Milestonesforlife

Most cavities in children occur on the biting surfaces of teeth. Sealants, which are clear or shaded plastic coatings that protect the grooves on the biting surface, can eliminate these cavities.

As long as the sealant is in place, there is virtually a 100 percent chance of no decay. They can last as long as 10 years (avg duration 4 yrs) and have been around for 25 years. When they wear out, you put new ones on!

Now why didn’t my dentist tell me about that? Ask your dentist today!

Facts: Only 50% of children (ages 0-12) are Cavity-free in America.

A common mistake new parents make with their children is “asking” their child to do something vs “telling” their child to do something. You see, the problem lies with the fact that regardless of how the child answers the question, you still want them to complete the task.

Mark’s Monday Milestone: Tell…Don’t ASK! As a result of positive commands, you will be setting expectations appropriately and not ending up in a battle of ”No” vs ”because I said so”

Helpful Tips: Tell them what to do…vs what not to do.

For example,,,Walk,,,vs Stop Running,,,,Whisper,,vs Stop talking

Also, use the tone of your voice to encourage immediate results. Your first command might be in your speaking voice (warning),,next command (should be louder and intent). Ensure you have your childs attention first before talking and avoid yelling from another room in the house.

Enjoy!

I don’t know about you,,,but why is meal time such a struggle? We are constantly shoveling food in our children’s mouth because they won’t eat on time or enough food….says who?

It is very easy for parents to bring unease and frustration to meal time…our children sense this and react accordingly. Once we learned to portion our childs food into smaller portions such that he could complete a meal…it made us happy ,,,which made him happy.

We learned the hard way, children aren’t always hungry when we are (7AM, noon and 5PM). We are now ok w/ smaller portions and snacks along the way. 

Set limits! We have a limit in our house - no more than 1.5-2hrs per day….so when you come in to turn off the television (enforcing boundary), there is no argument!

At the same time, offer alternatives - computer, reading, playing, coloring, drawing, cards, games, etc. Encourage them to use their imagination. At age 6, my youngster is becoming fluent at checkers, chess and cards….they just need the introduction.  

Yes, even at 5 or 6, your little one may be inquiring about his/her privates. It’s important to be honest at this age without giving away more information than is being asked. Don’t over answer the question … just answer the question(s). They’ll ask more when they’re ready!

Also, be sure to instill with your child that the only one allowed to touch their privates are the doctor and the parent. No one else! 

Talk to your pediatrician if unsure how to approach these subjects with your kids…but please don’t refuse to answer because you can’t be sure who they’ll turn to next!

Don’t let the dog days of summer stress you and your little ones out! Get a fun calendar (ie Thomas the Train, Hannah Montanna) that your child can hang on his/her wall and plan out your summer together. Let your child fill it in themselves with special events such as picnics, vacations, trips to the zoo, swim dates, etc.

This way, you’ll both realize where the gaps are and you can plan accordingly for those gaps. Be sure to include back to school dates and perhaps shopping for school dates so they have something to look forward to.

If you have Tutors or summer camps planned, be sure they’re integrated accordingly. Make reference to the calendar when your children ask questions about upcoming events and be sure to hang it in a place so both can see.

Make setting Summer expectations fun! and include the little ones in the decision making!  

Another good read for all us Type A’s is “Connecting with our Children”, by Roberta Gilbert (MD). Roberta’s take on behavioral issues is similar to ours and suggests reviewing the parent/family relationship with the child which most often proves as the source for our childrens behavior.

One of her lists, which I love, is “Twenty Ways to Invade your Childs Behavior”…which as our children get older, is a tough line not to cross. Here are my Top 10…

1.  Tell her what to do when you know she knows what to do

2.  Dress him when you know he can dress himself

3.  Hover

4.  Have too many rules

5.  Overshedule him

6. Don’t allow any alone time

7. Make him/her eat everything on the plate

8. Think about her more than you do yourself or your spouse

9. Let his achievements determine your emotional well-being

10. Take on her unacceptable behavior as your own problem…without letting the natural consequences do their own work.

Young children require 10-12 hours of sleep every night to give their bodies a chance to grow and their brains an opportunity to organize all the important information they learn during the day. Developing good habits at bedtime will help your child to do their best. Start by winding down activities 1-2 hours before bedtime. Quiet activities such as reading, coloring or puzzles are a good bet, followed by a warm, relaxing bath & P.J’s . Avoid heavy foods, sugary treats, and caffeine-and instead offer a high protein snack such as crackers and cheese or peanut butter, and cut back on liquids. While many parents may use television or videos in the bedtime routine, studies show that these media actually disrupt sleep because the lights they emit “trick” the brain into thinking that morning has come. Spend up to 20 minutes with your child before bed, sharing in bedtime rituals, such as reading, praying, and tucking in covers. If you follow this routine consistently, your child will be comfortably settled down and ready for a good night’s sleep.

Please share other strategies that you have found to help your child settle into a good sleep.

Dr. Kathi

This book struck us as an immediate life changer…for a good read on “how to say no to email, co-workers, bosses, and anyone else putting extra anxiety in your life”, try CrazyBusy by Edward M. Hallowell, MD.

Definitely for those who are OVERSTRETCHED, OVERBOOKED and ABOUT TO SNAP! 

Join Don and Dr Kathi on January 17th at Memorial Hospital’s Auditorium on Swann Ave in South Tampa (6-8PM) to learn why your child may not be listening.

This free interactive session will be a collaboration of Don’s ”Effective Parenting” Techniques with Dr Kathi’s national “Hot Docs” Program.  There will be 30+ minutes of Q&A with Dr Kathi and Don to address other issues that may be going on in your child’s life.

All attendees will leave with a complimentary copy of Don’s “20 Minutes to effective parenting” DVD.

Don’t miss this FREE opportunity with a nationally aclaimed psychologist to get your child on the RIGHT track!