theSun, Tue, 25 Aug 2009
One of the worst things about being a parent is coping with a sick child. And I don’t mean the usual sniffles or sore throat which a simple visit to the doctor will suffice.
The real challenge is when a child is seriously sick and requires hospitalisation. The experience can be less daunting for both of you if you know what to do.
If your child needs to be admitted into hospital, let him know beforehand. If he is a pre-schooler, tell him about it a day or two earlier. Do not tell him too early as he might get unduly anxious.
Older children, however, can be told about it as soon as possible. This way, they will have more time to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally, and can ask questions to ease their apprehension.
Answer their questions as simply as you can. The explanations and descriptions that you use to let them know what to expect should be age appropriate. As the parent, you are the best person to know how much your child can understand.
Be honest with him and sound positive. If pain or discomfort is to be expected, tell him the truth but assure him that the doctor and nurses will give him medicine to make him feel better.
Share with him why he needs to stay in the hospital, how long he will be there, and what the doctors and nurses will do. Tell him where you will be and when you will be visiting him during his stay. Let him know if you plan to stay with him (if the hospital allows it) as he will feel reassured.
If your child is a pre-schooler, read him storybooks about going to the hospital. Play ‘doctor’ or ‘hospital’ with him using a toy doctor’s set. Pack his favourite books, toys or activity books so that he will feel more at home.
He can be kept occupied and feel less bored if his condition allows him to indulge in some light activity in bed or in the room.
To prepare yourself, get as much information from the hospital about the procedures for admission. Familiarise yourself with the hospital surroundings and facilities such as parking areas, restaurants and visiting hours.
Ask the doctor for details to understand your child’s condition better. Find out what he or she will be doing to help your child so that you know what to expect.
Take care of yourself and make sure you rest and eat well. Share your thoughts and feelings with family and friends. Stress and worry could take a toll on you, and your child can pick it up.
Negative vibes and nervousness are among the last things you want your child to feel. You need to be calm and confident to provide the love and support your child needs during that period.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Managing mealtimes
theSun, Tue 04 Aug 2009
When it comes to mealtimes, I sometimes wish children came equipped with an on-off button so that we could keep them under our control at the touch of a button. In our hectic lifestyles, mealtimes appear to be about the only time we have to unwind and spend time together as a family.
When a family includes young children, mealtimes often become pretty stressful. The common problems parents have are their children’s refusal to eat, being picky with the food and not being able to sit still.
What can we do to tackle these challenges?
We need first to believe that they will not starve. From 18 months to three years of age, a child’s growth rate slows down. The child is less hungry so he eats less. He would grow in height more quickly than gain weight. He is learning to be independent and wants to assert it.
The more we force children to do something they do not like, the more likely a power struggle will take place.
Some parents, including me, tend to force them to eat, which in actual fact, is wrong. If they are energetic and growing well, we should not worry too much.
Look at how much of food they eat over a week, rather than the quantity they consume every day. This will give you a better picture of their overall diet and how balanced it is.
Offer children a variety of foodstuff and serve them in small portions. Children feel good about themselves when they are able to finish what is on their plate.
When there is too much food, they might feel overwhelmed and refuse to eat. When introducing a new dish, serve it with food they like and serve it several times. The more times a child gets to taste it, the more likely he is to accept it.
If your children are old enough, throw in some activities to make the introduction of the new food item more exciting. You can get them to help prepare it or cut it into fun shapes or decorate it to make the dish more interesting and appealing.
Young children are curious, love to explore and are easily distracted. Thus, it is difficult for them to sit still. Instead of allowing them to eat while watching television or allowing them to bring their books and toys to the table, we could try making them eat at the table for an appropriate amount of time by using a timer (I picked up this tip on the Internet).
The amount of time they sit at the table can be increased gradually over a period of time. They should be rewarded with praise or a sticker if they are successful. Start interesting conversations and share funny stories to keep them at the table.
If they are playing before mealtime, give them ample warning as to when they should stop. Children need time to end their games, and ‘switch over’ from an activity that is stimulating to one that is relatively mundane in their eyes.
Ask them to help you do simple things in preparation for the meal, like setting the table.
While these suggestions make sense on paper, we often lament that they are easier said than done. Often times, none of them seems to work but we should rest assured that slowly, over time, and done consistently, these steps will help make mealtimes less stressful.
When it comes to mealtimes, I sometimes wish children came equipped with an on-off button so that we could keep them under our control at the touch of a button. In our hectic lifestyles, mealtimes appear to be about the only time we have to unwind and spend time together as a family.
When a family includes young children, mealtimes often become pretty stressful. The common problems parents have are their children’s refusal to eat, being picky with the food and not being able to sit still.
What can we do to tackle these challenges?
We need first to believe that they will not starve. From 18 months to three years of age, a child’s growth rate slows down. The child is less hungry so he eats less. He would grow in height more quickly than gain weight. He is learning to be independent and wants to assert it.
The more we force children to do something they do not like, the more likely a power struggle will take place.
Some parents, including me, tend to force them to eat, which in actual fact, is wrong. If they are energetic and growing well, we should not worry too much.
Look at how much of food they eat over a week, rather than the quantity they consume every day. This will give you a better picture of their overall diet and how balanced it is.
Offer children a variety of foodstuff and serve them in small portions. Children feel good about themselves when they are able to finish what is on their plate.
When there is too much food, they might feel overwhelmed and refuse to eat. When introducing a new dish, serve it with food they like and serve it several times. The more times a child gets to taste it, the more likely he is to accept it.
If your children are old enough, throw in some activities to make the introduction of the new food item more exciting. You can get them to help prepare it or cut it into fun shapes or decorate it to make the dish more interesting and appealing.
Young children are curious, love to explore and are easily distracted. Thus, it is difficult for them to sit still. Instead of allowing them to eat while watching television or allowing them to bring their books and toys to the table, we could try making them eat at the table for an appropriate amount of time by using a timer (I picked up this tip on the Internet).
The amount of time they sit at the table can be increased gradually over a period of time. They should be rewarded with praise or a sticker if they are successful. Start interesting conversations and share funny stories to keep them at the table.
If they are playing before mealtime, give them ample warning as to when they should stop. Children need time to end their games, and ‘switch over’ from an activity that is stimulating to one that is relatively mundane in their eyes.
Ask them to help you do simple things in preparation for the meal, like setting the table.
While these suggestions make sense on paper, we often lament that they are easier said than done. Often times, none of them seems to work but we should rest assured that slowly, over time, and done consistently, these steps will help make mealtimes less stressful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)