Kids need six things: love, compassion, understanding, discipline, socialization, and fun. During the pandemic, going out was difficult with all of the restrictions and quarantine. Protocols made it difficult to socialize with others outside of the home. Kids struggled with changes in school and activities. The virtual school programs grew in popularity. Routines changed to accommodate normal activities done from home. Telehealth became the norm instead of in-person visits.
Childcare became more difficult during the last year with so many restrictions. Some parents were left without options and had to resort to private babysitters or family members caring for their children. Daycare centers closed, and home care was a three-ring circus of testing and more protocols.
More and more children, teenagers specifically, are speaking up about their sexuality and gender preferences. These children need compassion and understanding. Children struggle with mental illness as much as adults do. Kids want to be heard and understood. As a parent, it is your job to provide your children with a sense of safety physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Sniffle, Sniffle, Cough, Cough
Little ones tend to get sick more frequently than their older counterparts. Children are not as cautious about germs as adults are. Kids share germs on the playground and at school. With the variety of over-the-counter medicines available, it is hard to know which one is best. Doctors will suggest the best for your child if you ask. If you prefer a more natural approach, clean medicine for your kids is available.
Natural remedies are helpful for minor illnesses such as allergies. Organic and local honey is a great way to combat those troublesome itchy eyes and watery noses. Chicken noodle soup has anti-inflammatory properties and is a supported remedy for symptoms of the common cold. Essential oils such as lavender and eucalyptus can help with many cold and flu symptoms as well.
Apple cider vinegar is helpful for when your little adventurer gets in some plants like poison ivy or poison oak. Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural anti-microbial and disinfectant.
If your tyke has something more serious, it is always recommended they see a doctor. If you can not get an in-person appointment, ask for a video appointment.
Are You What You Eat?
Each child has different nutritional needs. For instance, lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, peanut allergy and more, are common problems. Should children take vitamins? To be sure your child grows up healthy, you should consider all of these things. Your physician's advice is always the best way to go. Nutrition guides are available from your pediatrician as well as online.
Natural foods such as fruit and vegetables are a good start. If your family is not vegan or vegetarian, meat has the protein needed for muscle development. If your family follows a specific diet, whether for religious or other reasons, make sure your child is getting all of the proper nutrition for their body and brain. Many foods are high in vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth.
Special Needs
In society today, we are more aware of children with special needs. We know more about mental health, the Autism spectrum, and different learning styles than ever before. Caring for a child with special needs can be daunting. You must find the right schools, with the right teachers, or teach them at home.
Children with special needs need more love and support than others. They need compassion, understanding, and patience, especially when they are having a difficult time. It is vital to research facilities and staff to ensure that your child gets the extra care they need to thrive in school and life.
Take Me Away
One important factor most people forget about in childcare is the care of the parent. Parents need a break to have a date night, a day at the spa, or go to a movie. In these instances, they would need someone to care for their beloved child. If a parent, sibling, friend, or other babysitter is not available, they need to hire someone. You can find care agencies that offer childcare, such as Urban Sitter, on the internet.
Child care agencies should be vetted and researched before allowing them to care for your precious little one. Do your research and make sure that the sitters are not only qualified but have had a thorough background check.
Making the Donuts
In the current economy, both parents must work to make ends meet and get the bills paid. With so many daycare shutdowns during the pandemic, where does that leave these working parents? Are latchkey kids going to be the new norm again? Will these parents continue to work from home while trying to care for their children? It is tough to balance work and childcare without help.
Private babysitters are one way to go; however, that can be a long and involved process of ensuring that your insurance will cover someone taking care of your child in your home. If you send your child to a babysitter, that requires a whole other set of obstacles such as a background check, a home safety check, and a reference check. In the current society, you can not be too safe with your children. It is vital to make sure that anyone that cares for your child has a clean background and is safe for your precious little one to be around.
Quality Over Quantity
Children thrive on attention and will at times do anything to get it. They do not care if it is good or bad attention; they want to be seen and heard by those they love. Kids want to spend time with their parents having a good time and feeling loved. Most children desire snuggles and hugs from time to time to remind them that they are safe and loved.
Some ideas for quality time are:
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Family game night
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Family movie night
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Day trips
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Doing an activity together
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Parent and child “date” night
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Play sports together
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Share a hobby
The possibilities are endless. It is critical to spend time with your child and show them that they are safe and loved. They need to know that they matter to you.
Kids also need to know it is okay to make mistakes and that no one is perfect. It is paramount not to give up and to keep trying.
The Laws of Discipline
Each state has a set of laws that govern what types of discipline are allowed. Discipline is tricky. Certain forms of discipline work for one child but not every child. As a parent, it takes trial and error to find what works for each child. Discipline is also a controversial topic with many opinions.
Examples of non-corporal punishment include but are not limited to:
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Time outs
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Grounding
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Taking away privileges
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Restricting television
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Restricting phone use
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Restricting video games
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Extra chores for those old enough to have them
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Loss of allowance if one is given
Experts argue that positive reinforcement works better than negative reinforcement. Different schools of thought contend the opposite is true. It is up to you as the parent to decide what is best for your child and encourage correct behavior as you see fit.
