Home Sweet Home

About Lead Poisoning

If you have young kids, it’s important to find out whether there’s any risk that they might be exposed to lead, especially if you live in an older home. Many toys and other products from outside the United States have also been found to contain lead.

Long-term exposure to lead, a naturally occurring metal used in everything from construction materials to batteries, can cause serious health problems, particularly in young kids. Lead is toxic to everyone, but unborn babies and young children are at greatest risk for health problems from lead poisoning — their smaller, growing bodies make them more susceptible to absorbing and retaining lead.

Each year in the United States, 310,000 1- to 5-year-old kids are found to have unsafe levels of lead in their blood, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from headaches and stomach pain to behavioral problems and anemia (not enough healthy red blood cells). Lead also can affect a child’s developing brain.

The good news is that you can protect your family from lead poisoning. Talk to your doctor about potential lead sources in your house or anywhere your kids spend long periods of time, especially if they’re younger than 3 years old.

And it’s important for kids at risk of exposure to undergo blood tests for lead — many people with lead poisoning show only mild symptoms or even no symptoms at all.

Why Is Lead Harmful?

Whether it’s inhaled, swallowed, or, more rarely, absorbed through the skin (just by touching a product that contains lead), lead can act as a poison. Exposure to high lead levels in a short period of time is called acute toxicity. Exposure to small amounts of lead over a long period of time is called chronic toxicity.

Lead is particularly dangerous because once it gets into a person’s system, it is distributed throughout the body just like helpful minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc. And lead can cause harm wherever it lands in the body. In the bloodstream, for example, it can damage red blood cells and limit their ability to carry oxygen to the organs and tissues that need it, thus causing anemia.

Most lead ends up in the bone, where it causes even more problems. Lead can interfere with the production of blood cells and the absorption of calcium that bones need to grow healthy and strong. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, and nerve and blood vessel function.

Effects of Long-Term Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning can lead to a variety of health problems in kids, including:

• decreased bone and muscle growth
• poor muscle coordination
• damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and/or hearing
• speech and language problems
• developmental delay
• seizures and unconsciousness (in cases of extremely high lead levels)

How Lead Poisoning Happens

Most commonly, kids get lead poisoning from lead-based paint, which was used in many U.S. homes until the late 1970s, when the government banned the manufacture of paint containing lead.

That’s why kids who live in older homes are at a greater risk for lead poisoning. Also at risk are those who immigrate to the United States or are adopted from a foreign country that doesn’t regulate the use of lead. Children with a history of the disorder pica (persistent and compulsive cravings to eat non-food items, like dirt, paint chips, or clay) also are at risk for lead poisoning.

Lead is also found in other environmental areas, including:

• contaminated soil, which is found near busy streets, in part because lead was an ingredient in gasoline until the late 1970s. The soil that surrounds homes that were painted with lead-based paint also might be contaminated. Contaminated soil is a particular concern because it can introduce lead dust into the home.
• water that flows through old lead pipes or faucets, if the pipes begin to break down
• food stored in bowls glazed or painted with lead, or imported from countries that use lead to seal canned food
• some toys, jewelry, hobby, and sports objects (like stained glass, ink, paint, and plaster)
• some folk or home remedies, such as greta and azarcon (used to treat an upset stomach)

Signs of Lead Poisoning

Many kids with lead poisoning don’t show any signs of being sick, so it’s important to eliminate lead risks at home and to have young kids tested for lead exposure.

When kids do develop symptoms of lead poisoning, they usually appear as:

• irritability or behavioral problems
• difficulty concentrating
• headaches
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• sluggishness or fatigue
• abdominal pain
• vomiting or nausea
• constipation
• pallor (pale skin) from anemia
• metallic taste in mouth
• muscle and joint weakness or pain
• seizures

These symptoms also can indicate a wide variety of other illnesses, so if your child has any of them, talk to your doctor. A blood test may be necessary to look for lead poisoning or other health problems.

Treatment

Treatment for lead poisoning varies depending on how much lead is in the blood. Small amounts often can be treated rather easily; the most important part of therapy is reduction of lead exposure. Gradually, as the body naturally eliminates the lead, the level of lead in the blood will fall.

Kids with severe cases and extremely high lead levels in their blood will be hospitalized to receive a medication called a chelating agent, which chemically binds with lead, making it weaker so the body can get rid of it naturally.

Calcium, iron, and vitamin C are important parts of a healthy diet and also help to decrease the way the body absorbs lead. Your doctor may recommend your child take supplements if there’s not enough intake in his or her diet.

All siblings of a child found to have lead poisoning also should be tested. Doctors will report cases of lead poisoning to the public health department.

