Your Stay Healthy Guide for Common Kid Ailments

Last updated on May 3rd, 2025 at 06:01 pm

Your kids may come home from school one afternoon with something more worrisome than homework: sniffles, tummy bugs and even (ick!) lice. Now that students are cooped up in classrooms all day, schools can be breeding grounds for any number of ailments.

You probably can’t avoid sick days entirely; according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average schoolchild gets 5-6 colds and 1-2 cases of diarrhea in a year, and the Centers for Disease Control reports an estimated 6-12 million head-lice infestations per year among 3-11 year-olds. But there are steps you can take to minimize the risks and keep your whole family healthier, such as washing your hands often, eating right and staying up-to-date on vaccinations. And don’t give in when the kids beg to stay up a little longer: “Getting enough sleep helps your immune system fight off whatever might be coming your way,” advises Rebecca Jaffe, MD, of Wilmington, Delaware, a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

If you want to know about staying healthy, steering clear of the typical list of school yard sicknesses and the best way to treat them, here are the health facts about five common contagions:

Colds and flu

Cause: Viruses.

Symptoms: Stuffy nose, sneezing, mild sore throat and cough for colds; fever, aches, severe cough for flu.

Spread by: Droplets on hands or released into air by coughs or sneezes.

Prevention: Use a tissue to sneeze, cough or blow your nose; discard immediately and wash hands. Teach kids to sneeze into their elbow if there’s no tissue handy. Don’t share cups, water bottles or utensils.

Treatment: Rest and fluids. Give antihistamines and non-aspirin pain medications for colds; antiviral meds for flu if prescribed by your pediatrician. (Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections such as strep throat.)

Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

Causes: Virus, bacteria or parasites.

Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting; may include fever, headache, chills.

Spread by: Contact with infected person or contaminated food or beverages.

Prevention: Frequent hand-washing. Disinfect surfaces your family touches often – doorknobs, keyboards, etc. – as well as the kitchen counter and other areas used for food preparation.

Treatment: Bed rest and an oral rehydration solution to prevent dehydration; gradually give bland foods such as toast, bananas and applesauce. See your pediatrician if your child runs a high fever or if vomiting and diarrhea continues for more than a day. Keep your child home until she’s been symptom-free for 24 hours.

Conjunctivitis (pinkeye)

Causes: Virus, bacteria, allergies.

Symptoms: Reddish eye and lower lid, itching, discharge and painful inflammation.

Spread by: Contact.

Prevention: Wash your child’s hands frequently and warn him not to rub or touch his eyes. Don’t share towels or washcloths.

Treatment: See your pediatrician for a prescription eye ointment.

Infectious skin rashes

Causes: Rashes can be caused by bacteria (impetigo), a virus (fifth disease) or mites (scabies).

Symptoms: Itchy, oozing blisters (impetigo); reddish rash on face and body (fifth); intensely itchy pimple-like rash (scabies).

Spread by: Impetigo and scabies can be spread by touching the infected area or handling the affected child’s towels or clothes; fifth disease is transmitted by saliva and mucus.

Prevention: Frequent hand-washing and use of tissues; avoid sharing towels.

Treatment: Varies by type. For impetigo, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, antiseptic soap and bandages; for scabies, prescription creams; for fifth disease, acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed.

Head lice

Cause: Red-brown insects about the size of a sesame seed that live and lay whitish eggs (nits) in human hair. Unpleasant as they are, lice don’t spread disease, and having them doesn’t indicate poor hygiene.

Symptoms: Itchy scalp, especially around the ears or nape of the neck.

Spread: Head-to-head contact.

Prevention: Discourage children from sharing hats, combs and other hair gear. Tie back long hair in braids or ponytails.

Treatment: Ask your doctor to recommend an anti-lice shampoo and follow instructions carefully. Use a fine-tooth louse comb daily for a week to remove any remaining bugs and nits. Wash clothes, hats, bedding and stuffed animals in hot water and dry on a high setting. Ask your school nurse when your child can return; some schools have a “no-nit” policy, but the AAP says there’s no need to keep children home if they have no active lice

Kids’ Mouth and Dental Injuries: Types, Treatments & Prevention

Last updated on April 14th, 2025 at 06:35 pm

A mouth or dental injury is quite common in children, especially as they become mobile and start getting involved in sports or other physical activities. These type of injuries should always be taken seriously and be tended to right away, as they could lead to complications and may require immediate professional attention. The most important thing is to remain calm and take the proper precautions to ensure your child gets the right treatment.

It is important to be aware of the different types of injuries that could occur.

I. Common types of injuries include:

• Soft tissue injury – laceration (cut) to the lip, inner lining of the mouth, tongue or gums
• Broken, loose or knocked out tooth
• Fractured jaw

II. Treatment for a mouth or dental injury will depend on the type of injury and the severity.

1. A soft tissue injury may require stitches. If it is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a gauze pad until you can get medical assistance. These types of injuries are typically taken care of by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if they are severe. Minor injuries like small cuts can be taken care of at home.

