Bedtime Spoiler

It seems like a good way to allow our kids to watch tv or chat on IM to wind down, but not many of us know that the mental stimulation caused by the action on-screen only revs them up.  And apparently, the bright artificial glow given off by the tubes inhibits the brain’s production of melatonin, a sleep inducing hormone.

If you don’t want your kiddos wide-awake come tuck in time, turn off your child’s tv or computer an hour before lights out.  Have him read or listen to music for a while before bed instead.  Both activities help kids relax and stay entertained.  And since normal-to-dim lights are easier to process by our brains, your kid will drift off right on schedule.

D For Kids

Just like us, our kids need vitamin D now more than ever.  The nutrient is essential for strong bones, healthy growth and protection against auto-immune diseases such as type 1 diabetes.

Wondering what can help?  Giving them D-rich fare such as salmon and fortified milk is not the only way to boost a child’s levels.  Our skin naturally produces vitamin D following sun exposure so let your kids bask in the sun for 10 minutes without sunscreen twice weekly.  I also heard that serving meals with a pat of butter also helps.  Scientists found that butter’s saturated fat helps D bind to storage proteins in the body.

The Furry Pals

Science proves it that owning a pet boosts the mental well-being of the sick, the elderly, and the disadvantaged.  Another group that greatly benefits from the company of furry friends are the kids.  In a survey of 500 kids ages 12 to 16, 82 percent said they talk frequently to their pets.  The kids felt that dogs and cats offer emotional support — listening, protecting, and/or showing appreciation.

Let them play!

One great reason why you should encourage your kids to play more… exercise is a boon for their bones.  That’s according to experts who say jumping rope or playing hopscotch for just five minutes a week can reduce bone-fracture risk later in life.  According to them, 25 percent of bone mass is built during childhood.  Physical activity during this time boosts their body’s production of bone-growth cells, forming protective layers that lower risk of fractures.

Bored Little Ones

Having trouble keeping your grade-schoolers occupied inside the car?  Oh, I’m sure you’re tired of hearing “Are we there yet?”  Try this little trick:  Put crayons, markers and small notepads in old makeup bags.

Make sure each child gets her own travel kit.  And the cases are lined with waterproof material, so if the marker leaks it won’t get on the kid’s hands or your car upholstery.

Swimmer’s Ear

A whole afternoon in the pool can turn into a painful ear infection if your little ones get water in their ears.  To avoid the ache, try this quick preventive measure:  Set your hairdryer on low and hold the heat source a foot away from your kid, aiming for each ear for 30 seconds.  Otitis externa, more commonly known as swimmer’s ear, results from an overgrowth of bacteria that thrives in wet environments.

Cure Hiccups Fast

Next time your kids has a painful case of the hiccups, have her gargle with 1 tablespoon cola and then swallow.  The carbon dioxide particles responsible for soda’s fizz tickle the throat.  This then creates a distraction that allows the irritated diaphragm (the organ that causes air to rush to the throat) time to relax and stop producing the spasms.

Dosing At Bedtime

Did you know that kid’s cough syrup can damage teeth?  I never realized that until I’ve read an article about it.  Pediatric dentists who examined the acidity and sugar levels of several children’s OTC cough syrups and antihistamine syrups said so.  They found that levels were high enough to erode tooth enamel and increase risk of decay.  Dosing at bedtime allows acid longer contact with teeth, so to protect their teeth, make sure your kid brushes his teeth after downing cough syrup.