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Archive for November, 2009

Optometrist Visit

Friday, November 27th, 2009

“If I take my child to the optometrist, will glasses always be prescribed? Why is it important to have my child’s eyes tested before she starts school?” Mary, 22 years old

Dr Stork says: No, the optometrist will only prescribe glasses to improve your child’s vision or to ensure proper development of the eyes. Some children will need to do eye exercises to improve the function of their eyes. In some cases, the optometrist will just give advice on eye care.

Unless a child can see properly, she is unlikely to fulfill her full potential at school. Research has shown that there is a correlation between difficulties with reading and poor co-ordination of the eyes.

Read more about reading difficulties at Check Your Child For Dyslexia Symptoms

Tags: difficulty reading, eye care, glasses, optometrists, reading difficulties
Posted in Growth | Comments Off

Squint

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

“Can children grow out of squints?” Graham, 32 years old

Dr. Stork says: There is one eye condition that looks like a squint but is normal and caused by folds of skin near the nose. This will resolve itself. All other squints require early treatment, which often means wearing glasses, or possibly a kids eye patch. If an eye appears to ‘turn’, a test is essential to decide whether treatment is needed.

For more parenting tips, visit Early Childhood Parenting Tips

Tags: kids eye patch, squint, wearing glasses
Posted in Growth | Comments Off

Eyesight Problem

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

“Will wearing glasses make my child’s sight weaker?” Jessica, 42 years old; Peter, 3.5 years old

Dr. Stork says: No, but not wearing spectacles when necessary could result in poor eye sight. The visual pathways of young children are still developing and clear vision is necessary for this to happen.

Learn more about visual stimulation from young at Baby Games

Tags: eyesight problem, poor eyesight, spectacles, wearing glasses
Posted in Growth | Comments Off

Pets At Home

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

“We have a pet cat and dog. Are my children at risk of infection?” Jonathan and Cindy, 35 and 33 years

Dr. Stork says: Yes. Children can pick up a number of infections from pets, including ringworm infection. If your children have been playing with your pet, make sure they wash their hands before they eat anything. They should also wash their hands after playing in the garden, where there may be feces (a source of toxoplasmosis). Finally, teach your children never to touch a pet’s mouth or bottom.

If you like this, Home Safety Tips For Kids may interest you too.

Tags: pets, ringworm infection, toxoplasmosis
Posted in Health | Comments Off

Clean Or Happy Kids?

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

“I get furious when my child gets himself real dirty. Am I over-reacting?” James, 6 years old, Carol 38 years old

Dr. Stork says: Perhaps a little. Getting dirty is just a natural part of growing up. An over-anxious girl who cries because she has spilt something on her dress, or the boy who rushes in for his hands to be washed every five minutes, is not going to enjoy his or her early years. Remind yourself that the human body is incredibly efficient at keeping out infection, and that raising happy kids is infinitely more important than raising clean children.

Learn more about children’s immune system at: Probiotic Health – Its Benefit and Its Role in Regulation of Children Immune System

Tags: raising, raising happy kids
Posted in General | Comments Off

Fast Food Can Be Healthy Too!

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

“My son is 5 years old, he will eat chicken nuggets and chips only for his tea. What can I do?” Ruth Evans, 32 years old

Dr. Stork says: Many children go through a stage of faddy eating or fast food eating, so don’t worry too much. Try making your own “fast food” but healthy eating version: use good quality chicken, minced and dipped in breadcrumbs, cut chunky potato chips and fry in olive oil. Tomato ketchup, although sugary, contains nutrients, too. Eat as a family as much as possible. If your child sees you eating healthy foods, in time he may want to try these nutritional eating too.

Parents may find recipes in Healthy Recipes For Children helpful.

More related site includes: Nutritious Food Choices For Every Meal

Tags: fast food eating, healthy eating, nutritional eating
Posted in Feeding Problems and Eating Habits | Comments Off

Encouragement Is Important

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

“James is 30 months old but he always wants to travel in the buggy. How can I make him walk some of the time?” Daniel, 29 years old

Dr. Stork says: Start by encouraging him to walk some of the way to your destination. Distraction often works well so try pointing out interesting things. In shops, encourage your child to get out of the buggy stroller to look at something, but make sure that you are extremely careful and know where he is at all times.

You may also want to read more on: Praise Your Children – Why Is It Important?

Tags: buggy, buggy stroller
Posted in Behavioral Problems | Comments Off

Why Breastfeeding

Friday, November 13th, 2009

“Why should I be breastfeeding my baby? Bottle feeding will be more convenient as anybody can help with the feeding. My friends told me that newborn baby feeds every hourly. That will be too tiring for me.” Carol, 21 years, 34 weeks pregnant

Dr Stork says: Breastfeeding is generally the IDEAL food for your baby. Breast milk is a wonderful gift that only mother can give to a baby. You are right in saying that ‘anybody can help with bottle feeding’ but it may not be true that this translates to ‘convenience’. Have you ever thought of the ‘obvious advantages’ of breastfeeding? – No bottles to clean, no formula to prepare and mix, and it’s always at the right temperature when the baby drinks. So, “why breastfeed?” The answer, simply is breast milk is better for your baby, and it can be extremely satisfying for a mother, especially a first time mother like you. It’s also cheaper, and it’s convenient just as what I’ve mentioned earlier.

Even if you breastfeed your baby for only a few days, you’ll give him extra protection against illness. Your breasts don’t produce milk for two to three days after delivery. Instead, they produce colostrums, a yellowish substance which will help your baby fight off cough and colds and other illnesses. Isn’t that a good start you can give to your baby?

My Child Just Dislikes Eating! Help!

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

“I am totally lost! My child does not like eating as an activity.” Despair mother, 40 years old

Dr. Stork says: Eating is as much a social activity as an individual need. So, eating disorders are common among children who are forced to eat alone while the rest of the household is engaged in other more interesting or distracting activities. Having pleasant mealtimes together is the best way to help your child enjoy eating. Eating as a family such as having regular family dinner is the best way to keep the whole family together as your child grows up.

Still unsure on how to feed your child? Please visit Tips on Feeding Young Children

Tags: eating disorders, family, family dinner
Posted in Feeding Problems and Eating Habits | Comments Off

How To Get My Child Eat Healthy Meals?

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

“I am a working mother of a 4-year-old boy, Craig. He is taken care by a nanny when I go to work. However, I find it very difficult to make him eat regular healthy meals especially the dinners. “ Sue, 37 years old

Dr. Stork says: Check whether your child has been eating high-sugar or other calorie-rich snacks food (eg sweets, potato chips and carbonated drinks) through the day. If so, it is no wonder he is feeling full. It also helps to check when the last snack was taken; snacks should not be allowed less than 1.5 – 2 hours before a main healthy meal.

Get more detail information on good eating habits for your child at Healthy Eating Habits for Children Nutritional Health

Tags: regular healthy meals, snacks, snacks food
Posted in Feeding Problems and Eating Habits | Comments Off

Early Childhood Parenting Tips