2. Care for a tooth injury will also depend on what happened to the tooth and what type of tooth was injured. Taking care of a primary or baby tooth is typically much different than taking care of a permanent tooth.

If a baby tooth is broken or loose, your dentist may keep it in place if it has the capability to heal on its own. However, baby teeth that are too loose or have severe nerve damage most likely will need to be removed. A baby tooth that has been completely knocked out will not need to be replaced, but medical attention should still be sought out.

A permanent tooth that has been injured requires immediate medical attention. If a permanent tooth is broken or knocked out, it can most likely be replaced as long is it is treated within the first fifteen minutes to hour of being injured.

• If possible, and for best results, rinse off the dislodged tooth quickly in running water but do not scrub or scrape it. Then place into the socket as fully as possible. Have the child bite on gauze or a cloth to keep it in place until reaching the dentist’s office.
• The second best option is to have a Tooth-Saver kit on hand for such emergencies to drop the tooth into for safe transport to the office along with the patient. They can be purchased online at Amazon.com
• The third best option is to place the tooth in cold milk to preserve it, then the dentist can place it back into the socket.

Chipped teeth can be easily repaired as well. Attempt to preserve the piece of tooth in cold water, then the dentist will reattach it. If you are unable to preserve it, the tooth can be restored with a composite resin.

3. For more severe wounds such as puncture wounds inside the mouth or a suspected fracture to the jaw or other facial bone, you should seek immediate emergency care for your child.

III. While dental and mouth injuries are often inevitable, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of your child getting hurt:

• “Baby-proof” the house when your child begins to start crawling and walking. Keep them away from sharp corners and let them walk barefoot or while wearing grip socks to reduce accidents
• Remind your child not to run with scissors, pencils, toothbrushes, or indoors around furniture that could easily trip them up
• Encourage your child to wear protective gear when playing sports, including mouth guards and helmets

Finally, never hesitate to contact your dentist or pediatrician in the event of a dental injury. They can provide the proper advice for taking care of your child’s injury and let you know if immediate medical attention is necessary.

Parenting That Fabulous Middle Child

Last updated on April 14th, 2025 at 06:35 pm

Is the “Middle Kid Syndrome” really a problem? Not if we apply the research.

Have more than two kids? Then I’m betting you’ve heard a few of these:

“It’s like I’m stuck in the middle.”

“But I don’t want to do things like my sister.”

“I want my own stuff not these hand me downs.”

“My coach always asks why I can’t play like my brother.”

As soon as my third son was born I became very aware of the so-called “Middle Kid Syndrome.” It wasn’t hard…everyone warned me with those: “Watch out …you have a middle one now.” So I read all those birth order books and tuned into those experts warning us of the dangers of being “sandwiched in between.” I quickly learned to beware: middle kids get a bad rap. And research even proves it.

A longitudinal study from Norway involving hundreds of men found that their elder sibling is smarter by an average of 3 points IQ which can be quite significant on those SATs.

But the lead had nothing to do with genetics!

It turns out if the first born dies, the second sib takes over that IQ lead! So the reason for that IQ boost? We talk to our oldest child more, which gives them a huge edge in language development.

Research also shows (Shhhhh!) that the first born is more favored by their parents and the middle kid realizes that favoritism.

Then there’s the problem of teachers and coaches comparing the middle child unfairly to their older sibling (“Your older brother read when he was three.” “Your sister could sing in tune.”).

What’s more, they have to endure that icky label: “Oh, you’re the ‘middle’ kid.” And that isn’t enough this is the kid that gets far too many hand-me-downs. If we’re not careful this glorious child can get lost in the shuffle of their own families.

Hidden Benefits of Being “Stuck in the middle!”

It seems these middle children also learn valuable skills and perspective because of their unique position in the family. (We just may have to remind them that there are benefits, but there are a few). Studies find these benefits to being stuck in the middle that may be overlooked:

• Middle kids are generally more creative and flexible because they are trying to be different from their elder and younger sibling.
• They are also often more relaxed, independent, diplomatic, resourceful, as well as more balanced and generous than their other siblings.
• They can make great negotiators and have great people skills if we let them forge their own way.

7 Common “Middle Kid” Problems & Solutions

When the Today show asked me to report about the supposed “Middle Kid Syndrome,” I jumped at the opportunity. I reviewed all the research on middle children, but also asked a number of “ middle” moms and kids (including my own) for their take on the issue. And chime in they did! Here are seven common problems that both researchers warn us of and middle kids complain about from being sandwiched in between and parenting solutions for each hot-button issue.

No. 1. Feel less favored

Not only do middle kids pick up on which sibling is the parental favorite, but researchers (after viewing videos of parent-child interaction) confirm it.

