13 minute read
Good Growing Newsletter
A Seattle Children’s Publication | Winter 2022
What to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids
Children age 5 and older are now eligible to receive the P zer COVID-19 vaccine. It’s given as two shots, 21 days apart. e vaccine for ages 5 to 11 is a smaller dose than what’s used for adolescents and adults — about one-third the amount. (For children ages 6 months to under 5 years, clinical trials are now underway.) e COVID-19 vaccine for kids has proven to be both safe and e ective; everyone who’s eligible should get it as soon as possible. e vaccine greatly reduces the chances of getting COVID, and it does an outstanding job of preventing severe illness and hospitalization. Even those who have already had COVID-19 infection need the vaccine to help protect them from getting it again. If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine (or any childhood vaccine) be sure to ask your child’s doctor.
Where can you get the vaccine for your child? Ask their regular healthcare provider or visit vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov to nd locations
my Good Growing
Are you looking for more information about child health and safety? Sign up for my Good Growing, Seattle Children’s free email newsletter for parents and caregivers of babies, children and teens. You’ll receive six issues each year, in an easy-to-read format. Scan through each issue to nd tips that apply to your family and areas of interest.
Subscribe today at seattlechildrens.org/newsletters. near you. And remember that COVID-19 vaccines are free, whether or not you have health insurance. Also keep in mind that the pandemic has caused many families to fall behind on their routine vaccinations. Ask your doctor to check if your child is up to date on their other shots, including the seasonal u vaccine. It’s safe for kids to get other vaccines during the same visit as the COVID-19 vaccine. Before any vaccine shot, you can help your child feel as prepared and relaxed as possible. Tell them what’s going to happen. Don’t tell them it won’t hurt or ask them not to cry. Work with the medical sta to o er your child choices such as where they sit, which arm they’ll get the shot in and whether they want to watch or turn their head away from the needle. Praise them for staying still and being cooperative. And remind them that the de nition of bravery is being afraid and doing it anyway!
Vaccines are a safe and e ective way to prevent diseases that can make children very sick and cause lifelong disabilities — and even death. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and other diseases helps protect your child, your family and the entire community.
Controlling Cholesterol for Heart Health
Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States. e increase in youth suicides is one reason we’re in a national youth mentalhealth emergency. Today, healthcare providers are routinely screening young patients for the risk of suicide — even when the reason for the visit is not mental-health related. At Seattle Children’s locations, we now ask all patients 10 and older if they have suicidal thoughts. Remember, asking about suicide does not cause suicide or put it in a child’s head. ese screenings are saving young lives.
In the past, cholesterol was considered a concern for adults. But it’s now understood that children with unhealthy levels are at greater risk for heart disease and strokes in adulthood. You can help protect your child’s heart health now and in the future by keeping their cholesterol in check — with smart food choices and plenty of exercise.
What is cholesterol? It’s a substance made by the liver that’s needed to make healthy cells, hormones and vitamin D. However, when we eat too many foods that are high in saturated fat and trans fat, our livers can produce more cholesterol than we need, including a harmful type that can build up on the walls of our arteries and lead to problems.
All kids ages 9 to 11 should have their cholesterol checked; you may need to request this screening. If your child’s doctor is concerned, they will likely recommend some simple lifestyle changes centered on diet and exercise. is can be a golden opportunity for the entire family to adopt some heart-healthy habits to last a lifetime.
Say Yes to Positive Reinforcement
e new year is an ideal time to renew our commitment to using positive reinforcement with our kids. It’s a simple, logical tool that teaches and strengthens the behaviors we want to see.
Using positive reinforcement takes a bit of practice at rst. Soon, it becomes a habit that feels easy and natural. ink of it as ‘catching your child in the act’ of doing good things — especially if it’s something they’re struggling with.
