Turkey, football and the Macy’s Day Parade may be Thanksgiving go-tos, but the holiday can have so much more depth when you incorporate some truly unique family Thanksgiving traditions that will stick with people for years to come. 
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“Thanksgiving should be made up of rituals and customs we all remember forever,” says Jordan Stringfellow, owner of Jordi & CO Events, a Los Angeles-based event planning company that also specializes in seasonal decor and holiday table settings. "Passing on family traditions to our children and sharing them with a table full of blended friends and family is one of the most satisfying things a parent can do.”

Looking to add fun Thanksgiving traditions to your family’s holiday repertoire? Here are 10 meaningful and creative ideas the whole family will cherish.

1.Pass Around a Journal -“Simply pass a blank journal around the Thanksgiving table, asking all the guests to write at least one thing that they are thankful for. For kids too young to write, have an adult transcribe. Over the years, fill the book with comments and enjoy reading them aloud at Thanksgiving celebrations to come. It is truly wonderful to read how gratitude reflections change over time.”

2. Volunteer- One of the best Thanksgiving traditions for families? Volunteering together! Thanksgiving is a great time to give back to your community and help those in need — and it’s one of the richest customs you can incorporate into your family’s holiday. 

​3.Kick off the Holiday Season- These days, the December holiday season kicks off the second the last bite of pumpkin pie is eaten. Don’t try to fight it. Embrace it. Watch Christmas movies, wear Christmas pajamas.... 

4. Make room at the table- “Extend an invitation to an elderly neighbor whose family can’t visit or a coworker who’s far from home — and if they opt to stay home, take them a plate.”  If doing the latter, though, Stringfellow advises towing a sensitivity line. “It’s important to be sensitive to the recipient,” Stringfellow says. “You don’t want to insult them or make them feel like they’re the object of charity. Sometimes this is best done by simply leaving the gift at the door and ringing the bell.”

5. Personalize the table- Have the kids put their beloved art skills to good use. “Making homemade place cards is something everyone can enjoy — and it makes the table that much more special,”


6. Have a special breakfast-While, yes, dinner is the meal on Thanksgiving, why not have a special breakfast, too? 

7. Go for a morning family walk-it’s just a nice way to connect to nature and to each other. It’s the perfect beginning to a busy — and often stressful! — day. 

8. Give kids an important job to do each year-Serving dessert? Making coffee? Setting the table? Help kids feel like an important part of the festivities by giving them “their” job each year. 

9. Have a table toast- Let’s not forget what the most important part of Thanksgiving is: being thankful. If passing around a journal feels a little too formal for your family, have a roundtable toast.  “Asking each guest to raise their glass — even if it’s a sippy cup full of milk — and make a toast about what they’re thankful for is a great way to start Thanksgiving dinner,” says Stringfellow. “Also, while it’s touching, don’t be surprised if elicits big time laughs!”



10. Play a thankful game

For parents of sensitive or anxious kids, during this season of fright, here are some ways to ratchet down the scary and still keep Halloween comfortable and fun.

1. Know your child: If your child is sensitive, chances are your child is prone to fear reactions that you might not be able to predict. Also, sensitivity typically goes hand-in-hand with anxiety in children, and this means sensitive kids are sensitive to all emotions, and especially fear. With Halloween being a holiday that at its most basic level celebrates death, and our deepest fears about it, it will help to orient your young child to what it’s all about, and that it is pretend.
2. Choose happy, emotionally neutral costumes over scary ones. Sensitive kids will enjoy dressing up in costumes they understand and can relate to. Make the costume deciding fun by letting your child take the lead on it and participate in the buying or making of the costume.
3. Have your child’s costume ready in advance of Halloween so he or she can practice playing with it and becoming familiar with dressing up. The more comfortable they are in their costume, the more comfortable they will be experiencing others.
4. Avoid masks, as these can be the most disorienting to young and sensitive children who rely heavily on nonverbal facial cues to regulate themselves emotionally. So scary to young children are masks that some primary schools forbid them from school-sponsored events.
5. Prioritize sleep. Make sure your child gets to bed on time for the couple of nights before Halloween so that he is well-rested. Rest helps everything go better, especially when it comes to processing new information, managing emotions, and decreasing anxiety.
6. Trick or treat in daylight so your child is not over stimulated by the darkness. When darkness falls, let your child continue to participate by handing out candy to neighboring children from the safety of your familiar and well-lit home.
7. Avoidance is risky: If your sensitive child doesn’t want to dress up or participate in Halloween, understand that avoidance can strengthen rather than diminish their fears over time. Phobias are in large part reinforced through avoidance. Talk this through with your child and work towards a creative compromise that allows them to feel in control but also participate. Children who choose to avoid the activity can feel left out, more afraid of the activity and thus even more sensitive.
8. Watch your child’s reactions carefully, and do not dismiss frightened tears as silly or irrational. Remember, children do not make up their feelings, and they need our help to sort through their powerful emotions. If your child suddenly becomes scared of something, stop what you’re doing, get down on his or her level, and listen to what is scaring them. Make sure to reflect back how you understand their fears, before explaining why they don’t have to be afraid. There is a difference between telling a child not to be afraid, and explaining why they don’t need to be afraid.

