whether you want to be a doctor, or a photographer, or an astronaut, go for it. You’ll be amazed by the power that comes from starting something.

• Do your assignments a week early

You won’t believe the peace of mind that comes from being ready before you need to be.

• Forgive fast

Some hurts can be hard to let go of. But forgive fast, and move on. It will free you from the burden of carrying heavy baggage that weighs you down.

• Be grateful

Grateful people are happier, healthier, have more friends, are more successful. Life is great when you’re grateful. Say thank you. Even – no, especially – when people don’t expect it. You’ll make their day, and yours. Be in awe of the ocean and mountains, of sunrises and sunsets. I don’t think anything can improve your life like gratitude. Count your blessings. Make a list. Be amazed.

• Laugh

Life is to be enjoyed. Remember to show it.

• Do what makes life meaningful

It’s nice to do fun things. It’s great to do things that make us feel good – boost our pleasure. But doing things that are meaningful will bring you more happiness than all of the fun and pleasure in the world. So find what makes life meaningful for you and follow that path. Hint: meaning is usually found in doing things for other people.

Head lice facts

Getting head lice is not a sign of poor hygiene, so don't be embarrassed if your child gets it. In fact, lice prefer clean hair because it allows them to move from hair to hair more easily.

Head lice

Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that generally live on the scalp, where they hide in the hair, feed on blood, and lay their eggs which often cause severe itching. 

What you need to know about head lice

• Do not live on pets.
• Are reddish-brown wingless insects.
• Are about the size of a sesame seed.
• Feed on human blood 3-4 times daily.
• Can not live off the human host for more than 24 hours.
• Female's can lay up to 100 eggs and require just one mating to be fertilised.
• Are able to reproduce in 10 days and live eggs hatch in 7-10 days.
• Live on a host for approximately 30 days.
• Are mainly transmitted by head-to-head contact but can also be spread through the sharing of personal articles.
• Can't hop, jump or fly. They swing and climb on the hair and scalp.
  
  

Facts

• An infestation of head lice is called pediculosis.
• A sure sign of a lice infestation is a child who is madly itching her head, particularly behind the ears and along the hairline on the neck. But don't fooled into thinking that if your child isn't itching that they must be lice-free - some children are fantastic hosts and seem to tolerate lice without noticeably itching (at least until the infestation has hit plague proportions!).
• While long hair is more tedious to deal with during an infestation, cutting the hair will not solve the problem as the eggs are laid at the base of the hair shaft.
  
  

What are nits?

• Nits are the eggs of the lice and can actually prove more problematic than the lice.
• Nits are are small, grayish-white oval shaped and are glued at an angle to the side of the hair shaft by a substance that makes superglue look weak.
• Nits can not be brushed out of the hair like dandruff - they need to be grabbed in a pinch and dragged down the hair shaft.
• Eggs further than 1- 2cm from the scalp are usually empty cases which remain attached to the hair even though they are dead.
  
  

Remember

Because live eggs hatch in 7-10 days, the key to success in getting rid of them is to repeat whatever treatment you settle on every three-four days for a couple of weeks. You can only break the cycle if you stop the newly hatched lice from laying eggs.

Five ways to keep children organised at school

It's never too early (or too late) to teach children how to get and stay organised for school. The skills they learn now will carry over into high school and ultimately their careers and home management as adults.

 

1. Establish a great homework routine

With your child, determine the best time for daily school work and stick with it. For some kids, it will be right after school. Others may need some downtime to play, and then it's time to hit the books. The most important thing is to stick to the schedule so your child knows what is expected.

2. Set up the space

Have a designated study area, such as the kitchen table. But for unique assignments, allow for some flexibility such as moving to a rocking chair for reading chapter books.

3. Make sure you know what's going on

Instruct children to unload their backpacks as soon as they come home. Have them hang up their bags in a designated area for easy access tomorrow and bring homework to the designated study area. Check in each day so you're aware of their workload and take special care when they seem overwhelmed.

4. Encourage the use of lists and planners

The older children get, the more homework and activities they'll have. Teach them to manage their tasks with the use of simple lists or a planner or calendar of some sort. When they learn of upcoming assignments, tests, or events, they should write them down in their planners.