Positive reinforcement includes speci c and immediate praise. It might sound like: “Your bedroom looks amazing, thank you so much for putting all your clothes and toys away!” or “ ank you for trying all the di erent foods on your plate without me asking.” or “I appreciate how patient and generous you’re being with your little sister right now.”
Positive reinforcement also uses simple and immediate rewards for good behaviors. A reward might be letting your child choose what song to play in the car — right a er they quickly and quietly buckle up. Or it could be letting them choose a treat for their sack lunch — right a er they take out the garbage without grumbling. (It’s important to understand that rewards are not bribes. Bribing happens when a child is not doing what’s desired, and we try to entice them to change their bad behavior: like buying them candy in the supermarket line so they’ll stop screaming. Bribes don’t work well and can actually make behavior problems worse.)
Positive reinforcement shines a spotlight on a child’s strengths and good habits. It’s a popular parenting method because it really works, and it makes everyone feel great!
Prevent Tooth Decay in Babies
Even though baby teeth are temporary, it’s important to protect babies and toddlers against tooth decay. Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle and, if breastfeeding, remove your breast as they fall asleep — so un-swallowed milk doesn’t sit in their mouth. For both bottle-fed and breastfed infants, wipe their gums a er feeding with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth. Don’t ll bottles with juice or sugary drinks. And avoid sharing your mouth’s bacteria with your child: Keep their feeding spoon and paci er out of your mouth. Once baby’s teeth come in, start brushing twice a day with a so toothbrush and a grain-of-rice sized amount of uoride toothpaste. Have your baby’s mouth checked by their doctor or a dentist by age 1.
Dressing for Winter Outdoor Play
Your child’s body needs to get moving with plenty of outdoor play, even during chilly winter weather. Since kids get cold faster than adults, it’s important to dress them in layers. Start with a close- tting bottom layer made of material that wicks away moisture, such as nylon or silk. (Avoid cotton, which absorbs moisture.) Add comfortable layers that allow your child to move freely, and top with waterproof outerwear if the weather is wet. Don’t forget a warm hat, scarf or neck gaiter, gloves or mittens, socks and nonskid boots. Finally, protect their eyes and skin with sunglasses or goggles, plus sunscreen and lip balm. Check on your child o en and swap out their wet items with gear that’s warm and dry.
Medicine Safety for Young Kids
When it comes to medicine safety, we must always have several safeguards in place. Always use child-resistant containers, but keep in mind they are not childproof; even a very young child may be able to open them. Always store medicines out of sight and reach of children — and ideally locked away. Medicines kept in purses and backpacks are a common source of poisoning for young kids. Keep medicines in their original, labeled packages; the risk of poisoning goes up when they’re put into another container. Never call medicine ‘candy’ to entice a child to take it; it’s dangerously confusing. Finally, be sure that grandparents and other caregivers follow these safeguards, too.
Quick Tip
If you think your child or teen may have a concussion, remove them from play and have them seen by a healthcare provider who is experienced in evaluating for concussion.
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Regional Clinic Locations
• Bellevue • Everett • Federal Way • Olympia • Tri-Cities • Wenatchee
Primary Care Clinic
• Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic
Main Hospital Numbers
206-987-2000 866-987-2000 (Toll-free)
Online Resources
Visit seattlechildrens.org for the following: • Child Health Advice • my Good Growing email newsletter • Doctor Finder • On The Pulse and Autism blogs • Medical condition information • Health & safety information • Ways to help Seattle Children’s • Research Institute information
Heather Cooper is the Editor of Good Growing, which is produced four times a year by the Marketing Communications Department of Seattle Children’s. You can fi nd Good Growing in the January, April, July and October issues of ParentMap and on our website seattlechildrens.org. For permission to reprint articles for noncommercial purposes or to receive Good Growing in an alternate format, call 206-987-5323. The inclusion of any resource or website does not imply endorsement. Your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2022 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington.
