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Tips To Finding The Right Pediatrician For Your Child

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Finding the right doctor to care for your child is one of the most important decisions you are going to make as a child. Your pediatrician is the person who will take care of them every time they are sick. When it comes to keeping your child well, you want a doctor that makes not only you but your child feel comfortable.

Parents with kids, no matter how old they are, make a lot of trips to the pediatrician’s office whether it be for unplanned sick visits or for well check-ups. You need a pediatrician that doesn’t break the break, offers the affordable medical supply you need, has years of experience caring for children under their belt and comes highly recommended by other parents, and has a personality that keeps your child calm and comfortable during the entire visit. Below are a few things to look for when looking for a new pediatrician for your child!

1.) Check out their credentials and years of experience

A pediatrician who specializes in working with and treating children from the newborn stage to the older teen years has undergone special training in pediatric school after graduating from general medical school. When looking for a new pediatrician, make sure the ones that you are interested in are board-certified in pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.

It is also wise to go to their office in person and do an interview of sorts, to get a feel for how deep their hands-on experience really goes. There is only so far that book knowledge can take a doctor. You want to find a pediatrician that has been working in pediatrics, especially for several years, and you may even want to look for a doctor that has experience in fields like urgent care, ERs, group practice, treating all ages, etc. as they can bring a different set of skills to the practice.

2.) Find out how the pediatrician stays current

Because of how advanced science is today, medicine and health care are able to change quite often and improve on ways they cure illnesses. Because medicine is able to change so often, it is vitally important for doctors to stay on top of the most recent cures and medical research so that they can provide the best, up-to-date care for your kids. Do an interview with prospective pediatricians and find out how they stay on top of research: for instance, do they go to conferences, do they attend seminars a few times a year, do they read accredited news, etc.

3.) The chemistry between parents and pediatrician matters

At most pediatric offices, you can go in and meet the doctors face to face and get to know them before settling with them and taking your child to get seen there. You want to take advantage of getting to know them because it allows you to meet the doctor in person and ask them questions that a website may not be able to answer. For instance, in a meet and greet you can ask the doctor things like how they approach healthcare, what their stance on vaccinations are, if they are a believer in medicating for everything, or if they prefer to let the body fight illnesses naturally, etc. When you know that you and a new pediatrician click and are on the same page about how you want your children to be taken care of, it will put you more at ease to go get your children taken care of there.

Most doctors acknowledge that every child is different and that every parent approaches the care and health of their child differently. For that reason, they want to get to know the parent so that they can get on the same page and give the child treatment that everyone is comfortable with.

4.) Take your child to meet the doctor and watch their interaction

Just as it is important for parent and doctor to click and be on the same page, it is equally as important for your child to feel comfortable with a potential new doctor. Allow your child to be with you when you meet with the doctor and pay attention to how they interact with the doctor. If they seem comfortable and relaxed, all of their credentials and experience meet your high standards, and the pediatrician does his or her best to stay on top of their game, you very well may have found the right new pediatrician to care for your child!

5 Great Reasons to Send Your Child to Private School

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Education has a major role to play in protecting the future of the human race. Despite the learning crisis in the world, education remains the answer and should be entrusted to our children who are the future. Investing in a good education program should be in the best of your interest in your child’s growth.

But how do you determine that you have invested in the right school for your child to study in? Do you choose a public school or a private institution for your loved one?. Do you go to public schools which are cheap but crowded or opt for that private school that will offer special attention to your child although at a higher fee?

When choosing that perfect school, match the institution’s values with yours. By knowing the expectations of the institution you will be able to make that decision easy. Here is why investing in private school education can be a great experience for your child. Read on to learn more about the benefits of a private school.

Committed Teachers

Teachers in private institutions focus their undivided attention to promoting every student’s development. It’s easy for teachers to learn and understand their students’ shortcomings and help in eliminating them since private schools have a small number of students in one class. Private schools have a unique system in selecting highly qualified teachers who show passion, skill, and determination.

As a parent you want your child to get the same level of attention as the rest of the students. Private institutions will definitely achieve this for you. The teacher’s special attention is important in your child’s development and this is why private institution promotes having dedicated teachers. Noticeably you will begin to see the ability of your child to complete tasks with ease.

Teacher performance in private schools gets monitored so as to identify weaknesses and improve on them. This, in turn, leads to teachers putting in more effort in the classroom. It forces them to go the extra mile, to improve the overall performance of the class.

