Tips for Dealing with a Whining Child

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Parents of a whining child often ask themselves and others, “Why does my child whine?” Children can whine for various reasons, but in most cases, it is because we let them.

Like adults, children have two basic emotional needs, attention and power. Children only continue behaviors that get results. When a child whines and the parent gives in, they realize that whining gets them what they want. If you do not address this behavior, it could continue into your child’s teenage years.

When a child whines, it may seem annoying and irritating to the parent, but the child is often just looking for attention.

Some quick tips to help parents cope with a whining child are :

Take control of the situation – Refuse to let it bother you to the point of giving in to the behavior.
Speak with your child – Pick a quiet time and tell your child that there’s a new rule – If he/she whines, you will not respond.
Revisit politeness – Remind your child that “asking nicely” will get them a much more positive response to their request.
Praise – Give your child positive reinforcement for not whining.

Most of all, remind yourself that there is no crisis when your child is whining. This will allow you to deal rationally with the matter at hand.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Teaching a Baby to Walk

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Father teaching a baby to walk in bedroom

One of the major milestones in a child’s life is the day they take those first steps. Every child is different and though most children take their first steps around the time of their first birthday, it can occur as early as nine months or as late as 18 months. Babies are so busy learning all kinds of skills, and they develop at different times, but usually before their 18th month they show signs of being able to walk.
Some early signs of getting ready to walk are:
• Crawling
• Rolling around
• Standing
• Using arms and legs to move around
By placing a baby on their tummy regularly, they should begin to lift their heads and begin to strengthen their back muscles. This is also important for preparing the body to stand upright and to begin walking.
Teaching a baby to walk requires a lot of patience, and every child will learn at their own pace. Walking requires learning to balance, becoming coordinated, building confidence, and strengthening the muscles in the arms and legs. Every baby learns differently. One way to start is by holding the baby under their arms and allowing them to bounce either on your lap or against a hard surface. This will help to strengthen their leg muscles and also teach them how to bend their knees. You can arrange furniture in a way that they can hold on to something as they go across a room.
Once a baby is able to stand upright, let them hold on to a low table and move around on their own slowly. You can hold both of their hands and let them take steps, and after some practice, you can let go of one hand so they feel a little independence.
It is recommended that you not put the baby in a walker. Many people over the years have used them because they are relatively easy and their children turned out just fine but child development experts don’t recommend them. They have been banned in Canada and the American Academy of Pediatrics in the United States is trying to have them banned as well because of the high incidence of injuries that they are responsible for.
It is important to take safety precautions when there is a baby learning to walk in the house. These include:
• Remove tables and objects with sharp edges
• Cover electric outlets
• Remove objects from table tops that can be grabbed
• Child proof cabinets and doors
• Be careful of electric cords
• Remove rugs that they can slip on
Get a toddler toy that the child can push or pull that will make walking something fun to do. As they gain confidence, they will want to walk at every opportunity they can get.
Word to the wise, once a baby learns to walk, you will need to keep a close eye on their every movement because they tend to look at this new freedom as a game to keep you on your toes.
If your child doesn’t show any signs of trying to move themselves around by the first birthday, speak to your pediatrician about these important milestones. To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-7001.

Is Social Media Making Me Fat?

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Have you ever wondered why when you see postings of food on social media that are pleasing to your eyes, you immediately begin to desire that food or think, “Gee, I’m hungry?

The human mind is divided into two parts, the conscious and subconscious mind. The conscious mind works while we are awake, while the subconscious mind is always activated. The subconscious mind regulates everything in our body, our character, our speech and receives and processes information. The food and beverage postings on social media speak directly to our conscious and subconscious mind.

According to researchers, 70 percent of household meals in America are influenced by digital media. Pictures of food and beverages show up on news feeds 63 percent of the time. One popular social media site noted that a widely used food hashtag marked photos of snacks and meals 54 million times on their site alone.

In addition to subliminally causing you to want to eat more food, studies have shown that people who spent two hours or more using a device with LED display, such as a smart phone or tablet, had a corresponding dip in melatonin levels. Melatonin is the chemical that prepares your body for sleep. When we lose sleep, we can pack on extra pounds because there is a link between sleep loss and weight gain. If you are awake for longer periods of time, you may be more inclined to reach for a late night snack or bag of chips.

Some steps you can take to curb your hunger and promote good health are:

Choose fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
Prepare your meals at home and limit dining out and processed on-the-go meals.
Try to avoid being distracted by TV, work, driving or surfing on your computer, phone or tablet while eating.
Regulate your social media feed, especially if the pictures of food and beverages make your stomach moan.

Obesity is on the rise because many factors, but keep in mind that you are in control and can make healthy choices to live a healthy life. It’s better to eat with your stomach and not with your eyes.

Rare but True: Sleeping Beauty or Kleine Levin Syndrome

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

sleeping -493503106 Kleine Levin Syndrome (KLS) or Sleeping Beauty Syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by recurring periods of excess sleep. It is estimated that 1000 people worldwide are diagnosed with the disorder. Adolescent boys are primarily affected but a small percentage of adults and small children (male and female) are also known to suffer from this condition.