Sensitive children feel things at a higher volume than others, and often need our help understanding and processing their environment. Imaginary ghosts, pretend spiders, and scary masks can all our part of this iconic holiday’s purpose of facing down our fears through play. At its best, kids learn that they can tolerate and even find fun in being scared, while at the same time knowing they are safe. This can be an important part of finding confidence amidst anxiety, and teaching kids that they can handle situations that are unfamiliar, surprising, and even disorienting. Especially for our sensitive and anxious children.For parents of sensitive or anxious kids, during this season of fright, here are some ways to ratchet down the scary and still keep Halloween comfortable and fun.

Author: Alicia H Clark, PsyD, Clark Psychology Group PLLC
Source: https://aliciaclarkpsyd.com/8-ways-to-dial-down-halloween-anxiety-for-kids/
​

Autumn has arrived, and  soon we will see cooler temperatures and changing leaves along with it. It’s the perfect time to be outside and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.   And don't forget to check our complete activities calendar of fun events being held all across our region. It is updated on a regular basis so check back often. 
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In the meantime, her are some  budget-friendly Fall activities
1. Go on a nature hike. Make a game out of your family nature hike by making a bingo sheet. Include things like acorns, orange leaves and fuzzy squirrels. Whoever gets bingo first wins!
2. Have a picnic. The weather is perfect. Why not enjoy it with a nice picnic lunch at a local park? You can make it even better if you pack a couple of autumn treats, like apple cider!
3. Go pick pumpkins. It’s that time of year. Prepare your heart and head out to the pumpkin patch. Just make sure you budget for all the cute gourds you want to bring home with you!
4. Visit an apple orchard. This is an autumn classic. If you live near an apple orchard, make a day of it. Some places sell you bushels of apples, while others even let you pick your own.
5. Carve jack-o’-lanterns. Once you’ve visited the pumpkin patch, make a family date of picking out patterns and (carefully) carving them onto your pumpkins. Don’t forget to budget for the candles!
6. Check out local festivals. You can find local festivals just about anywhere at this time of year! Check out what events are happening in your city and prepare for a day of fall fun!
7. Visit a corn maze. Another must-have bucket list item, visiting a corn maze is one of the best parts of fall. If you’re a competitive family, time each other to see who can make it out the fastest!
8. Go to a football game. It’s that time of year. Slip on your boots, throw on a scarf, and head out to a local football game. Whether you go to a high school, college or professional game, you’re bound to have a blast.
9. Make apple cobbler. Nothing says fall like the smell of fresh apple cobbler in the oven. It’ll smell even better if you use the apples you bought (or picked) from your trip to the apple orchard.
10. Make popcorn on the stove. Sure, you can make popcorn on the stove no matter what month it is. But there’s something extra special about this cozy tradition in the fall. And it tastes good, too!
11. Roast pumpkin seeds. Make the most of your pumpkins by scooping out the seeds when you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns. Toss them in the oven with a drizzle of oil and salt, and you’ll have a delicious snack!
12. Visit a haunted house. If you’re into spooky Halloween traditions, this should be at the top of your list. Just make sure you know what to expect before taking the kiddos with you!
13. Roast marshmallows. There’s just something about this time of year that makes roasting marshmallows an absolute must. Bonus points if you make s’mores.
14. Drink hot chocolate. Autumn isn’t complete unless you enjoy a few mugs of hot chocolate on crisp fall nights. Or, if you aren’t a fan of chocolate, swap it out for a hearty cup of spiced apple cider. Yum!
15. Go for a Sunday drive. Leisurely Sunday drives are always in style, but they’re even better in the fall. Grab a blanket for the drive and hit the road to admire all the leaves changing colors.