Safety and Security

No parent wants to put their children in harm’s way and the safety and security of your child should be a top priority. Especially with issues like kidnapping and other forms of insecurities, it’s primary that you ensure when you are not in arms reach of your child that you have the sense that they are safe wherever they are.

The number of students’ versus the number of adults will be a factor in ensuring security in learning institutions. Imagine if the number of student ratio for teachers is very high. This will raise some challenges in ensuring that the students’ security is manageable.

A lower number of students provides an easy way to track their whereabouts at all times and also offers a quick response time in case of emergencies. It is also easier to identify missing students in the classroom and contact their parents or guardians for inquiries. In public schools, the high number of students makes it a difficult and expensive affair.

Enough Resources

Resources that facilitate a better learning environment are very important for any educational institution. Private learning institutions are able to thrive in sourcing out the necessary utilities to help in smooth operations.

The enrollment and semester fees charged in private institutions go a long way in ensuring more resources are available for each and every student. Facilities in these schools are in plenty.

From well-equipped libraries to state of the art sports facilities and support for extracurricular activities such as music. These go a long way in nurturing and developing your child’s talents

Private schools are able to contribute part of these resources through a united front from the community, staff, alumni members and parents. This is aimed towards the overall welfare of the school. This is very vital to their overall development.

Uniform Programs and Extra-Curricular Activities

All work and no play makes Jack a dull bull right? Extra-curricular activities provide a much-needed break from classroom work for the students. Learning gets exhausting sometimes. They also provide motivation for the children to come to school and have fun while learning.

Uniformity in programs means that a student can even participate in other extracurricular activities. A balance needs to be there. Private schools try to make this possible all through the school calendar.

Extra-curricular activities also play the role of instilling a form of discipline which is paramount for your child’s development. Most private schools will try to uphold their values through the discipline students learn while participating in extracurricular activities.

Some of the talents they develop in school might end up being their source of livelihood in their adult life. Many talents get spotted at school level and get developed after graduation.

Small Class Count

Public schools have a tendency to have a higher number of students in a class. Imagine the level of discomfort a student feels in such an environment. The level of focus and attention is affected in such a set up as it forces the hand of the teacher.

A lower number of students per class also plays a major part in the development of student-teacher relationships. In an environment where the students and teachers don’t possess a personal but professional relationship, the students end up missing out.

In private school, the teachers are able to identify and target the weaknesses of the students, leading to better academic performance. This would not be the case if the class was too crowded to manage.

Private School Provides a Better Environment for Your Child’s Development

As you are making that decision on which institution you would like to enroll your child in, remember that their future is in your hands. Private school might be costly but comes with numerous benefits as compared to public school. It is up to you to make that decision on what type of school, education, and environment you want your child to grown in.

Check out our website to learn more about family values and to get more insights on private school education for your child.

How Your Child Can Benefit From Kids Swimming Lessons

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Sending your kids to basketball practice, summer camp, or an after-school theatre program is a great well to keep them entertained. Activities like these aren’t just a method of entertainment, though, but also crucial for social, mental, and physical development. Whatever you do, don’t let your young one sit in front of the TV all day.

Not sure which activity will be best for your child? Consider kids swimming lessons! It has been proven that learning to swim at a young age has tons of benefits to both mental and physical development. The YMCA says that “swimming is an important life skill that children and adults should learn as early as possible.”

Swimming has numerous health benefits

This is true for people of all ages, but greatly applies to young children. In a world where obesity and laziness is running rampant, it is important to teach your children from a young age that physical fitness is important. A great way to exemplify this is to sign them up for swimming lessons in your local area.

Swimming is not just fun, but it is one of the best forms of exercise and works every muscle of the body. Children who experience a lot of pent up energy will be able to get rid of this energy in a healthy way. On top of that, swimming builds strength and endurance and is healthier on the body than other forms of exercise.

It teaches water-related safety skills

Teaching a child to swim at a young age teaches necessary water safety rules. Not only will your child learn that there is “no running” in the pool area, but also vital life-saving skills that could be useful later on in life. These skills could one day save their own lives or the life of another.

Swimming lessons help with social development

Of course swimming assists with physical fitness, but did you know that it also helps children to develop socially? Most swimming lessons are offered in small groups and all children or teens are within the same age group. The kids are able to interact with one another, learn from one another, and have fun together.