KLS symptoms occur in episodes that can last for days, weeks or months. During each episode, an individual can sleep from 12 to 20 hours a day- only waking to eat and use the bathroom. A person can experience anywhere from two to 12 episodes per year. Symptoms that occur during wakefulness include:

Mood changes
Hyper sexuality
Hallucinations
Disorientation
Child-like behavior
Flu-like symptoms
Excessive eating
Hypersensitivity to noise and light

These symptoms prevent individuals from leading a normal life. Most are bed ridden and unable to attend work or school. The frequency of KLS episodes tend to decrease with age, there is a possibility that they can recur later in life.

The cause of KLS is unknown but it is believed that it may be the result of a malfunction of the hypothalamus and thalamus (the parts of the brain that regulates sleep, body temperature, sex drive and appetite).

There is no cure for KLS but treatment is available to alleviate symptoms. Doctors may prescribe stimulants to reduce excessive sleepiness.

Does Your Child Have Night Terrors?

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Most parents have comforted their child after the occasional nightmare. But if your child has ever experienced what’s known as a night terror (or sleep terror), his or her fear was likely inconsolable, no matter what you tried.

Unlike nightmares, which a child can usually remember, night terrors are not memorable and the child will not recall experiencing that horror the night before. Night terrors occur when a child is in a deep sleep and there are no mental images to remember.

A night terror is a sleep disruption that seems similar to a nightmare, but with a far more dramatic presentation. Though night terrors can be alarming for parents who witness them, they’re not usually cause for concern or a sign of a deeper medical issue. The sleep disorder of night terrors typically occurs in children aged three to twelve years, with a peak onset in children aged three and a half years.

Night terrors usually occur about two or three hours after a child falls asleep, when sleep transitions from the deepest stage of non-REM sleep to lighter REM sleep, a stage where dreams occur. During a night terror, a child might suddenly sit upright in bed and shout out or scream in distress. The child’s breathing and heartbeat might be faster, he or she might sweat, thrash around, and act upset and scared. After a few minutes, or sometimes longer, a child simply calms down and returns to sleep.

Night terrors can be caused by fever, lack of sleep, stressful or traumatic life events or some medications that control the central nervous system. Parents may take some precautions at home to try and prevent night terrors:

Eliminate all sources of sleep disturbance like loud noises or excessive light in your child’s room.
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and wake-up time.
Observe how many minutes the night terror occurs from your child’s bedtime.
Awaken your child 15 minutes before the expected night terror, and keep them awake and out of bed for five minutes.
You may want to take your child to the bathroom to see if they will urinate.

Continue this routine for a week. Also, make the child’s room safe to try to prevent the any injuries during an episode.

Unfortunately, no adequate treatment exists for night terrors. Management primarily consists of educating family members about the disorder and reassuring them that the episodes are not harmful. Night terror episodes are short-lived and usually occur over several weeks. Nearly all children outgrow night terrors by adolescence.

If the night terrors continue and appear to get worse consult your pediatrician immediately. The Sleep Center at Jamaica Hospital is open from 7:00pm to 7:00 am and available to diagnose and monitor sleeping patterns. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

Sibling Rivalry

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Sibling rivalry is defined as a type of competition or animosity among siblings, whether blood related or not.

The sibling bond can be complicated since they generally spend more time together during childhood than they do with their parents. Sibling rivalry can be particularly intense when the children are very close in age and of the same gender.

Although bickering between siblings can drive parents crazy, sibling rivalry is a normal part of growing up. Parents must create an equal balance of when to step in and play referee and when to let their kids work out their problems themselves.

Below are some of the common reasons for sibling rivalry:

Attention – Children are always vying for their parents’ attention. These days, parents are busier than ever and their attention on work or a new baby may cause less of a focus on each child. Children may act out and misbehave to get attention.
Sharing – With limited resources, siblings may have to share at least some of their possessions. Game systems, iPad’s or electronic items can be hard to share and require children to compartmentalize their time on each item.
Personality Differences – Some children are headstrong while others can be quieter and more introverted. Differences in temperament can lead to clashes.
Fairness issues – Children are always demanding fairness and equality and fighting for what they perceive are their natural born rights. A younger sibling might complain that her older sister gets to go to a concert and she has to stay home, while the older sister whines that she has to baby-sit her little sister instead of going out with her friends.

Your responsibility as a parent is to help your kids to learn to manage the feelings that come along with sibling rivalry. So, how can you stop the bickering? As a parent, you may have to indulge each child once in a while. Make the effort to spend “just us” time with your children and speak to them about tolerance and the benefits of being part of a family. Each child has their own unique strong points. Identify how those positive characteristics could cause them to become a role model to the other siblings.

Be sure not to confuse bullying with normal sibling rivalry. If one of your children bullies his/her siblings and has to be the boss and control the others to the point of getting physical, you will have to determine the difference, especially if there is aggression over and above the bickering.

In most instances of sibling rivalry, approach all situations with a level head and a firm stance on a standard of respect that is expected in your home. Live the model you would like them to emulate.

