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Water Watch

Summer’s almost here and as the temperature rises, so does the urge to play in the water. Many toddlers love to swim and splash, but a child can drown in as little as an inch or two of water.2 You may want to consider enrolling yourself and your child in a water safety program at the YMCA or American Red Cross and, if your toddler is four years old or older, he may be ready for swimming lessons.3 No matter what, enforce these strict water rules to help keep everyone safe:

  • Never leave your child by himself in or near the water, even for a few seconds. Kids should always be supervised by an adult who knows CPR.
  • If your child is younger than five, practice “touch supervision,” which means keeping him within arm’s length at all times.
  • Take toys out of the water after using them so your toddler won’t be tempted to reach for them.
  • Everyone in the family should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices when in the ocean, lakes, rivers and when participating in water sports.
  • Keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers by the pool.
  • Don’t let your child eat or chew gum while swimming or playing in the water.
  • If you don’t know how deep the water is, go in feet first rather than head first.
  • Pay attention to the “dangerous too’s:” too tired, too cold, too far away, too much sun, too much hard playing.
  • Learn CPR and know how to get emergency help.
  • Keep the rules in force even if your toddler knows how to swim.

Source: “Home Water Hazards for Young Children,” www.aap.org, “American Academy of Pediatrics: Swimming Programs for Infants and Toddlers,” aapppolicy.aappublications.org, October 1, 2004

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

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Vitamin Efficiency

Multivitamins seem like a good way to ensure your toddler gets the nutrients he needs. But before you add the fun shapes and sweet flavors to his routine, talk to your pediatrician. Many think multivitamins are unnecessary for children unless they lack certain vitamins and minerals because of a food sensitivity or poor diet. If you decide multivitamins are right for your toddler, give him a children’s formula to prevent toxic doses, keep them out of his reach and teach him vitamins are medicine and not candy.

Source: Mayo Clinic website at www.mayoclinic.com, August 4, 2006

Now Hear This!

Listening skills are vital to your child’s education, verbal communication and interpersonal relationships. He’ll start learning to listen as young as two when you practice and encourage these good habits: Get down on his level and make eye contact while talking. Don’t interrupt unless there’s a question. Divide listening and talking roles. Pay attention to what he says and respond with a nod or a comment. Ask him to repeat what you’ve talked about and compliment him for being a good listener.

Source: “Teach Your Kids Listening Skills (the Real ABC's),” by Jodie Lynn, www.family.go.com, accessed October 15, 2007.