If the anxiety and worry are not controlled, it can lead to a severe mental issue that can impair the child’s academic performance in the new session.

To ensure the child is well-balanced in school, here are some mental health tips for returning to school, for parents, that can help the child navigate this transition and prioritize their mental well-being, which can positively impact academic performance.

8 Mental Health Tips For Returning To School

This article was written with from the perspective of parents who want to help their children’s mental health as they prepare to return to school. So below are some of the mental health tips for returning to school for parents:

1. Manage expectations

One of the mental health tips for returning to school is to manage expectations and set realistic goals.

Remind them that it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly, and they should always be kind and patient with themselves.

A child who didn’t attain her expected grade last session may want to attain it in this new season, which can cause some form of anxiety that can further cause them to go down academically if not taken care of. Always remind them that it is okay if they do not meet the expected goal.

2. Stay organized

The child is usually free to play and sleep well during the holidays, and returning to school means adjusting to a new colander, and this, at first, can cause a lot of stress trying to adjust.

Use planners, calendars, or digital tools for your child or teen to keep track of assignments, exams, and deadlines.

Being organized can alleviate stress and prevent last-minute rushes, which might produce anxiety and sadness. You can also teach the child how to use the various digital tools, planners, or calendars to stay organized independently.

3. Foster supportive friendships at schools

Supportive friendships play a positive role in boosting your child’s mental health.

Encourage your child to make new friends; they can start by saying hello to at least one student in the school daily.

Also, teach them to accept rejection because not everybody they want to be friends with will be willing to make friends with them.

In choosing friends, help your child or teen to understand that a few deep friendships are worth more than a million surface friends.

This will keep them balanced as they try to make new friends without developing the feeling of inferiority complex.

4. Encourage open communication

Encourage your child to express their feelings about returning to school. Create an open, non-judgmental space for them to share their worries and excitement.

Ensure you pay close attention to your child’s concerns and emotions. Validate their feelings and let them know you’re there to support them.

If possible, visit the school before the first day to help familiarize your child with the environment. This can alleviate anxiety about the new setting.

In addition, ensure your child has a quiet and comfortable space at home where they can unwind, do homework, or engage in relaxing activities.

5. Encourage hobbies

Support your child’s interests and hobbies. Engaging in activities they love can be a great source of joy and relaxation.

If your child is on the school’s sports team, ensure you are always in all his games to cheer him up. This makes him feel loved and keeps him happy.

6. Offer reassurance

Remind your child that they have your support and that you’re always there to listen and help when needed.

Make them know that you are their biggest supporter. This helps to build their confidence and courage to face any obstacle in school.

7. Encourage them seek help if needed

Encourage your child to speak out without hesitation if they struggle with mental health.

They should learn to talk to somebody elderly, possibly a school counselor, therapist, or a mental health professional.

8. Celebrate achievements

Your child or teen should be taught how to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small.

They mustn’t be at the top of the class before rewarding themselves. A small fruitful effort, even in extracurricular activity, should be rewarded.

By rewarding themselves, they can boost your motivation and self-esteem.

Conclusion

Remember that everyone’s experience is unique, and finding strategies that work best for your child or teen is essential.

If you find that their mental health challenges significantly impact their daily life, consider seeking professional help from a mental health expert.

The post 8 Useful Mental Health Tips For Returning To School (For Parents) first appeared on You Must Get Healthy.

The post 8 Useful Mental Health Tips For Returning To School (For Parents) appeared first on You Must Get Healthy.

Physical activity also gives teenagers an outlet for energy and social interaction with peers.

With UK teenagers spending over seven hours per day in front of screens, encouraging more activity is vital for their physical and mental wellbeing.  

Make Exercise Fun

The key to getting teens moving is making exercise enjoyable. Team sports allow teenagers you are fostering with Orange Grove Foster Care to socialize and have fun with friends while being active. Sports like football, basketball, hockey, netball and rugby are great options.

You can also look for recreational leagues in your community that welcome teenagers.

If your teen isn’t into competitive sports, suggest going for a bike ride, hiking, swimming, or dancing with friends instead. Getting a dog that needs walking can also motivate your teen to move more. 

Lead By Example

Teenagers are more likely to be active if they see their parents exercising regularly. Go for evening walks together as a family, or sign up for an exercise class you can attend with your teen.

Ask your teen to show you workout routines they enjoy, like yoga, circuits, or dance videos.

Being active together strengthens your bond while setting a great example. Praise your teen when you notice them making an effort to exercise more.

Offer Rewards 

Providing small rewards can give teens an incentive to participate in physical activities.

Offer to pay your teen if they walk the dog a certain number of times per week. After a sports game or dance class, stop for a smoothie or milkshake on the way home.

