young_child_wellness_guide

1 Young Child Wellness Guide Ages 2 – 6 years Your Baby Has Grown Into a Young Child You will be amazed at how quickly your child connects with others, reaches new milestones, and develops his or her own personality, from the age of  on. This guide will help you with specific parenting issues that many parents experience with their young child from - years. As always, be sure to follow the advice of your pediatrician—every step of the way. As you enter this next stage of parenting, we hope this will be another wonderful experience for both you and your child. • • • • • • • • Helpful highlights: Socializing The Terrible Twos Potty Training Soothing a Sick Child First Aid Family Health History Chart Contact Information Fun Stuff Young Child Wellness Guide Ages 2 - 6 Years  Socializing In addition to becoming attached to adults and other children, your child is beginning to understand relationships. For example, your child is learning that sharing is good— although consistently acting on it may take a while. Acknowledging the needs of other people is a learning process, and your child’s attentiveness to others will fluctuate. Fortunately, your child is slowly learning that other people are important, too. Praising your child for sharing and showing concern for others is an excellent way to encourage progress. Making friends Each child is different—some are naturally outgoing, while others may be shy. That’s okay. The important thing is to help them be comfortable with other people. 1. Arrange play dates with children your child enjoys. . Keep play dates small—no more than 1 or  other children. . Keep play dates short—about  hours. . Have activities planned and be present during them. . Be a role model—if your child sees you spending time with friends he or she will learn from your example. Imaginary friends Imaginary friends tend to pop up around the same time children begin making real friends. Not all children have them, but some parents worry that an imaginary friend is a bad thing—a substitute for real friends. Imaginary friends are nothing to worry about. They may be a creative outlet or a way to help children feel in control of their world. For instance, your child may boss their imaginary friend around or blame them for accidents. How long do imaginary friends stick around? Most disappear by the time your child is . How should parents handle their child’s imaginary friends? It’s generally recommended that parents do not dismiss them, but they shouldn’t overdo it, either. For example, don’t make room for your child’s imaginary friend on the couch. Young Child Wellness Guide Ages 2 - 6 Years  The Terrible Twos Though sometimes intimidating for parents, and overwhelming for -year-olds, the “Terrible Twos” aren’t so much terrible, as they are jam-packed with learning— about almost everything. Although “No” is what draws the most attention at this age, this signals an important developmental milestone showing that your -year-old has discovered his or her independence and may assert it often. Two-year-olds may intentionally ignore their parents—making communication with them difficult. Also, -year-olds are beginning to learn to care about other people’s feelings. They may express concern for people who are sad and may want to make them feel better. And -year-olds may want to do what everyone else is doing. Children are always learning and testing their boundaries and temper tantrums can often result from a child’s frustration and a sense of being overwhelmed. Just as it’s very hard for adults to fully communicate their thoughts, it can be even harder for children to do so. They may experience a lot of emotions all at once and lacking the ability to express themselves verbally, may show their frustration by biting, yelling, and kicking. How to unwind a tantrum Tantrums can be trying. Try remaining calm yourself while you identify the source of the tantrum so that you can help your child calm down. If your child is tired, provide some quiet time. If your child is frustrated, help your child work through it by asking questions and listening. Your child may be having difficulty putting into words what he or she wants. Most importantly, always reassure your child and praise positive behavior. Young Child Wellness Guide Ages 2 - 6 Years  Potty Training Successful potty training requires that your child be both physically and emotionally ready. It also may require multiple attempts. In terms of physical development, children are generally ready to begin potty training by age —when they’re able to control their bowel and bladder muscles. Some signs that your child may be ready to begin potty training: 1. They show they are aware of having a wet diaper. . They have a dry diaper after a long period—a sign their bladder is holding urine. If your child seems ready to be potty trained, first allow your child to get used to the idea of the potty by putting it in the bathroom next to the toilet. Next, let your child sit on the potty, before a nighttime bath, for example. Or, if your family is comfortable with this, encourage your child to sit on the potty while another family member is using the toilet—so your child can learn by imitation. Children sometimes become comfortable with the potty in two phases—first, for urine, and preferring to use diapers for bowel movements, and then eventually using the potty for both. Expect your child to gradually use the potty—diapers may be a necessary backup for a while, especially at nighttime. If your child is resisting using the potty, hold off. In a few weeks or so, try again. Your child wants to learn, so praise all positive steps and ignore any accidents. Making a fuss about accidents will only be counterproductive. Learning about hygiene is essential. Make it fun with JOHNSON’S® BUDDIES™ Clean-you-can-see™ Foam Hand Wash, a foamy colored wash that helps your child see the spots he has washed and the ones that still need to be cleaned. Young