This is a great opportunity to make friends and even work together as a team. For older age groups, team building swim relays are common. These activities are fun, interactive, and teach valuable life lessons. Learning these valuable social skills can also be done in a classroom, but it has been proven to be even more effective within the confines of a swimming pool.

Learning to swim is a valuable life skill

This goes without saying since there are tons of opportunities throughout life that call for swimming skills. When your child vacations near the beach at an older age, he or she will grateful for the swimming lessons you invested in as a parent. Boat trips, beach outings, and summertime swim memberships won’t be the same without having the ability to swim.

Bullying Prevention: What School Bus Drivers Need to Know

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In recent years, school bullying has become a growing concern for parents, teachers, and kids. Because grade-school students now can bullying incidents on their phone, the public is getting an inside look at what many children go through. Some of the videos have even gone viral, causing disciplinary actions to be taken against the perpetrators. However, there are plenty of incidents that fly under the radar every day.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research found that one in three adolescents have reported recent bullying. This staggering number points to a need for stronger rules and heightened awareness on the part of schools and parents. A significant problem area involves bullying on school buses. These are unique situations in that the driver has a responsibility to operate the bus while also keeping students safe. This gives bullies a chance to get away with physical and emotional abuse without punishment. However, there are several things bus drivers can do to help deter bullying.

The Effects of Bullying on Kids

On the surface, bullying may seem like typical adolescent behaviour that every kid must endure while growing up. The truth is, the dangers of bullying are far-reaching for both the victims and perpetrators. Children who get bullied regularly during adolescence are at risk of developing depression, low self-esteem, isolation, and aggressive behaviour. They can even start experiencing physical side-effects of anxiety such as headaches and stomach issues. In extreme cases, a child may become suicidal.

The kids doing the bullying may also experience problems, some of which develop over time and manifest during young adulthood. Many bullies never learn the difference between wrong and right. This gap in their development can serve as a gateway criminal behaviour such as sexual abuse or gang involvement. Bullies are also at risk of dropping out of school, having relationship issues, and substance abuse. It’s imperative that schools consider this when taking disciplinary actions against bullies.

Identifying the Signs of Bullying

Bus drivers need to do everything they can to stop incidents of bullying. This task isn’t easy while operating a vehicle. Many children use the bus as an opportunity to pick on other students because they don’t feel like they’re being watched. Bus drivers are also at a disadvantage because they’re not as familiar with the personalities of each student as teachers are.

In many situations, what looks like innocent horseplay could be abusive behaviour. That’s why it’s essential for bus drivers to understand common symptoms of bullying. These include:

  • Students forcing another child to sit further back in the bus
  • Several students ganging up on another one, either verbally or physically
  • A specific student always wanting to sit near the front
  • Physical signs of abuse — bruises, cuts, or torn clothes
  • Students crying when leaving the bus
  • Students trying to walk home instead of taking the bus

Bus drivers need to remain vigilant of these signs and take action if they feel a child is intentionally getting bullied. It’s also important that schools have anti-bullying policies in place to properly diffuse abusive situations, so they don’t continue. These policies will define what steps need to be taken by teachers or school employees if they witness physical or emotional abuse. If implemented and adhered to, these policies could decrease the amount of bullying in schools by anywhere from 20 to 70 percent.

Prevention Tips for Bus Drivers

With the rise of bullying comes a greater responsibility for all school personnel to take preventative action when they notice a problem. Because so much bullying occurs on school buses in Toronto, drivers need to do their part to help cut down on incidents. They can do this in many ways.

  • Introduce themselves– If students know their bus driver, they’re less likely to misbehave. Bus drivers should introduce themselves immediately and get to know the names of all the students on their bus. Children will show more respect to someone they recognize as an authority.
  • Establish rules– Every bus driver should ensure all students riding the bus understand the rules. It helps to post a copy of the regulations on the bus where everyone can see. It also helps if drivers go over the rules verbally.
  • Assigned seating– If there’s an ongoing problem with bullying on a bus, the driver should implement assigned seating. This could be for all the students or just the perpetrators of bullying. Separating children who have issues with each other will ease the tension throughout the entire bus.
  • Report problems to the school – It’s essential that bus drivers work closely with the school when they witness a bullying issue. School administrators may need to sit down with the student’s parents or implement further disciplinary action to ensure the perpetrator doesn’t continue harming other students. The school may also need to work with the driver to establish or reform safety policies on the bus.

