Articles

It has come to my attention recently about the dangers of slugs and snails.  I have asked Peter Banks, Associate Professor in Conservation Biology at the University of Sydney to enlighten us on these dangers.  Slugs and snails are a carrier of the potentially dangerous Rat Lungworm.  

Rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) is a parasite that has a life cycle passing between introduced rats (black rats and brown rats) and snails/slugs. This lungworm is not native to Australia and was first described from Brisbane and is thought to have arrived with infected rats. Indeed native rats don’t appear to carry this lungworm although native snails can be hosts. Infected rats release eggs of the lungworm in their feaces. Slugs or snails that eat infected rat feaces then become infected and the lungworm develops into another life phase in the muscle of the slugs. The lungworm then completes its lifecycle by getting back into a rat when a rat eats an infected slug, adult lungworms develop and begin releasing eggs again.
 
Humans, pets and wildlife can become infected with the lungworm if they ingest an infected slug or snail, but these are dead-end hosts, i.e. the lungworm can’t complete its life cycle. The fresh slime of snails and slugs can also have lungworms, which may be passed on to humans and other animals, although the risks are probably lower with dry slime as outside of hosts the lungworm dries quickly.  Lungworms are dangerous because once ingested they first head to the brain where they can cause meningitis type symptoms, with damage to brain tissue and swelling of the brain before the lungworm dies. Many people show no symptoms at all before the lungworm dies but others are greatly affected. In Sydney in 2011 alone one baby girl has died due to lungworm infection and two young adults have severe brain injury after eating slugs. This low number of cases suggests that the risk of infection is possibly low, however the consequences can be disastrous. Also, its not known whether lungworm is on the increase.
 
To prevent infection, young kids shouldn’t be allowed to play with slugs and snails, especially if there is a local rat problem. Hands should always be washed after touching slugs or snails. Garden vegies should be washed before use and checked for small slugs. To break the lungworm cycle completely, regular rat and slug/snail control around the house is necessary.

PETER BANKS | Associate Professor in Conservation Biology
School of Biological Sciences |Behavioural Ecology and Conservation Research Group
THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
http://www.sydney.edu.au/science/biology
 

All written material on the website or in our emails has a copyright. The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Disclaimer: Information we provide is for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

 

In this article I'm taking a look at flat spots, torticolis and abnormally shaped heads.

Flat spots on a babies head are on the rise. How do they become so misshapen and what can we do to avoid or reverse the damage once it has occurred?  These are some of the questions I would like to look at in brief in this article.

When a baby is born it has a very soft, pliable skull which enables them to pass through the birth canal.  This soft skull can and is easily moulded by its surroundings as with a baby who was constricted within the womb such as a breech baby whose head is wedged under the mother’s ribs.   These babies are often born with a very abnormally shaped head.

Some of these babies may also have torticollis, a tight muscle on one side of their neck causing a pulling to one side. These babies tend to favour looking and lying with their head on one side. Other babies may just choose to favour one side or lie with their head straight, looking up. All these babies, due to their still developing soft skills, are at risk of developing a flat spot on their heads.

These days a flat head may be a combination of one or more of the above mentioned problems and not enough time off their backs. Many babies sleep, play, sit and travel on their backs this can causes or exacerbate the problem.  When a baby continues to lie in the same position over several weeks’ even months the pressure on the soft skull causes it to flatten out.

Prevention and assistance in correcting the problem:

Encourage Tummy Time
To help prevent a baby from developing a flat spot. Alternate which side his head rests when sleeping but more importantly give your baby lots of supervised time on his tummy. When he is awake and after the feed time put him on his tummy not on his back. If this is done from birth you will find baby will not resist. If your child is older and complains about the length of time he spends on his tummy then start with small sessions and work up to longer sessions so that eventually he will have from 60-80% of his awake time, when not feeding, no his tummy.

If your baby has a flat spot or is showing signs of torticollis, encourage baby to turn away from the direction they favour by attracting their attention to the other side with toys, sounds, movement or by sitting on the opposite side which will encourage them try to turn to look at you. (see Articles on play and learning - How Important is Tummy Time for Your Baby?)

During Sleep Time

To prevent a baby favouring holding his head on one side, alternate which side his head rests. To help him, turn his head either to the left or right. With an older baby who is aware of their surroundings you can assist baby by alternating which end of the cot your baby sleeps. Babies tend to look towards the direction from which their caregiver comes. They will look towards the door where you enter. Therefore changing his cot position from one end of the cot to the other will help him to turn his head from one side to the other.

Things to avoid
Avoid tea-tree mattresses as they form a hollow into which baby's head rest this may cause flatness on one side.
Avoid putting baby into a rocker, bouncinette or Frazer chair where they are lying on their backs. It is also advisable no to leave your child, for long periods, in the car capsule or pram for the same reason.

Although sitting upright will keep your baby off their backs it is not wise to leave a child sitting for long periods of time as it is not beneficial for their development and may cause stress on their developing backs. Limit unsupported sitting until baby is able to put himself into and out of a sitting position himself.  This includes equipment such as jumping or sitting rings where baby needs to sit. A child who has limited tummy time often doesn't learn to crawl. Tummy time is the best exercise to develop all the muscles for rolling, crawling, sitting, standing and walking. It also helps develop special awareness and coordination.