As the COVID-19 situation changes, we continue to adjust or postpone our classes and events to follow public health recommendations. We are offering some classes online while some are on pause. Please check our website for the latest information. Scholarships are available. If you would like to ask about a scholarship, use the contact information for the class you’re interested in to connect with the registrar.
PARENTING CLASSES
Autism 101
This free, 90-minute, on-demand session provides information and support to parents and families of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Topics include up-to-date, evidence-based information about ASD, behaviors associated with autism, autism prevalence, treatments available and resources for families. View a past lecture, in English or Spanish, at seattlechildrens.org/autism101. Email Autism101@ seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.
Autism 200 Series
Autism 200 is a series of free 90-minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand autism spectrum disorder. Classes are taught by providers and faculty from Seattle Children’s and the University of Washington and other community stakeholders. Each class features a different topic, such as early intervention, transition to adulthood, school support and more. View dates, learn how to join the live stream or view past Autism 200 lectures at seattlechildrens.org/autism200. Email Autism200@seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.
Babysafe
Babysafe is a 4-hour class for new and expectant parents and others who care for babies. Topics include infant development, baby safety, injury prevention and care of common injuries for infants from birth through 12 months of age. Infant CPR is demonstrated and practiced, but this is not a certification class. This class is currently available virtually via Zoom. The fee is $85 and each registration is good for two people from the same family. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions.
Staying Close While Standing Back: The Art and Science of Parenting Adolescents
For parents of preteens and teens looking for new ideas on everyday conversations. Expert Julie Metzger will give parents an opportunity to consider strategies to strengthen family communication. This class will be offered online via Zoom on Thursday, January 27 at 7 p.m. Register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
This free class is for adults who live or work in King County and regularly interact with adolescents ages 12 to 18. Youth Mental Health First Aid will improve your knowledge of mental health and substance use problems and will teach you how to connect youth with care when needed. Youth Mental Health First Aid is now available as a two-part virtual series. The series includes a self-guided course and a live instructor-led course. The date you register for is the date of the live instructor-led course. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.
CHILD, PRETEEN AND TEEN CLASSES
Better Babysitters
For youth, ages 11 to 14. Students learn about responsible babysitting, basic child development, infant and child care, safety, handling emergencies, age-appropriate toys, business tips and parent expectations. This is currently a two-part class, with sessions taking place via Zoom on two consecutive weekend dates. Each session is two hours long. The fee is $50. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.
CPR and First Aid for Babysitters
For youth, ages 11 to 15. Topics include pediatric CPR, treatment for choking, and first-aid skills. Students receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED completion card, which is valid for two years. This class is offered as a two-part series. The series includes a virtual session as well as a short in-person skills check. The fee is $75. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/ classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.
The Chat
The Chat is a new online workshop series on puberty and sex that reflects the content from the in-person classes, For Boys and For Girls. Offered via Zoom, each 45-minute workshop is for preteens 10 to 12 years old, plus a parent or trusted adult. You may take any individual workshop or all five. If you register for all five events, we recommend starting with BO, Pimples and Hair — Oh My! and ending with Being Connected: Sex, Love and Everything In Between. While families can choose to attend any combination of workshops, the information in earlier sessions provides a foundation for understanding later sessions. The fee is $25 per workshop or the series of five for $100. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions. See a trailer for The Chat at greatconversations.com.
EVENTS
Free Car-Seat Checks, March 26 in Seattle
Learn how to safely secure your child in the car. Child passenger safety experts will check your child in a car seat, booster seat or the seat belt and answer any questions you may have. Car-seat checks are by appointment only and will follow COVID-19 safety protocols. Learn more and register for an appointment at seattlechildrens.org/carseatchecks.
Free Virtual Car-Seat Checks
King County Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are offering free virtual car-seat check appointments via video-chat platforms. For more information, email Laura Miccile at laura. miccile@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-8664. South County Fire and Safe Kids Snohomish County are offering free virtual car-seat classes. Registration is required. Visit southsnofire.org/ education/child-passenger-safety.
