K I D S Ñ H e a lt h Ne w s
When One Sibling Is Sneezing
If one of your children is ill, it doesn’t have to be a matter of time before the others are too. Here’s your guide for caring for a sick kid—be it COVID-19, the flu, a cold, or otherwise—while keeping their siblings well. a Parents AAP panel member. “Viruses can build up and circulate. Fresh air can minimize the viral concentration.”
PAGING DR. MOM
“My child seems down lately. Could they have seasonal depression?”
C O N S I D E R A Q UA R A N T I N E
Corinna Rea, M.D., a pediatrician in Boston and a Parents AAP panel member, understands that it’s not always realistic to separate siblings. “But in the case of COVID-19, you need to do your best to isolate your infected or exposed child,” she says. If possible, one vaccinated parent can stay with the sick child while the other parent cares for well siblings, says Navya Mysore, M.D., a family physician in New York City. If your child has a cold, the flu, or stomach bug, Dr. Mysore says you can try a less strict separation. Stagger meals and set up solo activities. For short periods, Dr. Mysore is not overly worried about the psychological impact of isolating a sick child.
Instead, she suggests having fun games and candid chats to make it more manageable. “Kids really understand things, and we often underestimate that,” she says. “Explain to them, ‘If you stay in here by yourself, it’s less likely that your sibling will get sick, and they can play with you when you’re better,’ and they’ll get it.” S T R AT E G I Z E S L E E P I N G
If your kids share a bunk bed, the risk of spreading germs is higher, so you may want to move them at bedtime. If their beds are separated in the same room, keep their door open to let air circulate. It’s a good idea to open windows, too, says Danielle Fernandes, M.D., a pediatrician in Los Angeles and
For illnesses other than COVID, Dr. Rea focuses on limiting the spread of germs, rather than quarantining. Think about all the ways your little ones have close contact. “My kids often share a glass when brushing their teeth or take food off the other’s plate,” she says. “I try to limit this when one is sick.” As always, wash hands often, and remember that germs can linger on towels. “Get different colored towels for this situation,” Dr. Mysore says. “The sick child can use one color, and everyone else can use another.”Then keep them and other germ-harboring items like toothbrushes apart. If your child has a stomach bug, clean bathrooms and changing tables often. “You can also clean doorknobs and toys, but don’t feel you have to run after your child with wipes,” she says. “Protect your sanity.” W E A R M A S KS
Your kids have likely become used to COVID protocols, so turn to masks if your child has an upper-respiratory infection. “All family members over age 2 should wear a mask when someone is ill,” Dr. Fernandes says. It’s also not a bad idea to keep kiddos 6 feet apart for movie night, Dr. Mysore says.
Pandemic Pounds in Perspective One third of kids were above their expected weight last year, says a report from Epic Health Research Network. “This report may not be surprising,” says Natalie D. Muth, M.D., M.P.H., R.D.N., a Parents advisor and author of Family Fit Plan . Kids learning at home were able to graze during the day and had fewer avenues for physical activity. Discuss concerns with your pediatrician, but know that your child’s getting down on themself or developing disordered eating is worse than this lingering weight gain. “Don’t focus on the number on the scale. Instead, discuss what the family can do together to promote healthier habits,” Dr. Muth says.
PA R E N T S
38 J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y
2022
A kid or teen with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression will start showing symptoms such as persistent sadness, irritability, low energy, or changes in sleep and eating during the fall or winter. This response to fewer hours of daylight is more than just adjusting to the new season. Depressive symptoms will last at least two weeks and significantly impair their ability to do the things they love. It’s important to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician, who can connect you with a mental health professional or share coping strategies. Effective treatments do exist for SAD, such as combining light therapy from sunlightsimulating lamps with evidenced-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, including antidepressants. As a family, plan fun activities to look forward to. This can be a mood booster, even at times when your child may think they don’t want to join in. Whether it’s being out in the sun, exercising, having social time, or doing volunteer work, anything that gets them up, out, and active can be helpful. Source: Janine Domingues, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute in New York City.
by R E B E C C A R A KO W I T Z
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