EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Kid's Health
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Keeping it simple and consistency are key A nice bath, brushing your teeth, and a bedtime story. What could be better than that? As adults, we remember those special times with our parents or our grandparents or even an older brother or sister. What makes these times so memorable? Is it the time spent or is it the comfort of knowing what to expect? Compare this to going on a family trip. Not being sure of what sights you will see, people you will meet or fun you will have can be very adventurous and exciting. So what do you make of this? Do you want everyday life predictable or do you want every step to be an exciting activity? Or maybe it is somewhere in between. Children often look for some regularity in their schedules from the time they are born. Feeding is often on a regular timetable. Sleeping becomes routine. Infants find comfort in their cribs and the smell of their blankets. Now, more than ever, in our complex, fast-paced daily lives, some certainty can be reassuring. However, predictability and consistency does not mean rigidity and inflexibility. Sticking to a firm schedule, especially if it is unrealistically packed, can lead to unnecessary stress. Achieving the balance of excitement and regularity is a difficult task but one that will reap great benefits. Now that the summer is over and school starts, unstructured time transforms into daily schedules, homework time and school projects. We all know that kids look forward to the beginning of school. How do we prepare them for this transition? Here are 10 simple rules to help this transition and add stability to daily life: 1 Talk to your children about what is to come. 2 Let them know ahead of time so that there are not as many surprises. 3 Have a morning routine so that they can get to school relaxed and begin the day without stress. 4 Set up a time and place for home- work with all the supplies they will need to complete the assignments. 5 Get things ready for the morning the night before. 6 Choose a bedtime and try to stick to it during the week. 7 Leave enough time for a good breakfast. 8 Get to school on time so there is no running into class. 9 Take a sensible approach to extracurricular activities. 10 Make a calendar that the kids can see so they can see what is ahead. September through to December can be an overwhelming time of the year with the beginning of school and the holidays. In some children, coping with this level of activity can be difficult. Simple downtime can help children cope with excess excitement. Maintaining a reasonable schedule in spite of surrounding pandemonium will reassure children that all is not falling apart. Children tend to act out behaviorally rather than talk about the anxiety associated with an overpacked, excessive schedule. Therefore, be aware of changes in your child’s behavior and don’t be afraid to talk about what is going on around them. Keeping it simple but organized will help children stay calm in spite of surrounding activity. Children mirror their parents’ behavior. Therefore, keeping yourself calm and somewhat organized can help them as well. Dr. Clyde Wesp is a pediatrician with Southern Orange County Pediatric Associates with offices in Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch and San Clemente (Talega). |
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