Although children have previously been given nicotine patches as part of trials, this is the first time it has been made part of official English policy.

The anti-smoking pressure group, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), were pleased with the implementation of the new policy as they felt that giving up smoking was ‘one of the most cost-effective forms of health intervention’.

(source)

How do you calm him/her down?

You could talk to them about an instance in which you were really nervous about a particular situation and how it all worked out for the better.

You could make sure they go to bed an hour before their usual bedtime. The extra rest will do their body the world of good.

On the day of the exam, though they might be feeling too nervous to eat, do make sure they do have something.

Perhaps you could promise them some kind of mini-treat at the end of the day or at the weekend so they have something to look forward to.

Exams are a given. Nerves are normal. They’ll be just fine.

The survey found that misuse was three times higher amongst whites than blacks; and in the 12-17 age group, abuse was more frequent amongst girls.

Officials said that cough and cold medicines taken in large amounts can have a hallucinogenic effect, bring about out-of-body experiences, as well as other outcomes.

Nearly 82% of the young people surveyed said they had also used marijuana at some point.

The study found that girls who sat down and ate 5 or more meals each week with their family were roughly one third less likely to develop severe weight control issues such as bulimia, diet-pill popping and taking laxatives or diuretics.

The researchers added, however, that not all family meal sit-downs are necessarily beneficial as the way some families interact can sometimes encourage unhealthy eating behaviours in their children.

Some less commonly know uses for castor oil include using as a massage oil, and topical applications in either castol oil packs or direct application to the skin. Some conditions that can be treated by the direct application of castor oil include itchy skin, muscle and ligament strains and sprains, warts and cysts and fungal and bacterial infections. Learn about castor oil packs and their uses.

Castor oil may also be used to help adolescent children fight acne. Although there are many chemical/antibiotic ‘cures’ available for acne, none of them are perfect, and many may have side effects. Castor oil is often overlooked as a simple treatment due to heavy advertising of expensive modern medicines.

Article derived from information found at Health Salon.

No one knows what causes bedwetting. It carries with it a stigma; some people mistakenly believe that bedwetting is a symptom of some deep emotional distress. This is rarely ever the case. Bedwetting does seem to have a genetic factor, as children of former bedwetters are much more likely to wet the bed themselves.

This can be an embarassing and traumatic experience for a child, but it doesn’t have to be. Your child shouldn’t be made to feel that they are in trouble, or that you are disgusted with them, when they wet the bed. They really have no control over this action.

Instead, reinforce your love for your chid and speak positively to them about the day that they will grow out of their habit. It might make your child feel better to hear stories about relatives who outgrew their bedwetting. They should begin to understand that this is a normal part of growing up.

If your child is uncomfortable at sleepovers, don’t force them to go. It is not necessary (and is actually very disruptive) to wake your child during the night to urinate in the toilet. This will not stop the bedwetting, and will only result in a lack of sleep for all involved.

Children may have a lot of tough questions for you.  The most important thing to remember is to try to answer their questions as completely and honestly as you can.  You may not feel like talking about it yourself, but it will be beneficial to both of you to have a frank discussion about why the death happened and what might have happened to the person. 

Most of us will pass on the lessons that we believe in to our children.  A good approach is to try to explain a few different possibilities.  For example, you could tell your child that some people believe grandma is still with us, while others think she might be watching down from Heaven.  This gives your child a few options; something to think about.  This approach also teaches your child to be open minded and tolerant of other people’s beliefs, regardless of what they themselves choose to believe.

If you or your child are struggling with the grieving process, speak with your doctor about grief counselling agencies in your community.  Support and a fresh perspective could be just what you need to help you and your child get back on your feet after suffering the loss of a loved one.

Unfortunately, children and teens just aren’t strong enough to handle these machines.  Each one may weight up to 600 pounds, with over-sized, low-pressure tires for navigating their way through fields and streams.