5. Encourage colour coding

Colour affects our mood and memory so let children pick the colours of their folders and notebooks to correspond to different classes. If green reminds them of science, then they'll know instantly to grab the green notebook when looking for their science notes.

Preparing for the first day of school

It’s the middle of summer and your family’s enjoying days at the beach and picnics in the park – but deep down there’s an anxiety or nervousness brewing as the first day at school beckons. Maybe your child is starting big school, or returning for a new year.  It’s completely normal to be a little anxious and nervous for everyone – first timers at big school, returnees and parents - here are her tips for parents and students.

 

Tips for first timers at school

 

Your baby is starting big school and the excitement has been growing. But as the big day looms you and your child may start to feel a little nervous.  For your child, it’s the anxiety about the great unknown. Here is how you can help:

• “Normalise” those feelings of nervousness. Tell your child that it’s OK to feel nervous and worried and that these feelings are very normal.
• Talk freely and regularly about starting school. Prepare early, if there’s something particular that your child is nervous about, see if you can get them to talk about it.
• Have an expedition to the shops to buy their school stuff like stationery, socks, shoes and pencil cases and get them to help you write the list - and make it a fun day out. Let them choose what they want and constantly build up the excitement of getting to use and wear it all.
• If your children are a bit concerned about the whole process, organise a school day where they get up in the morning, put on their uniform, pack their bags and walk or drive to where school is.
• Eat a packed lunch at home. Some children worry about accessing their lunches, or maybe aren’t used to bringing lunch from home.
• Organise a play date. If you know of other children who will be starting with your child, arrange for them to play a couple times before they start school. Children will appreciate seeing a familiar face in the school yard that first morning.
  

 

Back to school tips for returnees

 

After such a lovely summer break, it’s understandable if your school veteran is reluctant to go back to school and all the structure and rules.

Many children will suffer from the post-holiday blues and not want their idyllic summer to end – that’s a normal reaction.  But if their anxiety or reluctance seems more extreme, or if they’re feeling down, there maybe something particular bothering them.

Try to get them to name what’s bothering them – although they may not really know. It could be as simple as being worried about which class they’ll be in. Or nervous about being in an older year and keeping up. Maybe they have an unresolved issue from the previous year.

Back to school tips for parents

 

It’s not at all unusual for parents to suffer from anxiety about sending their child or children off to school – particularly for the parents of first-timers because suddenly your little baby is going to be enjoying the comparative freedom of big school.

Attend all the transition days with their child and take advantage of being able to talk to the school staff and other parents. It can help ease the anxiety to get some inside knowledge beforehand, such as to know what happens and where to do drop-off and pick-up.

Before your family knows it, the school year will be back in full swing with the next lot of holidays beckoning.

Baby eye colour

Baby eye colour is likely to change over time. Baby eye colour is determined by a substance called melanin. Melanin is a dark pigment contained in the iris, the structure that controls how much light is allowed into the eye.

Given below is information on the most common as well as the most rare eye colors in human beings.

Most Common Eye Colours

Brown

The eye colour that can be described as the most common amongst human beings is brown, with the exception of countries around the Baltic Sea. It is the result of the presence of large amounts of melanin within the iris stroma. People who have very dark brown irises might give the appearance of having black eyes.

Hazel

Another common eye colour is hazel. Hazel eyes are the result of a combination of a Rayleigh scattering and a modest amount of melanin in the front border layer of the iris. Hazel eye colour has also been defined as the medium-colour between light brown and dark green. Hazel is common amongst people in America and Europe, while rare in African, Middle Eastern and Asian people.

Gray

Gray eye colour is considered to be a darker shade of blue (like blue-green). This eye colour is related to low melanin in the iris and is related to scant pigmentation throughout the body (like pale skin, light hair, etc). Gray eyes have been found to reveal small amounts of yellow and brown colour in the iris. European people, belonging to countries like Russia, Finland and the Baltic States, often have grey eyes, while those in Southeast Asia rarely have this eye colour. Gray eyes might seem to change between the shades of blue, green and grey, mainly because of the lighting changes.