Protecting Your Family

You can protect your kids from lead poisoning by ensuring that your home is lead-free — ask your local health department about having your home evaluated for lead sources. And have your kids tested for lead exposure, particularly if when they’re between 6 months and 3 years old. Kids this age spend a lot of time on the floor and try to put things in their mouths.

These tips can help you reduce the risk of lead exposure:

• Be wary of old plumbing. Old plumbing might be lined with lead. If you have an old plumbing system (in homes built before 1970), which used copper pipes and lead solder, you may want to get your water tested. You can call your local health department or water department to find a laboratory that will test your water for lead content. You also can take precautions to limit your exposure. If the water from the cold faucet has not been run for several hours, let cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking it. And because hot water absorbs more lead than cold water, don’t use hot tap water for meals.
• Keep your home and your family clean. Wash your kids’ hands and toys often, and keep dusty surfaces clean with a wet cloth.
• Ensure that iron and calcium are in your diets. If kids are exposed to lead, good nutrition can reduce the amount that’s absorbed by their bodies. Eating regular meals is helpful because lead is absorbed more during periods of fasting.
• Know where your kids play. Keep them away from busy roads and the underside of bridges.

If you suspect that you might have lead-based paint on your walls, use a wet cloth to wipe windowsills and walls. Watch out for water damage that can make paint peel. Don’t sand or heat lead-based paint because doing so increases the risk that lead will be inhaled. If the paint doesn’t have many chips, a new layer of paint, paneling, or drywall will probably reduce the risk. It’s best to consult a professional, especially because other precautions might be needed to contain the lead in the paint.

Whether it’s a snow day home from school, an unexpected business appointment, or a childcare arrangement that fell through, situations are likely to arise where you feel you have little choice but to leave your child home alone.

It’s natural for parents to be a bit anxious when first leaving kids without supervision. But you can feel prepared and confident with some planning and a couple of trial runs. And handled well, staying home alone can be a positive experience for kids, too, helping them gain a sense of self-assurance and independence.

Factors to Consider

It’s obvious that a 5-year-old can’t go it alone but that a 16-year-old probably can. But what about those school-aged kids in the middle? It can be difficult to know when kids are ready to handle being home alone. Ultimately, it comes down to your judgment about what your child is ready for.

You’ll want to know how your child feels about the idea, of course. But kids often insist that they’ll be fine long before parents feel comfortable with it. And then there are older kids who seem afraid even when you’re pretty confident that they’d be just fine. So how do you know?

In general, it’s not a good idea to leave kids younger than 10 years old home alone. Every child is different, but at that age, most kids don’t have the maturity and skills to respond to an emergency if they’re alone.

Think about the area where you live. Are there neighbors nearby you know and trust to help your child in case of an emergency? Or are they mostly strangers? Do you live on a busy street with lots of traffic? Or is it a quiet area? Is there a lot of crime in or near your neighborhood?

It’s also important to consider how your child handles various situations. Here are a few questions to think about:

• Does your child show signs of responsibility with things like homework, household chores, and following directions?
• How does your child handle unexpected situations? How calm does your child stay when things don’t go as planned?
• Does your child understand and follow rules?
• Can your child understand and follow safety measures?
• Does your child make good judgments or is he or she prone to taking risks?
• Does your child know basic first-aid procedures?
• Does your child follow your instructions about staying away from strangers?

Make A “Practice Run”

Even if you’re confident about your child’s maturity, it’s wise to make some practice runs, or home-alone trials, before the big day. Let your child stay home alone for 30 minutes to an hour while you remain nearby and easily reachable. When you return, discuss how it went and talk about things that you might want to change or skills that your child might need to learn for the next time.

Handling the Unexpected

You can feel more confident about your absence if your child learns some basic skills that might come in handy during an emergency. Organizations such as the American Red Cross offer courses in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in local places like schools, hospitals, and community centers.

Before being left home alone home alone, your child should be able to complete certain tasks and safety precautions, such as:

• knowing when and how to call 911 and what address information to give the dispatcher
• knowing how to work the home security system, if you have one, and what to do if the alarm is accidentally set off
• locking and unlocking doors
• working the phone/cell phone (in some areas, you have to dial 1 or the area code to dial out)
• turning lights off and on
• operating the microwave
• knowing what to do if:
  • there’s a small fire in the kitchen
  • the smoke alarm goes off
  • there’s a tornado or other severe weather
  • a stranger comes to the door
  • someone calls for a parent who isn’t home
  • there’s a power outage

Regularly discuss some emergency scenarios — ask what your child would do if, for example, he or she smelled smoke, a stranger knocked at the door, or someone called for you while you’re gone.