Signs to look for are:

• Baby is holding his head tilted to one side.
• A flat spot on the back or side of baby's head.
• Baby is unable to turn their head or favours looking in one direction.
• Very round face with flattened back of the head.
• Non-symmetrical head, eyes or ears differing in size. 
• If you notice any of these signs I suggest you contact your Early Childhood Nurse or Doctor.

If you are concerned

If there is no improvement or if you child has had this problem for some time you will need to see a physiotherapist who will be able to show you some exercises to help stretch tightened neck muscles.

Also read our article on Flat Spots on Baby's Head by Alti Vogel, who is an Orthotist at the Children's Hospital Sydney.

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy can help you with other health concerns for children from birth to five years old. Call and see how Cradle 2 Kindy's can assist you with your concerns.

Cradle 2 Kindy 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Health

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Good foot care should start young while feet are still growing to achieve healthy feet.

There is a lot you can do to help your child’s feet remain in good condition and to prepare them for standing, walking, running and everything and everything needing for the years ahead.

Baby’s Feet

Kicking and wriggling their feet develop baby’s muscles so do not constantly restrict them in socks, booties, leggings or tight bedding.   It is normal for an infant to have cool hands and feet it is therefore suggested to restrict footwear for cold weather or when you are taking your baby out in the cold.

When fitting your baby with footwear regularly check that it is not too tight.  Babies grow quickly and article shrunk in the wash.  Ankle ties on booties should be loose enough to allow free circulation.  Be especially careful of suits with covered-in toes – even if rest of the suit fits, the feet might be too tight.  If necessary, cut off the suit’s foot and hem the edges.

Going barefoot is very important for development especially when a child begins to crawl as it strengthens toes ready for walking.

Toddler & Children’s Feet

All babies develop at their own pace so don’t compare your child’s development with other children of the same age.  Do not be in a rush to teach your child to walk.  They will walk when they are ready.   Most children walk between the ages of nine to 18 months.   Some are more physically and emotionally ready for their first step well before others.   It can be harmful to try to encourage your baby to walk before they are ready.

DON’T use artificial walking aids such as walkers or activity centres, jumpers and swings; they can be detrimental to your child’s walking development and the correct development for academic learning.   Feet and legs develop best when a baby learns to walk at their own pace.

If your child has flat feet don’t worry their arches will develop as their baby fat disappears and their feet grow stronger.

Shoes

Shoes can be worn once your child is walking well before this time going barefoot is very important to develop muscles and balance.

It is very important when choosing shoes that they fit properly right from the beginning.   Remember growing feet need room to grow so choose carefully.  You need to be aware that poor fitting shoes can lead to foot deformities later.

What to look for:

Shoes should be soft and pliable and fit securely on the feet.  Choose a pair with fastenings so that the heel is held in position.  The inner edge of the shoe should be as straight as possible, and the toe should be both wide enough and deep enough.  There should be no pressure on the little toe, and the heel should fit snugly.  Avoid tapered toes.

Sandals need to have secure straps over the instep and behind the ankle to stop the foot slipping forward and damaging the toes.  This is where foot problems can start.

Check the size:

Children don’t’ always complain when the shoe starts to feel tight therefore it is important to check their shoe size regularly.  It is also important to remember that a shoe conforms to the shape of the first feet to wear them.  So passing shoes on to the next child in line when the first has grown out of them may not be a good idea.    In the end, feet that have been badly treated cost more than a new pair of shoes.

Length: You can check the length by asking your child to stand with each foot on a piece of cardboard.  Mart at the back of the heel and the tip of the longest toe.  Cut the strip of cardboard to the marked length and about 2 cm wide, insert it inside the shoe and push it towards the toe.  If there is 1-2 cm between the end of the cardboard and the heel of the shoe, the shoe is long enough.  If the cardboard touches the heel, try a larger size.  (This method will only work with round-toed shoes)

Width and depth:  Don’t forget to check the width and depth of the toecap as well.

Socks

The size of socks is just as important as shoe size as tight socks can also affect developing feet.   While a child is growing rapidly both shoes and socks need replacing frequently.  When replacing shoes remember to buy new socks as well.  Before a child starts school, shoes and sock should be checked for size at least once a month.
 
Natural fibre such as cotton or woollen socks are the best as they help the foot to breath.

Health & Hygiene

Hygiene is very important for our feet. 

• Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• When bathing your child wash their feet with soap and clean water.
• Cut toe nails straight across.

Once your child is able to walk well you should reduce carrying them. Take them by the hand instead and teach them more independence.   A daily stroll is not only one of the healthiest forms of exercise but is a good habit to start early.  It’s god exercise for you, too.

Continue with lots of barefoot play as this helps strengthen growing feet.   Make sure the area is safe to avoid cuts and accidents.

When sending a small child to day care or school remember to send a spare pair of socks.  Wet pants usually mean wet socks too.