Blue

Blue eyes are quite common amongst people, especially those born in Germany, Netherlands, Iceland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Estonia. The reason behind this eye colour is low amounts of melanin within the iris stroma. In Central Asia and Middle East, blue eyes are pretty rare. Since the production of melanin generally increases during the first few years of life, the blue eyes of some babies might darken as they get older.

Rarest Eye Colours

Amber

Amber eyes can be defined as the ones having a strong yellowish/golden and russet/coppery tint. The reason behind amber eyes is the deposition of ‘lipochrome’, the yellow pigment, in the iris. It is a very rare eye colour and also known as ‘wolf eyes’, since amber eye colour is very common in wolves.

Green

Green eye colour is amongst the rarest eye colour, with only 1-2% of the world's population born with green eyes. The reason for green eye colour is the production of moderate amounts of melanin. People born in Northern Europe and Nordic countries (like Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany, and Netherlands) usually have green eyes.

Violet

Violet eyes are mainly seen in albinos. In effect, the eyes of some albinos appear to be violet because of the mixing of red and blue reflections. Violet eyes are either a form of blue eyes or a mutation.

Red

Red is probably the rarest eye colour amongst the human population of the world. It is mainly seen in case of albinos and is the result of either large quantities of the ‘normally scarce’ red areas in the eyes or a small leakage of blood into the iris.

Black

Black is amongst the rarest eye colours in the world. Most of the people who appear to have black eyes have, in fact, extremely dark brown eyes that seem to be black.

The classroom version of eye colour genetics generally holds true, that brown eye genes are dominant over green eye genes, and both brown and green eye genes are dominant over blue. However, the biological reality is not as simple as that because eye colour is a polygenetic genetic, it involves many different genes, some of which remain unknown to science. And each gene comes in two versions which leads to a considerable amount of variation. So for example, it is possible for two blue-eyed parents to have a child with brown eyes.

Milk allergy

Cow's milk is a common cause of food allergy in infants. Although most children out grow cow's milk allergy by the age of 4 years, persistent cow's milk allergy may sometimes occur. However, ongoing symptoms in adults are very rare.

  

If your child has milk allergy, these symptoms may occur:

1. within minutes or up to one hour after having a small amount of cow's milk.
   Symptoms may include hives (urticaria), eczema, face swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, noisy breathing or wheeze. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) may cause floppiness in babies.
2. several hours after having moderate amounts of cow's milk.
   Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhoea and sometimes blotchy rashes or worsening eczema.
3. after a day or up to several days after having normal amounts of cow's milk.
   Symptoms can include eczema, vomiting, diarrhoea or asthma.
   

 

Reliable diagnosis is important

 

In people with immediate (within minutes or up to 1 hour) allergic reactions to milk, diagnosis is usually obvious. This can be confirmed by your doctor using allergy tests (skin prick tests or blood allergen specific IgE [RAST] tests).

Treatment involves avoidance of dairy products

 

Treatment of cow's milk allergy involves elimination of cow's milk and its products from the diet and substitution with an appropriate formula in babies. However, avoiding dairy products in children is not easy. Most children allergic to cow's milk will be allergic to goat's milk, so products made from goat's milk are not only inadequate substitutes, but usually trigger similar symptoms. It is therefore important to read all labels of prepared foods and avoid any food which contains cow's or goat's milk, cheese, butter, butter milk cream, cream fraiche, milk powder, whey, casein and margarines which contain milk products.

Dietary restrictions should be supervised

 

It is important to note that elimination and reintroduction of cow's milk and dairy products should only be undertaken with advice from a medical specialist, particularly in cases with severe symptoms. Elimination of cow's milk entirely from the diet is usually difficult and needs to be done in consultation with a specialist dietitian. If long term exclusion is required, patients require an alternative source of calcium and protein, and advice from a dietitian should be sought. This applies to the affected child, and to their mother if dietary exclusion during breast feeding is required.  After confirming cow's milk allergy, your doctor will usually recommend replacing dairy products with alternative formulae, which may include:

1. Soy protein formula
   Around 50 to 80 per cent of children with cow's milk allergy can tolerate soy based formulae. However, in children allergic to soy as well, it is not a suitable substitute.
2. Extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF)
   This is cow's milk based formula that has been treated with enzymes to break down most of the proteins that cause symptoms in infants who are allergic to cow's milk. These are usually supplements of first choice in milk allergic children. However, since some children will still react to this formula, sometimes an amino acid based formula is advised. Extensively hydrolyzed formula is different to partially hydrolyzed formula and the latter is not suitable for treatment of milk allergic children.
3. Amino acid based formula
   This formula is necessary in around 10 per cent of children with cow's milk allergy. This formula will be tolerated by almost all children with soy or cow's milk allergies.
   
