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This is the first in a “Wish List” series in which I ask experts in different kid-related fields—medicine, education, etc.—what they really want parents to know and do better. I’d love to hear suggestions for our next Wish List expert…Kindergarten teacher? Day care worker? Dentist? Environmentalist? The possibilities are endless. Please make a suggestion here.
THE PEDIATRICIANS
Julie Kardos, M.D. and Naline Lai, M.D. are pediatricians in a busy clinic affiliated with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. As fall and winter approach, and their offices fill up with sick and sniffling tykes, they share their top five wishes for patients and their families.
THEIR WISH LIST
1. Vaccinate fully, and on time. As more and more parents opt out of vaccinating or delay immunization appointments in certain pockets of the country, diseases like measles and whooping cough are cropping up again. Do your part for your kid and community by scheduling immunizations, including the flu shot or mist, on schedule. See and print out a complete schedule here.
2. Enforce bedtimes—for little kids and big kids. Too-little sleep leads to depressed kids, hyper kids, and weepy and emotional kids—regardless of their age and stage. Keep tabs and limits on media and even homework, and monitor bedtime, to make sure children get the daily sleep they need: 16-18 hours for babies, 11-12 hours for preschoolers, 10 hours for school-age children, and 9-10 hours for teens. For sleep guidelines and tips from the CDC, see here.
3. Trust yourself. Teachers, day care workers, and even doctors are all capable of “over-calling” or “under-calling” conditions in kids. You know your child best: If you think he is sick, push your physicians for answers; if she seems fine even though someone—the school, a grandparent—insists something is “wrong,” listen to your gut.
4. Teach your children to seek you for comfort. It’s tempting to shove an iPad or a lollipop in front of children when they are scared or uncomfortable, at a doctor’s office or elsewhere. Distraction when necessary—like pulling out a splinter—is okay, but after the deed is done, shower your child with the kisses, hugs, and words that only human interaction can provide.
5. Be careful about sending mixed messages. If you want your child to eat better, make sure you’re eating well. Same goes for exercise, fighting fair, hand washing, and any number of things. Kids notice more than you think; make sure you are role modeling the behavior you want to see in them.
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