Sixty-five percent of mothers and 70 percent of dads exhibited a preference for one child–in most cases, the older one.

The middle kid pays the price. So, though we may think we treat our kids equally, research shows otherwise.

Be honest. Do your eyes light up with the same intensity for each of your children? That’s your test.

No. 2. Overlooked and skimped on attention

The first child is always the big deal. The last is “our baby.” The poor middle kid feels overlooked. As  a result research says they can become rebellious or our little “people pleasers” to make up for what they feel is the missed attention.

• Make a big deal over their trophy (even if the eldest has one, too).
• Jump for joy that you get to go to the Christmas Pageant (again!)
• Make special time so your middle kid doesn’t feel she’s overlooked. Each child deserves his own special “firsts.”
• Keep that baby book open and ready to jot down those “firsts.”

No. 3. Hate to be compared

One of the biggest complaints of middle children is that they say they are always compared to their older sibling. “Your older brother could do that when he was three.” “Your sister liked piano.”

• No fair! Tell Aunt Harriet to bite her tongue.
• Your cardinal parenting rule is: Never compare.

No. 4. Hide true feelings

Middle kids learn to not reveal their feelings. After all, the elder sibling is usually more verbal and gets our ears. So the second child often keeps things to himself. So….

• Draw your middle one out.
• Keep the communication open.
• Ask how he’s feeling.
• And make the older one listen to the middle child’s ideas.

No. 5. Tired of playing referee

This breed is most often to be the diplomat in the family. They smooth things over and tote the family peace pipe because they hate conflicts and anger. They become fabulous little negotiators and grow up to have wonderful people skills.

But right now this kid shouldn’t have to take on the role of United Nations in his own home.

• Watch your middle child’s inclination to always smooth things over, and give in to the elder or younger siblings just to keep the peace. They can be taken advantage of and causes resentment as well as just not being fair.

No. 6. Always get the hand-me-downs!

• Okay, every once in a while is fine, but watch those: “But the coat is perfectly fine.” Or: “Your sister never played with the doll. It’s brand new.”

No. 7. Forced to follow siblings footsteps

• Let your middle kid march to his own drum and not have to hang onto the coat tails of an older sibling. Tap into your middle’s child true potential and emphasize each child’s unique strengths and true potential. These kids are usually more creative and individualistic. Draw out their natural nature.
• Sure, how our kids turn out does have a lot to do with genetics and pre-disposed temperament. But it also has to do with how they are treated by us as well as the experiences they have with their siblings. Let’s tune in a little closer to this now – there are peacekeepers with great people skills who are not afraid to march to their own drum.

P.S. As a mom of a middle kid let me assure you, they turn out not only fine, but plain wonderful.

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Dr Borba’s book The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries, is one of the most comprehensive parenting book for kids 3 to 13. This down-to-earth guide offers advice for dealing with children’s difficult behavior and hot button issues including biting, tantrums, cheating, bad friends, inappropriate clothing, sex, drugs, peer pressure and much more. Each of the 101 challenging parenting issues includes specific step-by-step solutions and practical advice that is age appropriate based on the latest research. The Big Book of Parenting Solutions is available at amazon.com.

Should I Worry that My Tween’s Height Dropped Below Average?

Last updated on April 14th, 2025 at 06:35 pm

By their third or fourth birthday, most children achieve a consistency in their growth status compared to other children. A child who is taller than the others tends to remain that way.

Before puberty, the average child grows 2 to 3 inches and gains 3 to 5 pounds a year. If your child is maintaining that growth rate but his peers are suddenly accelerating in growth, the most probable explanation is that he has a delayed onset of puberty. This can be perfectly normal, since maturation varies from person to person. If that’s the case with your son, he’ll catch up in due time.

If, however, he has stopped growing in height and weight for no apparent reason, you need to talk to your pediatrician to see if a medical condition is affecting his growth.

March 5th at AMC, The Unbreakable Boy is Sensory Friendly

Last updated on April 14th, 2025 at 06:35 pm

Since 2007, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other special needs “Sensory Friendly Films” every month – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fun new films in a safe and accepting environment. And this coming Wednesday, The Unbreakable Boy is Sensory Friendly at AMC.

The movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Does it make a difference? Absolutely! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden“.

Families affected by autism or other special needs can view a sensory friendly screening of  The Unbreakable Boy, this Wednesday, March 5th (check your local theater for times). Tickets are typically 25% off for the sensory friendly screenings, depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access full list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).

Also Sensory Friendly at AMC in March:  Captain America: Brave New World (Sat. 3/8 and Wed. 3/12)

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Editor’s note: Although The Unbreakable Boy has been chosen by the AMC and the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly Film, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for strong thematic material, alcohol abuse, language and some violence.  As always, please check the IMDB Parents Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your family.