There is no single way to properly raise your kids. And there is certainly no magical solution to each parenting problem you’ll come across throughout your years as a parent. No matter where you are in your life or how old you are, you are going to have to figure out how to be the best parent you can be all by yourself. And you will need Parenting Assistance: Proper Dental Care, Monitoring Cognitive Development, and Preventing Technological Dependence
That doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t seek out the right help, however. Parenting is a thankless job, but luckily you’re not the only one who has ever had to deal with the chaotic mess commonly referred to as children. Here are some excellent tips that will hopefully help you to raise happy, healthy, and awesome little children: Parenting Assistance: Proper Dental Care, Monitoring Cognitive Development, and Preventing Technological Dependence
Parenting Assistance: Proper Dental Care, Monitoring Cognitive Development, and Preventing Technological Dependence
Focus on proper dental hygiene
The American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth at least twice a day. You’re going to have to do a heck of a lot more than simply tell your kids to go brush their teeth — including their baby teeth.
“There is a common misconception that baby teeth do not matter,” said Nyree Whitely, clinical director for Mydentist. “But the truth is that they are essential … If there is decay it can lead to infection, discomfort and potentially damage the permanent teeth below.”
Though you might think it’s not necessary to emphasize daily dental habits until your kids are around six or seven (when adult teeth begin to come in), it absolutely is. Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth, and any damage to them can lead to substantial health and dental concerns later on in life — so start teaching your kids the importance of proper dental care as early as you can.
Monitor for cognitive issues early on
The U.S. Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 6.1 million kids in America have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Far too many parents ignore their kids’ behavior until they’re a little bit older. This can be disastrous, though, because certain cognition issues can develop very early on. In fact, though the average age of diagnosis for kids with moderate ADHD is seven years old, symptoms for ADHD and other cognitive disorders like autism can be identified in a child as young as two or three years old.
“Much of the world that adults take for granted is actually a brand new experience for young children,” said Michael Kinney, a pediatric nurse practitioner with Rowan Medicine Pediatrics. “Parents will often wonder if their child’s energetic nature reflects normal development or is an indication of a health concern that could cause significant challenges.”
According to Very Well Mind, parents should keep an eye out for signs of both impulsivity and hyperactivity in their children from a very early age.
Signs of childhood impulsivity:
- Your child has trouble waiting for his or her turn.
- Your child interrupts others.
- Your child invades the space of others.
- Your child reacts without thought and blurts out.
- Your child has difficulty with delayed gratification and managing feelings of unhappiness.
Signs of childhood hyperactivity:
- Your child moves about excessively.
- Your child is constantly fidgety, wiggly, or squirmy.
- Your child is restless and perpetually on the go.
- Your child is loud and disruptive.
- Your child talking excessively.
Prevent technological dependence
It’s easy for parents to let video games, smart phones, TV screens, and the like do the parenting for them, but that can cause some major issues for your kids. Show your kids how much fun they can have by simply messing around outside — without any technology around.
Children who suffer from technology addictions are also much more likely to suffer from other serious concerns down the line as well. In fact, according to The Huffington Post, tech addiction kids are more likely to suffer from:
- Social isolation
- Poor social skills
- Unstable moods
- Impulse problems
- Low self-esteem
- Sleep disorders
As you raise your little angels into fine young people, do your best to seek out Parenting Assistance: Proper Dental Care, Monitoring Cognitive Development, and Preventing Technological Dependence stay on top of their dental care, monitor their behavior and cognitive abilities, and keep them away from too much technology. Even when you make a parenting mistake, which you will, try not to dwell on it. Mistakes happen but it’s up to you to quickly bounce back so you can get back to being a great parent for your (hopefully) great children.
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