Build Child's Self-Esteem to Increase SafetyWritten by Kathy Alexander
Low self-esteem in children leaves them vulnerable to compliments and praise of a stranger. Children that receive continual support from home will feel good about them, have higher self-esteem, and be more self-confident.Children with self-confidence are more likely to stay away from anyone that makes advances toward them will ill intentions. Keep you child comfortable talking to you. If you make them feel loved and understood at home, they will be more likely to keep open communication lines with you, even on sensitive subjects. They won't have to turn to others for understanding when they are able to receive it at home. From a young age, constantly remind your children that they can come to you for help at any time, for anything, under any circumstances. This continual reminding will help them remember that their parents at home are their to guide, advise, and support. All children have or will bin in a situation where think, "My parents are going to kill me!" It might be a car accident or experimentation with alcohol, but this is when they need assistance and parental guidance most. Be there for them and they won't have to turn to outsiders that may be looking for vulnerable, scared kids to draw into their deceptions.
| | Sun SafetyWritten by Kathy Alexander
The sun is an important part of our lives. Exposure to sun allows our bodies to produce Vitamin D which is needed to help absorb calcium for strong healthy bones. Generally, we get 50-80% of our sun exposure by time we reach age 18, therefore, it is important that parents teach children how to stay in sun safely.Try to avoid prolonged periods in sun when its at its highest in sky. This is time sun can do most damage to your skin. In United States, that is generally between 10am and 4pm. If you are out during this period, make sure you are protected with sunscreen. Even kids playing in backyard need sunscreen. Most damage is done during incidental exposure and not while at pool or beach. Pay attention to UV Index and follow precautions as advised depending on level. Information about UV Index levels and precautions can be found at http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uviscale.html, Environmental Protection Agencies website. Even on cloudy overcast days, use sunscreen. The UV rays of sun are harmful rays, and they can penetrate clouds. Many times worst damage is done on these days because heat of sun doesn’t warm your skin, or a cool breeze may also keep skin feeling cool, and you do not realize damage until it is too late! Covering up with clothing is a good way to protect your skin. Put your hand under fabric, if you can see your hand, it will NOT provide adequate protection. You should not be able to see your hand for fabric to block harmful UV rays. Sunscreen should not be applied to babies under age of 6 months. Make sure if they have to be in sun, they are covered with appropriate clothing and wearing wide brimmed hats or under adequate shade to also protect their faces. Pay most attention to Sun Protection Factor (SPF) when purchasing sunscreen. Children 6 months and older should wear at least a SPF of 15. The SPF tells you amount of protection. If a child can stay in sun for 20 minutes before burning, a SPF of 15 gives them 15 times protection.
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