10/17/17

PEDIATRIC HEALTH

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Children have their parent’s hearts from day one, so it is important to make sure their parents have the proper information needed to care for their children. Pediatric health can range from making sure your children have the proper nutrition, to making sure their car seats are properly installed. We created this blog in order to educate and inform parents on different topics that are needed to make sure their children are safe and healthy.
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BABY BOTTLE TOOTH DECAY


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Baby bottle tooth decay is something most parents do not know a lot about, but it is one of the most important things a parent should know about. Even though your children’s teeth are temporary, they should be taken care as if they were going to be in their mouths their whole lives. Children like to enjoy sugary treats often, which is why it is important to make sure as parents, that they are given good oral care.  

What Is It?


Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is when your child’s teeth start to decay due to long-term exposure to liquids containing sugar. There are different liquids that contain sugar like, milk, formula, juice, pop, and other sweet drinks. Once the sugar sits in your child’s mouth it helps feed the bacteria that helps build plaque in their mouths. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay can happen when a parent puts their children to bed with a bottle, or when they use a pacifier that was dipped in juice or sugar to soothe a crying baby (American Dental Association, 2017). Another easy way bacteria can be spread is when the mother passes it to her baby. For example, when a mother is feeding her baby and her baby drops their spoon, she then puts it in her mouth to clean it or when the mother puts a pacifier in her mouth to clean, bacteria can spread. (American Dental Association, 2017). Most parents do not think twice about doing stuff like that because they sometimes have the mentality that, “I made this baby so I’m not worried about germs between us,” or “some germs are good for the baby’s immune system.” It might be so that some germs are good for the baby’s immune, but those germs could cause bacteria to grow in places that it should not; like in their mouths.


How It Can Be Prevented

According to the American Dental Association (ADA, 2017), “If your infant or toddler does not receive an adequate amount of fluoride, they may also have an increased risk for tooth decay.” There are many ways that Baby Bottle Tooth Decay can be prevented and the list below are just some of the Do’s and Dont's to do with your child.
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There are a few other ways to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, and the ADA lists a few that include:
 
  • After feeding your child, make sure to wipes your child’s gums with clean dap washcloth.

  • When your child’s teeth come in start off by brush them softly with a child size tooth brush, 2 times a day.

  • Between the ages of 3 and 6 parents should not use more than a pea-size amount of toothpaste to brush their children’s teeth.
 
  • Try to have your child start drinking from cups instead of a bottle by the time they are 1 year old.

  • The best thing to do is encourage your child to use healthy eating habits.
 

Treatment

Just like any other disease, treatment depends on the child’s age and severity of baby bottle tooth decay. One of the earliest signs of baby bottle tooth decay forming are white spots on your child’s teeth. According to the North Dakota Department of Health, “At this stage, fluoride treatment or placing fluoride varnish can be used to remineralize all of the teeth.” Here are a few ways to treat mild baby bottle tooth decay:

  • Limit acidic foods

  • Limit juices

  • Substitute water in your child’s bottles

If your child has severe baby bottle tooth decay your baby will show have black or brown spots on their teeth, bleeding/swollen gums, bad breath and sometimes fever. If your child has any of these symptoms the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states, “that stainless steel crowns are often used because they are durable and less likely to require follow-up treatments or replacement.” Overall oral care is so important, not just in your child’s life but also into adulthood.



For more information, below is a video that the American Dental Association put together to inform parents about Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.
 


Baby Bottle Tooth Decay | American Dental Association (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2017, from http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay



 References
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay | American Dental Association (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2017, from http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay 
Knights, K. (n.d.). Treatment for Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Retrieved October 7, 2017, from http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/life-stages/infant-oral-care/article/treatment-for-baby-bottle-tooth-decay-0414
 





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DIAPER RASH 101


Diaper rashes grow in warm, moist places. Inside your child’s diaper is the perfect environment for a diaper rash to grow. Babycenter.com (2016) says that, "diaper rashes have a lot of different looks to them, they can look like red splotches on your baby’s bottom, the skin can become puffy and red, or there can be red scales in the genital area." According to Babycenter.com (2016), “Diaper rash can be mild, with just a few prickly red spots in a small area, or extensive, with tender red bumps that spread to your child's tummy and thighs.” It is important to remember that diaper rashes happen all the time and are a curable condition.