Bus drivers have a much more significant impact on a child’s school experience than they think. With a little observation and proactive intervention, they can stop bullying before it gets out of hand. Once these prevention techniques are put into action, students will feel much more comfortable on the bus and in school.

Keeping Kids Safe Online

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In today’s society, the concern for kid’s online behavior is rising. More information is available than ever before, and at the simple touch of a button, your kids can be exposed to numerous risks; cyberbullying, online predators, exposure to inappropriate content, and potentially worse.

As a parent, it’s scary trying to navigate the ever-changing landscape that is the online world. However, it’s crucial to your kid’s safety that you keep the lines of communication open and continue to learn more about the things that your kids have access to.

Practical, actionable advice for doing so can often be hard to come by, so keep reading for some useful tips on keeping your kids safe online.

photo courtesy of Unsplash

Safe Use of Social Media

When it comes to online safety for kids, it is crucial to address the impact that social media sites have. There are several positive effects that social media can have on a child. It can strengthen awareness within a community, aid in connecting with loved ones and friends, and help students stay abreast of what’s going on in society. However, when kids interact with social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram, they can be completely exposed to inappropriate, hurtful or possibly dangerous content.

Set a Solid Foundation of Trust and Communication

It’s imperative that your child knows they can go to you with their problems and that you will listen when they need help. When your kids feel like they can confide in you in times of question or concern, they will be more likely to come to you about any problems they might be facing, online or in real-life. Instruct your child to come straight to you when they see anything that makes them uncomfortable, and assure them that you won’t overreact, place blame, or immediately rescind their online privileges.

Be Aware of Facebook Depression

Sadly, this is a very real, very sad type of clinical depression. Researchers say that when looking at a happy event happening in someone else’s life, kids with poor self-esteem have the propensity to feel even worse.

If you see this feeling starting to surface, be sure to explain to your child that social media is not a true reflection of a person’s everyday life, but the perception that they want you to see.

photo courtesy of Unsplash

Set House Rules

Another way to ensure your child’s online safety is to talk with them before setting up and logging onto his or her computer. Setting basic rules for Internet access can go a long way toward building a nurturing online environment in your home.

Decide how much you’re comfortable with your children being online, and which of the sites they are, and are not allowed going to. You can post a list of these sites next to the computer so there are no questions about where they are allowed going- and make consequences for not following the guidelines. Some parents have their children sign contracts promising to practice online safety.

The Family Online Safety Institute offers a template for this on its website, but you can find them elsewhere, or even create your own to fit your family. The lines you draw are up to you; the important thing is for you and your kids to know exactly what they are.

Some families set a rule that the kids can’t play online until all their homework is done. Other families limit computer time to one hour a day. It’s completely up to you to figure out what works for your family.

Teach Your Kids to Protect Their Privacy

While most kids don’t fully understand the consequences of revealing personal information online, parents still should make sure that their children know the following:

  • Never give their name, phone number, email address, passwords, or pictures to anyone without explicit parental permission
  • Never open emails or messages from people they don’t personally know
  • Never respond to disturbing or hurtful messages
  • Never, under any circumstance, meet up with anyone they meet with online

Start the conversation about the public nature of the internet early on with your kids. Learn about and teach your kids how to use privacy and security settings on their favorite online games, apps and platforms.

Pay attention to and know the online environments your children use. In the real world, there are good and bad neighborhoods, and the online world is no different. Help them to identify safe and trusted websites and apps. Encourage them to be cautious about clicking on, downloading, posting and uploading content.

photo courtesy of Unsplash

Make a Computer Schedule

Setting an internet schedule, or a window of time when your child has internet access, is another great option for keeping your child safe online. Similar to blocking websites and keywords, you can set up access times through your router or internet service provider’s security app.

With an internet schedule, your child will only be able to browse the internet during designated times.

Don’t Just Tell Them the Rules, Work with Them.

Modern technology is an ever-evolving beast. Often you will have to make sure you continue to educate yourself.

Children tend to imitate the behavior of their parents, so make an effort to practice what you preach when it comes to online safety and security.

Follow your child on their social media accounts. This not only does it allows you to monitor what they share, but it allows you to present them with a good example of what is appropriate social media behavior, and perhaps improve your bond with them. If your child sees that you are having fun AND being safe, they will more easily follow in your footsteps.

Get them involved with maintaining the security of the home computer. Teach them how to check that the virus protection is up to date. For older children, give them some responsibility regarding internet security, and reward them for it.

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