Make the most of your time together... you'll be so glad you did!

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How Every Family Can Start the School Year Off Right: Here they are–successful new-school-year survival tips, in no particular order, so that we all start the school year off in the best way (humanly) possible:

1. Make early and frequent contact with your child’s teacher. Don’t be afraid to send an email if you have a question or concern, or just send a note to say ‘hi’ and introduce yourself. Ask how you can support classroom learning at home, and ask how you can help the teacher–by classroom volunteering or doing what you can at home.
Have your child write a Hello Teacher Note before school starts or even during the first week or month of school so that she feels a special connection with her teacher. It helps!

2. Know your child’s friends. Plan a weekend play date, even if it’s only for an hour or two, and don’t let the kids hide away downstairs or up in your kiddo’s room. Make a snack together, play a game together, or pull out a craft to do together.
Get to know these little friends now, and listen to how everyone interacts. If necessary, jump in if you don’t like what you’re hearing and talk about how kind friends speak to each other, how to share. or how to take turns. Ignoring behavior we’re not comfortable with is just like saying it’s okay.
3. Eat at least two dinners together each week. It’s hard. Verrrry hard, I know, with soccer practices, lessons, and late work days. But sitting down to dinner as a family has been proven to lead to healthier kids, happier families, and stronger family relationships.
It’s a great time to talk about the day, make sure your kids are chewing with their mouths closed (really!), and to actually sit down and look at your cute kids before they run off and turn into 20-year-olds tomorrow night. And the meal? Doesn’t have to be fancy. Just has to be something on the table that you eat together.

 4.Make a home for everything. When your kiddo walks in the door, shoes make a beeline for the shoe shelf, lunchbox gets emptied then heads to his landing pad on the counter, backpack drops in the box. No questions asked.
Then when you get a second, unload the take-home folder and recycle (yes–recycle immediately!) the papers you know you won’t need, hang up one ‘super-star’ assignment on the fridge, file the important papers in your file folder, and put the night’s homework on the table where your child does homework. Done. Check. Move onto the next thing.

5.Create a structured time and place for homework. For some, it works to get homework completed immediately after walking in the door and finishing snack; for others, homework’s best saved for after dinner. It doesn’t matter when you choose–just make a choice and stick with it. Everyone fares better with routine, so start one for homework asap.
6.Become a familiar face at school. If you walk to school, introduce yourself to the administrators (and don’t be afraid!) while they’re out on bus duty and say hello each time you see him or her. Say hello to the secretaries and be extra nice to them because their job is not easy, either. Don’t expect these busy people to remember your name right away, but use their names when addressing them if you can.
If you are able, join the PTA or PTO, but don’t sweat it if you can’t–you can still help in other ways. Consider asking the PTO President or School Director how you can help–from home. I’m sure she’ll come up with something.

7.Ask your child questions and listen to the answers.
Yes:Hi, Honey, so happy to see you! What did you do in P.E. today? OR What book did you read in Reading Group? OR What was your favorite part of your lunch? OR Did you like about the assembly today?
No:Hi, Honey! Did you have a good day?
Shoot for specific, open-ended questions and go with whatever he wants to talk about. Close-ended questions (that result in a yes or no answer) stop conversation before it begins. And rapid-fire questions about what you want to know but what he’s not ready to share are enough to make a kid want to turn around and run back to the bus for safety.
So make sure you breathe–and let your child breathe, too. And what isn’t covered on the walk home can be covered during dinner or at bedtime.

8. Get your kids involved in at least one extra-curricular activity. Even if it’s one little thing that gives them a chance to interact with other kids and burn some steam, it counts.
Whether it’s a community sport, a craft club, a scouting group, or a youth group, it doesn’t matter. Kiddos need some little something to call their own when they’re young. And even if an extra-curricular is not in the budget, make it a goal to attend a free event at the library, church, or in the community several times a month.
9. Meet parents. Respond to the Room Parent’s plea for help, and remember her name when you see her at Back-to-School night or at the class party. Get to know the moms, dads, grandparents, and sitters who walk their kids to school or the bus stop. Ask parents–especially the seasoned ones–questions, and learn a little from them if you can. Learn which kids belong to which parents. Exchange contact information so that you can text someone to give you a hand if you’re running late one afternoon, or meet up at the playground after school.


