Ask the Experts / Sound Advice

Providing evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults since 1976.

Specializing in diagnosing learning disabilities, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Shelton School and Evaluation Center

6001 Summerside Drive, Suite 204 Dallas, Texas 75252 972.774.1772 Ext. 2243

WWW.SHELTON.ORG

SOUND ADVICE

Your parenting questions and dilemmas, solved

COMPILED BY ALEXIS PATTERSON

BETTER BATHTIME child has these symptoms, consult your pediatrician immediately. To avoid dry skin, use warm water instead of hot (about 98–100 degrees is safe, and get a water thermometer or dip in your wrist or elbow to check the temperature). Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps, and limit time in the water to 10–15 minutes. Gently pat kids dry instead of rubbing with the towel. Finally, moisturize them using THE EXPERT: unscented lotions and creams. Dr. Mansi Lalwani Of course, supervise bathtime for babies

DFWChild Mom-Approved Pediatrician and young children, especially under age

Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center – Mesquite 5. Get everything—towel, clean clothes, etc.—ready in advance so you can stay there throughout the bath. Additionally, keep Q: “My kid hates to take a bath. hazardous items (razors, hair dryers, radios) Is it really so bad to skip a day?” out of your child’s reach. Never leave older A: Guidelines for how often a siblings to supervise. child should bathe are based You may be wondering about showers. on age and activity level. For newborns, give There is no magic age to make the transition; sponge baths for the first few days of life, instead, follow your child’s cues: Are they until their umbilical cord falls off and their able to follow your instructions? Can they belly button looks dry and healthy. After stand steady in the shower? Would water that, you can bathe them two to three times a falling on their head or soap getting into week; about 5–10 minutes is enough. their eyes cause them to panic? When to

Toddlers and young kids should bathe transition to a shower will depend on their at least two or three times per week. cognitive and motor skills. Start I recommend daily baths if with supervised showers. Also, your child has been very consider installing handactive, playing in the dirt, holds, make sure shower or swimming. If they are doors are shatterproof, and very cranky or tired and use slip-resistant mats. would like to skip a A laminated day, that’s OK. Just do a card with bathing quick wipe of the dirty instructions may be areas—such as the face, helpful for kids. For underarms and groin— example, wet hair; add with a wet towel, and make shampoo; rinse shampoo; sure they wash their hands get soap; wash neck, then with soap and water. torso, arms, legs, genitals; rinse

Little ones are more likely off soap. Giving them a clearly to come on board with bathtime when defined routine will help them learn it’s fun and interesting. Kids love listening what’s expected and teach them how to to stories, singing songs and playing with wash themselves independently. waterproof toys. Make sure that you clean Once kids hit puberty, they should bathe bath toys regularly since they can develop daily. Tweens and teens should wash their face mold, which can be harmful to a child’s twice a day to remove oil and dirt, and they health. Also, pediatricians generally recom- should take a bath or shower after swimming, mend against bubble baths. That’s because playing sports or sweating heavily. soap is an irritant, and exposure of soap to the privates can result in vulvovaginitis. This If you have a parenting question that you’d like our experts often presents as burning and pain during to answer, message us on Instagram @dfwchildmag or urination or itching in the privates. If your email us at editorial@dfwchild.com.

Award-winning Rider and Trainer... ASHLEY WILDES!

It’s amazing. The power and beauty of horses. Every day they surprise you with their love and tenderness and desire to please. But horses do more. They teach. They bring out the best in us. And, in our children.

WELCOME TO THE C J LEGACY RANCH A DIVISION OF THE ELTS FOUNDATION

We strive to create an environment where children get hands-on, real-world experience. Our equine program is no exception. A life long love of horses brings different rewards at different stages of childhood, but aspiring to be the next Charlotte Dujardin can be a great motivational tool for feeding their enthusiasm and achieving their dreams. Our focus is you and your family. We recognize the need to provide a program that: • Develops core strength. • Improves coordination. • Encourages trust. • Exercises the mind. • Develops problem solving skills. • Increases socialization. • Creates time to relax. • Provides opportunities to compete. Riders develop coordination, balance, fine motor skills, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and can improve posture and cardiovascular health. Working with horses is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences a person can have, though it also takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

By allowing your child to explore his or her interest in horseback riding, you are offering them the opportunity to learn valuable life skills while doing something they love. Riding helps support healthy physical and emotional growth, and it teaches kids to work together, support their friends, and take on more responsibility. We are a place of transformation for adults and children. With our horses and trainers we offer children a one-of-a-kind opportunity: to learn about horses while they learn about themselves. Sure, it’s about riding, but it is much more. It is about seeing the light in your child’s eyes when they see a horse respond to them and recognize them–as an individual. CJ’s Legacy Ranch is a spectacular world-class equestrian facility. Located just north of the DFW Metroplex in Bartonville, Texas. This property is situated on approximately 100 acres in the heart of North Texas horse country and is only 20 minutes from DFW airport.

FOR RIDING LESSONS, CALL US AT 469-867-9546!

2700 FM 407, Bartonville, TX 76226 cjslegacy.com