As every parent learns, keeping your child
healthy is not so much about visits to the doctor (though we are
infinitely grateful they are
there when we need them), but about making positive, well-informed choices on a daily
basis.
Knowledge of
child
development
and techniques for creating
regular sleep routines and
healthy limits
should keep most families on an even
keel if they also have access to some good background
information about potty training,
diet, and common childhood health
challenges such as those listed below.
On this page you will find some of the best articles
and links that we have found to satisfy the wish that some
kind of "owner's manual" came with the complicated little beings placed in
our care. Browse the resources on this page, but be sure to also
check out the pages highlighted in the text above. Earth's Kids
also hosts a special page just for kids and educators called
Your Body, which features links, books, and
other resources to help kids learn more about their body and how to keep
it healthy and well.
Be sure to check our kids Fun &
Learning Page, Your Body, for great links, games,
books, and plenty of free online information.
Not only is massaging
your baby is a wonderfully enjoyable way to build the loving
connection between the two of you, but it actually has the power to
calm and soothe your baby, and even to boost his immune system,
making him healthier and more resistant to illness and disease.
View the illustrated version.
It's sometimes hard to know when to
take your baby to the doctor, especially for first-time parents.
Because your baby can't tell you when something hurts, normal
fussiness and mild illness can be difficult to distinguish from more
serious problems.
Read this article
to learn how to tell the difference
between true emergencies and less urgent situations, and what to do
in an emergency.
Babies and
toddlers explore the world with all their sensory organs — including
their mouths. As a result, they're especially likely to swallow
objects such as coins, marbles, safety pins, pills, buttons, toy
parts and fruit pits...
Read More
This is an
important read for all parents and caregivers. Explains how to
prevent choking (including what items and foods are choking hazards) and
what to do if your child may be choking.
Proper hand washing is the single most important way to stop the spread
of childhood illness and disease. Check out this page for helpful
tips on encouraging this important skill in children. Part of
Earth's Kids' special section on the
Science of Hand Washing,
packed with interesting facts, fun songs, crafts, activities,
history, and even experiments about germs, soap, and bubbles!
Sure we all grew up being told to wash our hands, but
for parents, teachers, and caregivers hand washing is an especially
important tool in preventing the spread of illness, both viral and
bacterial. And yet, most people do not wash their hands
effectively -- meaning, infectious germs get left behind in the
cracks and crevices. Check out this article for important
pointers to share with your family and co-workers.
Practical help on dealing with
this fairly common childhood problem. Dr. Stoll also offers his
perspective on why your
doctor may not have been as helpful as you had hoped. Especially
useful for those looking for a method that does not involve
prescription medication or "allopathy".
Comprehensive yet concise information on
a broad variety of children's health topics, including common childhood
illnesses. Lots of useful, practical information.
This is a wonderful site for information on
various developmental disorders
-- everything from autism to spina
bifida. Covers characteristics of the disorder, treatment, resource
information, and -- best of all -- personal stories of children and
parents who are leading happy, productive lives, despite their
particular disorder. This same site also offers
Diagnosis
Search, for those parents who suspect their child may have a
disorder, but have not been able to determine yet what it is (and
therefore provide appropriate treatment and support).
Information on allergies, bedwetting,
immunizations, potty training and more. Also features message boards
and on-line chat with the Doctor (a practicing pediatrician).
Yoga enhances flexibility, balance, good
posture and may even support good circulation and proper spinal disc
alignment when done properly. More and more research indicates it
may be helpful for children with learning disorders, stimulating brain
development. Plus... kids think it's great fun!