Let your teen invite a friend over after completing a workout video with you. Teenagers respond well to small treats that reinforce healthy behaviors.

Reduce Screen Time

Excessive screen time is a major barrier to exercise for today’s teens. Institute limits on recreational screen time to help make room for physical activity.

No phones or tablets should be allowed during meals, and the aim should be to have no more than 2 hours per day of non-school-related screen time.

Charge all devices outside the bedroom overnight to avoid late-night social media and gaming habits. Schedule a daily screen-free time when your teen can read, play sports outside, or engage in hobbies.  

Encourage Active Transport

Rather than driving your teen everywhere, suggest walking, cycling, or public transport to places like schools, friends’ houses, and shops.

This builds physical activity into your teen’s daily routine. Offer to pay for an annual bus pass to make public transport affordable.

Provide your teen with a bicycle and safety gear to empower independent, active travel. Let friends know your teen is happy to walk or cycle to social engagements.

Focus on Enjoyment, Variety and Consistency

The most important factors when encouraging teenagers to exercise are enjoyment, variety, and consistency. Help your teen find activities they genuinely enjoy rather than rigidly forcing participation.

Introduce new and fun forms of exercise regularly to keep them engaged. Aim to build physical activity into their daily or weekly schedule, so it becomes a normal habit.

With patience and positivity, you can set your teenager up for a lifetime of healthy physical activity.

The post How to Encourage Teenagers to be More Active first appeared on You Must Get Healthy.

The post How to Encourage Teenagers to be More Active appeared first on You Must Get Healthy.

This can be distressing, especially if you’re trying to stay fit, commit to a fitness goal or lose weight. However, there are actually easy ways to stay fit as a dad.

If you’re looking for some good fitness tips for dads, this article will help you with some suggestions.

1. Choose the right time to exercise 

You can go to the gym a few times a week depending on how many kids you have and how old they are. You should spend as much time as possible at home with your children when they are young, so don’t worry if you don’t make it to the gym in the first few months. 

However, as they get older, you must consider your energy level, work-related responsibilities, and your entire daily routine. So consider this carefully, consult with your partner, and determine the best workout time for you and your family.

2. Eat a healthy diet

If you’re working all day and trying to raise a child at the same time, you probably don’t have a lot of time to devote to the gym.

You’ll be too preoccupied with raising your kid to do anything else. So, how do you improve your health and appearance?

Fortunately, there is a simple yet effective trick that can help – simply change your diet. You should consider switching to healthy options and stick to them instead of eating fast food and drinking soda drinks.

The key is to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, and water, as well as a high-quality chocolate protein powder that will help you lose weight and improve your appearance. 

3. Define your goals

Not all fathers have the same fitness goals when they go to the gym. Those who are overweight want to lose weight, while others want to stay in shape and improve their appearance. 

Whatever you’re trying to accomplish, defining your short- and long-term goals are critical, and the sooner you do so, the better – it’s the only way to avoid wasting valuable gym time without seeing results.

4. Involve your children

Finally, keep in mind that no one is telling you that you can’t be a dad and be in shape at the same time. You can easily do both things simultaneously.

All you have to do is figure out how to bring these two aspects of your life together. One way to do this might be to involve your children and might help strengthen your bond.

5. Find opportunities to weight train

As a dad, you may have little or no time to hit the gym and get a proper weight training session.

However, you can take any opportunity to lift some weights and keep your body fit. For instance, when going to the supermarket, you can carry your shopping in a basket to strengthen your core and upper body.

You can lift safe household items in your free time and carry your children’s backpack.

6. Incorporate family activities

Engage in physical activities that involve the whole family, such as hiking, biking, or playing sports. This not only keeps you fit but also sets a great example for your children.

These kinds of family activities promote bonding and sets a healthy example for your kids. It keeps everyone active, fosters teamwork, and makes fitness fun and inclusive for the whole family.

7. Prioritize morning workouts

Morning workouts are essential for busy dads because they help ensure that exercise happens before the day’s demands take over.

Starting your day with a workout can boost your energy levels, improve your mood, and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. It’s a proactive way to make fitness a priority.

For many dads, the mornings are the only time when they can have a moment to themselves. Doing this can boost your energy for the day, helps establish routine, and reduces the likelihood of skipping workouts due to unexpected events.

8. Utilize playgrounds

Playgrounds offer versatile equipment that can be used for a variety of exercises. Making use of playgrounds for workouts is a smart way for dads to stay active while spending time with their kids.

This creative approach turns playtime into an opportunity for a full-body workout.

9. Home workouts are important

Home workouts are particularly convenient for dads as they can be done anytime, fitting easily into a busy schedule.

