13 minute read
Good Growing Newsletter
A Seattle Children’s Publication | Fall 2022
Together, We Can Stop Bullying
When families, schools and communities work together, it’s possible to stop bullying. But first, we must understand it.
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that includes an imbalance of power. That is, the child who bullies uses some form of power to control or harm the child they are bullying. And bullying is a repeated behavior — or one that has the potential to be repeated over time.
There are four types of bullying: physical, verbal, social and cyberbullying. Physical bullying includes attacking someone (hitting, shoving, poking) or using body motions or facial expressions (clenching fists, pointing, glaring) to suggest an attack may happen. Verbal bullying includes threatening, taunting, teasing and name-calling. Social bullying often involves purposely excluding someone from a group and encouraging others to do so. It includes gossip, humiliation and rumor-spreading.
Cyberbullying happens over digital devices like phones, computers and gaming consoles. It can occur through calls, texts, emails, personal messaging, chats, games and social media. It includes sending, posting or sharing any sort of negative content about someone else that embarrasses or humiliates them.
Mental Health Resource Spotlight
This free, telephone-based service provides mental health referrals for children and teens 17 and younger from across Washington.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a free class that will improve your knowledge of mental health and substance use problems and will teach you how to connect youth with care when needed.
It’s important to understand the roles kids play in bullying. In addition to those who bully and those who are bullied, other children witness the behavior. Some kids assist the child doing the bullying. Others reinforce the bullying behavior by being a lively, loud audience. Some, known as outsiders, observe passively and appear neutral. And some kids actively defend the child being bullied and try to help them get out of the situation.
Bullying is upsetting and potentially harmful for all involved. It can cause serious, long-lasting problems for both those who are bullied and those who do the bullying.
It’s essential to talk regularly with your child about bullying. Ask open-ended questions about what they’ve seen or experienced themselves. Role-play scenarios so your child can practice how to prevent and safely stand up to bullying.
Parents and caregivers can be powerful anti-bullying role models. We can defend and assist those who need help, especially those who cannot fully help themselves. Simply by speaking out and acting in a kind and compassionate way, we can be sure our children see us building up others whenever possible. And grownups and kids alike can become activists in our schools and communities. Together, we can put an end to bullying.
to learn more: Visit stopbullying.gov.
Room Share Rather than Bed Share
If there is ever a fi re in your home, you may have only a few minutes to escape aft er a smoke alarm sounds. Every home needs working smoke alarms, and every family must have a home fi re escape plan. Be sure there are smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside of each sleeping area and on every level of your home. Your family also needs to make and practice an escape plan. Create a simple map of your home that includes all windows and doors, and then identify at least two ways out of each room. Also, agree on a safe meeting spot outside. Th e links below have a worksheet for mapping and more on fi re safety for families.
to learn more: Visit nfpa.org/~/media/Files/FPW/Educate/2022/ FPW22GRID.pdf and safekids.org/safetytips/fi eld_age/ special-needs/fi eld_risks/fi re.
Some parents choose to bed share with their babies. It may be done to make breastfeeding more convenient. Oft en, it’s simply what their family has always done with their babies. Not everyone is aware that bed sharing signifi cantly raises the risk of sleep-related injury or death. Th e American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents sleep in the same room — but not in the same bed — as their baby for at least the fi rst six months.
Anytime babies are put down to sleep, they should be placed on their backs on a fi rm, fl at sleep surface. Th e mattress must fi t tightly in the crib or bassinet, with no gaps around the edges. Use only a fi tted sheet on the mattress; nothing else should be in the sleep space. Following these guidelines reduces the chances of an infant suff ocating or dying from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Finally, be sure that any crib, bassinet, play yard or portable crib you use meets the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s current safety standards.
