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

December 1, 2024
31

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.

in RESOURCES

The Time for Outdoor Activities with the Family is Approaching

July 2, 2024
175

Playing and being outside in nature is good for children’s health and wellbeing on many levels. In schools and child care centers they work with different schedules, but they all have time for outdoor activities where children play and share different activities. Taking them out can help with motor development and physical health in general. Exploring nature is a way to encourage children’s curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Spending time outdoors can also help children reduce their stress and increase their concentration.

These are some ideas of outdoor games to try, depending on your child’s age:

Outdoor play ideas for children ages 2 to 5

Pop bubbles and take out the ball.

Blow bubbles and challenge kids to chase and catch them or pop them. Who can make the biggest bubble? Who can blow a double bubble?

A fun activity for toddlers is to fill a bucket with water and some dish detergent. Give the child a whisk to stir the bubbles and explore their properties. Playing ball is another great way to get kids this age involved outdoors. Sit on the grass facing each other and roll a ball back and forth.

This not only develops motor planning and balance skills, but also helps teach social turn-taking and observing the body language of others.

5 tips for children to have fun and be safe

1. Keep children close

Be sure to watch carefully (either yourself or another adult) so that younger children don’t wander away or go up alone to the swings or play near the street.

2. Use safety measures around pools and hot tubs

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children under 4 years of age. Provide constant tactile supervision around pools, hot tubs, ponds and other bodies of water.

3. Setup the home playground safely

Anchor large home playground equipment deeply and securely to prevent wobbling. Install swings at least 6 feet from walls and fences. Look for openings in play structures, such as gaps in cargo nets, which should be less than 3 1 ½ inches (9cm) or more than 9 inches wide (23cm). This can prevent a small child’s head from getting trapped and prevent children from falling.

4. Avoid mowing the grass while children play

Electric lawnmowers can throw sticks, stones, and other objects with enough force to cause serious damage.

5. Help prevent insect bites

Avoid brightly colored clothing, as well as scented soaps and lotions, which may attract bees and wasps. Empty water from pools, bird baths, and other structures where stinging insects may breed. Long sleeves, pants, and hats can also protect against ticks in tall grass, bushes or wooded areas. When using insect repellent, consider one with 10% to 30% DEET. however, do not use DEET on children younger than 2 months and make sure the parent authorizes these repellents or sunscreens.

Courtesy of Precious Moment Child Care

in ACTIVITIES, RESOURCES

Plan and implement: Lesson plan and activities plans

April 21, 2024
279

Among the primary responsibilities of early childhood educators is the responsibility to plan and implement intentional and developmentally appropriate learning experiences that promote social and emotional development, physical development and health, cognitive development, and general learning skills of each of the children that attends.

It’s important to plan activities based on the ages of the children and the objective we want to achieve. The study plans and teaching methods are built from each child’s resources by connecting their experiences in school or educational environment with their home or community environment.

What is a lesson plan?

A lesson plan for toddlers is a teacher-structured document that describes the sequence of activities and learning experiences designed to teach a specific concept to children at an early age, usually ages 3 to 5. These plans are designed to be interactive, fun and adapted to the needs and development levels of young children. Here are some key elements you could include in a lesson plan for toddlers:

Lesson objective: Clearly defines what children should learn at the end of the lesson

Materials: List all the materials needed for the lesson, such as books, toys, art supplies, etc.

Introduction: Include a starter activity to capture children’s attention and prepare them for the lesson topic

Development: Divide the lesson into sequential steps or activities that help children understand the concept. Use interactive and hands-on methods, as children learn best through experience.

Evaluation: Include strategies to assess children’s understanding, such as questions, observations, and follow up activities.

Adaptations: Consider possible adaptations to meet the different needs and learning styles of the children in the group.

Time: Set a time estimate for each activity to ensure the lesson fits into the available time frame.

Closure: Conclude the lesson effectively, summarizing what children have learned and provide opportunities to ask questions or make comments.

It is important to remember that young children have limited attention spans, so lessons should be short, stimulating and full of variety to keep their interest. Additionally, flexibility is key, as you may need to adjust the lesson based on the children’s responses and level of engagement during the teaching process.

A lesson plan can be done weekly with a single topic or with different topics weekly. For children between 3 years old it can include gross motor activities, fine motor activities, art projects, crafts, sensory activities, outdoor activities, learning and experimentation games.

Example of a lesson plan for a week:

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