Before You Leave

Even after you decide that your child is ready to stay home alone, you’re bound to feel a little anxious when the time comes. Taking these practical steps can make it easier for you both:

• Schedule time to get in touch. Set up a schedule for calling. You might have your child call right away if he or she is coming home to an empty house, or set up a time when you’ll call home to check in. Figure out something that’s convenient for both of you. Make sure your child understands when you’re readily available and when you might not be able to answer a call.
• Set ground rules. Establish some special rules for when you’re away and make sure that your child knows and understands them. Consider rules about:
  • having a friend or friends over while you’re not there
  • rooms of the house that are off limits, especially with friends
  • TV time and types of shows
  • Internet and computer rules
  • kitchen and cooking (you might want to make the oven and utensils like sharp knives off limits)
  • not opening the door for strangers
  • answering the phone
  • getting along with siblings
  • not telling anyone he or she is alone
• Stock up. Make sure your house has everyday goods and emergency supplies. Stock the kitchen with healthy foods for snacking. Leave a precise dose of any medication that your child needs to take, but don’t leave medication bottles out as this could lead to an accidental overdose or ingestion, especially if younger siblings are also present.

  In addition, leave flashlights in an accessible place in case of a power outage. Post important phone numbers — yours and those of friends, family members, the doctor, police, and fire department — that your child might need in an emergency.

• Be sure that you:
  • Create a list of friends your child can call or things your child can do if lonely.
  • Leave a snack or a note so your child knows you’re thinking of him or her.
  • Make up a schedule for your child to follow while you’re away.
  • Make sure the parental controls and filtering systems, if you have any, are programmed for the Internet on your computer and on your TV.
• Childproof your home. No matter how well your child follows rules, be sure to secure anything that could be a health or safety risk. Lock them up and put them in a place where kids can’t get to them or, when possible, remove them from your home. These items include:
  • alcohol
  • prescription medications
  • over-the-counter medications that could cause problems if taken in excess: sleeping pills, cough medicine, etc.
  • guns (if you do keep one, make sure it is locked up and leave it unloaded and stored away from ammunition)
  • tobacco
  • car keys
  • lighters and matches

Ready to Go

When you’re ready to leave your child home alone for the first time, a few other steps can help both of you manage the transition.

You might have an older teen or a friend of the family come over to stay with your child. Don’t call that person a “babysitter” — tell your child that the person is there to keep him or her company. You might also want to let your child invite a trusted friend of the same age to come over, and propose this as a trial run for later solo stays. Be sure to let the friend’s parents know that you won’t be home.

And don’t forget that pets can be great company for kids who are home alone. Many kids feel safer with a pet around — even a small one, like a hamster, can make them feel like they have a companion.

So cover your bases and relax. With the right preparation and some practice, you and your child will get comfortable with home-alone days in no time!

Teen Safety at Work

Your 13-year-old comes to you and asks permission to start babysitting so she can earn enough money for that new video game. Or maybe your 16-year-old wants to work at the local fast-food restaurant so he can save money for a car.

If you’re like many parents, you probably think that a part-time job, whether after school, on weekends, or during the summer, is a good idea. After all, working teaches teens a sense of responsibility, helps them pay for their own expenses, and teaches them that money is something that’s earned. So you might be inclined to say, “Sure, take the job.”

But sometimes parents may not give much thought to the risks their teens can face while working. Here’s how you and your teen can choose a safe part-time job that minimizes those risks.

Common Jobs for Teens

Lots of teens work, especially 15- to 17-year-olds. Many are employed in retail operations, including fast-food restaurants, grocery stores, and other shops. Service industries, including nursing homes, swimming pools, amusement parks, and moving companies, account for another large portion of teen labor. And a smaller number work in the agricultural industry. Other teens opt for entrepreneurial activities, such as babysitting, delivering newspapers, and dog walking.

Risks to Teens

Of course, almost all jobs have hidden safety hazards: falling off a ladder while reaching for a box on a high shelf, slipping on a newly mopped floor, or being bitten by an unruly pet are just a few risks your teen could encounter on the job or at the workplace.

Other job injuries have more recently become common, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (an overuse injury in the wrists) and other repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). They’re mostly associated with computer work, but RSIs also can develop from scanning items as a supermarket checker.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in 2006:

• 30 youths under age 18 died from work-related injuries
• an estimated 52,600 work-related injuries and illnesses among teens 15 to 17 were treated in hospital emergency departments

And since only about one-third of work-related injuries are seen in emergency departments, that means that an estimated 157,000 teens sustain work-related injuries and illnesses each year.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the farming, forestry, and fishing industries are the most dangerous and account for the most fatal occupational injuries; the retail industry is the second most-hazardous; followed by the construction industry.