Each year, many children are killed using ATVs.  Even while wearing a helmet, the sheer size and weight of the machine can easily crush and kill a child.  And though your child may seem like an experienced ATV driver, it is not hard to lose control.

Though it seems hard to ‘just say no’, especially when it seems like all of the other kids parents let them go on ATV rides, you are doing your child a great disservice by giving in on this issue.  Until they are 16, it is simply too dangerous for children to operate or ride on ATVs. 

Use these tips to keep your children safe:

• Do not allow children to ride as passengers.  Even if the driver is an experienced adult, a passenger can affect their balance.  A child shifting their weight from side to side could be enough to cause the ATV to roll over.
• 3-wheelers vs 4-wheelers: 3-wheelers are not even recommended for seasoned drivers.  They are very unstable and tip or roll easily.
• All ATV riders should wear proper clothing.  This includes an approved motorcycle or snowmobiling helmet; gloves; long pants; and boots (preferably steel-toed).
• Never allow children under 16 to operate an ATV.  They are too small and not strong enough to control the machine.

Though it may seem like a fun toy, never forget that you are doing with a 600 pound piece of equipment.  Teach your children to respect the dangers of such machinery by not allowing them to take it lightly.

It is estimated that 20% of Americans suffer some sort of learning disability.  Of that group, 85% actually have dyslexia.

As a child learns to read, they begin to recognize letters and associate that letter with a certain sound.  They will begin to understand that “S” makes an “ess” sound, or that “T” sounds like “tee”.  Children with dyslexia have trouble associating letters with the sounds that they make.  They may become frustrated as they confuse common letters, such as “d” and “b”, and the sounds that each letter makes.

Dyslexic children are not stupid; on the contrary, most are very intelligent and productive.  Their brains simply process language differently than normal readers.  Some children learn to recognize certain words on sight, without actually understanding how the letters come together to form the word.  This creates a problem, because they may appear to be able to read, but are actually reciting words from memory.  Until they are challenged with new words, they may be able to disguise the disorder.

Dyslexia can be very hard on a child’s self esteem, as they may not understand just what makes reading so much more difficult for them than for other children.  Reading aloud could be terrifying for them, as they fear making mistakes in front of others.  Often, children are diagnosed in elementary school, although some disguise the problem well into high school or adulthood.

Dyslexia seems to have a genetic element, as the children of people who have difficulty reading often have issues themselves.  Thankfully, once dyslexia is diagnosed, your child can begin working with a specially trained teacher to improve their reading skills.  Their journey will not be as easy as that of natural readers, but eventually they will catch up!

 

As you’re set to leave, on the very first night that Junior is at camp, you receive the call that tears your heart out, “Mommy…*sniff*  come get me!”

Don’t cancel your trip just yet.  Experts estimate that over 80% of children experience homesickness.  Remember when you were a child?  Was there any greater fear than becoming separated from your parents?

This initial period of separation can cause a great deal of anxiety in young children.  They may feel that you will forget about them and never return; or that you will befall a terrible accident and be erased from their lives forever.  No matter how irrational they may seem, these feelings are very real.  And they’re quite normal.

Your home sick child may be resistant to join in with other children in activities; they may become withdrawn, teary, and depressed.  Rest assured, this does not make you a terrible parent.  It seems that the only cure for homesickness is time and experience.

Homesickness usually decreases with age, as your child learns that you will indeed return to them.  Though their first experience may send you running for the car keys, they may actually be better off toughing it out for the night.  It doesn’t make you a monster to leave them in a safe place overnight.

Perhaps your child’s next overnight stay should be closer to home.  Unfamiliar surroundings and new people could be playing a role in their anxiety.  Have the child stay at a trusted friend’s house until they build up the courage to eventually stray a bit farther from home. 

Above all, be supportive and let your child know that you understand their feelings.  Once upon a time, you were small and afraid.  Sharing these memories with your child can only work to build their confidence… after all, you turned out alright, didn’t you?