Talk with Kids About Risky ‘Challenges’
It’s important for parents and kids to talk about the dangers of viral ‘challenges’ that urge kids to try dangerous stunts. Some risky challenges involve ingesting things — such as biting into a liquid laundry pod or eating an intensely hot pepper. Other challenges dare kids to get high or faint — by taking several antihistamines, by hyperventilating or by having someone choke them. Some challenges push kids to steal items from school, such as the restroom soap dispenser or their teacher’s coff ee cup. Other stealing challenges dare kids to shoplift a particular item from a grocery store. Not surprisingly, challenges are designed to create sensational social media. Kids are urged to video their stunts and share them online.
Th ere’s a lot that’s wrong with these challenges. Kids have been seriously injured, suspended from school and even arrested and prosecuted. But because social media glamorizes these stunts, tweens and teens can be tempted to try them. Th ey don’t always think through the risks or the consequences. Even stunts that seem silly and fun can result in injury. Kids are getting hurt from the duct tape challenge, whose goal is to escape aft er friends bind you up in the super-sticky, heavy-duty tape.
New challenges are popping up all the time, and even level-headed kids can get pulled in. Th ese challenges are a great example of why a key goal of parenting is to help kids develop critical-thinking skills and sound judgment. Th oughtful conversations and positive role-modeling are powerful tools. When kids understand the risks and potential consequences, they can make wise decisions and avoid bad situations — even when you’re not with them.
Prevent Flu and COVID with Vaccines
Th e annual fl u vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Aim to get your child the fl u vaccine by the end of October. Th e COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Get the COVID vaccine for your child just as soon as they are eligible. It’s safe to get a fl u vaccine, a COVID vaccine and other routine immunizations during the same medical visit. However, don’t put off a COVID vaccine so you can get it at the same time as a fl u shot or another shot — get it as soon as possible. Be sure to keep your child current with their COVID doses and all their routine vaccinations. Ask your child’s doctor if you have any questions about vaccines.
to learn more: Visit cdc.gov/vaccines/parents.
Warts
Warts are common, harmless skin growths caused by a virus. Th ese raised, roughsurfaced bumps can appear on any part of the body — especially hands, feet and face. Warts are contagious and can be spread by touch. Keeping them covered can help prevent their spread. In young children, warts oft en go away on their own. Sometimes it’s diffi cult to get rid of warts for good. Liquid nitrogen and salicylic acid are two common treatments that destroy warts in the outer layer of skin where they grow. Other methods involve taping the wart or soaking the area in hot water. If you have questions about warts, rashes or bumps, or how to treat them, ask your child’s doctor.
A Tasty Activity
You can make your own healthy aft er-school or on-the-go snack mix with your school-age child. It’s simple, fun, and can save you money, too. Use unsalted nuts or seeds (pumpkin seeds are tasty and plentiful this time of year) plus unsweetened cereals and plain popcorn. For a bit of chewy sweetness, toss in a few raisins, craisins or dried cherries. Invite your child to shop with you and choose the ingredients. Th is is a great way to practice reading food labels, paying special attention to added sugar and sodium. For extra fun, decorate the snack bags, name your mixes and share your recipe with friends. Important safety note: due to the choking risk, nuts and popcorn are not for kids under age 4.
to learn more: Visit eatright.org/food.
Quick Tip
On your child’s car seat, be sure the chest clip (also called a retainer clip) that holds the shoulder straps together is at armpit level.
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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. Watch the 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. Sessions take place on the third Thursday of the month from 7 to 8 p.m. Learn more 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 offered virtually via Zoom. The fee is $93 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.
Finding Mental Health Care in Washington State: A Class on Where to Start
This free, video-based class is for families who are seeking mental health services for children or youth under 18 and who are not familiar with the mental health system in Washington state. This class is available in English and Spanish via Zoom. Learn more, view dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes.
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 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 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 an online workshop series on puberty and sex. Offered via Zoom, each 45-minute workshop is for preteens 9 to 12 years old, plus a parent or trusted adult. You may take any individual workshop or all five. 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 $30 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: Oct. 22 in Seattle Tuesdays in Bellevue
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 offer free virtual car-seat classes. Registration is required. Visit southsnofire.org/ education/child-passenger-safety.