   
   

Some formulas are unsuitable for children with cow's milk allergy

 

Children allergic to cow's milk are usually allergic to a number of proteins present in dairy products. Since similar proteins are present in other animal milks such as goat milk, these products can also trigger allergic reactions, and should be avoided.

There may be other food allergies, as well as milk

 

Cow's milk allergy may occur together with other food allergies such as egg, soy, peanut or other nuts. This is referred to as multiple food allergy. Confirmation of this usually requires a referral to a medical specialist (Allergist / Clinical Immunologist).

Cow's milk allergy usually resolves

 

Around 80 per cent of babies will grow out of their allergy by the age of 4 years. Assessment of this likelihood and reintroduction of dairy products should be done in association with a medical specialist. Depending on the history and severity of the original reactions, this may require further allergy testing and deliberate food challenge, which is usually performed in a hospital setting.

Not all reactions to milk are due to allergy

 

Lactose intolerance is caused by the lack of the enzyme lactase, which helps to digest the milk sugar lactose. The symptoms are diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and gas, which are similar to some of the symptoms of milk allergy. This condition is uncomfortable but not dangerous, and does not cause rashes or anaphylaxis. Small amounts of cow's milk are usually tolerated, and yogurts and hard cheeses are usually tolerated better than milk, as they contain less or easier to digest lactose than cow's milk. Treatment may involve reducing or avoiding consumption of dairy products containing lactose and substituting these with a lactose free formula or milk.

Birthday party planner

Party day is only one day for having fun. Get the party started early from the moment you decide on your party date and enjoy the ride.

Let the countdown begin.

4 – 5 weeks in advance

 

• Decide on the number of guests.  If the party will be held outside your home, select and reserve a venue. If you choose an outdoor location, come up with a plan for bad weather.
• Let your child help choose the theme.
• Make a guest list.
• Book entertainment, if necessary.
• Order/purchase presonalised invitations or print your own invitations.
  
  

2 - 3 weeks in advance

 

• Fill out and mail invitations.
  
  
  Make sure you write your child's last name on the invitation so there is no confusion over which Emma it is.
  
  
  Keep a list of invitees near the phone to track RSVPs.
  Enlist your child's help to select activities and games for the part.
  Plan the party food menu.
  Order your cake if you aren't baking it yourself.
  Ask a relative or babysitter to help out during the festivities.
  
  

One week ahead

 

• Decide on the order of activities.
• Test new games and activities. 
• Make a shopping list.
• Buy napkins, decorations, balloons, party hats and other supplies.
• Confirm reservations for entertainment or party location.
  
  
  

 2-3 days ahead

 

• Call guests who haven't RSVPd.
• Shop for food, candles for the cake, goody bags and pinata.
• Make sure you have new batteries and film for the camera or have charged the digital camera.
  
  

One day ahead

 

• Clean the party area. Put away items that may be dangerous or distracting.
• Bake or pick up the cake.
• Order food, if necessary.
• Discuss party expectations with your children.
• Practice saying "thank you" with younger children.
  
  

4-5 hours before guests arrive

 

• Set the table.
• Lay out crafts.
• Inflate balloons.
• Decorate the house.
• Tie balloons to your mailbox / front of the house or so guests can locate the party easily.
• Find matches for candles.
• Have a large garbage bag available to dispose of wrapping paper.
  
  

1 hour before guests arrive

 

• Take pets to a safe place until the party is over. Some kids may be frightened and others allergic.
• Dress your children and yourself.
• Put the food on the table and candles in the cake.
• Set up all crafts and activities.
  