Child Wellness Guide Ages 2 - 6 Years  Soothing a Sick Child Sick children need more than physical comfort—they need emotional comfort as well. Some comforting ideas: Let your child stay wrapped in a favorite blanket or carry a favorite toy. It may be one your child has abandoned, but a temporary reversion to a younger stage is okay when your child is looking for comfort. • Spend time with your child—read stories, put together puzzles, draw. Have your child sit in your lap while you read a story. Let your child sleep as needed— your child’s nap schedule may temporarily change. If your child has a fever, be sure not to overdress him or her. Cool cloths can make your child feel better. • • A warm bath, followed by a fresh pair of pajamas may make your child feel more comfortable. Try to keep your child hydrated. • • • • When it comes to reducing fevers in children, the medicine in Children’s TYLENOL® (acetaminophen) is recommended by pediatricians. Available in your child’s favorite flavors. *Take only as directed. Children’s MOTRIN® temporarily reduces high fever and relieves minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, sore throat, headaches and toothaches for up to  hours.* *Take only as directed. Comfort them with PEDIACARE® GENTLE VAPORS® Plug. This waterless vaporizer and nightlight releases a unique blend of nonmedicated aromatic vapors to soothe and comfort children when they feel under the weather. Bedtime, daytime, or naptime. Young Child Wellness Guide Ages 2 - 6 Years  First Aid Kids are curious, and things happen. Below are some common scrapes and injuries and how to handle them. Insect bites and stings Bites and stings can be scary. • • Scrapes and grazes Knees, elbows, arms, legs… if it can be scraped, it probably will be. Some tips on how to take charge: 1. Wash your hands. . Rinse the wound under the tap or use an antiseptic wipe to clean around it. . Remove dirt or gravel. . Apply a clean bandage and change daily. . If it is tender and red—consult your pediatrician. Step 1: Reassure your child. Step 2: Try to help your child stay still so you can see the sting or bite. Step 3: If you can see the stinger, scrape it off with the back of a credit card. Step 4: Place a cool cloth or ice pack over the spot to ease swelling. • • If your child has been stung in the mouth— take your child to the hospital. If your child has a reaction, such as hives, a rash, or trouble breathing, get help immediately. If you are not sure what to do, call your pediatrician for advice. Only a professional can tell how serious an injury really is. Minor scrapes happen—being prepared with a basic kit like the JOHNSON & JOHNSON’S® RED CROSS® All-Purpose First Aid Kit can help. PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99% of most common germs. Use only as directed and supervise children in the use of this product. For external use only. Young Child Wellness Guide Ages 2 - 6 Years  Family Health History Chart Your family’s health history is an excellent tool for your pediatrician. How can knowing your family’s past illnesses help? Knowing your child’s family background helps doctors when making health recommendations and during exams. The family health history doesn’t have to be an official chart—it can be in a notebook or a health folder. You can also download or create a history at the government site, https://familyhistory.hhs.gov. This chart has the type of information that will help your doctor. For a full list, ask your doctor. gs gs r1 r lin r1 lin he sib he the r’s ot dfa the the the the an an an Mo Condition Mo Gr Gr Gr Allergies Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) High blood pressure Heart disease Kidney disease Stroke(s) Cancer (type) Other (describe) Gr Fa Fa an dfa dm dm r r’s r the sib ot r Young Child Wellness Guide Ages 2 - 6 Years  Contact Information Keep emergency information at hand—print out and post the Contact List by the phone and pop the Wallet Card in your purse or billfold. Contact Sheet Child’s Name Our Address Child’s doctors’ phone numbers General practitioner Dentist Specialists Emergency contacts Family Member #1 Cell phone Family Member # Cell phone Work phone Work phone Alternate caregiver Name Relationship to child Important Information Child’s Name Our Address Child’s medical conditions/allergies General practitioner Dentist Specialists Fold Wallet Card Emergency contacts Cut here Cut here Cell phone ✃ ✃ Phone Young Child Wellness Guide Ages 2 - 6 Years 9 Fun Stuff There are plenty of things you can do with your child. Playing games, reading, painting, or creating something special together can be very rewarding for you and your child. Try these fun activities or make up your own. When you spend quality time with your child, you are building memories for your child that will last a lifetime. Todd 10 - 5 - 2007 Growth Chart Markers Celebrate every inch! Cut out and post markers that can move from room to room or house to house. “Look at me chart” Your child is learning new things every day, and badges are a perfect way to keep track of new skills like tying their shoes, making a new friend, or learning to swim. Marker and badge ideas: Young Child Wellness Guide Ages 2 - 6 Years 10 Parenting Is Rewarding at Every Stage You made it! You have survived the terrible twos, potty training, and a variety of other situations with your young child. It probably seems like just yesterday you were afraid to even hold your newborn baby! Your skills have grown along with your child and the experience has most likely been as rewarding as it has been challenging. We hope we have provided you with good advice about some of the exciting experiences that you have had and will continue to have with your child. Be sure to visit baby.com for more helpful tips and information. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions on this guide—just click on the Contact baby.com link. We wish you many happy moments during your journey as a parent.