With the responsibilities of work and family, finding time to go to the gym can be challenging. Having the flexibility to exercise at home ensures that fitness remains a priority without sacrificing family time or other commitments.

Thus, ensure to invest in some basic home gym equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, or a yoga mat. This makes it easier to fit in quick workouts during nap times or after bedtime.

10. Involve your partner

If you are married and/or have a partner, then involving them is a great fitness tip for you. Working out with your partner can increase motivation and accountability.

It provides an opportunity for shared goals and quality time, while also balancing parenting duties to ensure both partners can stay fit.

Bottom Line

As you can see, being a dad doesn’t necessitate being overweight or unfit. You simply need to find a method that works for you and allows you to devote ample time not only to your children but also to your fitness goals. So consider these suggestions and put them to the test as soon as possible!

The post 10 Clever Fitness Tips For Dads first appeared on You Must Get Healthy.

The post 10 Clever Fitness Tips For Dads appeared first on You Must Get Healthy.

Cooking together as a family strengthens bonds and presents numerous benefits in fostering a love for nutritious food.

Parents can instill healthy habits, enhance their children’s cooking skills, and promote a well-rounded understanding of nutrition by engaging kids in the culinary process.

This article aims to provide a collection of healthy recipes that you can cook with your kids, creating enjoyable moments while nourishing their bodies and minds.

Breakfast 

Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast sets the tone for a healthy and energized day. What better way to make breakfast exciting than by involving your children in the culinary process? Here are some breakfast ideas you can try with your children: 

• Fruit Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola in a glass or bowl. Let your kids choose their favorite fruits and toppings to personalize their parfaits. This recipe is packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber, making it a nutritious and delicious way to start the day.

• Veggie Omelet: Help your kids beat eggs in a bowl and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them choose their favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, and chop them into small pieces. Cook until the omelet is firm and golden brown. This protein-rich breakfast option is a fantastic way to incorporate veggies into your child’s diet. 

• Whole Wheat Pancakes: Gather your loved ones for a delightful morning of family day baking fun with wholesome whole wheat pancakes. Mix whole wheat flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, milk, and a beaten egg to create a thick and luscious pancake batter. Encourage your kids to unleash their creativity by adding their favorite mix-ins. Once the batter is ready, heat up a skillet or non-stick pan, and watch as the kitchen fills with the inviting aroma of freshly cooked pancakes. Pour the batter onto the heated surface, forming perfectly round circles. Let your kids experience the thrill of flipping the pancakes and cooking them to golden perfection on the other side. 

Lunch 

Regarding mealtime, lunch holds a special significance for both kids and adults. It’s a time to refuel, recharge, and enjoy a break from the day’s activities. Making lunchtime a fun and interactive experience with your kids fosters a love for good food and promotes healthy eating habits.

• Build-Your-Own Wraps: Lay out a selection of whole wheat tortillas, sliced deli meats, cheese, and an array of colorful veggies. Let your kids assemble their own wraps with their favorite fillings and toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. This interactive lunch option encourages creativity and healthy choices.

• Homemade Pizza: Prepare pizza dough from scratch or use pre-made dough. Set up a pizza bar with various toppings, including shredded cheese, sliced vegetables, cooked meats, and marinara sauce. Allow your kids to design their pizzas, and then bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s a fun and delicious way to involve your kids in cooking.

Dinner

Dinner is exceptional in our daily routine, bringing family members together after a long day to unwind, connect, and savor a delicious meal. It’s the time when stories are shared, laughter fills the air, and bonds are strengthened. By involving your kids in the dinner preparation, you create memorable experiences and instill a lifelong appreciation for cooking and family time.

• Veggie Stir-Fry: Chop colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Show your kids how to stir-fry the veggies in a hot pan with a small amount of oil, adding soy sauce or a homemade stir-fry sauce for flavor. Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles. This dish promotes vegetable consumption and teaches basic stir-frying skills.

• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Combine cooked rice, lean ground turkey or beef, diced tomatoes, and spices in a bowl. Let your kids stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender, and the filling is cooked through. This recipe introduces kids to different flavors and textures while incorporating veggies into the main course.

Cooking together with your kids goes beyond just preparing meals. It becomes an opportunity to impart valuable cooking skills, foster a sense of exploration, and cultivate healthy eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Involving them in the kitchen empowers your children to make mindful food choices and develop a deeper appreciation for nutritious ingredients.

The post Healthy Recipes You Can Cook with Your Kids first appeared on You Must Get Healthy.

The post Healthy Recipes You Can Cook with Your Kids appeared first on You Must Get Healthy.

That’s why we’ve created this essential guide to bottle-feeding your baby. We’ll walk you through the process, step by step, from the supplies you need to the techniques you need to use to ensure your baby is getting the best nutrition possible.

