STD HEAD: CHILD CHAT

 

Q: My toddler refuses to go into the pool and has now started to resist the bath as well. She used to be a real “water baby” and I do not understand the sudden change.

A: Your young one’s fears may not ever be fully understood. She could have been frightened by getting water up her nose or watching another child loose their footing in the pool. Regardless of the reason, the fear is genuine. Try backing off the pool for now. Instead offer the sprinkler on a hot summer day. At home, try a sponge bath or a gentle shower with a parent. You can make a point of going to the store to pick out some kiddy pool/bath toys and see if she is interested. The point is to encourage but not push. Note: when using a sprinkler or playing in a pool, do not forget to apply sunscreen as water intensifies the effect of the sun’s rays.

Q: Please help! My son has turned into a picky eater! He only wants peanut butter and jelly for every meal. What can I do to broaden his selection?

A: Actually, if you had to pick one thing, peanut butter and jelly is the best! It could be cheese doodles! Next mealtime, involve your son in the preparation of the food. Usually, children are so proud of their creation they can’t wait to gobble it up! Also, try cutting and arranging fruits and vegetables so they make a picture on the plate. Make a face on top of a sandwich, or a trail of “ants” in the oatmeal (using raisins, of course), the possibilities are endless! Offering fruits and vegetables with a dip, whether yogurt or dressing, is a big hit with my kids. All you can do is offer the healthier foods and definitely cut back on the less healthy snacks, like cookies and cheese doodles. Just keep up on the vitamins and, of course, if you are truly concerned, always contact your pediatrician.

Q: My four-year-old daughter is having temper tantrums! She wants to pick out her clothes and dress herself. Many times I give in because we are in a hurry and when we leave the house she looks a mess. Her clothes clash and her socks are mismatched. Please help, the mornings are becoming a battle!

A: A battle first thing in the morning is not the way to start the day! It sounds like your daughter is trying to gain and maintain a little control and independence, which is perfectly natural. Instead of fighting this phase, encourage it. Try picking out two outfits, from top to toes, the night before. Give her a choice between the two outfits. If it is going to be a hurried morning try choosing outfits she can easily put on herself. Praise her on what a big girl she’s becoming and how well she dressed herself. If you have enough time allow her to choose a hat or shoes from her inventory. The first couple times might still be a battle since you’ve downsized her selection, but don’t give in, it will get better.

Q: I am bottle feeding my baby. Is it OK to warm the bottle in the microwave?

A: It is not recommended to warm a baby’s bottle in the microwave for several reasons. The primary reason is that you run the risk of scalding the baby. Even though you may test the temperature and feel that it is not too hot, there can be pockets of heat in the bottle. Shaking the bottle may reduce this risk but not always.

When bottle feeding with breast milk, studies have shown that heating the milk may damage some of the infection fighting properties.

If you still plan on microwaving your bottles, please keep in mind that glass heats more rapidly than plastic and the plastic liners used in some bottles can explode in the microwave.

HOT TIP

Tired of all the cleanup after those summer bar-b-ques? Take a paper grocery bag and roll the top down about half way. These “bags” make great containers for chips, pretzels, etc. The kids can decorate them with markers and the can simply be tossed out when the party is over.

If you have a question that you would like answered, please send it to Child Chat, c/o Health Monitor editor, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470.

After ten years in corporate America, Barbara Gaines decided to put her early childhood development degree to work. Barbara and her husband, Richard, live in Newtown where, as a mother of two young children and three older stepchildren, Barbara has experienced her share of children’s emotions and mood swings – in good times and bad. In addition to having a lead in the post partum group at Danbury Hospital, Barbara and her children have been involved in several playgroups in both Connecticut and New York.

Tina Fiorella lives in Bethel with her husband, John, and their two young boys. After putting her degree in psychology to work for several years in the mental health field, she decided to stay home and raise her kids on a full-time basis. Tina and her boys participate in various playgroups and organized activities in the Bethel community.