This article was written by mothercraft nurse Sally Hall from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.
All articles on this website have a copyright.  The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

We all need iron for brain function, energy and growth (in children) and to fight infections.  Iron carries oxygen in the blood to cells around the body including the brain.  Our immune system also depends on iron to work properly.

Pregnant women

Pregnant women have an increased amount of blood and therefore need more iron to carry extra oxygen.

Infants

Infants have stores of iron from the pregnancy, however these stores run out after about six months.  After this infants need to get iron from their diet.  Breastmilk alone does not provide enough iron after about six months, so iron containing foods need to be introduced.
Infants need this good source of dietary iron from about six months of age in order to prevent iron deficiency.

Children

Children also need iron for learning and brain development.  Adequate iron allows children to concentrate and have enough energy to learn. It also prevents illness which will affect learning.

Iron Absorption

Not all iron is the same as far as our bodies are concerned.  More of the iron in animal foods such as meat and chicken is absorbed than the iron in plant foods such as legumes and grain foods such as breads and cereals.  However there are ways of increasing the amount of iron that is absorbed from plant foods.  Firstly if we eat foods containing vitamin C at the same meal as the plant foods, then more iron is absorbed.  Foods that are high in vitamin C include fruits such as oranges, mandarins, kiwifruit, berries and vegetables such as capsicum, tomato, broccoli and potato.

So eating a small amount of these foods at the same meal as grain foods and legumes will increase the amount of iron that is absorbed.

Secondly, meat, chicken and fish increase the amount of iron that is absorbed from plant foods when they are eaten at the same meal.  Other promoters of iron absorption from plant foods are citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid which are found in fruit.

More iron is absorbed when our body’s iron stores are low – how clever our bodies are!

There are also compounds in foods that can decrease the amount of iron that is absorbed from plant foods. These include:

• phytate – this compound is found in a range of foods particularly whole grain (unrefined) cereal foods, legumes and nuts. Babies would not be eating large amounts of phytate as their intake of all foods is small and most of the cereals they eat are refined or partly refined.
• Tannin – this is found in tea, coffee and wine. So it is not a good idea to offer infants these drinks!

Good sources of iron for babies

• Commercial infant cereals and breakfast cereals that have iron added during the processing. Look for iron in the ingredients list on the package
• Red meats such as beef and lamb
• Legumes such as kidney beans, chick peas, lentils
• Green leafy vegetables
• Wholemeal grain foods such as wholemeal bread, oats

For ideas on how to prepare meat for infants and young children see www.themainmeal.com.au and go to red meat information centre

Eve Reed
Accredited Practising Dietitian
www.familyfoodworks.com.au

Click the following link for a list of Iron Rich Foods.
For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions. 

 

Recent research from beyondblue: the national depression initiative has found a lot of men know very little about Postnatal Depression (PND).

·   50 per cent of men believe women get postnatal depression because they have unrealistic expectations of motherhood.
·   25 per cent of men believe that having PND is a normal part of having a baby.
·   28 per cent of men think PND will go away as the baby gets older (compared to 17 per cent of women).
·   24 per cent of men believe looking after a baby comes naturally to women. (Only 14 per cent of women think this.)

Deputy CEO of beyondblue, Dr Nicole Highet says the research indicates men need more information about mental illness during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby – especially ante and postnatal (perinatal) depression and anxiety.

Dr Highet says depression and anxiety are not a “normal” part of parenthood – they are illnesses, but with the right treatment, most people recover.

beyondblue and the West Australian early parenting service provider, Ngala, have developed a booklet called Hey Dad – Fatherhood – First 12 months, aimed at increasing awareness of issues new parents are likely to face.

“This booklet will get critical information to new dads during this important stage of their lives – the advice and practical tips are invaluable,” Dr Highet says. “New parents often get used to the symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety – such as lack of sleep, irritability and the inability to cope – and too often it’s put down to the ‘baby blues’ and treated as if it’s a normal part of parenthood.

“Men are an extremely important part of the parenting equation and they need to look after their own mental health as well as that of their partners and their families.”

Ngala CEO Rae Walter says: “The whole family is affected when one member of the family has depression or anxiety. Ngala encourages parents to seek support and work as a team to minimise the impact on their children.

“Early brain development, changes in relationships, the importance of attachment, play, sleep and breastfeeding are all issues that fathers may not have explored before the birth and this booklet provides a ‘toolkit’ to help new families manage change.”

To order a free copy of Hey Dad – Fatherhood – First 12 months or to find out more about ante- and postnatal depression call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au

Just Speak Up about postnatal depression and anxiety

Postnatal depression affects one in seven new mothers while one in 10 pregnant women experiences antenatal depression. Anxiety is likely to be even more common.

beyondblue: the national depression initiative has launched a new depression and anxiety awareness campaign aimed at pregnant women, new mothers, their partners and families.

The Just Speak Up campaign is the culmination of years of beyondblue research and evidence-gathering on the prevalence and risk factors associated with pre- and postnatal depression and anxiety – and the impact of not seeking help.