We’ll also discuss important safety tips and give you some helpful advice on how to make the process easier. So, if you’re ready to get started, let’s dive in and learn all about bottle feeding your baby!

Supplies You’ll Need for Bottle Feeding

Before you get started bottle feeding your baby, it’s important to make sure you have the right supplies. While you might be tempted to skimp on supplies, doing so could lead to a less-than-optimal bottle feeding experience. Here are the essential supplies you should have on hand.

• Bottles: You’ll need bottles to feed your baby. Make sure you pick ones that are made of BPA-free plastic and have a wide neck for easy filling.
• Nipples: You’ll need nipples that are the right size and shape for your baby’s mouth. Make sure the nipple has a slow flow so your baby doesn’t choke or get overwhelmed.
• Formula: You’ll need to buy formula that’s appropriate for your baby’s age and health needs. For example, Holle Goat Stage 1 formula is a healthy option for your baby. If you’re unsure which formula to buy, consult your pediatrician.
• Bottle Warmer: If you plan to warm your baby’s bottle, you’ll need a bottle warmer. This can help ensure that your baby’s formula is the right temperature.
• Bottle Brush: To keep your bottles and nipples clean, you’ll need a bottle brush that is specifically designed for cleaning bottles and nipples.
• Burp Cloths: You’ll need burp cloths to help protect your clothing and furniture from spit-up and leaks.
• Bibs: You’ll need bibs to protect your baby’s clothing from formula and spills.

These are the essential supplies you need to get started bottle-feeding your baby. Now that you have the supplies you need, let’s move on to the next step: preparing the formula.

Preparing Formula: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing your baby’s formula is a crucial step in the bottle-feeding process. To ensure that your baby gets the nutrition they need, it’s important to follow the instructions on the formula canister. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the formula:

• First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Next, read the instructions on the formula canister. Make sure you understand how much water and how much formula you need to use for each feeding.
• Measure out the appropriate amount of water and pour it into the bottle.
• Measure out the appropriate amount of formula and add it to the bottle.
• Put the lid on the bottle and shake it until the formula is completely mixed with the water.
• Test the temperature of the formula by squirting some onto the inside of your wrist. It should feel just slightly warm – not hot.
• If the formula is too hot, let it cool down before giving it to your baby.
• If the formula is too cold, you can warm it up by placing it in a bowl of hot water or using a bottle warmer.

Now that you’ve prepared the formula, it’s time to feed your baby.

Holding Your Baby for Bottle Feeding

Now that you’ve prepared the formula, it’s time to feed your baby. To make the bottle-feeding process easier and more comfortable for both you and your baby, it’s important to get into a comfortable position. Here are a few tips for holding your baby during bottle feeding:

• Make sure you’re comfortable. If you’re not comfortable, it can be hard to focus on feeding your baby. Find a comfortable chair or sofa and sit up straight.
• Support your baby’s head and neck. Make sure your baby’s head and neck are supported at all times. Place one hand behind their neck and one hand under their bottom.
• Keep your baby close. Make sure your baby is close to you and can see your face. This will help them stay calm and focused on the bottle.
• Make eye contact. Making eye contact with your baby will help create a strong bond and make the feeding experience more enjoyable for both of you.
• Offer the bottle at an angle. Make sure the nipple is angled slightly downward so that the formula flows more easily into your baby’s mouth.

Now that you know how to hold your baby for bottle feeding, let’s discuss some important safety tips.

Important Safety Tips

Bottle feeding can be a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby if you practice proper safety precautions. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always make sure the formula is the right temperature. Test the formula on the inside of your wrist before giving it to your baby.
• Never heat formula in the microwave. This can cause hot spots in the formula, which can burn your baby’s mouth.
• Make sure the nipple isn’t cracked or damaged. If it is, discard it and get a new one.
• Never use a bottle that has been dropped or stepped on.
• Discard any formula that has been at room temperature for longer than two hours.
• Never leave your baby unattended while bottle feeding.

Following these safety tips will help ensure that bottle feeding is a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Now let’s discuss how to transition from breast to bottle.

Tips for Transitioning from Breast to Bottle

If you’re transitioning from breast to bottle, it’s important to take your time. Going too quickly can be overwhelming for your baby and could lead to a negative experience. Here are a few tips for transitioning from breast to bottle:

• Start slow. Introduce the bottle gradually and give your baby time to get used to it.
• Offer the bottle in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Try to recreate the experience of breastfeeding as much as possible.
• Hold your baby in the same way you would while breastfeeding. This will help your baby feel secure and comfortable.
• Choose the right nipple. Make sure the nipple is the right size and shape for your baby’s mouth.
• Be patient. It may take some time for your baby to get used to the bottle. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries.
• Don’t give up. If your baby refuses the bottle, keep trying. Eventually, they will get used to it.