10. Be thankful. Be supportive. Be grateful. Teachers’ jobs are seriously more difficult than most people can imagine. The amount of work that they do–during the week and on the weekends–to prepare lessons, ready their classroom, research best practices, work with specialists, grade schoolwork, respond to parents, attend meetings, and (for many) continue their own education–is insane.
So we need to be thankful for their hard work–today and every day–not just Teacher Appreciation Week or at the end of the year. Sign your emails with a sincere, ‘thank you for all you do‘ and mean it. Ask what you can do to support them, and follow through.
Say ‘thanks’ to the administration, the para-educators, the specialists, the custodians, and the lunchroom workers because they’re all working towards creating a safe environment for your child to meet with success and have the best year possible. So why wouldn’t you want to be thankful for, supportive of, and grateful for this school community?

Excerpts from: teachmama.com 

Author: Janelle Cox

Back to school time is always a big transition, not only for children but for parents.

While children are filled with excitement and first-day jitters, parents are filled with thoughts of “Am I prepared enough?” To help eliminate these thoughts, and help you and your child prepare for the new school year, all you need is a little organization and forethought. Here are 10 back to school tips to kick-start the new year and get you prepared for a fresh start.


1. Get back into your sleep routine. To help eradicate those stressful school mornings, set up a regular bedtime and morning time routine to help prepare your child for school. Begin your usual school sleep routine about a week or so before school starts.

2. Shop for school supplies together. To get your child excited about starting a new grade, shop for supplies together. Allow them to pick out their own backpack, lunchbox, etc. This is a great way to give them a little bit of responsibility too!

3. Re-establish school routines. Have your child practice getting back into the rhythm of their daily school routine. You can do this by having them wake up at the same time every day, and eat around the same time they would at school. About a week or so before school starts, plan a few outside activities where your child will have to leave and come home around the same time they would if they were in school. This will help them be rested and ready for the big day.

4. Set up a homework station. Sit down with your child and together designate a time and place where he can do his homework each day. This can be somewhere quiet like in the den, or even in the kitchen while you are preparing dinner. Make sure to choose a time where you are available in case your child needs your help.

5. Prepare for the unexpected. Working parents know that it can be difficult to find a sitter when your child is sick. Before school even begins, it’s a good idea to have a sitter already lined up in case you get that phone call home from the nurse saying your child is ill.

6. Make an after-school game plan. Make a plan for where your child will go after school lets out for the day. Depending upon the age of your child, figure out if they will go to a neighbor’s house, an afterschool program, or be allowed to stay home by themselves. This will help eliminate any confusion during the first few weeks.

7. Turn off the TV and video games. For a lot of children summertime is filled with endless video games and TV programs. Children are usually in shock when they begin school and realize that six hours of their day is going to spent learning and not playing games and watching TV. Ease your child into the learning process by turning off the electrics and encouraging them to read or play quietly.

8. Review school material and information. For most parents, schools send home a packet with a ton of information regarding their child’s new teacher, important dates to remember, emergency forms, and transportation routines. Make sure that you read through this information carefully, and mark down all important dates on your calendar.

9. Get organized. The best way to prepare for back to school time is to be organized. With school comes a massive amount of paperwork which can consume your household. Designate a spot in your house for homework, permission slips, and any other school-related papers. This can help eliminate all of that paper clutter and make your life less stressful.

10. Get your child’s yearly checkup. School and germs go hand in hand, so it’s best to get your child’s yearly checkup before school even starts. Get any required vaccinations and ask your pediatrician the best ways your child can stay healthy throughout the school year.
​Through preparation and organization, you can ensure that your child will have a smooth transition to the start of the new school year. By doing so, you and your child can enjoy the rest of your summer break.

​Holidays like the Fourth of July and other celebrations can be fun times with great memories. But make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.
What Are the Dangers of Fireworks?If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.
Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first
​.
Fireworks Safety Tips

If fireworks are legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800°F (982°C) — hot enough to melt gold.
• Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.
• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
• Steer clear of others setting off fireworks. They can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
• Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even as a joke.
• Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear eye protection, and don't carry fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
• Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
• Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be very frightened or stressed by the Fourth of July and other big celebrations. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.

