Child Birthmarks
About 80% of babies are born with random markings on the body (birthmarks). Birthmarks are generally present at birth, although some, such as a hemangioma, develop weeks later. Most are permanent (some may fade with time), and harmless. Rarely, there may be an underlying disease. There are two types of birthmarks, vascular (blood vessels that […]
The Effects and Treatment of PKU
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a birth defect and another of the things that can affect a newborn child. This particular birth defect is inherited and involves mutation in a gene containing instructions for making the enzyme needed to break down the amino acid phenylalanine. Although PKU is rare, it is imperative that it is recognized quickly, […]
Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures are the most common type of seizures in children. Febrile seizures are convulsions brought on by a rectal temperature greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit in infants or small children. They generally last a few seconds to more than 15 minutes, but most last a minute or two. The child often loses consciousness and […]
Seizures in Children
Seizures affect about 2 to 3 million people in the United States. About 10% of Americans will experience a seizure sometime during their lives. Seizures are episodes of altered brain function that cause motor, cognitive, and sensory changes thought to result from changes in excitability in neurons. Seizures occur when brain cells, which communicate through […]
What Can Go Wrong
Infectious diseases, medication and environmental toxins may affect the developing embryo. Some of these may or may not affect the mother but can be passed to the fetus. Many diseases are caused by viruses, which easily pass between mother and fetus. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that infects most people at some point in […]
Child Brain Development
Our brain controls conscious (thinking, reasoning, memory and emotions) and unconscious (breathing, digestion, balance, and reflexes) processes. It is made of cells called neurons and is well-organized to handle these functions. Neurons communicate by sending electrical signals through networks of connections. These networks of connections are developed and refined during brain development, based on specific […]
Valentine’s Day Projects for Children
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Children love to prepare for the special day. Toddlers are too young to use scissors safely on their own, but they can still make holiday crafts to give to those they love. I have listed a couple of ideas for toddlers that are developmentally appropriate and fun. Finger painting is […]
Cold weather a real risk to school children.
With the temperatures hitting unusual lows this month, there seems to be a recurring theme among some people concerning the closing of schools on these cold days. In response to these comments, let me remind those who may have forgotten, that first and foremost, our responsibility to children is to keep them safe. While some […]
Children and Manners
There was a time when manners were a part of what your child learned in school, but in this day of student testing, there are not enough hours in the school day. While manners are still expected by teaching staff, it falls to the parent to teach their child good common sense manners. Good manners […]
Moral Development
Does your child show empathy for other people’s feelings? Empathy is important to a child’s overall development. Empathy is the identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings or thoughts of another person. Empathy is important to moral development, because it allows the child to identify with emotions experienced by others. But, this ability develops […]
Child Learners
With school back in session this week, it may be a good time to consider how your child learns. Knowing the answer to this question will help your child if he/she is struggling in school. As you may know, there are three major learning styles, visual, auditory and kinesthetic or tactile. While children usually use […]
New Year Resolutions for Children and Parents
With the New Year (2014) just ahead of you, why not start a new tradition by making resolutions for the year with your child? This is a great way to help your child develop new and better habits. Be reasonable about expectations and participate with your own resolutions (make it a family event). Help generate […]
Santa?
Should you teach your child to believe in Santa or not? Nickelodeon Parents Connect asked in a poll, “Do you let your kids believe in Santa Claus?” 65% answered, “Of course! It’s a magical part of childhood. What’s the harm?” 13% answered, “No. I think Christmas should be about Jesus, not Santa.” 10% answered, “Yes, […]
Helping Children Avoid Holiday Stress
While the holidays are a fun for children, they are also very busy. Because of this, holiday stress and anxiety in children often accompany the holiday season. During the holidays, there are lots of activities, both at home and at school. With all the new schedule of events, however enjoyable, schedules and routines are often […]
“Elf On The Shelf”
Start a new holiday tradition by playing “The Elf On The Shelf” game. The elf is one of Santa’s many helpers. and shows up at the beginning of the holiday season, keeping an eye on things until Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the elf returns to the North Pole with Santa Claus until the next year. […]
Traditions
I have talked about the need of traditions for children. It gives them a sense of security and builds trust. This holiday season is a good time to build family traditions that will follow your child through their life. The traditions you start will, in part, be passed down to their children. I have listed […]
