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Viral Illnesses in Children: What to Expect and How to Protect Your Family This Fall/WinterFeatured

December 1, 2024
24

In Wisconsin, like many other cities, has seen an increase in respiratory viral infections among young children, especially with viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Health officials have noted elevated levels of respiratory disease activity based on data from emergency room visits, lab tests, and hospitalizations. It is important to follow prevention strategies, such as staying up to date on vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and considering wearing masks in crowded settings (Wisconsin Department of Health Service).

RSV is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms in most people, but can cause more severe illnesses in young children, especially those younger than six months. Symptoms of RSV include nasal congestion, cough, fever, and in some cases difficulty breathing. Parents should watch for signs such as difficulty breathing, dehydration (such as few wet diapers), and changes in their children’s interaction and alertness to decide when to seek medical care.

Influenza is also on the rise in the region, primarily affecting children and young adults. Vaccination is recommended for everyone over six months of age, as the vaccine takes about two weeks to offer full protection.

Prevention

• Vaccines: Make sure all family members over six months of age are up to date on influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness.

• Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid Crowds: Limit time in crowded places, especially during seasons of high incidence of respiratory viruses.

• Use Masks: Consider wearing masks in closed, crowded spaces, especially if you have an infant or young child who cannot yet be vaccinated.

Common Symptoms of Viral Infections

• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, fever, decreased energy, and in some cases, difficulty breathing.

• Influenza: Symptoms include fever, body aches, cough, nasal congestion, and in some children, vomiting and diarrhea.

• COVID-19: Like other respiratory viruses, it can cause fever, cough, nasal congestion, and in some cases, breathing difficulty.

When to Seek Medical Care

• Difficulty Breathing: If you notice your child is breathing faster, shallowly, or with a lot of effort (like skin sucking in between the ribs), seek immediate medical care.

• Inadequate Hydration: Children should have at least three wet diapers in 24 hours. If they are drinking less or showing signs of dehydration, see a doctor.

• Behavior Changes: If your child is less alert, not interacting, or showing fewer periods of play and activity, it is important to take him or her to a specialist.

Home Care

• Provide rest and keep your child well hydrated.

• Use fever and pain medications appropriate for children, but never give aspirin.

• Keep your child home and away from others to avoid spreading the illness.

How to Help Prevent the Spread

• Stay home if you or your child is sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a tissue or your elbow.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, and tables.

For detailed and up-to-date information on viral illnesses in children, especially during the fall, you can consult the following reliable websites:

1. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): The CDC provides up-to-date information on viral infections such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Their website offers prevention guidelines, symptoms, and specific recommendations for parents and caregivers.

2. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): AAP offers resources on children’s health, including specific information on viral illnesses in young children and recommendations for the fall and winter season.

3. Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic provides information on symptoms, treatments, and when to seek medical care for various viral infections affecting children.

4. Wisconsin Department of Health Services: This site offers information specific to Wisconsin residents, including public health alerts and resources on respiratory illnesses and prevention.

Contribution by Precious Moments Childcare, LLC.

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The Value of DiversityFeatured

December 1, 2024
24

How can we talk to young children about differences and the importance of diversity?

From an early age, children begin to form their own ideas about the world and the people in it. It is essential to take advantage of these early years to sow the seeds of respect and tolerance. The exact age to start these conversations depends on each child’s development, but it is usually between 5 and 8 years old, when they are beginning to develop a greater awareness of themselves and others. Let’s start at home. Being aware of and respecting differences within the family is the first step. In preschool and daycare, we can teach children in simple and fun ways about diversity and inclusion. If we start from a young age, we will foster more tolerant and open-minded children.

Going deeper with activities

A practical activity is to help the child recognize themselves. We can use mirrors, books with different skin tones (such as “The skin you live in”), and materials such as construction paper, paints, and scissors. By creating self-portraits, children can express their opinions and share them with others. In addition, we can invite children to describe their feelings when looking in the mirror or creating their self-portrait. This personal reflection will help them better understand their own identity and value their unique characteristics.

Connecting with the real world

Diversity is an important topic and respect for others is essential. We must promote it in all areas, from education to work. Although it may seem difficult to teach this to young children, it is crucial to address topics such as different cultures and inclusion to create a fairer and more equitable world. We can relate these concepts to everyday examples, such as the diversity of foods we try, the different languages ​​spoken around us or the different ways of celebrating holidays.

Benefits of teaching diversity

We live in an increasingly globalized and diverse world, so teaching children to live with different people is essential for their future. When we teach about diversity, we develop empathy, reduce prejudices, prepare the child for the future and help raise self-esteem. The differences of others are accepted, acceptance is encouraged, and stereotypes are diminished. Everyone feels valued and accepted in their individuality, cultivating a social environment of healthy integration.

Long-term benefits

Diversity is an important issue and respect for others is essential. We must promote it in all areas, from education to work. Although it may seem difficult to teach this to young children, it is crucial to address issues such as different cultures and inclusion to create a fairer and more equitable world. This has a positive impact on the economy and sustainable development. By teaching children to value diversity, we are preparing for future citizens who are more empathetic, tolerant and capable of building meaningful relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Contribution by Precious Moments Childcare, LLC.

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Tantrums in Children of 2 and 3 Years

July 2, 2024
179

Many children may start screaming non-stop. Around 24 months of age, transforming our children. “I don’t want to sleep”, he shouts at you when you go to put him to bed, “I don’t like it”, every time it’s time to eat, “I’m alone” when you’re going to cross the street, “its mine” if his brother reaches a toy… they ask for things by shouting, protests and get angry constantly, they challenge you, they cry uncontrollably, they hit others, they are stubborn, they don’t obey or listen, and when we stop him from doing something he explodes in a tantrum.

In the middle of the street, writhing on the ground, in a sea of tears, confronting their parents and other children in the park. their parents and other children in the park.

Many times, our little ones push us to the limit, and in some situations it is not easy to stay calm. We may be tempted to put ourselves at his or her level, and shout louder than him or her to win the battle.

Successfully overcoming tantrums in 2 and 3 year old children is possible if you know how.

Discover specific strategies and guidelines that will allow you to maintain control in conflictive situations and techniques to establish limits at home.

It is very important to control your own emotions, it will be one of the strategies that will help you, talk about basic rules that we must keep in mind whenever we discipline our children.

  1. We all have responsibilities: we must teach them from a young age that their contribution is important.
  2. Respect is mutual. It is important from the beginning to set a good example.
  3. Teach them that life is not always fair. Waiting for a turn, sharing toys, feeling disappointment or some other situation that may cause discomfort.
  4. Consistency is key. Being constant and firm regarding the norms and rules you set is very important.

We must maintain these guidelines:

  • Do not give in
  • Calm down
  • Listen and explain
  • Analyze the cause
  • Coordinate

Tantrums, no matter how different the cause, are eradicated by directing behavior towards a more adaptive and healthy emotional expression.

Some strategies for these cases are:

  • Prevent
  • Reward
  • Ignore
  • Let go
  • Reinforce the positive
  • Give them other options so they feel like they can choose.

Courtesy of Precious Moment Child Care

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