How Do Children Get Diaper Rashes?

Image result for diaper rashes
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There are many ways a diaper rash can happen, such as:
  • Wetness: Whether your baby is wet from water, urine or stool, it is important to keep your baby as dry as possible. When a baby pees in their diaper their urine can cause skin to become irritated.


  • Antibiotics: Sometimes when a baby takes antibiotics to treat one thing, the antibiotic kills the bad and good bacteria that helps keep yeast in control.


  • Sensitivity: Sometimes diaper rashes could be caused by the type of diaper being used. Some babies are just more sensitive than other babies so they need to use special diapers.


  • Yeast Infections: A baby’s genital area is the prime environment for bacteria to start to build which could later turn into a yeast infection. Female babies tend to acquire this type of infection more than male babies.


  • New Foods: Diaper rashes can start to happen once your child starts to eat solid food or whenever they try a new food. Different types of food can change their stool which can cause them to get a diaper rash more easily.

 

The most important way to prevent a diaper rash is to keep a child’s diaper area clean and dry. If your baby has just started to develop a diaper rash a parent can use wipes to clean them, just make sure to be gentle. If your child already has bad diaper rash healthline.com (2016) recommends, “Clean the diaper area gently with a soft cloth or a squirt of water from a bottle. Be sure to pat — don’t scrub — the area dry.”





When Should I Worry?

If a parent is taking the proper steps to help their baby’s diaper rash, it can clear up within 4 or 5 days. See a doctor if your baby starts to develop a fever or starts to show signs of infection in their diaper area. Signs of infection include:

  • Blisters

  • Pus-filled pimples

  • Oozing yellow patches

  • Open sores


A baby’s diaper rash can develop into a secondary fungal infection or a yeast infection that appears raw and red. According to healthline.com (2016), “It can sometimes be found in the creases of the skin with spots of the red rash outside of the diaper area on the abdomen or thighs. These are known as “satellite lesions.” If your baby develops these kind of infections your pediatrician can prescribe some antifungal cream to use when changing your baby.



Ways to Treat Diaper Rash



There are many ways to treat a diaper rash, but just remember that less is more. Avoid using creams that have a lot of perfumes to them and make sure to use creams that have iron in them since iron soothes irritated skin. Vaseline is one way to treat diaper rash and it is inexpensive and normally contains few perfumes and dyes. Some different types of diaper rash cream include:
 
·         A + D
·         Triple Paste
·         Balmex
·         Destine


Healthline.com (2016) says that using creams is not the only thing that parents can do to treat diaper rashes. Parents can make sure their baby’s clothing is breathable and make sure to change their baby every 2 or 3 hours.
 


References:
 
Ashpari, Z. & Nall, R. (2016, October 28). Tips for Treating Diaper Rash. Retrieved October 4, 2017, from https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-diaper-rash
 
Diaper Rash | BabyCenter (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2017, from https://www.babycenter.com/0_diaper-rash_81.bc
 

 




 
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ECZEMA: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

 
Related image

 

Nationaleczema.org (2017) defines eczema, or “Atopic Dermatitis” as a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to be dry, itchy, and red. This skin condition can appear anywhere on a child’s body but the most common areas are the legs, arms, and face. According to nationaleczema.org (2017), “Eczema is very common. And in many cases, it’s also manageable. In fact, over 30 million Americans have some form of eczema.” Although eczema is a very common skin condition, it is not contagious. Eczema often runs in family who have a history of eczema or other allergic conditions such as asthma. Eczema can be triggered by environmental factors as well. This website provides a list of different irritants that could cause your child’s eczema to flare up. It is important to note that eczema is different in everyone, so one thing that works for someone might not work for the next person.


 

Signs and Symptoms



Since eczema is different for everyone some symptoms can come and go while other times they seem to never leave. Eczema also may present different in babies as they do in toddlers and children. The National Eczema Association tells readers that the location, and appearance of the eczema can look different for every growing stage and it is important to notice the differences.

  • Infants to 6 months old: At this age, eczema usually appears on your baby’s face, cheeks, and chin and it usually look more red.


  • Babies 6-12 months: At this age, eczema will usually appear on your baby’s elbows and knees, since those are the areas most rubbed when your baby is learning how to crawl.