The campaign features TV, radio and print ads in which real people (not actors) talk candidly about their experiences of pre- and postnatal depression and anxiety, and how they got help. There is also a new website www.JustSpeakUp.com.au where their personal stories can be watched and people can upload their own stories.

For more information about postnatal depression and anxiety, available treatments and where to get help, visit www.beyondblue.org.au, call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636 or email infoline@beyondblue.org.au.

 Based on ABS Census figures for projected births 2008-2013; 2 The beyondblue National Postnatal Depression Program. Prevention and Early Intervention 2001-2005. Final Report. Volume 1: National Screening Program

This information was provided by beyondbue Nov 2010

beyondblue: the national depression initiative
beyondblue info line: 1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au / www.youthbeyondblue.com

For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Congenital hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation in the world.
Iodine is not produced by our bodies so it must become an essential part of our diet.  Iodine deficiency can lead to enlargement of the thyroid, hypothyroidism and to mental retardation in infants and children whose mothers were iodine deficient during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. 

Why do we have a problem in Australia?

Australian nutrition surveys show that inadequate intake of foods from the key food groups is widespread in the Australian community (Markovic & Natoli 2009).

Gunton et al (1999) and colleagues implicate a combination of factors leading to a decline in our iodine intake.

• For over three decades we have been dependent on iodine in milk contaminated by cleaning solutions (iodophors) used in the dairy industry; these solutions are gradually being replaced by others which leave less iodine in milk.
• Using less iodised salt, through a combination of purchasing uniodised salt for consumption, decreasing our salt consumption (health messages)
• Consuming most of our salt (uniodised) in processed foods.

40 per cent of pregnant women in studies carried out by Professor Robert Hume (Professor of Developmental Medicine, Division of Maternal & Child Health Sciences, University of Dundee) had less than half the recommended intake of iodine.   Iodine Deficient Disorder affects 50 million children.  1.6 billion people are at risk. (Date: International Council of The Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders).

Importance of iodine in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers

The thyroid hormone in adults is primarily responsible for regulation of our metabolism.  In pregnant and breastfeeding mothers iodine is essential for developing embryo’s brain.
 
The thyroid gland is the first endocrine gland to develop in the embryo.  It begins to form approximately 24 days after fertilisation often before a woman realises she is pregnant.  As the embryo and tongue grow the developing thyroid descends in the neck.  By 7 weeks the thyroid gland has assumed its definitive shape and has reached its final site in the neck.  During the 11th week the synthesis of thyroid hormones occur.  These hormones have an essential role in the development of the brain or central nervous system during the prenatal stage thus the importance of iodine in the mother’s diet.  Deficiency in the mother’s diet will affect different areas of the growing embryo’s brain such as the cerebral cortex, inner ear, and other brain related functions which affect emotion, learning ability and memory.   The defects in those anatomical regions produce different clinical manifestations.
 

Iodine deficiency

Deficiencies in the mother

Adverse outcomes associated with Hypothyroidism can be seen as hypertension, pre-eclampsia, anaemia, post partum haemorrhage and cardiac – ventricular dysfunction. 

Impact on the baby in utero
Hypothyroidism  may also cause spontaneous abortion, fetal death, low birth weight and abnormal brain development.

Deficiencies in the developing embryo

In the cerebral cortex, a deficiency of iodine will cause an improper formation in association areas important for correct thinking processes.  Iodine deficiency may cause malformations in the inner ear specifically in the cochlea producing deafness.  It may also cause lack of development in the basal ganglia and cerebrospinal motor systems lead to spasticity, rigidity and slow movements.  Problems could be observed in higher associative functions like language and abstract thought.   In the case of babies/children with symptoms similar to autism there could be a defect in the development of deep areas of brain.

Signs and Symptoms of hypothyroidism in babies:
Hypothyroidism occurs in about 26 babies each year in NSW/ACT.   Early diagnosis is essential through new born screening.  Some of the signs and symptoms for hypothyroidism in babies is prolonged gestation, increased birth weight, and open posterior fontanel, prolonged jaundice, decreased activity levels/lethargy, hoarse cry, poor feeding and feeding problems, noisy respiration, delayed stools at birth, constipation, dry skin and hypothermia.

Deficiencies in babies and young children

Untreated infants often display significantly low IQ due to mental retardation.  They may have neurological problems such as gross and fine motor coordination, ataxia, altered muscle tone, deceased attention span and speech problems.  Iodine deficiency can also cause permanent brain damage, mental retardation, deaf mutism, spasticity, and short stature.  

Deficiencies in older children and adolescents

Iodine deficiency in older children and adolescents may cause cardiac problems, gastroperesis, delayed puberty, anovulation and infertility, insulin resistance and increased levels of total cholesterol.
 

Treatment

Thyroxine tablets are crushed before administering to a baby.  The sooner the treatment is commenced the less the impact on the neurological system.  Regular tests will determine the correct thyroxine dose as the dose needs to be according to the child’s growth.

