13 minute read
Good Growing Newsletter
A Seattle Children’s Publication | Spring 2022
For All Parents, It’s Normal to Feel Frustrated
If you’re a parent, you know what frustration feels like. Regardless of your situation — partnered or single, working or stay-at-home — frustration can be a familiar and frequent sensation.
Many parents find themselves getting frustrated more easily and more often than compared to a few years ago. That’s not surprising, as some longterm effects of the pandemic are now hitting home. Parents may be stressed about big issues like jobs, money and housing. Plus, they’re worried about their kids’ emotional wellbeing, social skills and learning milestones.
Self-care is crucial for everyone, and especially for stressed-out parents. It doesn’t have to be indulgent or expensive — not everyone can swing a spa day or a yoga retreat. Basic self-care means eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, enjoying favorite hobbies, spending time alone and connecting with close friends. It also means reaching out for help and support, like trading childcare duties with another parent so you get some time to yourself, confiding in a trusted friend,
The Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic (OBCC) has expanded with a second location near the Othello Link light rail station in southeast Seattle’s Rainier Valley. Services at the OBCC Othello location include pediatric medical care, behavioral health, dental services, nutrition, sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy and much more. This second OBCC location will help meet the wellness needs of kids and teens in south Seattle and south King County.
to learn more: Visit seattlechildrens.org/obcc. attending a workshop or webinar, or talking with your doctor or counselor. Parenting offers plenty of frustration triggers, including crying infants, willful toddlers, surly teens and the extra attention a child with special needs can require. In any case, it’s important to recognize frustration as soon as you feel it creeping up. Then, take action to prevent it from growing so you don’t say or do anything unkind. One powerful technique is the ‘Take 5’ method, which you can teach your child, too! Here’s the five-step method: 1. Stop. Step away. Give yourself space. 2. Take a short break to breathe. Allow your heart rate to return to normal. 3. Remind yourself I can do this or It’s important to stay calm. 4. Ask yourself How can I handle this situation in a way that I will feel good about? 5. If possible, ask for support from a partner or family member, or call or text a friend or neighbor.
Another great resource especially for parents of children with special needs is Parent-to-Parent (P2P), whose services include free, one-on-one support from volunteer peer mentors — parents who’ve been through similar trials. To learn more about P2P in Washington state, visit arcwa.org/ parent-to-parent or call 1-800-821-5927.
Peaceful parenting is about keeping a calm spirit and an open, loving heart: you’ve got this!
When Should My Child Wear a Life Jacket?
When a child has conditions that make it hard for them to stay buckled in their car seat, some specialty equipment may be needed to keep them safe. Resources are available. With help from medical professionals, you may be able to get a specially designed car seat or safety vest that is comfortable and prevents escape. Th ese items can be purchased directly or ordered through some insurance plans. Start by sharing with your child’s doctor that you’re having a car safety issue so they can refer you to a behavioral or occupational therapist (OT). Some OTs can complete a car seat evaluation and help you get the best equipment for your child.
When a child between the ages of 1 and 14 dies from an unintentional injury, drowning is very oft en the cause. Only motor-vehicle crashes claim more young lives.
Wearing a life jacket is the simplest, surest way to stay safe in and near the water. All children and teens should wear a life jacket any time they are on a boat, raft or other fl oating device. Th ey should also wear one when swimming in open water such as lakes, rivers or the ocean. Children ages 6 to 11, in addition to the previous rules for all children and teens, should also wear a life jacket while on docks and river banks, in case they fall in. Children from birth to age 5 should wear a life jacket anytime they are in, on or even near water, including on a beach or dock.
Many of those who die from drowning never even mean to get wet — they accidentally fall in. Life jackets save lives, but they only work when they’re worn and fi t well. Be sure your child is protected!
Family Meals Are Fulfi lling in Many Ways
Family meals are about much more than eating together. Beyond sharing food, they’re a time to catch up and connect — to share stories, ideas, emotions, struggles and victories.