  • Toddlers 2-5 years old: At this age, the eczema will usually appear on your baby’s ankles, hands, and knees. The eczema will present itself as more scaly and dry.


  • Children 5 years and older: When your child reaches this age, the eczema will usually appear in the folds of their elbows and knees. Sometimes there might be small red patches behind your child’s ears, feet, or on their scalp.



 
Ways to Prevent Flare-Ups
 

 
The best way to prevent flare-ups according to the National Eczema Association, "is to know the triggers for eczema and be prepared." The National Eczema Association gives some ways to help prevent flare-ups like:
 
  • Keep your child’s skin moisturized: Your child’s skin should be moisturized every day. Make sure to use fragrance free lotions, creams, or ointments.
 
  • Avoid Irritants: Some people are very sensitive to different cleaners. Soaps, and detergents. Use mild laundry detergents, and avoid using fabric softeners. When giving your child a bath avoid using a lot of fragrance soaps and use cool bath water instead of warm or hot water.
 
  • Avoid Scratching: Make sure to remind your child not to scratch the areas that are bothering them. Scratching can cause their skin to bleeding and scar. Keep your child’s nails short and smooth. Try to distract your child from scratching by diverting their attention to something else.
 
  • Stress: Stress can sometimes cause a child’s eczema to flare-up. Emotional stress can sometimes cause a child to sweat. Children who have eczema can sometimes get “prickly heat” when they sweat, or when they get too warm. 

     This video provides a more in depth look at Eczema and different things that can cause a flare-up of your child's eczema.




Eczema (atopic dermatitis) - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology (2016, 28, December). Retrieved October 5, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5oRHWsJJJA&t=186s



References:

Understanding Your Child’s Eczema | National Eczema Association. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2017, from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/children/

 

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WHY DOES MY NEWBORN LOOK YELLOW?




Jaundice can happen to a lot of babies when they are born, but it can easily be treated. "Jaundice is when bilirubin, which is a chemical that red blood cells release during their normal breakdown process, builds up in the blood" (Mayoclinic.org, 2014). When a baby is born with too much bilirubin their skin and sometimes eyes have a yellow/orange tint to them. According to livestrong.com, "the baby’s face is usually the first thing to have the yellow/orange tint to it then it usually spreads to the chest, arms, belly, legs, and then finally the sclera (the white part) of their eyes."


Most babies born with jaundice do not need treatment and the tint will go away within a few weeks, but sometimes the jaundice can get severe. One question people ask is, “can my baby become jaundice?” According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), “About 60% of all babies have jaundice. Some babies are more likely to have severe jaundice and higher bilirubin levels than others.” One incident that I can think of is when a woman who was born with severe jaundice, and then she had a daughter who was born with mild jaundice. When the women was born she had severe jaundice and had to be brought back to the hospital every day for a week to be put under a bilirubin light for 2 hours each day. Later in life when she decided to have a baby, her daughter was born with only mild jaundice and had to be placed under the bilirubin light, but her daughter was only under it for a few hours before they went home. Genetics do have a play in jaundice, but in most cases jaundice can happen to anyone.



How to Treat Jaundice
 

If your baby is born with only mild bilirubin, and does not need to be placed under the bilirubin light there are ways to treat it. Some of the different ways are listed below according to Maycoclinic.org(2014).

  • More Frequent Feedings: Feeding your baby will increase the baby’s bowel production which will increase the amount of bilirubin released in your baby’s stool.


  • Supplemental Feeding: If you, as a parent are breastfeeding, your doctor might suggest supplementing with formula every so often. The doctor might also suggest just using formula for a few days and then switch back to breastfeeding.


  • Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg): Sometimes jaundice may be a result of your baby having a different blood type than their mother. Mayoclinic.org says that, “Intravenous transfusion of an immunoglobulin — a blood protein that can reduce levels of antibodies — may decrease jaundice and lessen the need for an exchange blood transfusion.”

Can Jaundice be Prevented?

Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to prevent jaundice during pregnancy. There are some small steps that livestrong.com, lays out that a mother can take to reduce the risk of their baby being born with jaundice though.

Step 1

A mother should make sure to stay healthy during their pregnancy. Livestrong.com says, “A healthy mother during pregnancy can help prevent problems with the baby. Eat right and take prenatal vitamins throughout your term.” The expecting mother should always make sure to get a lot of rest and talk to their doctor about risk factors.