By following these tips, you can make the transition from breast to bottle easier and less stressful for both you and your baby. Now let’s discuss feeding on the go.

Feeding on the Go: Tips and Tricks

If you’re headed out for the day, you may be wondering how to feed your baby while you’re on the go. Here are a few tips and tricks for bottle feeding on the go:

• Have all the supplies you need. Make sure you have all the supplies you need, including bottles, nipples, formula, and burp cloths.
• Be prepared. Have a plan for where and when you’ll be feeding your baby.
• Find a comfortable spot. If you’re out and about, try to find a comfortable spot where you can feed your baby. A park bench or a quiet corner in a cafe can work.
• Have a change of clothes. Accidents happen, so make sure you have a change of clothes for both you and your baby.
• Pack extra supplies. Bring more formula, bottles, and nipples than you think you’ll need. This will help you be prepared for unexpected situations.

Following these tips will help make bottle feeding on the go easier and less stressful for both you and your baby. Now let’s discuss how to make sure your baby is getting enough nutrition.

How to Tell If Your Baby is Getting Enough Nutrition

It’s important to make sure your baby is getting enough nutrition when bottle feeding. Here are a few ways to check if your baby is getting enough nutrition:

• Check your baby’s weight. Make sure your baby is gaining weight steadily. This is an indication that they’re getting enough nutrition.
• Monitor how much your baby is eating. Make sure your baby is finishing their bottle and not leaving too much formula behind.
• Check for signs of dehydration. If your baby’s skin appears dry or their diaper is dry for more than three hours, this could be a sign of dehydration.
• Look for signs of fullness. If your baby is turning away from the bottle or not finishing their feedings, this could be a sign that they’re full.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your baby is getting the nutrition they need.

Conclusion

Bottle feeding can be a great way to give your baby the nutrition they need and create a strong bond with them. To make sure the process goes smoothly, it’s important to have the right supplies and to follow the instructions on the formula canister. It’s also important to practice proper safety precautions and to transition from breast to bottle slowly and patiently.

Lastly, it’s important to make sure your baby is getting enough nutrition by monitoring their weight, how much they’re eating, and looking for signs of dehydration and fullness. We hope this guide has been helpful and has given you the confidence to start bottle-feeding your baby!

AUTHOR’S BIO:

Tracie Johnson is a New Jersey native and an alum of Penn State University. She is passionate about writing, reading, and living a healthy lifestyle. She feels happiest when around friends and family. Tracie recommends Organicfomulashop.com if you are looking for Holle goat milk formula.

The post The Essential Guide to Bottle Feeding Your Baby first appeared on You Must Get Healthy.

The post The Essential Guide to Bottle Feeding Your Baby appeared first on You Must Get Healthy.

Drowning Prevention Tips for Parents

Tip 1. It would help if you walked instead of running. Whenever you’re near a swimming pool, never run. It is possible to sustain severe injuries if you slip and fall on wet concrete.

Tip 2. Listen to the instructions and follow the rules of the pool. In public pools, there may be different rules regarding conduct and play, including what is allowed in the pool and how to dress. Observe the rules of the pool at all times.

Tip 3. The shallow end of the pool should not be dived into. Never dive into an above-ground pool, and only dive in designated areas. Injuries sustained while diving can affect you for the rest of your life.

Tip 4. Roughhousing is not allowed. Especially with young children, the rough play in the pool can lead to drowning accidents. Swimming pool rules prohibit jumping on one another or holding each other underwater.

Tip 5. Drains and covers shouldn’t be played with. A pool drain or cover can pose a safety risk even when properly installed. Drains and suctions should never be played near. Children too small to escape are at risk of entrapment when they become stuck to drains or suctions. Maintain the gutters and covers of your pool regularly if you are a pool owner.

Tip 6. Swimming alone should never be attempted. Even accomplished swimmers should always swim together and be supervised in a pool. Individuals alone or unsupervised are much more likely to suffer a drowning accident.

Tip 7. It’s essential to protect yourself from the sun. When swimming outdoors, always wear sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing. Children should especially pay attention to this.

Tip 8. When storms threaten, stay inside and out of the pool. Even with blue skies and no rain, lightning can strike suddenly. After the last lightning or thunder has been sighted or heard, take cover and stay out of the water for at least 30 minutes.

Tip 9. Prepare yourself for emergencies. Parents and caregivers should know CPR and first aid. Make sure you have a phone with you at all times. Children should immediately notify an adult when someone has difficulty in the water.

How to Keep Your Pool Safe

Here are some tips regarding the pool itself. 

Tip 10. Safety equipment should be used properly. Using pool safety equipment as a toy is not a good idea. Provide proper maintenance and access to all equipment whenever necessary.