The recommended iodine intake

Pregnant and lactating women
·   Daily iodine intake of 250 µg for pregnant and lactating women (The World Health Organization)
Infants
·   0 - 6 months: 110 micrograms per day (mcg/day)
·   7 - 12 months: 130 mcg/day
Children
·   1 - 3 years: 90 mcg/day
·   4 - 8 years: 90 mcg/day
·   9 - 13 years: 120 mcg/day
Adults
·   150 µg

It is not recommended to add salt to the diet of a child’s under the age of 3 years of age.

Natural forms of Iodine

Iodized salt (table salt with iodine added is the main food source of iodine as ¼ teaspoon contains 95 micrograms of iodine).  Seafood including shellfish is naturally rich in iodine (6-ounce portion of ocean fish provides 650 micrograms of iodine).   Kelp (seaweed) is a rich source of iodine. Cheese, fish, eggs, soy milk, soy sauce also contain iodine as does some breads.  Other good sources are plants grown in iodine-rich soil.
Or multivitamins containing Iodine – MYADEC 150 µg.

This articel was provided by:
Dr. Janet Green, RN, PhD Senior Lecturer, Coordinator of PG programs in neonatal and paediatric nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Health. University of Technology, Sydney

For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

There are some personality types that are naturally ‘worry warts’ if you are one of these your children will pick up on your anxiety.   As a parent you want to teach your child a healthy fear to keep them safe but also how to deal with stress and not to become over anxious.    Anxiety is infectious.  If one person is anxious it is sure to spread to the other wether from parent to child or from child to parent.  Try to remember when a stressful situation arises to keep you self control.   You are the adult and need to be the one in command of the situation.  If your child sees you are composed they are less likely to react.  Reassure your child in a calm normal voice.  Remove the child from the situation or the object of fear from the child if and when possible.  If it is an imaginary fear it may take some time for them to calm down and believe you that there is nothing to be afraid of.  If for example the child is afraid of dogs then try to introduce them slowly to dogs.  Look at pictures of dogs, look at dogs from a distance then slowly reintroduce them to a dog.   Explain to them that some dogs are friendly and others are not.  Never approach a dog that you do not know.  And never leave a child alone with an dog.

How to help your child overcome fears

Routines
Once again I cannot stress the importance of routines in a child’s life.  Routines help a child to know what to expect next this helps them feel secure and promotes self confident.  Routines often help prevent unacceptable behaviour as it becomes and expected norm such as tidying up after playing with their toys, bedtime routines, and mealtimes.  The child know what comes next, it has become a part of their life and is less likely to be questioned.    If there is going to be a change in their routine give them fair warning so that they can prepare for it.
 

Encouragement and positive reinforcement

Children love to please.  Parents can use this inherent trait to their benefit with lots of praise and positive reinforcement when your child makes an effort to overcome or confront their fear. 

Provide opportunities for your child to face their fears.  Take small steps to gain their confidence then move to another level.  For example show them a picture of the animal they fear in a book, then the animal at a distance, then with you holding the animal, and finally allowing them to pat the animal.

Never force your child to confront their fear rather continually praise their every effort as they slowly deal with their fears.  

Setting a good example

Parents and caregivers are a child’s first impressions on how to deal with situations.    Our reactions are often copied by our children, if you are fearful or anxious your child will pick it up and may also become fearful of that particular thing.   Although you may be fearful try to portray a confidence and calmness in the situation so as not to alarm your child.  In a dangerous situation keep you cool and guide the child to safety.    Remember you are the adult and the child is looking to you for guidance.

Be in control of the situation

When facing a child’s fear makes sure the situation is safe and the child is with people they trust and feel secure with.  Start with small steps such as introducing them to a puppy or a quiet gentle small dog which you have some control over.  Try to explain what you are about to do and give them a choice of what they would like to do.  Such as would you like to pat the puppy or just sit and watch for awhile?  With older children you may like to talk about their fears, ask them what they think might help them overcome these fears or give them some suggestions which you can discuss together.   Be open and provide facts and information to help children face their fears.  Often knowing more about the thing they fear helps them overcome the fear. 

Provide opportunities to increase their self confidence

Confidence as mentioned above often comes with routines and praise but it also needs to be developed through a child’s self accomplishment and achievement.   Parents can help their child achieve self confidents through providing opportunities which will help develop their skills.  This can be in a variety of areas one of which may be social skills which includes communication to assist a child who may be anxious around other children.  

Many activities can be simulated through make belief, pretend play, dressing up and art.   These activities may help a child express and face their fears in a controlled environment.  Reading stories of children facing and overcoming their fears may also help.  
Encourage your child to try new things, things that they are able to do.  Provide support but don’t take over and do something for them as this will not build but often crush their self confidence. 

Provide support and understanding

Provide lots of praise and encouragement is essential to develop self confidence but so too does listening to and understanding their fears and anxieties.  It is important not to making fun of your child or the fears they have.
 
When your child is fearful or anxious reassure them, embrace them and let them know they are safe.  Stay with them until they have calmed down.    

This article was written by mothercraft nurse Sally Hall from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child. 

For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.
All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

This month I am taking a look at Phobias, Fears and Anxiety in Young Children and next month I will look at tips to help your children overcome their fears.