Step 2

If any contractions are felt before full-term the mother should make sure to contact doctor to try and prevent jaundice associated with premature births.


Step 3

The expecting mother should have her blood and the baby’s father’s blood tested for the Rh factor. If the mother is Rh positive and the father is negative then the mother’s body creates antibodies to fight the Rh factor in the baby. If this happens the mother will need treatment to prevent serious complications from happening including jaundice.



References:


How to Prevent Newborn Jaundice | Livestrong. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2017, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/225066-jaundice-levels-in-a-newborn/
Infant Jaundice | MayoClinic. (2014, April 03). Retrieved October 7, 2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infant-jaundice/basics/treatment/con-20019637


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BED WETTING

Is it normal?

Most often children who wet the bed are kind of embarrassed of themselves. They do not really want to come out and tell their parents that they wet the bed or had an “accident.” One thing you should do to help comfort your child is tell them that wetting the bed is normal and they should not be ashamed or embarrassed about it. Every child goes through the years of wetting the bed and it is something that just takes time and patience. 

What are the causes?

Bed wetting most often occurs to those who have no control over their bladder. In the early years of life, just like with a number of other parts of the body, it takes time for the bladder to develop. According to nafc.org (n.d.), the development of bladder control in children is as follows:

·         Birth-18 months: The child has no awareness of their bladder filling up and elimination of urine.

·         18-24 months: The child has a conscious sensation of their bladder emptying.

·         2-3 years: Children have voluntary control of stopping urination and they develop proper skills for toileting.

·         3-5 years: Children achieve being able to control their bladder, meaning they are dry during the day and during the night.

Having the ability or inability to control the bladder is one of the many reasons why bed wetting happens. According to mayoclinic.org (n.d.), nobody knows for sure what causes bed wetting, but there are many factors besides bladder control that could play a role. Having a small bladder, a urinary tract infection, or chronic constipation could all potentially lead to bed wetting. Being in a stressful event could be a factor as well.

Risk factors for wetting the bed

Risk factors are there for everything, even bed wetting. One risk factor is being a male. Wetting the bed is twice as common in males than in females (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). A second risk factor for wetting the bed is through family history. If one or both of the child's parents wet the bed when they were younger, the child will be at increased risk for it (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Another risk factor is ADHD. Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an increased risk for bed wetting (Mayo Clinic, n.d.).


How can I help prevent it?

Being able to prevent bed wetting in children is something I amm sure all parents would love to do. There are many different ways out there that can help prevent the occurrence of bed wetting. This is handy because bed wetting is one of those things were doing something one night won’t necessarily mean it will work the next night. According to the mayoclinic.org (n.d.), here are some of the best changes you can make at home to help prevent bed wetting:

·         Limit the child’s fluid intake at nighttime

·         Eliminate beverages or foods that contain caffeine before bedtime

·         Encourage the child to use the bathroom before bedtime

·         Encourage the child to use the bathroom throughout the day

·         Treat any constipation the child might have

Here is a great video of some tips one mom uses to help her son from wetting the bed!
 

Simply BTs. (2017, February 10). HOW TO | HELP STOP KID WETTING THE BED || Stop Bedwetting Hacks. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaAnt7CPwf0

References

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Bed-wetting. Retrieved 10/6/2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-wetting/basics/lifestyle-homeremedies/con-20015089

National Association for Continence. (n.d.). Pediatric Bedwetting. Retrieved 10/6/2017, from https://www.nafc.org/pediatric-bedwetting/
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BICYCLE SAFETY

Why your child should ride

One of the best things your child can do is learning how to ride a bike. Bike riding is fun and it can get your child out of the house, away from the TV. Riding a bike is also a great way for your child to meet new friends and stay active. Getting them involved in this type of activity early on is key and it can help lead to a more physically active lifestyle later on. Bike riding can also promote bonding between you and your children through family bike rides.


Tips for safe bicycle riding

Riding a bicycle can be fun, but it also can be dangerous. One thing parents need to keep in mind if they plan to get their child up and on a bike is safety. According to one.nhtsa.gov (2006), you should always inspect your bike before using it. Make sure all parts of the bike work properly and are secure. Some safe bike riding tips for children and yourself include: wearing a properly fitted helmet; wearing reactive clothing; riding a proper sized bike; avoid riding when it is dark out; avoid areas where gravel, pot holes, and construction work is present; and using tricycle wheels if balance is not the best. These are just a few ways in which you can help keep your child safe while out on their bike.


