Unique Health Problems and Biological Changes in Kids up to 12 Years Old
I have a metaphor for you. Kids are like sponges, nothing liquid bounces off of them. Hehe. Seriously though, kids can absorb an enormous amount of information no matter where it comes from. It’s therefore important to keep an eye on what information they are exposed to. At the same time, their bodies go through an enormous amount of physiological change. Some changes are met by new and equally formidable health issues. Let’s highlight some of them shall we…
Get a head start on health. When it comes to your child’s health nothing is more essential than starting early. Look for a reliable paediatrician or primary care physician. Next on the list will be nutrition and fitness. These two are the cornerstones of your child’s health. Encourage them to enjoy the great outdoors far away from TV, IPads, IPhones, and anything that requires a button labelled ON.
Children-friendly physical activities and children’s sports will give your child a foundation for lifelong fitness. Of course, this should be accompanied by your encouragement and enthusiasm. Chances are some activities will certainly spark their interest. Just remember, you should be the one leading the pack, setting a good example.
Note: you don’t have to be perfectly fit to set an example, it’s all about attitude dear parent.
Nutrition for your child should start early too. How early? Well that should’ve started back when he or she was in your uterus. Kidding aside, eating nutritious foods will maintain your child’s energy, dial down their mood swings and increase their learning capacity. Even though flamboyant TV commercials showing junk foods can make nutritious eating seem impossible, there are some steps you can try to steer your child towards nutritious eating. Included in the following list are some challenges when it comes to nutrition.
A child develops a certain liking to a food if he or she enjoys eating them. It follows that you should make healthy foods appealing to them. Set up a story wherein your characters include vegetables and fruits.
You, the parent, should eat healthy too. What good is it to teach your child to eat healthy if you keep downing potato chips and soft drinks? Be the role model for them. Remember, the impulse to imitate is very strong in a child. Use it to your advantage.
Eat regularly as a family. Did you know that family meals enhance appetite? Yes, they do. Dinner, when served at around the same time every night with the entire family sitting down together, builds up quite an appetite not to mention some quality time with your family. A study also found that kids who eat breakfast with their parents fare better in school compared to those who don’t.
Learn to cook more meals in your home. This puts you in the director’s chair. You’re in charge of your child's nutrition. Its also healthier for your family and shows your kids how important good food is. Leave eating out for special events or occasions.
Instead of empty calorie snacks, arm yourself with the ingredients to prepare healthy snacks instead. Its takes a bit more work on your part, but you’ll be happy you made the effort when your children begin to gravitate towards healthier food on their own. Keep these healthy snacks within their reach so they don’t have time to look around for junk food.
Do you prepare your kids’ lunchbox? Get them involved in the process of preparing their own. Almost all kids I know love to go grocery shopping. Most of them also like to help their parents prepare food.
Kids health supplements. Certain supplements can be helpful to keep your child’s immune system strong and healthy. But choose your supplements wisely because some kids supplements have artificial sweeteners and flavouring. Here are some of our top picks: Omega-3 DHA-EPA, Echinacea, Vitamin C & Probiotics.
The picky eater. This one is a challenge. Above all, don’t insult your child by saying he or she is a picky eater. Seriously. If you’re introducing new foods, eat it first in front of your child. In addition, you can serve the new food alongside their favourite dish. Parents please, one new food at a time. It’s best not to overstimulate your child. When you serve the food, make sure your kid is actually hungry too. Hungry, not starving.
For more healthy eating tips check out “Top Ten Tips For Kids At Mealtimes”.
Don’t be like a parrot and say no all the time. Allow kids to make a mess out of something at least once in a while. This will make them realise that the world doesn’t revolve around the word “No”. They already know that there are boundaries (because of all the no’s you’ve said in the past), make them realise that there are plenty of “yes’s” too.
Teething is always a big event. When your baby’s first set of teeth break through the gums, that’s called teething. This happens at approximately 6 months of age. All 20 primary teeth should be present by the time he or she is 3 years old. Most babies aren’t affected by teething. If they are, use a cold teething ring to ease the pressure on their gums. Make it cold by placing it in the refrigerator.
Enuresis (bedwetting) isn’t something your child should be ashamed of. It isn’t something you should tease your child about either. Grow up. The majority of children with enuresis don’t have psychological problems okay? Be careful in handling or dealing with a child experiencing bedwetting because it can bring stress to your family, lower your child’s self-esteem and isolate him or her from everybody else.
The International Children’s Continence Society (Yes, there IS one.) defines enuresis as involuntary passing of urine, happening at least two times per week for three months in children older than 5 years old. Most kids are expected (don’t tell them that) to have bladder control by the age of five years.
There are 3 types of enuresis: nocturnal (night-time bedwetting), diurnal (daytime bedwetting) and combined diurnal and nocturnal.
In 90% of cases, no immediate action is required from you, the parent. Treatment includes teaching your child to void by making a schedule and getting bed alarms. However, please consult your healthcare provider if your kid is experiencing any of the following:
Polyuria (excessive volume of urine)
Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
Dysuria (pain while urinating)
Fever (well, I think you know this one)
Nits and lice. Don’t worry, we have an article full of tips regarding this one. Click hereand learn how to banish these bugs.
Kids are one of two populations most vulnerable to upper respiratory tract infections (cough and colds) and acute gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Don’t be alarmed if they get frequent bouts of these two. Bring him or her to your paediatrician calmly. In addition, there are some natural home remedies you can do to fight some common childhood illnesses. Don’t always depend on antibiotics. They’re not miracle pills by the way. Not every microorganism is killed by them. Kids will get cuts and scrapes from time to time, especially when they play outdoors. Don’t overreact okay? Don’t wage a war on the neighbour’s kids for apparently pushing your child either. Make sure you have your first aid kit ready.
Above all remember that children need time to just play and use their imagination. Often we get so preoccupied with our kids becoming achievers that we forget this vital part of being a child. Regular social interactions with other children, especially as young children also teaches them valuable lessons about life and how to be mindful of others.
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