If an Injury HappensIf a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital.
If an eye injury happens:

• Don't let your child touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage.
• Don't flush the eye out with water or try to put any ointment on it.
• Cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and get medical care right away — your child's eyesight may depend on it.

If your child is burned:

• Remove clothing from the burned area.
• Call your doctor immediately.

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: May 2018​

​​Extreme heat can cause children to become sick in several ways. Make sure to protect your child from the heat as much as possible, watch for symptoms, and call your pediatrician if you see any develop.
Prevent the Effects of Extreme Heat:When weather conditions do not pose a safety or individual health risk, children can and should play outdoors. A heat index at or above 90°F, as identified by the National Weather Service, poses a significant health risk. However, there are several steps you can take to beat the heat and protect your child from heat-related illness:

• Find an air-conditioned space. If your home does not have air-conditioning, find a nearby building that does. Libraries can be a great place for a cool retreat from the heat. If you live in a place where the air-conditioning is unpredictable, plan in advance for a safe place for you and your family to go during times when the temperatures are high.
  
• Stay hydrated. Encourage your children to drink water regularly and have it readily available—even before they ask for it. On hot days, infants receiving breast milk in a bottle can be given additional breast milk in a bottle, but they should not be given water—especially in the first six months of life. Infants receiving formula can be given additional formula in a bottle. See Signs of Dehydration in Infants & Children.
  
• Dress lightly. Dress your children in clothing that is light-colored, lightweight, and limited to one layer of absorbent material that will maximize the evaporation of sweat. Kids have a lower capacity for sweating than adults.
  
• Plan for extra rest time. Heat can often make children (and their parents) feel tired.
  
• Cool off. When your child is feeling hot, give them a cool bath or water mist to cool down. Swimming is another great way to cool off while staying active.
  
• Prevent the effects of sun exposure. See Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn & Sunscreen.
  
• Ask about policies. Talk to your child's caregiver, camp, coach or child care provider about their policies for protecting your children throughout the day—especially during outdoor play or exercise. ​
  

​​​Hot Car Warning!Never leave children in a car or in another closed motor vehicle. The temperature inside the car can quickly become much higher than the outside temperature—a car can heat up abou​t 19 degrees in as little as 10 minutes and continue rising to temperatures that cause death. See Prevent Child Deaths in Hot Cars for more information.


​Potential Health Effects of Extreme Heat:Extreme heat can make children sick in many ways, including:

• Dehydration
  
• Heat exhaustion
  
• Heat cramps
  
• Heat stroke
  

When to Call Your Pediatrician:Call your pediatrician immediately if your child develops any of the following symptoms. Your pediatrician can advise you on the next best course of action and whether an immediate evaluation is needed.

• Feeling faint
  
• Extreme tiredness (e.g., unusually sleepy, drowsy, or hard to arouse)
  
• Headache
  
• Fever
  
• Intense thirst
  
• Not urinating for many hours 
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Breathing faster or deeper than normal
  
• Skin numbness or tingling
  
• Muscle aches
  
• Muscle spasms
  

Psychological Effects from the Heat:Don't forget about your child's mental health, as well. Children may become anxious or restless from being kept indoors. Plan ahead for entertainment with indoor activities and games, and limit the amount of screen time.
​Additional Information & Resources:

• Exercise-Related Heat Illness
  
• Summer Safety Tips: Sun and Water Safety
  
• Climatic Heat Stress and Exercising Children and Adolescents (AAP Policy Statement)
  
• Extreme Heat Media Toolkit (CDC)
  
• U.S. Drought Portal (National Integrated Drought Information System)
  
• NoHeatStroke.org
  
• SaferCar.gov/Heatstroke ​
  

Last Updated
 
6/27/2017
Source
 
American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2017)
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Do you need help starting a conversation about mental health? Try leading with these questions and make sure to actively listen to your friend or family member's response.

• I've been worried about you. Can we talk about what you are experiencing? If not, who are you comfortable talking to?
• What can I do to help you to talk about issues with your parents or someone else who is responsible and cares about you?
• What else can I help you with?
• I am someone who cares and wants to listen. What do you want me to know about how you are feeling?
• Who or what has helped you deal with similar issues in the past?
• Sometimes talking to someone who has dealt with a similar experience helps. Do you know of others who have experienced these types of problems who you can talk with?
• It seems like you are going through a difficult time. How can I help you to find help?
• How can I help you find more information about mental health problems?
• I'm concerned about your safety. Have you thought about harming yourself or others?