Tip 11. Install a self-locking fence around your backyard pool. To prevent accidental drownings in backyard pools, the CDC recommends barriers to access. The fences must be at least four feet tall to enclose the pool area completely. Other safety measures you can consider include doors that alarm when opened and pool alarms.

Tip 12. If you do not intend to use the pool, keep it covered. Cover your pool whenever you are not using it (preferably with a motorized cover), even during the swimming season.

Remove ladders and steps from an above-ground pool when not in use. Cover the entire pool’s surface securely with the cover. It may trap a child if it gets under it.

Pool vigilance from the beginning stages of the pool plans to the rules and the pool environment are all vital. They could save your children’s life. Please beware of the common mistakes to avoid when building a pool and the essential rules we discussed today. Stay safe, and enjoy the water! 

The post Safety First! 12 Must-Know Pool Safety Tips for Parents first appeared on You Must Get Healthy.

The post Safety First! 12 Must-Know Pool Safety Tips for Parents appeared first on You Must Get Healthy.

Here are a few dental hygiene practices that you should teach your kids.

1. Teach them How to Brush Their Teeth Properly

The first step in teaching good dental hygiene is ensuring your kids brush their teeth properly. This will include showing them how to brush their teeth twice a day. Teach your children how to use gentle up-down motions to ensure they touch their gum line.

They mustn’t use too much pressure to avoid damaging the gums. You should also teach them to brush their tongues, spit out the toothpaste, and use clean water to rinse their mouth after they are done. They should do this twice per day.

2. Teach Them How to Floss Their Teeth

Flossing is one of the most effective ways to keep your teeth healthy for the rest of your life. It keeps your gums in good shape and helps prevent cavities. Flossing also helps to remove plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush can’t reach.

Teach your kids how to floss the right way by first demonstrating it yourself. Show them how to wrap the floss around each tooth and then pull it out gently. You should do this once per day as well. If you don’t floss regularly, you are highly susceptible to developing tooth decay.

3. Encouraging Healthy Eating

The foods eaten by your child significantly impact their oral health. So, it’s crucial to teach them that foods that contain too much sugar or acid can adversely affect their dental health in the long run.

Sugary food often caries bacteria and leads to plaque formation, which hardens into tartar in the mouth.

Further, acidic foods might leave acidic residue on your child’s teeth leading to tooth enamel erosion. The acid erodes the hard substance of a tooth, making it lose its surface or become soft, thus being susceptible to dental erosion.

Some of these sugary foods include candies, sodas, pastries, and other sweets. Whenever you can, replace them with healthier alternatives such as fruits and protein bars. If you love giving treats to your children once in a while, please do it in moderation!

4. Visiting a Dentist Frequently

Your kids must get accustomed to visiting the dentist early in their lives. Taking your child to a dentist helps to detect problems early.

Making sure to take children to a pediatric dentist will minimize their chances of having tooth decay or cavities. Visit the dentist at least every six months. It will help your kids to overcome dental anxiety at an early age.

If you’re uncomfortable taking your kids to the dentist, make an appointment with your orthodontist.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you start taking your children to the dentist at age one. This will ensure your child has the correct oral development. This early dental health check also lets you properly address any problems.

5. Changing their Toothbrush Regularly

A toothbrush often becomes ineffective at cleaning your teeth as it gets old. As such, it’s important to change it regularly to maintain the effectiveness of cleaning your child’s teeth.

Your child’s current toothbrush might also have accumulated some plaque and other nasty stuff in the bristles. So it’s important to change the brush every 3 months at least to make sure they don’t spread any bacteria.

To help your kids know when to replace their toothbrushes, consider keeping them in a special holder, so it’s easy to find them. You can also put stickers on their toothbrushes that indicate when they are due for a new one.

Overall, giving your kids the gift of good dental hygiene is one of the most effective ways to give them a healthy start in life. By doing so, you can teach them how to maintain good dental health and prevent problems in the future.

Some of the best practices you can teach them to include how to brush and floss their teeth, consuming healthy foods, regularly visiting the dentist, and changing their toothbrushes.

Investing your time focusing on your child’s dental health will go a long way in helping them have healthy teeth, resulting in a great smile.

Author’s Bio:

McKenzie Jones is your typical Midwestern gal. When she is not writing or reading, she can be found training for her next half-marathon, baking something sweet, playing her guitar, or cuddling up with her golden retriever, Cooper. She loves watching football, the fall weather, and long road trips. The foods eaten by your child significantly impact their oral health. So, it’s crucial to teach them that foods that contain too much sugar or acid can adversely affect their dental health in the long run.

