To sedate or not to sedate infants for air travel, that is an oft-raised question. Is it truly nobler to spurn sedatives, risk an unruly child, and bravely suffer the heartaches of stares and scorn of outraged fellow passengers? Or is it more virtuous to sedate infants, perchance they’ll sleep, and endure the thousand humiliations […]
Children/Holiday Season/Staying healthy
November 11, 2008 by
Warning: holiday family get-togethers can be hazardous for your children’s health and safety. The same events that make the season fun and festive for kids – visiting family, lighting candles, and receiving toys, for example, can cause mishaps. Fortunately, most such problems are preventable – but only with forethought. Here is what you should know: […]
Toothbrushes/children/travel/diarrhea
October 25, 2008 by
Children old enough to brush their own teeth may be exposing themselves to diarrheal illnesses via their toothbrushes, especially when traveling in areas where such illnesses are common. Here is the theory: Children often place their toothbrushes on sink counter surfaces when finishing brushing, or in the middle of brushing if something more interesting catches […]
Dealing with Illnesses away from Home
May 13, 2008 by
Traveling with children is never all fun and games. Just like at home, prepare for mishaps and illnesses. 1. Make sure your children are healthy before leaving home. This helps minimize illnesses away from home. Are they due for routine checkups? Do they have minor illnesses which may worsen while traveling, stomach aches or upper […]
Treating Travelers’ Diarrhea in Children
April 24, 2008 by
Savvy parents can manage most cases of intestinal diseases that occur away from home and recognize the rare case needing immediate medical attention. Here’s how to be a savvy parent: 1. Do not treat intestinal illnesses with only clear or sugary liquids. Vomiting and diarrhea eliminates vital nutrients from the body, mainly sodium and chloride […]
Motion Sickness
April 23, 2008 by
If you’ve never been seasick it’s only because you haven’t encountered the right storm, say veteran sailors. Worse than being seasick yourself is dealing with children who are, say parents. 1. Call it motion sickness, not seasickness. The ancient Geeks named it. The word “nausea” is the Greek word for “sea.” But motion sickness also […]
Traveling and Living Overseas
April 23, 2008 by
Children make great travelers. They are inquisitive, fun and, when motivated, adaptable and inexhaustible. Time spent overseas, whether a week in Paris or a year in a developing country, helps enrich their education, builds self-confidence, promotes family cohesiveness, and creates memories for tomorrow. But before you go, consider these issues: 1.Examine your motives. Occasionally parents […]
Safety and Avoiding Accidents
April 23, 2008 by
In a survey a few years ago, the Consumer Product Safety Commission found at least one safety problem with cribs, pools, and playgrounds in 82% of U.S. hotels randomly chosen for inspection. Overseas the risk of accidents for travelers is greater, especially in developing countries. 1. Think safety. Most accidents are preventable – but only […]
Preparing a Medical Kit for Travel
April 22, 2008 by
A small, customized medical kit can be a real lifesaver when traveling with children. Never leave home without it. 1. Buy or assemble a first aid kit. This is not the same as a medical kit. A first aid kit includes items to treat the inevitable minor illnesses and scrapes children get at home or […]
Planning Successful Family Vacations
April 22, 2008 by
Unreasonable parental expectations and poor planning spoil more family vacations than obstinate children. 1. Make your first goal getting away from daily routines. How many miles away or how elaborate your trip is secondary. Life at home is regimented and ruled by the clock. On family vacations, let your hair down. Give children choices. Participate […]
