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The sick season is here, and we’ve seen an increase in the number of patients with the common cold and flu. These respiratory infections often spread through close contact with sick individuals or by touching your face after coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. Fortunately, there are steps to take to protect your family and reduce the risk of illness this season. 

 

As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we highly encourage families to vaccinate their children against the flu. Babies and younger children are particularly at risk of developing severe complications from the flu, which may require hospitalization. Since a baby’s immune system is still developing, it is more challenging for their body to fight infections. The flu vaccine strengthens your child’s immune system and helps protect them from the virus. Children should receive their first flu vaccine at six months of age. If your child is under eight years old and receiving the flu vaccine for the first time or has only received one dose previously, they will need two doses four weeks apart for full protection.

 

In addition to the flu vaccine, there are several preventive measures you can follow to keep your kids safe from getting sick. Remind your children to practice good hygiene such as washing their hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching their face. It’s also important to disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Make sure to wipe down toys, tables, doorknobs, and other areas your kids come into regular contact with. Keep your kids away from anyone who is ill, including other family members in the household. Extra care should be taken when visiting crowded public spaces, such as airports, where germs are more likely to spread.

 

Even though there is no cure for the common cold or the flu, there are ways to help ease your child’s symptoms and make them feel more comfortable if they do become sick. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids is essential. For congestion, you can use a nasal spray to loosen and help get rid of mucus. A cool mist humidifier or a warm bath can also be effective for relieving congestion. If your child has a sore throat, you can provide them with herbal tea mixed with honey. However, this should be only for children over one year of age. Honey is NOT safe for babies under the age of one. The recommended amount of honey for children between one and five is half a teaspoon. Kids ages six to eleven can have one teaspoon, and for children over twelve, they can have two. If this isn’t sufficient in soothing their throat, you can give your older child a cough drop, but make sure to follow the product instructions. 

 

If your child has a fever, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen. But it’s important to follow the correct dosage based on your child’s age. We recommend following these guides for the right dosage: acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If your child’s fever is above 104°F or you have an infant under 3 months with a fever, seek medical care. 

 

In most cases, the cold and the flu will improve with home care. If your child’s symptoms persist or get worse, please call our office. We also advise calling the pediatrician if your child is under 3 months or if they have chronic health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, that put them at a higher risk of complications.  

Are you looking for a daycare program for your child? Choosing the right one is an important decision to ensure that your child’s needs are met and that they have a positive experience. Daycare provides opportunities for children to connect with their peers, learn new skills such as language, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, and build routines in a safe, nurturing environment. It also gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your child is in good hands while you balance work and other obligations.

 

When it comes to finding the right daycare, you’ll want to start the search early, as some centers can have a long waitlist. Some factors to consider are safety, cleanliness, and qualifications of staff members, including being certified in CPR and first aid. Verify if the center is licensed or registered with the appropriate government agencies and if they’re currently accredited or in the process of becoming accredited. While accreditation is not required, daycare centers that are accredited offer higher quality of care and learning experiences. 

 

It’s always best to visit the center in person to get a sense of what the environment is like and to observe interactions between caregivers and children. You’ll get the opportunity to ask questions to determine if the daycare is the right fit for your family. It’s particularly helpful to inquire about the daycare’s policies on health, discipline, and communication with parents. You’ll also want to make sure that the child care center has measures in place for emergency preparedness and safety procedures. Other relevant aspects are the daycare’s hours and whether they align with your scheduling needs, costs, and payment methods. Confirm that the daycare has a qualified health professional who can address any health concerns and issues that may come up.

 

Once you have chosen your daycare, preparing your child to adjust to the transition is the next step. Most children adapt well, but some might struggle and feel upset. Being separated from family and in a setting with strangers can be distressing for kids, especially in the beginning. To help overcome this, talk to your child in advance of starting daycare and let them know what they can expect. Frame your language in a positive light to make the experience less scary. You can talk about how they’ll get to make new friends or play with new toys, for example. Reassure them that they will be back at home and that they will see you again soon. It might also be helpful to give your child a toy or a family photo to carry as a reminder of their home. If the center offers orientations, that can help your child develop familiarity before they attend the program. Additionally, there are many books about going to daycare that you can share with your kids to prepare them. 

 

If your child has any specific needs, developmental or learning disabilities, or health conditions, communicate about this to the caregivers at the center and ask for any accommodations that may be needed. For any questions or concerns about starting daycare, please call our pediatrician.

If your child has learning differences like ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developing executive functioning skills can be challenging. Executive functioning skills are essential brain functions that help children (and adults) plan, stay organized, control impulses, regulate emotions, and make decisions. Children who struggle with executive functioning may feel easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks, like finishing homework, keeping track of school assignments, or completing household chores

The good news is that there are several effective strategies to help children improve these skills and tackle tasks more confidently. Here are some helpful methods to support your child in building executive functioning skills.

 

Break Down Tasks into Smaller Steps
Breaking larger tasks down into manageable steps can help kids feel less overwhelmed. For example, if your child has a big project or a long list of chores, teach them to create a checklist of smaller steps. By tackling one step at a time, they’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and feel less daunted by the larger task. Checklists and clear steps make it easier to stay organized and keep track of progress.

 

Use a Planner or Calendar
A planner or calendar is a great tool for children who tend to forget deadlines or struggle to keep up with assignments. Encourage your child to get into the habit of jotting down homework, test dates, and other responsibilities in a planner. Having all their to-do items in one place helps them plan their time effectively and reduces the risk of missing important tasks. It’s also beneficial to set time limits for each task so that they can get a sense of how to map out their schedule.

 

Establish Routines
Habits take time to build, but once routines are in place, they can help children feel more grounded and organized. A consistent routine, including setting homework time, bedtime, or a chore schedule, provides structure and makes it easier for kids to manage their responsibilities and activities without becoming overwhelmed.

 

Find the Right Learning Methods
Every child has their own unique learning style, so finding methods that work best for your child can make a difference. Visual learners, for example, may benefit from using visual aids like charts or color-coded organizers. Some kids might also respond well to reward systems, where they earn incentives for completing tasks to keep them motivated.

 

Create a Distraction-Free Workspace
When it’s time to focus on homework, a distraction-free environment is key. Help your child set up a quiet, organized space for work that is free of screen devices (unless needed for homework), clutter, and noise. Making sure their workspace is comfortable and well-organized can go a long way in creating a positive environment for learning and concentration. All of these strategies can help your child build a foundation for strong executive functioning skills that will empower them to approach tasks with confidence. If your child has a learning disability and is still struggling with executive functioning skills, it may be helpful to reach out for additional support. Call our office for further guidance and resources to support your child’s needs.