When talking about mental health problems:

• Know how to connect people to help
• Communicate in a straightforward manner
• Speak at a level appropriate to a person's age and development level (preschool children need fewer details as compared to teenagers)
• Discuss the topic when and where the person feels safe and comfortable
• Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if the person becomes confused or looks upset

Sometimes it is helpful to make a comparison to a physical illness. For example, many people get sick with a cold or the flu, but only a few get really sick with something serious like pneumonia. People who have a cold are usually able to do their normal activities. However, if they get pneumonia, they will have to take medicine and may have to go to the hospital.
Similarly, feelings of sadness, anxiety, worry, irritability, or sleep problems are common for most people. However, when these feelings get very intense, last for a long period of time, and begin to interfere with school, work, and relationships, it may be a sign of a mental health problem. And just like people need to take medicine and get professional help for physical conditions, someone with a mental health problem may need to take medicine and/or participate in therapy in order to get better.

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.... this is the first in a series of postings to educate and support families facing this important health issue.



You can help your friend or family member by recognizing the signs of mental health problems and connecting them to professional help.
Talking to friends and family about mental health problems can be an opportunity to provide information, support, and guidance. Learning about mental health issues can lead to:

• Improved recognition of early signs of mental health problems
• Earlier treatment
• Greater understanding and compassion

If a friend or family member is showing signs of a mental health problem or reaching out to you for help, offer support by:

• Finding out if the person is getting the care that he or she needs and wants—if not, connect him or her to help
• Expressing your concern and support
• Reminding your friend or family member that help is available and that mental health problems can be treated
• Asking questions, listening to ideas, and being responsive when the topic of mental health problems come up
• Reassuring your friend or family member that you care about him or her
• Offering to help your friend or family member with everyday tasks
• Including your friend or family member in your plans—continue to invite him or her without being overbearing, even if your friend or family member resists your invitations
• Educating other people so they understand the facts about mental health problems and do not discriminate
• Treating people with mental health problems with respect, compassion, and empathy

if you have a pool at home, you may wonder what the right age is for your kids to start swimming lessons so they can enjoy the water and be safe. The answer depends on how old your kids are and what you mean by swimming lessons.

When to Start
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for all children age 4 or older. They used to recommend that you not begin formal swimming lessons until kids are at least 4 years old, the age that children are thought to be "developmentally ready" for swim lessons. However, they are no longer opposed to aquatic programs and swimming lessons for toddlers and preschoolers between the ages of 1 to 4 years old. Keep in the mind that the AAP is not going out of its way to say children under age 4 should have lessons, but it is okay if parents want to enroll their kids in these programs.

Benefits of Early Swim Lessons Iinfant and toddler aquatic programs are very popular for both parents and kids. They are a good way to teach your kids to enjoy being in the water and teach kids and parents about how to be safe around the water. However, these types of programs may not decrease your child's risk of drowning and are not a substitute for adult supervision and safety in the water, although some small studies have found that "some drowning prevention skills can be learned" by these younger children.
Will starting swim lessons early help your child learn to swim faster? Probably not. An older study on children's readiness for learning front crawl swimming showed that whether kids started lessons at 2, 3 or 4 years of age, they learned to swim well at approximately the same mean age of 5 1/2 years.

Importance of Learning to Swim
The AAP notes that drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death in the pediatric age group and that drowning rates are the highest among children ages 1 through 2 years. Whether you start at 2 or 4 or 6 years, your child should eventually learn to swim.

Safety in the Pool
Keep safety in mind at all times. Remember that swim lessons do not drown-proof younger kids and that they should always be supervised in the water, whether or not they know how to swim. Even with floaties or a life vest, you should learn to practice "touch supervision," which the AAP describes as a caregiver being within an arm's reach or able to touch the swimmer at all times.

You should also take other precautions, including instructing babysitters on pool hazards and showing them how to use protective devices. When you have a social gathering around the pool, have the adults take turns being the dedicated watcher so you ensure there are eyes on the kids at all times. Whenever a child is suddenly missing, check the pool first. Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and ensure all family members do as well. Don't let your pool attract children when it isn't in use and remove toys from around it. Ensure the gate or pool barrier is never propped open.

AUTHOR:By Vincent Iannelli, MD  AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
www.verywellfamily.com