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Anxiety doesn't always present as worry or fear, in some children it can make them more irritable and angry. In other children some may have physical symptoms such as trouble sleeping, fatigue, headaches, and stomachaches.
Anxiety in Children
Anxiety in Children
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that serves important functions, including protecting people and motivating them to solve problems. However, when fear and worry interfere with kids daily tasks such school, home, and play there might be more to look into. The common types of anxiety in children include:
Separation-Worry about being away from a parent or caretaker. Children may follow parents from room to room, insist they can’t sleep alone, or even have difficulty attending school.
Social- Anxiety about how they appear to others or a fear of places were people are. They may express worries about being embarrassed, or about being evaluated in a harsh or negative way by others.
Phobias- Having extreme fear about a specific thing or situation, such as dogs, insects, going to the doctor, etc.
Generalized-Worry about the future, thinking about bad things happening, or emphasis on the worst possible outcome.
Panic Disorder- Having repeated episodes of sudden, unexpected, intense fear that come with symptoms like heart pounding, having trouble breathing, or feeling dizzy, shaky, or sweaty.
(CDC, 2023)
April is Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month
Did you know that Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States. 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, totaling over 5 million young people and adults.
Autism can be difficult for children to understand. Opening up the conversation with your children about autism can bring clarity for them, and aid their compassion for others.
More recently you may here a term called Neurodiversity or Neurodivergent. Neurodivergence is the term used for individuals whose brains “diverge” from the “norm.” This typically includes people with diagnosed neurological disorders and learning disabilities and is used to explain why an accommodation is needed. The neurodiversity movement argues that we should be celebrating the incredible diversity of how brain functions.
(Autism Speaks, 2021)(Paulsen, 2023)
What is it like to have autism?
What is it like to have autism?
A child with autism might have difficulty:
communicating with others
social interactions
dealing with changes (new foods, routine or environment)
dealing with loud noises, bright lights or crowds
Stimming usually refers to repetitive behaviors such as rocking and hand flapping. Stimming is a way people with autism cope with challenging situations. Learn more about stimming here.
(Nemours Kids Health, 2019)(Rudy, 2021)Resources
Resources
Sesame Street has a character with Autism, Julia. Check out some of the video clips here
Missouri Immunization Requirements
Missouri Immunization Requirements
The 24-25 school year is just around the corner. Here is some guidance on Missouri school immunization requirements. For all the specifics please visit Missouri DHSS.
All students must present documentation of up-to-date immunization status, including month, day, and year of each immunization before attending school.
Students in all grade levels may receive immunizations up to four days before the due date.
Required immunizations should be administered according to the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Schedule, including all spacing.
To remain in school, students "in progress" must have an Immunization In Progress form on file. In progress means that a child has begun the vaccine series and has an appointment for the next dose. This appointment must be kept and an updated record provided to the school. If the appointment is not kept, the child is no longer in progress and is noncompliant.
Religious and Medical exemptions are allowed. The appropriate exemption card must be on file. Unimmunized children are subject to exclusion from school when outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases occur.
Parents are now permitted to fill out their own religious exemption online, please read the form thoroughly because the decision not to immunize is a significant responsibility that can impact not only the child, but the community. For more information please visit here.
(Missouri DHSS, 2024)
Regular physical activity helps improve your overall health, fitness, and quality of life. It also helps reduce your risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, depression, anxiety, and dementia.
Move More, Sit Less
Move More, Sit Less
Physical Activity Recommendations
Preschool-Aged Children (3-5 years)
Physically active throughout the day with plenty of opportunities for active play
Kids (6-17 years)
60 minutes or more of physical activity each day
Adults
Walk 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week
150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, plus muscle-strengthening activities
at least 2 days a week
(CDC, 2020)Tips to Help the Whole Family Eat Healthier
Tips to Help the Whole Family Eat Healthier
In todays fast paced society it is difficult to eat a healthy diet. Stress, busy schedules and tight budgets can prevent families from developing healthy eating habits.
Here are some tips for eating healthier as a family:
Let go of perfection-meals don't have to be expensive, complicated or time-consuming.
Avoid labeling foods as off-limits -All foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle within moderation. Fruits and veggies are a great option for snacks but you can have birthday cake sometimes when it's someone's birthday!
Make healthy eating about wellness, not weight- discussing body weight in front of kids can lead to disordered thoughts and behaviors around eating. Instead focus on loving your body and treating it with kindness, and the nutrients that the food provides.
Keep meal planning simple-Stick to simple meals during the week, keep back up meals in the freezer or pantry. Have a sheet of paper or board for the whole family to write their meal ideas.
Make meal prep a priority-Setting aside an hour or two to prep a batch of meals and snacks for the week can actually be a time saver and keeps you from grabbing unhealthy options.
Eat together-Eating together as a family-without distractions-has numerous benefits, including encouraging healthier eating habits, promoting bonding, and aiding social and emotional development.
For more tips visit www.healthline.com
(McPherson ,2021)
Healthy Snack Combinations:
Healthy Snack Combinations:
Peanut butter + banana
Hummus + raw veggies
Ham and cheese roll-up in a whole wheat tortilla
Protein bar + raw veggies
Greek yogurt + berries + granola
Cottage cheese + pineapple
Trail mix
String cheese + apple
Hard-boiled egg(s) + raw veggies
Greek yogurt dip + raw veggies
Peanut butter + whole wheat English muffin
Higher protein and fiber cereal + milk + berries
Resources
Resources
Important Information from Parkway Health Services
Important Information from Parkway Health Services
Important forms can be found here: Health Forms
Current illness guidelines can be found here: Illness Guidelines
Seasonal Allergy Letter can be found here: Allergy Letter
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