The post 5 Dental Hygiene Practices To Teach Your Kids first appeared on You Must Get Healthy.

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This can be a challenge for you as a parent, but if you’re willing to work with them at their pace, you might be surprised at how much they grow emotionally from the time you welcome them to the time they leave your home. Let’s take a look at how you can raise emotionally healthy foster children.

Start with the Right Agency

The first thing you have to do is make sure that you pick an agency that will respect your wishes and assign children you’ll be equipped to deal with.

A good agency will respect where you are as a foster parent and only give you cases you can handle.

They will also make sure to provide the right level of financial support for any of the child’s needs. If you’re looking for a good agency and would like to learn more about the financial details, you can check out thefca.co.uk.

Allow them to Fully Integrate into the Family

You have to give foster children the same level of attention and caring as any of your other children. You should also encourage your biological children to treat foster children like their siblings as much as they can.

This can be done by allowing them to socialise and play alone after the child has started getting acquainted with the family.

Going to a family event early where the children will be able to socialise with each other and other kids could also allow them to form bonds.

Deal with Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is something a lot of foster children deal with, and you have to be equipped to help them cope. The first thing you have to do is let them know that you’re not responsible for them being separated from their parents. You also have to acknowledge their feelings and understand that they might have conflicting emotions.

If the child has any questions, try to answer them as clearly and truthfully as possible. Also, make sure to never say anything negative about their biological parents and let them know well in advance when or if they’re going to get visits.

It is very important to have set routines and let the foster children know what the rules of the house are as soon as possible. Children, especially foster children, are reassured by structure even if they might complain about certain rules.

Also, show the child that you are there for them through your actions, not words. This means taking time out of your schedule for planning activities with them like playing sports, going on one-on-one trips, or playing games at home.

Raising foster children is a great thing to do, and if you do it right, the children you help will remember you their whole lives for it. So, try to give them the best environment for them to grow emotionally and become better at expressing themselves.

The post 3 Tips for Raising Emotionally Healthy Foster Children first appeared on You Must Get Healthy.

The post 3 Tips for Raising Emotionally Healthy Foster Children appeared first on You Must Get Healthy.

According to a report from Childwise, children aged between five and sixteen spend an average of six-and-a-half hours a day in front of screens. This is a startling figure that explains why children are spending less time being active. To have a healthy development and maintain a healthy weight, children should engage in 60 minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity every day. Today, most children aren’t spending enough time being active. Below are some ideas of how you can encourage them to change this.

Be a role model

Perhaps the simplest way of encouraging a child to be more active is by changing your own behavior. Children are strongly influenced by the adults and older children in their households. By being more active, you can demonstrate to them the benefits of exercise whilst enthusing them to join in. 

Organizing activities as a family is a particularly effective approach. This could be an accessible activity like playing basketball at a local court or something more adventurous like hiring some paddle boards or kayaks for an afternoon. The important thing is to make sure you devote time to group activities. They can be great for improving fitness in the family and present an opportunity to bond with one another. There are many other outdoor exercises you can do together as a family.

Choose an activity that is developmentally appropriate

One of the main purposes of encouraging children to be more active is to help their physical and mental development. Children should see physical activity positively, so it’s important that you encourage them to partake in activities that aren’t too difficult for them. 

To work out if an activity is appropriate for them, it may be helpful to ask their teacher to speak to other parents with children of a similar age. For any new activity, ease your child into it or, if it’s a technical exercise, teach them how to do it safely. 

For example, before you go for a bike ride with your child, be certain that they are confident on the bike, especially if it’s in a public space. If they are a younger child, it would be best to keep the route short and avoid any hills or difficult terrain.

Organize a kids’ charity run

A great way to encourage children to be more active is to host a charity event. A good example of this would be a kids’ charity run. In planning for your event, it is important that you consider the route. It should be a length that is appropriate for the age group and has a few corners and hazards as possible. 

A good, enthusiastic group of volunteers will help the event go as planned. It is likely that the parents of the children would be happy to help out. The volunteers can help you set out the course and should be positioned along it during the event. Charity runs ought to be fun, so make sure that you bring a lot of energy on the day and encourage the spectators to cheer the children on.

Utilize phone apps that promote exercise

There are lots of phone apps available that are made to help you exercise. These can be great ways of making physical activity fun for children. For example, you can encourage them to use simple ones like a daily step counter. These are great for activities such as walking or biking. 

Alternatively, some apps are more in-depth and plan out exercise programs that the children can follow. While these are generally paid for, they can be great for helping your child get used to a new routine and are certainly worth it.

Buy gifts that promote physical activities

The majority of children enjoy physical activity, and there are simple ways to encourage them to do it more. Giving children sports clothing and equipment can increase their confidence and enable them to learn new activities. 