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are very common.  One in four people will experience an anxiety disorder at some stage in their lives.  We all feel anxious at times but some people are unable to control their anxiety it becomes so overwhelming that it affects their everyday activities making it difficult for them to cope.   

Types of Anxiety disorders in children

There several types of anxiety disorders the most common in children are:

• Generalised Anxiety disorder (GAD) - This is a feeling of being constantly anxious or worried.
• Panic Disorder – An intense feeling of anxiety or panic attack which cannot be brought under control easily.  
• Social Phobia – when a child has a fear of failure, of being criticised or humiliated
• Specific Phobias – being fearful of particular objects or situations.  
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) -  this is caused by unwanted or intrusive thoughts and fears which cause anxiety.  The anxiety are brought under control by carrying out certain rituals.   

Common Fears of Toddlers

Toddlers love routines.  Routines can often bring security and familiarity which help toddlers to feel safe or to help them deal with their fears.  Knowing what is expected of you and what is coming next can help prevent childhood anxieties. This is often seen with a child who requests the same story every night or the same cup and plate to eat off. 

Because young children do not have our understanding of the world as we do they may develop fears or become upset over things such being flushed away with the water going down the toilet or going down the plughole with the bathwater.  This stems from their lack of understanding of size, space and time.  If a child has a particular fear you may be able to avoid or change the situation for a short time and reintroduce them to it slowly over a longer period.   Another idea is to make a fearful situation into one of fun.  Place a small plastic ball in the toilet and watch it bounce around but not get flushed down.  Have a shower with dad instead of a bath or bath in a large plastic bowl.

Around the age of 2-3 years toddlers are hyper sensitive to their emotions.  This period can be quite frightening for them until they learn how to bring them under control.   New thing or environment may seem very frightening, even if we see them as no risk at all.   
They can also be fearful of other people’s powerful emotions and burst into tears when a parent shows anger or despair.   In the heart of all toddlers is the desire to please those they love.  Some toddlers are perfectionist by nature these children may feel angry at themselves when they have displeased or disappointed themselves or their parents.  Talk to them gently and try to find out what has made them feel this way, reassure them that they are loved for who they are and not for what they do or do not do.  Let them know it is alright to feel angry sometimes but also make sure they understand that when they are angry it is not alright to hurt themselves or others or to let anyone hurt them.  

Common Fears of Young Children

Fear may be cause by a variety of events:

• The most commonly cause of fear stem from the unknown – new or strange situations, and things we cannot understand or control.  A child is constantly facing new and unfamiliar situations which to some children can be overwhelming and fearful.   
• Fear can also be a learned behaviour.  A child may observe and respond to another person’s reaction – such as a parent who is fearful of dogs, spiders or heights.  
• Fear may have resulted from a frightening event where the child themselves personal experience something that terrified or harmed them such as an angry dog bitting them.
• Then there is imaginary fear that can be caused by hearing scary stories or watching inappropriate TV programs.  Children under the age of seven are unable to distinguish the difference between fiction, fantasy and reality and see all as reality.  This is why all stories books and TV should be closely monitored for children under seven.  Including graphic new stories on TV.  Their vivid imagination and these images and impressions can also lead to nightmares.   A child’s imaginations can also create their own fears such as monsters which can then lead to a fear of the dark.   Parents can inadvertently exacerbate this situation by leaving a night light on which can reinforce their fears.  

Abnormal fears

If you are concerned your child has problem with fear or has a phobia there are certain things you can look for.  
Things to look for if you are concerned that your child’s fear has become a problem?

·   Is this fear a reasonable reaction to a situation?
·   Is the fear interfering with the child’s everyday life or that of the family?

Anxiety disorders are common, but the sooner you get help, the sooner you can help you child learn to control these conditions so that they do not control your child. 

Next month I will look at tips to help your children overcome their fears.

This article was written by mothercraft nurse Sally Hall from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.
All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

The psychological impact of your baby’s reflux on you and your family

I am a mother of two children who both suffered from reflux as babies and a psychologist who continues to see exhausted and distraught mothers of babies with reflux in my practise.

Having been through the incessant and nerve shattering screaming of the baby in pain, the broken and insufficient sleep for the entire family and the merry go round of searching for the right treatment, I can relate to this issue immensely.  Fortunately, I can also relate to the relief and joy of finding the right treatment and support as well as finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

From the amount of friends, patients and family members I encounter who have struggled with a reflux baby; I can see how wide spread the problem is.  When I had my first son Jake in 2005, reflux was not as commonly experienced or talked about in my circles as it was when I had my second son in 2008.  In hindsight I can see that all the sleeping and feeding issues I had with Jake were very similar if not worse than those that I experienced with my second little one who was diagnosed with reflux by a paediatrician.  At the time, particularly with being a new mum, I attributed those issues to my lack of experience, bad luck, just the type of baby I had etc.  By about 8 months old many of the difficulties had eased (which I now assume was the reflux coming to an end) but we were left with a baby who woke up throughout the night every hour and two extremely frazzled parents.  Fortunately we were able to get help and sorted out the sleep, but it was a very rocky period, especially for first time parents.

