In Sickness and Health: Fear in Young Children

Is fear normal? Yes. Fear can be normal and healthy for both children and adults.

What are some common childhood fears? Stranger anxiety, separation from parents or loved ones, bath and toilet drains, loud and fast-moving animals, loud noises, and dark rooms and associated issues.

How can I help a child who becomes afraid when his parent leaves? Never let parents or other trusted adults leave without telling the child.

How can I help children who are afraid of thunderstorms? Empower children by teaching them how they can stay safe. (Staying indoors and away from windows, practicing tornado safety, etc.).

Safety First: Preventing Challenging Behavior

How does the environment promote mental health? Environments can be created to help children practice social and emotional development and self-regulation skills. This helps children think ahead, plan their activities, and use problem-solving skills.

How can I provide children with more personal space in a crowded setting? Provide open space. Use low bookcases or shelving to divide spaces into centers. Set up a quiet, lower-stimulation area for children to go to when they needed

How can toys and activities affect children’s behaviors? Make sure that materials and activities are appropriate to the children’s developmental levels (not too easy or too hard). Keep toys, games and puzzles within children’s reach.

How can I set up the daily schedule to help behavior? Daily schedules should be predictable and consistent, yet include variety that is interesting. Alternate quiet and more active play during the day. Offer choices as often as possible.

Nutrition Action: Food and Behavior

How often should children eat? Infants should be fed on demand. Toddlers and preschoolers require meals and snacks every 2 and 1/2 to 3 hours.

What are hunger cues for infants? Increased leg and arm movement and sucking sounds. They may smack their lips, turn their heads, and open their mouths wide when they are touched on the chin, cheek or lips. They may suck on their hands, get fussy and cry

Should I make a child eat every food? If introducing a new food, only serve a tablespoon or two and encourage (but do not force) children to taste it. If a food is not accepted, try preparing it a different way.

Medicine Chest: Spotting Developmental Delays and Behavior Concerns

What is a developmental delay? A developmental delay occurs when the child is delayed in achieving one or more milestones, affecting speech, language and feeding, fine and gross motor skills, and/or personal and social skills.

What is the first step in spotting potential problems? Know what is “normal” for children’s age and developmental stages.

What steps should I follow if I suspect a problem? Observe and document, confer with others, and involve parents. If a problem is still suspected, refer the child for screening and evaluation.

Health & You: Mentally Healthy Families

What is involved in “communication?” Not only addressing your own feelings, but also listening to the other person’s feelings and point of view.

How do rules and limits help? When adults establish boundaries, children know what is expected of them. Children tend to feel more secure and confident in the world around them and to develop a sense of trust and faith in their parents and caregivers when direction is clear, consistent, and reliable.

How can I help children handle stress? Encourage creative pursuits, physical exercise, and talking about their feelings.