  

During the party

 

• Greet your guests with the birthday party boy or girl.
• If parents are dropping off children, confirm the pick-up time (and be sure you have a contact number in case of emergency).
• Take photos (or ask another adult to do so).
• Enjoy.
  
  

The day after the party 

 

• Help your child write thank-you cards to party guests.
  
  

Swimming pool safety

Drowning in pools is one of the leading causes of child deaths during the summer months. Help prevent drowning by following these simple safety measures: 

 

Install child resistant fencing
Swimming pool should to be surrounded by an approved child resistant barrier. 

Do not leave objects near the barrier
Children may use objects left near the barrier to climb over. 

Supervise your children
A secure pool is no substitute for responsible adult supervision. Children in or around the water must be supervised at all times, no matter what their swimming ability. 

Teach your children to swim
It is essential that children are taught to swim from an early age. 

Learn resuscitation techniques
Training in resuscitation techniques will give adults the skills required in an emergency situation. Resuscitation charts are required to be displayed within the pool enclosure. If not you can purchase a resuscitation chart. 

 

Did you know?

 

• Pool covers are not a child resistant barrier.
• All above ground swimming pools should be surrounded by a child resistant barrier.
• The cost of altering and maintaining an existing dividing fence forming part of a required child resistant barrier is your responsibility.
• Window and door openings must not open directly into a swimming pool area.
  

Regardless of the aquatic location, supervision means being within arm’s reach of your children whenever they are in, on or around water.

Drowning deaths can occur in the time it takes to answer the doorbell, run and get a change of clothes or make a cup of coffee. Drowning is swift and silent which is why parents must be within arm’s reach of young children in water. 

Key tips 

 

• young children need to be supervised constantly (within arm’s reach) whenever they are in, on or around water
• restricting a young child’s access to water either by putting a barrier around the water or around the child is also effective in preventing drowning deaths
• undertaking water familiarisation with your child will help you to become aware of the dangers
• learning resuscitation can help if an incident does occur. Learning these techniques today may save your child’s life.
  

Learning to swim is a vital skill for all ages, especially children. Ensuring your child receives quality teaching is important – because learning to swim is a skill for life.

Thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is normal for infants. Sucking a thumb or fingers can damage an older child's teeth when second teeth are erupting. Parents can help a child to stop sucking their thumb with various techniques.

Most children stop somewhere between two and four years of age. The effects of thumb sucking are usually reversible up until the age of seven, because children still have their deciduous (baby) teeth. If thumb sucking continues beyond the age of seven, when the second teeth are coming through, permanent dental problems can occur.

Problems caused by thumb and finger sucking

Excessive thumb sucking may lead to:

• Buck teeth – for example, the front teeth may be pushed out of alignment. This can alter the shape of the face and lead to an open bite.
• A lisp – pre-school children who suck their fingers and thumbs can push their teeth out of their normal position. This interferes with the correct formation of certain speech sounds.
  
  

Helping children stop thumb and finger sucking

There are various things you can do to help your child stop thumb sucking. Focussing on the positives and rewarding your child are important. Depending on your child’s age and ability, you might like to try the following suggestions:

• Reward your child and offer encouragement – for example, with a hug or praise to reinforce their decision to stop the habit.
• Mark their progress on a calendar – for example, place a star or a tick for each period (such as a day or week) that the child does not suck their thumb or finger. Provide a special outing or a toy if the child gets through the period successfully.
• Encourage bonding – for example, with a special toy.
• Reminders – give your child a mitten to wear as a reminder not to suck, or place unpleasant tasting nail paint (available from chemists) on the fingers or thumb. Placing a band aid over the thumb at bedtime is another reminder. 
   

How often to reward your child

Younger children need more frequent rewards. A five to six year old may need a reward after the first night. You can gradually stretch out the reward period from one night, to a week and then to 30 days without thumb or finger sucking.

It may take several attempts

Children can easily drift back to their old habit and it may take several attempts before the habit is completely broken. Remember to be patient and that the first few days without sucking are usually the worst.

 Things to remember

 

• Children usually stop thumb and finger sucking between two and four years of age.
• Thumb and finger sucking after seven years of age may cause dental problems.
• It takes patience to help your child stop the habit.
• Rewarding your child for not thumb or finger sucking may help.