Water Awareness-time to break out the swimming rules again

Water Awareness

Swimming and other water activities are essential to enjoying summertime. With so many opportunities to access water it is crucial that our children know the rules of the water.

1.       Never swim alone-no matter how old or good of a swimmer. This rule is universal.

2.       The only certain way to prevent your child from drowning is by holding their hand, as the American Academy of Pediatrics call it “touch supervision”. “Swimming lessons will not drown proof any child”. “An adult needs to be within arm’s reach of an infant or toddler at all times”. Being there and not being distracted or leaving them unattended even for a brief moment is vital.

3.       Swimming lessons- to water proof or not to water proof? There are many companies that will teach your child to swim by waterproofing them. This is the method where a child learns to “sink or swim”. The premise is that if they fall in they will access the skills they learned in these classes and float and swim to the edge of the pool. There are as many supporters of this method as there are detractors. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently revised its recommendations for swimming lessons to as young as 1 year of age. But caution should be followed to make sure your child is developmentally ready for lessons. The most accepted view is to teach a child to swim naturally and enjoy the water. A swimming class should emphasize water safety and require a parent or other adult to be in the water with the child. In countries with the lowest percentage of drowning, children learn to swim from a young age by enjoying their time in the water never being afraid. Of course, make sure to instill a clear understanding and respect for the water and the associated dangers.

4.       Keep a fence around your pool and if possible an alarm on the water in case someone accidentally falls in.

5.       Swim during the cool part of the day to avoid sun burn and damage. You must reapply most suntan lotions after swimming.

6.       Eczema and sensitive skin- you should rinse your child off with water, towel them off and apply moisturizer as soon as possible. Swimming and all the pool ingredients have a tendency to dry out and irritate sensitive skin..

7.       Get out of the wet bathing suits as soon as possible. Staying in wet bathing suits for prolonged periods of time can cause rashes, irritations, and pain.

8.       Use swimmers ear drops to protect against ear canal irritation or infection. Some of the common products include Swim Ear, Star Otic. You can also make your own home remedy using a combination of alcohol and vinegar. The general rule is a couple of drops before and after swimming to dry the ear out.

9.       What age-In many places children are encouraged to go in the water as early as possible. We prefer you do not take your baby in the pool the first 2 months but make sure the water is warm enough, as they will not be able to regulate their temperature until they are at least 6 months of age.  There are many classes including mommy and me swimming classes that introduce you and your child to swimming basics for young children.

10.   Sunscreen lotion- if your child will be exposed to sun at all it is recommended to use a gentle waterproof suntan lotion with at least SPF 30. Make sure you reapply after each ( see section on choosing a suntan lotion)

11.   Teach your children to walk and not run near any body of water.

12.   Choosing flotation devices- water wings and other similar devices are not generally recommended. Never leave a child out of reach just because they have a flotation device. The US Coast Guard has a list of approved flotation devices on its website for any water activity.

Guidelines for managing your families mobile media use

Dr. Krayons guide:

1. “I found the enemy and it is us”. Look at your own technology habits first. What you do and how you act as a parent speaks much louder than what you say. You are the major influence on your child.  Using media and electronic devices is no different. It is not an accident that every child in today’s world is extremely inquisitive with all the devices they see us using all day long. They are very much aware of everything we do. From the earliest age children are observing and registering all our facial expressions and what engages us. Start here, even before it is time for them to play with media devices. When you are around your children, give them undivided attention. We are the ones training them in the art of distraction. Get back to real social interaction ourselves, so our children will have a reference point. So start with yourself, see what you look like to them in the mirror. They are watching you 24-7. Are you smiling, engaged and aware or taking every opportunity to interact with your child.
2.  Do not use the device just to keep you child from acting out. Although you may use the device for situations which may require your child to behave and sit still for prolonged periods of time you do not want to use any mobile media as a behavior device . Explain in clear terms before you give them the device what the limits will be then warn them a few minutes before the time is running out; do not take it away abruptly. If they act out and throw a fit or fight when it is time to stop, follow through and do not extend the time. Make it very clear that if they want to continue having the privilege of using this device next time they need to cooperate.
3. The first time your child grabs your phone, as with every behavior use it as an opportunity to teach .You will have countless opportunities to reinforce the guidelines  until good behavior becomes a habit.
4. Limitations: It is your choice when and where, and for how long your child can play with their device. Develop specific rules and time frames for controlling the use. For instance “you can use the game only in the car, when we get to grandparent’s house you need to turn off”. “While we are waiting for the food at a restaurant you can use it, when the food comes we turn it off”. 

5. Do not allow double tasking. One activity at a time. Only allowed to use when waiting or seated. Never while walking, talking, family time, or other activities.
6. Appropriate public behavior: Discuss what is acceptable behavior with any device- it is worth being proactive and reviewing details before you arrive at a destination. Game plan for any trip or outing and discuss your expectations for your child’s cooperation . Outline the places that are acceptable for use.
7. “Do as I say not as I do”. Ever notice that as soon as you look at your phone or text everyone has tacit approval to look at theirs. Discuss the differences between what is essential use of a phone in public and inappropriate times for non-essential calls, texts, email etc. Discuss openly what “need to” means when it comes to phone and game use.
8. Curtailing  distractibility: Only allow one (limited at that) sedentary activity at a time. Adding them together does not encourage creativity or social interaction it develops distractibility. Whatever value may be gained from Television viewing, is lost if you add texting, game playing, or talking on the phone. Is all this contributing to the A.D.D generation?

The problem: We are losing the battle with social interaction to mobile media devices- offensive and inappropriate use has become the norm. How do we get a handle on our children’s mobile media habits?

BASIC Mobile media etiquette: Add you own!

a.      Turn off text sound before family dinner time, and mute on phone.

b.      Turn your text sound off before you drive. Never text in any form and drive.

c.       Always turn the sound off in public.

d.      Unless you are a doctor or caretaker worried about someone, turn your phone off completely or at least put it on vibrate in: movies, meetings, doctor’s offices,school.

e.      Do not talk on your phone in lines, checkout counters, when you enter a room or office, or restaurant. Finish your conversation outside. Definitely do not conduct loud business meetings or have personal or gossip sessions in public.

f.        Other than brief very important responses, carry on your conversation in private.

g.      Never play movies for your children in restaurants. If you want them to watch a movie stay home.

h.      When your children are playing a game, on the phone, or texting, if someone you are waiting for enters the room, be it a doctor, teacher, or a waiter, turn it off. Teach how to greet and engage others.

i.        Take it away- any child who cannot pause a game when someone tries to engage them in conversation, or when you arrive at your destination should have the device taken away.

Remember it is your choice!