WebParenTips - The Online Parenting Newsletter vol.3 no.11, Nov 2002 

                          HEALTH AND SAFETY

Anthrax, West Nile virus, smallpox, mad cow disease, weapons of mass
destruction. Enough worries to drive a nervous parent nuts!

None of us can do much about the above list but there are lots of things parents
can do to keep their kids healthy and safe.

o BUCKLE EVERYBODY IN BEFORE YOU START THE CAR. Including yourself.
Unfortunately there are parents who buckle up the kids but not themselves. Bad
idea. What a dumb way to orphan your children. Plus kids are apt to do what we
do, not what we say, when they get old enough to choose for themselves.

o No bike rides without BICYCLE HELMETS. Again that goes for parents as well
as kids.

o Keep all IMMUNIZATIONS UP TO DATE. Most parents immunize their babies
but as the kids get older the parents get more casual. Teens need immunization
boosters too.

o Make your house and car a NO SMOKING ZONE. There is no question that
children exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher incidence of respiratory
problems. Don't smoke yourself and hang a no-smoking sign on your front door
so visitors know the rules.

o CHILDPROOF your home so the little ones don't get injured. Protect them from
toxic substances, falls, burns, cuts, drowning. You know the drill. But parents
must also SUPERVISE older children who still need help when dealing with
dangerous items like sharp kitchen knives and power tools.

o MINIMIZE JUNK FOOD and maximize fruits, veggies, and grains in your house.
One trick I have learned through the years: make your kitchen cabinets a junk-free
zone. Keep healthy snacks around but lose the Christmas candy quick. When the
kids (or you) have a craving for something sweet, hit the frozen yogurt or ice cream
shop but don't bring any home with you.

o MAXIMIZE EXERCISE. Set an example by scheduling family walks or bike rides.

o MINIMIZE TV. Only watch the news once or twice a day lest you see the same
horror all day long.

We parents all feel the awesome responsibility of keeping our children safe. Yes,
it is awesome but it's our job until the kids are old enough to take care of
themselves and make their own decisions.

A little fear is a good thing--it reminds us how important our job is. But too much
fear can be paralyzing. My suggestion: do what you can to keep your children
safe. Don't fret about things you have no control over. You'll feel better if you do
what you can instead of worrying about what you can't do.

Finally, minimize any displays of your worries. Do all you can to make your
household a place of love and peace in these troubled times. Be honest with your
kids and let them verbalize their concerns but also be able to say, "We're not
going to talk about that any more today. We need some bliss time together."

And do what makes your family blissful. One woman told me she had a special
party for the whole family putting photos of the ones who were far away on the
table. Try a surprise Birthday Party for Everyone complete with cake and candles
even if it's nobody's birthday. Spend time outdoors together. Nature is healing.

And don't waste time worrying about whether or not something bad will happen.
Statistically this is pretty unlikely. Emotionally, you will feel better if you refuse
to let fear rule your household.


Happy Parenting,
Marilyn Heins, M.D.


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Dr. Marilyn Heins is a Tucson pediatrician, parenting
columnist for the Arizona Daily Star, author of the book,
ParenTips, as well as a mother, stepmother and grandmother.

She is available for workshops and lectures to groups of
parents, teachers, and grandparents. See:

Dr. Heins' Lectures
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