By the time I gave birth to my second baby, Brandon, many of my friends were experiencing reflux with their second babies.  I had watched as my friends struggled with the sudden change of peaceful babies to screaming, unhappy, unsettled little people.  I had also seen the transformation once reflux was diagnosed and treated.  For the first 6 weeks Brandon was a ‘dream baby’ who slept and breast fed perfectly and then almost overnight he too transformed into the screaming baby who often could not be put down for hours on end, would not settle and was starting to be a problematic feeder.  Being a second time mother and desperate not to repeat what I’d gone through with my first baby and with the knowledge I now had about reflux I decided to ‘get on top of it’ immediately.  I contacted Cradle 2 Kindy and together with a great paediatrician and the right medication and monitoring of that medication as he grew, within a few weeks the reflux was greatly improved and eventually fully under control.  By 8 months old Brandon was off the medication.

Those are the two very different experiences I had with what I strongly suspect were my two reflux babies and which are echoed time and again by my clients who are going through the same thing.

My advice from a psychological perspective would therefore be:

• If you are struggling with your baby, read up, get advice and trust your instincts.  If the problems seem to be more than the normal feeding and settling issues that parents struggle with from time to time with a new baby, get the appropriate help.  The longer you wait, the more it depletes your resources as a parent.
• Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest problems for parents.  Exhaustion detrimentally affects moods – increased anxiety, weepiness, feeling agitated and touchy, oversensitivity, feelings of being overwhelmed, helpless and out of control are all common reactions to a chronic lack of sleep.  The solution is not always easy, particularly for parents who do not have family around, single parents and parents with limited financial resources for extra help etc.  This is the time to ask for and accept help from anyone who is prepared to give it.  This is not the time to try to be superwoman!  Get rest and breaks wherever possible.  Sleep when the baby sleeps, prioritise rest over housework wherever possible, couples can take shifts with the baby to give each other decent breaks according to the baby’s schedule and so on. 
• Make yourself and your mental health a priority.  ‘Happy mother happy baby’ is really a cliché that carries much truth.  Do what is right for you, stop worrying about what others think and drop that mother guilt whenever it shows up.  Constantly remind yourself that you are doing the best that you can and ‘this too shall pass’ can be a handy mantra to repeat to yourself.  If baby won’t sleep or settle and you are at your wits end, putting baby in the stroller and going for a walk can be a great way to calm down and it may be easier to handle the crying.  Pull out all your resources – exercise, meditation, yoga, ringing a friend, a massage, walking in nature; whatever you can do with the resources that you have to make life more manageable during a difficult time goes a long way to preserving your sanity.
• Watch out for your relationship.  Stress and sleep deprivation play havoc on even the best relationships.  Try to remember that your partner is also going through a difficult time and reassure each other (or yourself when that is not possible) that this is about the situation and not about your relationship.  In certain cases it may be about a relationship that was rocky to start off with and difficulties with your baby will cause extra stress.  If that is the case try to get help in the form of counselling.  Again, this may not be possible at the time with the demands of the baby and I would suggest getting the help as soon as possible and not just ignoring the problems in the relationship once life with baby get easier.  
• And last but not least, if you feel that you are not coping, do not hesitate to get professional help by seeing your GP, a psychologist or counsellor. 

Michelle Fox is a registered psychologist currently practising in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.  Her goal is to equip her clients with effective tools and techniques to enable clients to live their best life and to cope during difficult times.  
 
www.creatingyourbestlife.com.au

For an appointment contact Michelle on 0413225092

For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

When Karen Eriksen’s son began refusing almost all food at the age of two, it would take five years and several specialists to establish what the problem was.

My child lives on air alone.  You think I am exaggerating, but not really.  My seven-year-old boy, Finn, eats small quantities of dry white bread and chips (or potato balls) with tomato sauce.  He also occasionally eats vanilla ice cream, pikelets or banana bread from a café.  He drinks water, juice and sometimes strawberry milk.  That’s about it

Finn doesn’t eat sausages, hamburgers, spaghetti bol or vegemite sandwiches.  No meat, no fish, no sausages, no pasta, no rice, no grainy bread, no cheese, no yogurt, no butter, no jam or honey.  He will come home from a mates’ birthday party and not have eaten a thing.  He is of average height and thin, but not skinny.  He is a worry, every day.

My friends ask how I deal with it, and I answer that I don’t any longer; that I have given up.  But, naturally, that is not true.  Periods of resignation alternate with my gathering my strength and dragging him to see another health professional.  We have seen a lot of people over the years.  And last year, we got a satisfactory diagnosis.  But only after five years of worry and trying to make Finn eat.

Finn was a normal-sized baby, eight days overdue and breastfed until his first birthday.  He was, however, a very unsettled and colicky child, but nothing that a dummy and over the counter medication couldn’t fix.  Solids went well - the usual mashed up food, but also fish, risotto, yogurt.  At about the age two, he started to decline food.  When almost three his sister was born, a traumatic event that he is still coming to terms with.  He continued to decline food – and more and more varieties of it.

