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Distraction can be a useful tool in helping your child cope with a difficult situation
As a Child Life Specialist, I often joke about the proverbial “toolkit” that I seem to have invisibly available when I work with children. In it are a variety of ideas, books, toys, and other items that I have used in the past that can benefit children as they go through painful procedures or times in the hospital that are particularly stressful. One of my best “tools” in this kit of mine is distraction.
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Advice Every Parent Needs When a Child Is Hospitalized
We never expect our children to spend time in the hospital. So, when it happens, it can be a jarring experience both for the child and their family. But even if you feel like life is spinning out of control, there are things you can do to better navigate the situation.
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Concussions in Babies and Toddlers: What You Need To Know
At some point, every kid bumps their head — sometimes harder than others. While most of these accidents are minor, all head injuries should be monitored for signs of a concussion, which could get worse without timely and appropriate care.
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Kids and Suicide: How Parents Should Talk About It
It can be difficult to approach the topic of suicide with your children when you suspect they are depressed or deeply upset. You might be afraid if you bring it up, it will make your child more likely to attempt suicide. That’s not true. In fact, talking is a key factor in protecting your child.
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Is Your Kid a Bed-Wetter? Don’t Worry, It’s Normal
Most kids are potty-trained between ages 2 and 4. But about 20 percent of 5-year-olds and 10 percent of 7-year-olds still wet the bed at night. Why?
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What To Expect if Your Child Needs a Colonoscopy
You might think colonoscopies are only for older adults to screen for cancer. But children sometimes have the procedure, too, to diagnose causes of abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding and unexplained weight loss.
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When Your Child Hurts: What Is Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome?
Before you chalk up your teen’s vague complaints of pain to an attempt to stay home from school, consider this: As many as 40 percent of children suffer from chronic pain and 7.5 percent have amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome (AMPS). Cases of AMPS are on the rise, thanks to the pandemic that has left kids more depressed, isolated and sedentary.
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Is Your Teen Using Social Media Too Much?
At the dinner table. Watching TV. While out with friends. Teenagers are constantly using social media, and that might not be good for their mental health.
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Toddler Not Interested in Potty Training? Don’t Panic
Potty training can be a stressful time for parents and kids, and even more so when your child shows no interest in giving up diapers.
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Tech and your kids: how much is too much?
In today’s digital era, tech devices have taken on a whole new role (and meaning). They have become kids’ most popular accessory and prized possession. iPhones, iPods, laptops, tablets- you name it and it is almost guaranteed that the kid sitting next to you has access to it. But why have these tech devices become so popular? Simple. They are an easily accessible way to entertain kids of all ages for hours on end- from the short trip to the grocery store, to the much-anticipated family road trip. While these devices can come in handy and better yet, to kids, how do parents decide when enough in enough?