Finding the right helmet

Making sure your child has a properly fitted helmet when they ride is one of the easiest and safest ways to prevent injuries. According to safekids.org (n.d.), the risk of head injuries while riding could be reduced by at least forty five percent if properly fitted bicycle helmets are worn. They also say that less than half of children who are fourteen years of age or younger usually do not wear a helmet when they ride (Safe Kids Worldwide, n.d.). It’s important that when around kids, parents and other caregivers continue to wear their helmets when riding even if they think they are "too old." I say this because children like to look up to their parents as their role models and they will do anything that their parents do.


There are a number of things to do when picking out a helmet for your child. According to safekids.org (n.d.), you should let your child pick out their own helmet. Letting them pick out what they are going to wear will increase their likelihood of wearing it every time they go for a ride. The helmet should fit the child’s head snuggly, not moving or shifting all over the place. According to safekids.org (n.d.), kids should take the Helmet Fit Test:

·         Eyes check: The child will put the helmet on and they will look up. They should see the bottom rim of the helmet and it should be lying one to two fingers above the child’s eyebrows.

·         Ears check: The straps on the helmet should be snug, but not too tight around the child’s head. They should form a “V” under the child’s ear when buckled together.

·         Mouth check: The child should feel the helmet hug their head when they open their mouth. If the helmet does not hug their head, the straps need to be tightened and the buckle should be flat under the child’s chin.

Here is a quick video presenting the Helmet Fit Test!
 
Safekidsusa. (2016, August 23). Safety in Seconds: Bike Helmet Fit Test. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ4wWoChSe8
 
References


National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2006). Kids and Bicycle Safety. Retrieved 10/7/2017, from https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/KidsandBikeSafetyWeb/index.htm
 
Safe Kids Worldwide. (n.d.). Bike. Retrieved 10/7/2017, from https://www.safekids.org/bike?page=1
 
Safe Kids Worldwide. (n.d.). Bike Safety Tips. Retrieved 10/7/2017, from https://www.safekids.org/tip/bike-safety-tips
 
 

 
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EAR INFECTIONS

What is an ear infection?

An ear infection is exactly what it says it is, it’s an infection of the ear. They are most often viral or bacterial infections that affect the middle ear. This part of the ear is air filled and it’s located behind the eardrum, also called the tympanic membrane. This part of the ear contains the tiny vibrating bones that help produce sound. Just like any other infection, ear infections hurt. They are painful for anybody who has one, but they are especially painful for a child. Another term that you might hear being thrown around for an ear infection is its medical term, which is called otitis media (OM).



Why are children more at risk?

Ear infections can happen to everybody. Unfortunately, children are at the greatest risk because of their immune system and eustachian tubes. First, the child’s immune system is not quite fully developed. The immune system plays a nice role in defending and protecting our body from foreign invaders. Because it has not fully developed it does not have the exact same effect in children as it does in adults. Second, the eustachian tubes in children are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal when compared to adults’ eustachian tubes. The size, shape and positioning all play a role into the increased risk for ear infections in children.

The eustachian tubes connect and present a passageway from the middle ear to the upper back part of the throat. According to nidcd.nih.gov (2017), the opening and closing of the eustachian tubes at the upper back part of the throat allows:

·         Adequate air pressure in the middle ear

·         Clean, fresh air up into the middle ear

·         Elimination of any secretions from the middle ear
 
If you’re still trying to figure out how the child is at an increased risk, take a look at this image presenting all the ways that lead to an increased risk for ear infections in children.
 
http://media2.s-nbcnews.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/HEALTH/061210/AP_EarInfections.gif

What are signs and symptoms?
 
The child’s behavior is a good indicator for whether they might have an ear infection. According to mayoclinic.org (n.d.), some signs and symptoms for an ear infection in a child include:

·         Fluid drainage from an ear
 
·         Fever of or above 100 
 
·         Ear pain while lying down
 
·         Difficulty with sleeping
 
·         Tugging or pulling on an ear
 

·         More frequent crying
 

·         Headaches
 

·         Difficulty hearing and listening to others
 
If you see these signs and symptoms lasting for a couple of days or if they’re present in a child younger than six months, I advise you to go see a doctor. Signs and symptoms lasting this long could potentially be severe and it’s best to go see your child’s doctor as soon as possible to get them treated for it.
 