Buying your child a physical gift, such as a new football or a tennis racket, can give them the encouragement they need to get going. Active toys are particularly good for younger children as these allow them to incorporate physical activity into their playtime.

Do not overdo activities

Understanding your child’s limits, both physically and mentally, is important to make sure that exercise is a positive experience for them. While adults often enjoy longer and more intense activities, children are more likely to grow tired and lose interest pretty quickly. To keep a child focused on the activity, ensure that it is within their ability.

It can be hard to get children to spend less time watching screens, but by trying and persisting with these ideas, you should see an improvement in your child’s motivation for physical activity.

The post How to Encourage Kids to Be More Active first appeared on You Must Get Healthy.

The post How to Encourage Kids to Be More Active appeared first on You Must Get Healthy.

Part of that journey is learning how to bathe your newborn. And for that, you need all the help you can get. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will discuss bathing a newborn like an expert. After reading this guide, no one will know you’ve never bathed a newborn before.

Newborn Hygiene 101

As a rule of thumb, you must wait at least 24 hours after birth before giving your newborn their first bath. You may even extend that period to 48 hours.

There are a couple of reasons for that. The first is the risk of hypothermia. After living in your warm, cozy womb for nine months, the outside world might feel cold to your newborn. So, give them ample time to properly regulate their body temperature.

The second reason relates to the coat of vernix on your baby’s skin. While it might not look particularly pleasing, it has practical benefits to a newborn. It protects their delicate skin from dry air. It also has antibacterial properties.

If possible, do not try to wash off the vernix. The ideal scenario is to let it shed naturally. That means you must start with gentle sponge baths in the first couple of weeks. A bath would be perfect only after the vernix and umbilical cord stump have fallen off.

For sponge baths, you will need the following:

• Bucket or bowl of water
• Gentle baby wash
• Soft washcloth
• Dry towel

While sponge-bathing your newborn, hold the baby in a warm towel. Only expose the parts you need to wipe. This way, you don’t risk them feeling cold. 

Also, be mindful of hard-to-see areas, including the underarm, the genital area, behind the ears, and between the little rolls of flesh on the baby’s legs and neck.

Lastly, be gentle.

How to Bathe a Newborn 

Your newborn does not need daily baths. Three baths a week will suffice. Anything more than that can dry out your baby’s skin, which is prone to irritation.

Instead of baths, follow a basic daily hygiene routine. That should include thorough cleaning of your baby’s bottom before changing diapers.

On no-bath days, you may freshen up your baby using micellar water. Zero in on important areas such as the face, hands, neck, feet, armpits, and the back of the baby’s knees. Those need more attention compared to the tummy, arms, and legs.

Here’s what you need to do on bath days.

1. Gather supplies

Once you start bathing your newborn, you want everything to be ready. Avoid leaving your newborn unattended because you found out you had missed a tool in your baby-bathing arsenal. Make sure you have the following items exactly where you need them.

• A baby bathtub
• An ultra-soft washcloth
• A soft towel
• Gentle shampoo
• Gentle cleansing gel
• A clean diaper
• A set of clothes

2. Fill the baby bathtub with water

Don’t overdo it. A maximum of three inches of water will do. As for temperature, keep it between 90° F and 100° F or as close to the normal human body temperature, which is 98.6°. To be sure, use a thermometer.

3. Gently place your newborn in the bath

With one hand, support the back of your baby’s head. With your other hand, cradle their bottom. Let their toes dip into the water first to ease them into the process. Pay close attention to how they respond to the water. If they look uncomfortable, get the whole thing done quickly.

4. Lather and rinse carefully

You can use either a washcloth or your hand to lather and rinse your newborn. If you opt for the latter, make sure you’re not wearing any jewelry.

Start with the head and the face, while the tub water’s not yet too soapy. Once those parts are out of the way, move on to the baby’s torso and extremities.

5. Pat your baby dry

Don’t rub. Once your baby is dry, dress them in something warm and comfy. At this point, watch out for signs of skin irritation.

Wrapping Up

Motherhood requires the utmost care. That’s most true for new moms dealing with fragile babies. But that does not mean you need to lose sleep over the details of child-rearing. Breathe in, breathe out, and believe you can do an excellent job. Focus on the task at hand.

For instance, when it comes to bathing your newborn, once you have everything you need and you know what you must do, there’s not much else to worry about.

Also, remember that it’s not just your baby that requires taking care of. You, too, need postpartum care. That’s not something you can neglect. Raising a healthy baby entails a healthy mom. So make sure you’re sufficiently looked after yourself.

The post What You Need and What to Do When Bathing a Newborn first appeared on You Must Get Healthy.

The post What You Need and What to Do When Bathing a Newborn appeared first on You Must Get Healthy.