Family meals also off er a natural way to practice life skills like responsibility and teamwork — from helping with meal planning, grocery shopping and preparation to setting the table and cleaning up aft erwards. And speaking of life skills, the family table is an ideal place to teach the value of a grateful and optimistic attitude, simply by having everyone share something for which they’re thankful or glad.
On top of all these benefi ts, studies show that families who regularly eat together tend to have more nourishing meals, and their children are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
To ensure that you’re fully focused on one another, be sure that your table is completely screen-free for adults as well as kids. And while family meals are a time to model and teach table manners, they don’t have to be fancy or fussy. Th ey can be casual and fun — no tablecloth required. Better yet, why not make a tablecloth of plain butcher paper and off er colored pencils so everyone can create some art while you enjoy your meal and conversation?
Kids’ activities and parents’ work schedules can make family meals challenging to plan, but it’s worth keeping them a top priority. At times, you’ll need to be fl exible and creative — everyone loves a weekend brunch or a backyard picnic lunch, or even a tailgate pizza dinner aft er the big game. As long as you’re gathered together, that’s what counts!
Start the Helmet Habit Early
Helmets that fi t properly protect against head and brain injuries. Although it may be hard to imagine that a child could get a brain injury while on a tricycle or a mini scooter, it’s best to get into the helmet habit early. Children have an easier time developing healthy habits from a young age. Since kids respond to what they see and hear their parents do, be a faithful role model and always wear a helmet when you ride — and use praise and positive reinforcement when your child wears theirs. Be sure your child’s other caregivers enforce helmet use, too. Learn how to choose a safe helmet that fi ts well at the link below.
Little League Shoulder
When the growth plate in a child’s upper arm gets irritated, it’s known as Little League Shoulder. It can be caused by throwing too much or with poor form — or by muscle weakness around the shoulder and upper back. Pitchers and catchers are at higher risk because they throw faster and more oft en than other positions. Symptoms include shoulder or arm pain, trouble moving the arm in all directions, and decreased speed or control while throwing. To prevent injury, it’s important that kids throw using proper form. Also, before age 13, they should not throw curveballs, knuckleballs, sliders or screwballs. Parents can help by ensuring the coach sticks to pitch-count limits for their child’s age.
Lawnmower and Yard Safety
Spring has arrived, and it’s fun for the whole family to be outside as much as possible — as long as everyone stays safe. When the lawn is being mowed, keep children under 5 inside or far away. Even aft er the mowing is done, keep them away from mowers: hot or sharp parts can cause injuries. Never allow kids to ride along on lawnmowers or in carts towed behind them. To operate a push mower, children should be age 12 or older. Riding mowers should be operated only by those age 16 or older. For any lawnmowing, heavy boots are a must. It’s best to avoid using insect or weed killers; if you do, keep children out of the yard for at least 48 hours.
Quick Tip
Encourage your child to learn about, name and accept their emotions.
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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.
Conversations About Autism
Conversations About Autism is a series of free 60-minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand autism spectrum disorder. In these sessions, experts and advocates share their knowledge and perspectives on autism as well as helpful tips for supporting a child, adolescent or young adult with autism. Each class features a different topic, such as early intervention, transition to adulthood, feeding support and more. View dates and topics, learn how to join the live stream or view past sessions at seattlechildrens. org/conversationsaboutautism. 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 $90 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.
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 206-987-2304 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
Join a culturally relevant mindfulness and compassion session by phone or with Zoom. Sessions are offered for Black parents, parents of a child with special needs, Spanish-speaking parents, as well as any other parents or caregivers. Take part in activities and mindfulness practices led by parents for parents, and share strategies to cope with challenges. Learn more and view dates and times at seattlechildrens.org/clinics/odessa-brown/ community-programs/mindfulness-program.
Free Car-Seat Checks, June 25 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.