Exercises That Can Help You Push

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

pregnant woman -183938624 Giving birth is usually not an easy feat. Fortunately, there are several exercises you can do while pregnant that will help prepare your body for labor and delivery.

Doing exercises which place emphasis on strengthening the abdominal muscles and relaxing pelvic-floor muscles can help you in pushing more effectively. They can also contribute to shorter labor times and help position your baby into an optimal birthing position.

These exercises are simple to do but before trying any of the following, consult your doctor:

Squats –The American Pregnancy Association recommends squatting during labor to open up the pelvis. Squatting expands the pelvic outlet to as much as 10%, which allows more room for the baby to move down to the birth canal. This exercise also strengthens the thighs as well as the abdomen, which is crucial during pushing.
Kegels- Pelvic floor exercises such as kegels help in strengthening vaginal muscles and muscles that support the uterus. Kegels can help you to develop control of these areas during labor and delivery, which eases some of the discomforts of giving birth.
Pelvic tilts or angry cat- This exercise strengthens abdominal muscles and has been known to help ease back pain during labor. It also encourages optimal fetal positioning.
Walking- This is a great way to prepare your body for delivery. Many women who are near or pass their due date are advised to walk because its rhythm helps to move the baby further toward the cervix, which applies pressure and stimulates dilation. Walking has also been found to strengthen and help regulate contractions.

Every woman’s pregnancy is different, so speaking with your doctor (especially if you are high risk) about performing these exercises is very important. If these activities are done incorrectly you may run the risk of harming yourself and your baby.

Cavity Prevention for Children

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Dental cavities can be prevented for most children. To keep those pearly whites pearly it takes being mindful about eating, drinking and brushing habits along with being knowledgeable about your child’s water supply. Remember, every time we eat or drink something that contains sugar or starches, bacteria in our mouth uses the sugar and starch to produce acids. These acids begin to eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Our saliva can help fight off this acid attack unless there are a lot of foods high in starch and sugar in your diet. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on how often your children eat as well as what they eat.

A key source in strengthening teeth against cavities is fluoride. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is important for preventing cavities. Most bottled water does not contain enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay. If your child drinks only bottled water, speak with a dentist about whether your child needs additional fluoride in the form of a vitamin, varnish, or gel.

Young children cannot get their teeth clean by themselves. For children aged two to six, it is recommended that an adult puts the toothpaste on the brush. Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.Try brushing your child’s teeth first, then let him/her finish. Until they are seven or eight years old, you will need to help your child brush.

Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it. Children under six years old tend to swallow much of the toothpaste on their brush. If children regularly consume higher-than-recommended amounts of fluoride during the teeth-forming years (age eight and younger), their permanent teeth may develop white lines or flecks called dental fluorosis. Fluorosis is usually mild; in many cases, only a dental professional would notice it. (In children under age two, dental experts recommend that you do not use fluoride toothpaste unless directed by a dentist.)

It is recommended that children see their dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cavity prevention. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6980.

YIKES! Did I Really Do That?

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Whether you’ve accidently tripped over a child underfoot or walked into a doorway with your infant’s head in the lead, you’ve caused a child an accidental injury.

When you accidentally hurt your child, you may feel intense shame, even panic and a sense of self-loathing or blame. Even when your head clears, you may feel like you are a terrible parent.

These feelings are confusing. You may ask yourself, “How could I have done that?” The truth is, children and accidents are synonymous; even the preventable ones.

It is hard to see your child in pain and even harder to know that it is your fault. Your mind will replay the event in your head many times while you are slowly accepting what happened.

In most cases, the child is not badly hurt and you can find comfort in realizing that while accidents happen, most of them are not serious and your child is not quite as fragile as you think.

As you tell the story of what happened to your child, you will realize that most people understand and, in fact, it has happened to the best of parents. At this point, you will find it easier to forgive yourself. Still, you and your child suffered a trauma and it will take time for both of you to heal.

Some reactions to trauma are:

Feeling numb or disconnected
Insomnia
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Sadness or depression

During this time, you should be kind to yourself and keep in mind that you will not always feel this way. After the guilt lessens, you should experience acceptance.

If you are having difficulty coping and the reactions have become prolonged symptoms, you may be experiencing a response to trauma called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If the negative feelings persist, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help from a physician, counselor, clergy member, friend and family member.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Mental Health Center is centrally located and has convenient hours. To make an appointment with a physician or licensed professional, call 718-206-7001.

What Is The Best Bedtime for Children?

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Around what time do you put your children to bed at night?

7:00 pm
8:00 pm
9:00 pm
No set time

A recent study conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Institute has concluded “that the ideal time for early school-age kids to go to sleep is 8:30.” The research indicated that children who went to bed around that time or earlier had a “better health-related quality of life,” when compared to those with later bedtimes. Children were not the only beneficiaries of an early bedtime; it was also found that the parents achieved improvement in their mental health. An earlier bedtime gave adults more time to decompress.

The National Sleep Foundation also performed a similar study and found that children who stayed up later than normal had “more academic problems and more attention problems.”