 
What are ways to help prevent ear infections from occurring?
Some of the simplest and easiest tasks can go a long way in helping prevent the occurrence of ear infections. The mayoclinic.org (n.d.) website provides us with some ways to help reduce the risk of ear infections in children. The first way is for the mother to breast feed their baby. If you decide not to breast feed, hold the baby upright when bottle feeding. Another way to reduce the risk is to not let the child lye down and go to sleep with a bottle. Your child should also perform hand hygiene frequently, this should be done after every trip to the bathroom, before and after eating, and after coming in contact with toys or other objects that may be full of germs. Every year your child should be vaccinated and you should try to stay away from second hand smoke as much as possible.
 
References
 
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Ear infection (middle ear). Retrieved 10/6/2017, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20351616

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). (2017). Ear Infections in Children. Retrieved 10/6/2017, from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children#4

 
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TEMPER TANTRUMS

Why kids have tantrums
 
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1e/25/3f/1e253f8052004aa7b2a28b15f0ccac54.jpg

Temper tantrums in children are normal. Every child will throw them and they pretty much happen in every single household. Temper tantrums in children consist of them whining, crying, hitting, kicking, and yelling. They usually happen with children who are between the ages of one and three, but they can happen to anyone at any age. According to kidshealth.org (2015), tantrums are common in the child’s second year of life, the time when language skills are just starting to develop. Children usually throw temper tantrums in response to any frustration they might have. Usually the tantrum is in response to something they want but don't end up getting. As the child ages and their language skills increase, the parent or other caregiver should see a slight decrease in temper tantrums thrown.

Preventing tantrums

Temper tantrums can occur at home and in public. When happening in public it could make the parent feel embarrassed, humiliated, or even ashamed by the way their child is acting. Being able to prevent them from happening is one thing that is a part of successful parenting. According to mayoclonic.org (2015), there really is not an accurate way to prevent tantrums, but there is plenty that the parent can do to encourage good behavior in their child. Some of these way include:

·         Being consistent. What is meant by this is having a daily routine of when things for your child should be done. Set aside times for eating, bathing, and napping. This will help your child understand and expect when things are happening.

·         Praising good behavior. Reward your child with something when they are behaving in an appropriate fashion. By doing this your child should learn what is good and what is not good behavior. Rewarding this type of behavior will more than likely influence your child to repeat these same appropriate behaviors later on.

·         Letting your child make their own choices. Instead of constantly picking out what your child should wear for the day or eat in the morning, let them choose. Decide between a few items and then let your child make the decision with what they feel like wearing or eating. 

·         Avoiding areas that can cause tantrums. Avoid toys that could possibly be too difficult for your child to play with. If your child can’t figure out how something works they are going to be more likely to throw a tantrum over it.

Strategies for survival

When trying to prevent a tantrum is unsuccessful, the only thing the parent can then do is to survive it. There are several ways out there that parents and other caregivers can use to help survive their child’s vent. The website of parents.com (2017) provides us with a number of these ways. The first way is for the caregiver to keep their cool and deal with the situation in the easiest and calmest way possible. If you are out in public and your child decides to throw a tantrum it is best to pick them up and bring them to a safe place. You will want to talk to your child in a quiet, soothing voice and you do not want to try and reason with them. If nothing else works there is always the choice of walking away and letting the outburst happen. It is important though to not walk away or ignore your child if they are showing physical or aggressive actions.

Still wanting to learn more with how you can survive the temper tantrums? Here is a quick video that runs through a few things we talked about!

Texas DFPS. (2015, September 22). Dealing with Temper Tantrums. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej3PY2sC32w
 
References

Horsch, Karen. (2017). 8 Temper Tantrum Survival Strategies. Retrieved 10/7/2017, from http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/discipline/tantrum/8-temper-tantrum-survival-strategies/

Lyness, D’Arcy. (2015). Temper Tantrums. Retrieved 10/7/2017, from http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tantrums.html#

Mayo Clinic. (2015). Temper tantrums in toddlers: How to keep the peace. Retrieved 10/7/2017,   from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/tantrum/art-20047845
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