Child Health and Safety
Diet and Nutrition
“How can I keep my child healthy if I’m on a budget?” This is a question that is a rising concern for many parents today. Ways we can eat healthier on little money…
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Watch for processes foods (ready to eat books, frozen or premade foods, etc.)
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Fit in as many fruits and veggies as possible (trying growing them yourself to minimize costs)
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Buy canned or frozen fruits and veggies if you cannot afford them fresh
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Look for hidden sugar, sodium, and fat (READ THE LABELS)
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LIMIT fast food purchases
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Give your kids water. It’s free! Limit sugary drinks.
Sex and Love
Learning about sexuality is a part of child development. With media becoming increasingly hyper-sexualized, parents have to have “the talk” earlier than ever. We do not need to assume that our children will learn what they need to from other sources, instead we need to spear head the conversation. So when is having “the talk” okay? Whenever you deem it appropriate. All children are different. You can answer your child’s questions in an honest, age-appropriate way.
Age appropriate conversations include:
Age 2-3: The right words for private body parts, such as “penis” and “vagina”
Age 3-4: Where a baby comes from
Age 4-5: How a baby is born
Age 5-6: A general idea of how babies are made
Age 6-7: A basic understanding of intercourse
Age 8-9: That sex is not a bad thing, or something to be ashamed of; instead God designs it. At this age, peers and media are already introducing sex.
Age 9-11: Which changes happen during puberty, also any questions they may have about sex and relationships.
Age 12: Check in every so often to provide a better context for the information your children is receiving. Avoid overkill and allow your child the freedom to ask.
Tips:
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Never substitute words, use correct terminology to avoid confusion
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Don’t ever brush off questions and answer truthfully and age appropriately.
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Talk to your children about the implications and the importance of sex
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Instill your religious views about sex and what it means
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Set rules about dating
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Always meet the person that your child is interested in dating
Online Safety
The Internet is a wonderful resource for children but also hazardous. The word is at a child’s fingertips every time they find themselves at a keyboard. Being able to protect your kids from possible internet predators and offensive content is a huge challenge that parents face.
How to keep your child safe:
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Teach them not to give out or use personal information
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Know your kids passwords and make sure they do not share them with others- make them yourself if need be.
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Monitor photos and messages being sent and received
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Check their online friends for possible red flags. Monitor for cyberbullying and respond if noted.
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Put a child safety filter on the computer and keep them in a communal, well-monitored room.
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Check internet history and social media sites for warning signs
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Allow only a certain amount of time for web surfing each day.
