Sunday, May 31, 2009

Reactive VS Proactive----Parents on the Edge

What is it that makes too many parents more reactive than proactive when it comes to child safety? Are we becoming too complacent in our present day lifestyle securities? As the news on a daily basis recounts the accidental death of children under five years old, I can't help but wonder; how can this be? Where were the parents of this child? What could they be doing that was more important than a child's safety? Of course, we all know that accidents happen and not all accidents can be avoided. But all too often the causes of these accidental deaths of very young children are all too often glaring 20/20 hindsight. Why do parents not spend a little extra time saying, "Let's do this" rather than saying, "Why didn't I.?"

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A crib baby whose crib is placed too close to a window blind tangles its head in the blind cord and is strangled. A four-year-old squeezes through the fifth story balcony railings of a prominent hotel and falls to his death. A grandmother sends her two-year-old grandson outside to play with his father and grandfather. She shouts out the back door that the baby is coming out, but doesn't realize no one heard. The baby was found an hour later in the bottom of the above ground swimming pool. A four-year-old girl playing around her parent's treadmill has strangled on the dangling treadmill cord. And now, more recently, a two-year-old girl has died after swallowing a tiny button' battery that has destroyed her esophagus. As heartbreaking and unpleasant as these statistics are to read and hear about, we all know that all of these deaths could have been prevented.

No matter how many times you purchase an article with warnings of KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN and bring it home; there is always the one time that the warning goes unnoticed, ignored, or maybe it isn't there at all, because it is something that no one thought could be a hazard-until it's too late. Most manufacturers, especially of children's toys try to think proactively-they have a lot to lose. Now it is time that parents begin to think proactively-they have even more to lose.

My love of children and babies has prompted me to ask-no plead, beg-parents and grandparents to please become proactive in your baby's safety. Look for the obvious safety hazards, and then look again and again for the not so obvious. Don't leave anything to chance. Know where your child is at all times and the very young should be within view or checked on more often than you think necessary. Nothing, absolutely nothing can replace a lost child!

Call me obsessive, but when SIDS became a household word, my babies slept between my husband and myself until they were well past the age of incidence. And we each took turns placing our hands on our babies back through out the night just to check for breathing. We now do the same with our grandbabies, when they spend the night. I'm sure DR. SPOCK' would roll over in his grave if he knew that I read his book thoroughly with my first baby, then tossed it in the trashcan and raised my children my way.

When a parent loses a baby, especially through accidental death, the devastation can be two-fold. A baby's death can put the parent or parents on the edge, or worse, over the edge. Then not only is the child lost but a spouse or parent of other siblings can be lost as well. Don't let your baby become a statistic, don't let your family suffer the unthinkable-become that Proactive Parent and be there for your children.


About the Author

Sandra E. Graham

Sandra graduated from Egypt High School in Egypt, Arkansas in 1965. Continuing her education by attending Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas; Crowley’s Ridge Community College; Mississippi Community College; and finally back home to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Visit her website at http://www.sandragraham-articles-books.com to see her newest publications. Sandra's books Amos Jakey and Nicolina are historical adventure books published by American Book publishing and may be purchased through pdbookstore.com, Amazon, Books in Print, Barnes and Noble, and Baker & Taylor. She also writes free book reviews for authors through Book Pleasures.

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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Seasonal Allergies


Sesonal Allergies in 13 month old? - Aleya A

Hi Moms,

I have a 13 month old who has had eczema almost since he was born.I was told by his pediatrician to look out for food or seasonal allergies. So far I haven't been able to identify any food allergies but last week he started having a runny nose, wet cough, and swollen eyes. I've heard it's early for seasonal allergies but I have friends who are already dealing with symptoms.

Does this sound like seasonal allergies to you? Also, is he too young to be tested for allergies? Lastly, if it is seasonal allergies, what can I do to give him some relief?

A little about me: I'm a 32 yo, full-time undergrad and single mom to a beautiful 13 month old boy.

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Help getting my 2.5 year old to sleep in a "big boy" bed - M H

I was wondering if anyone had advise on getting my 2.5 y.o. son to stay in his bed. We had to transition to a toddler bed because he started climbing out of his crib. I feel like we've tried everything. We've tried telling him to stay, picking him up and laying him back in bed without saying anything to him, preparing him before hand by talking to him, rubbing his back, rewards, consequences, the list goes on. When I tried this for the 1st time 6 months ago we also tried putting a gate in the doorway, but he would empty all of his clothes from his drawers into the hallway. We originally tried it b/c we had another baby coming. We started the transition 3-4 months before the new baby was due. It didn't work after trying for 6 weeks, so we went back to the crib. He did GREAT when he was back in the crib, but now he started climbing out and hurting himself. So, the toddler bed is the way we need to go for now. BTW, once he fall asleep he stays there until morning. Also, I know some people "lock them in" by putting a child-proof knob on the door. If nothing else works I might be willing to try this, but I would REALLY rather not. Any help would be appreciated!!!

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Question on choice of diapers - Sharon A

hello there . I'm planning to use non-disposable diapers my second time around. Wanted to get advice and experience from moms who use the following systems:
Pre-folded cloth diapers and covers.
"one-size" pocket diapers that adjusts with baby.
If you use them full time, how many do you have to keep ahead of the laundry pile? Are they convenient to use? Any problems? Suggestions?
My baby "shower" for #2 will likely be a Diaper Party where we ask everyone to contribute to the cause of purchasing the diapers upfront. I hope to save much $$ and waste this way. I just need to select which system to use, and I've narrowed it down to the choices above.
Thanks!!

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Strep throat, fever and continuing HEADACHES in my 4 year old -- ADVICE? - Vicki D

My son was diagnosed with strep throat on Friday. He never complained of a sore throat, but has complained of headaches for about a month. He had a 101 fever on Friday, then 103.8 last night and I called the doctor. She said that his fever should be gone 72 hours after starting the antibiotics, so we are waiting til this afternoon to see how he is. I was concerned about meningitis, but immediately she said no. He was happy, eating and playing yesterday morning, then only wanted to lay down the rest of the day, saying his head hurt. The doctor said headaches are a sympton of strep, but I was surprised he had strep when he never said his throat hurt. Anyway, just would like to hear anyone's advice on strep or headaches.... any guidance would be appreciated!

A little about me: Was a SAHM for 4 years, just went to work Full time two months ago. I am a BOYS MOM -- 3 boys ages 4, 3, 2. Play play play is the word of every day!!




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