The health-centre nurse said that he looks very healthy, and that he is over the 90th percentile in weight and height.  I wasn’t surprised about the height, since I am over 180cm and he has tall Scandinavian genes in him.  Our GP suggested that we see a dietician, the first of three we consulted to no avail.  It wasn’t that Finn didn’t like the food; he never even took it into his mouth to try.  Pushing him to take something into his mouth triggered heaving and sometimes vomiting.

By the time Finn was three, my husband lost patience, and suggested starving him out, with the notion “No child will starve himself to death.”  Not true!  The attempt to make Finn eat family meals or nothing at all had to be aborted after a few days. Finn was vomiting water, and he was still not eating.

We tried star charts, instant and medium-term rewards, punishments and encouraging Finn to earn himself some computer time by trying something new.  Good advice arrived from everywhere.  I offered Finn food that was similar to the types of food that he did eat, made food more interesting, involved Finn in the making the food, signed him up for cooking classes, made smoothies, put apple puree in pancakes, added wholemeal flour to banana bread....  All without success; Finn would not eat any of the food.  Home-made food made him suspicious.

He also won’t take oral medicine or supplements.  Thank God he doesn’t get sick a lot.

The paediatrician - twice consulted about the eating issue – said, after blood had been taken, that all Finn’s results were fine, a “miracle”, and, “even if they were not, what are we going to do about it, as he doesn’t take medicine.”  This was not what I wanted to hear.

In kindergarten, Finn’s teacher voiced concern about his gross motor skills that might affect his fine motor, and therefore writing skills.  An occupational therapist diagnosed him with ‘sensory integration dysfunction’, well known in the US, which basically means that his nerves are not very well connected to his brain.  That made him clumsy, likely to fall over easily and could also, as the reading I did no the subject informed me, affect his eating.   The occupational therapy fixed his motor skill problems, but not his eating. 

Next was a visit to a speech therapist to see whether he had problems with his throat and swallowing.  No problem there.

Our twice-yearly visit to the dentist revealed one hole after another; and the need for filling number four in a seven-year old that also already has a crown - his pirate tooth we call it.  “Bad enamel,” the children’s dentist said.  Finn also lost eight milk teeth while his classmates were still showing off their first missing tooth.

The third dietician managed to make Finn eat an almond.  After ten weeks of consultations, she told us that she could save her time and I could save my money; there was nothing she could do to help him.

When we were on holiday, the problem turned into a nightmare.  Foreign food looks and tastes different from things at home, most parents will know that.  With a diet of chips, not a lot can go wrong you would think – but far from it.  In America, the chips still have the potato skins on, in Germany, they put parsley and/or paprika on them - a major problem.  On overseas holidays, Finn lives on vanilla ice cream.  In Croatia one year, he developed hand foot and mouth disease.  The hospital diagnosed it as tonsillitis, he didn’t eat for ten days and came home thin as a stick.

It isn’t as if Finn is not also completely frustrated by eating the same stuff day in and out.  He gets desperate, but can’t make himself taking something new in his mouth.  Uncountable times he has vomited across the table when we made him try a bit of fish or chicken.

Last year, my equally worried, mother who lives in Germany, had had it.  We arrived in Germany for our annual holiday and he was whisked into hospital on day two to have a gastroscopy.  No prior consultation necessary - my mum organised it with the chief gastro guy, we paid in cash, an hour later we were out of there with some pictures and a diagnosis.  Finn’s oesophagus was inflamed; everything pointed to reflux.  A paediatrician in Hamburg confirmed the diagnosis and prescribed some anti-acid medication.  Back in Australia, we eventually got an appointment with the a gastro specialist for children.  He looked at the stomach pictures, felt his stomach and said he didn’t even have to talk to me to diagnose the problem.

It’s quite simple: Finn has got reflux; he has had it all his life.  The acid burns his stomach and throat, and his bowel is lazy and often completely full.  His reflux also explains his abnormally bad teeth: the enamel is eaten by the acid.  Why did nobody suspect that earlier?  Couldn’t the specialist children’s dentist at least voice some concern?  Finn never complained about pain.  Still, I feel guilty.

At least now we have a diagnosis, and the anti-acid medication works.  Previously, Finn didn’t get any deep sleep due to his reflux, and therefore was overtired and angry all the time.  Fortunately, he is a changed child since taking the medicine.  He is much happier, settled and pain-free.  But that doesn’t make him eat.

A child who has been in pain when eating for his whole life will be deeply suspicious of food, even if not in pain any longer.  We are now seeking a specialist to desensitise Finn and overcome his disgust of food in tiny steps.  Finn’s future looks a lot brighter – but I still believe that he should have been diagnosed at two, not at seven year, and that if he has been, he would have avoided the psychological scarring. 

Karen Eriksen

A note for Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions

Babies who are quite unsettled may be showing signs of reflux and should be treated immediately to avoid further complications.  For more information on reflux or colic in babies and how to recognise the telltale signs please read Signs and Symptoms of Colic/Reflux Cradle to Kindy parenting coaches are specialized in recognising the symptoms of reflux and have practical tips to help you and your baby through this difficult time. 

For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.