Transportation injuries on farms, highways, and industrial premises account for almost half of fatal occupational injuries among teens. Wholesale and retail trade and service industries account for the majority of on-the-job nonfatal injuries.

Depending on the industry they’re working in, teens can be at risk for serious dangers, such as injuries from heavy machinery or illness from bacteria or toxic chemicals. Teen workers are generally believed to be at increased risk of occupational injury because of inexperience and limited training.

Starting the Job Hunt

If you and your teen agree about your teen looking for a job, plan to spend some time searching for one that’s safe and enjoyable.

Talk about what your teen wants to do. If possible, your teen should be interested in the job, not just taking it for money. Someone interested in pursuing medicine in college, for example, might seek a job as a nursing home worker or at a hospital.

Try contacting the department of labor in your state. Among the things you can ask them: the number of hours teens can work, the hours of the day when they can work, and the types of jobs they shouldn’t do. For example, in some states teens under age 16 aren’t allowed to operate deli slicers or fryers in restaurants. And some teens under age 18 may not be allowed to work past 10 p.m. on school nights.

You also can get helpful information from the National Consumers League (NCL), a national organization that (among other things) works to monitor and fight child labor abuses.

Starting a Business

How do you monitor the safety of a teen who wants to start a business (or work independently, as in babysitting)? Check with the labor department anyway; this may help you and your teen establish some guidelines, like hours to work and what kind of businesses are OK.

For example, let’s say your 16-year-old wants to run a window-washing business this summer, but the labor department in your state prohibits minors from taking jobs that involve climbing ladders. Even if you know your teen is mature and responsible, the laws are there to protect teens from getting hurt.

Before your teen starts a business, steer your child to the library or Internet for business and safety advice for young entrepreneurs. Your local hospital, police or fire department, Red Cross chapter, or YMCA/YWCA may have helpful information about first aid, CPR, and safety.

Before Your Teen Is Hired

To find out if a job is safe, talk to your teen and ask questions such as:

• How did you find out about this job? If your teen got the tip from a trusted adult, for example, you might feel more comfortable with it than a job listed in the classifieds with an unknown company.
• Do you know the people you’re working for? It’s one thing for your 14-year-old to babysit for your neighbors and friends. But if you don’t know your teen’s boss, you may want to set up an appointment to meet before your teen accepts the job.
• How many hours will you work? What hours will you work (weekends, after school, school nights)? For the sake of grades and sleep, you and your teen should set limits.
• What protection will you have? If your child is working inside someone else’s home or cleaning up at a restaurant after hours, find out if there’s a security system and lock, as well as easy access to a phone to call 911 and other emergency numbers.
• Do you have the skills for this job? Age isn’t always the key factor. A 13-year-old used to babysitting for younger siblings may be more qualified for such work than the 16-year-old who’s an only child with no experience watching kids. And if your teen wants to be a lifeguard but isn’t certified, you might steer him or her toward the snack bar instead.

Checking Out a Job Site

You might not have concerns if your teen is working around the neighborhood with people you know. But you might have questions if your child’s takes a job where you don’t know the people or the environment.

When possible, get references for jobs from the labor department and the Better Business Bureau. Make an appointment to meet with your teen’s potential employer and take a quick tour of the work environment.

Ask questions, including:

• What are the specific job responsibilities? Find out if your teen can (legally and physically) or should do what’s expected.
• What sort of training is offered? You should be satisfied that your child is properly trained to handle the job, is never asked to substitute in jobs for which he or she isn’t trained, and that your teen’s coworkers are also trained. Teens can also benefit from being trained in emergency procedures such as first aid, CPR, and burn treatment. Your teen should know to report any injury to a supervisor immediately — no matter how minor it seems — and to get proper treatment for it ASAP.
• Who’s supervising my child? In some work situations, teens’ direct supervisors may not be much older than they are. So, an immediate boss may not know much more about the work or how to react in an emergency than your teen would.
• What other potential dangers have been addressed? A spokesperson for the Children’s Safety Network provided this good advice: “I know a pizza place that uses Caller ID to confirm the caller’s identity, the address of the delivery, and that the order was really placed.” These kinds of practices ensure that your teen is delivering to a legitimate customer and increase safety overall.
• What about working late at night? Many older teens work in late-night establishments like diners, ice-cream shops, and all-night groceries. You and your child must discuss the pros and cons of such work. Ask serious questions of the employers: Who’s working with my teen late at night? Is there always an adult there? What security measures are in place? And be sure to check with your local police precinct for further suggestions and information.

Keep Talking, Even After Payday

Don’t stop talking after your teen has been hired. Discuss work regularly and get specifics on the workday (rather than just “it’s fine”). For example, you can ask:

• What was something interesting that happened at work today?
• Are you still handling the original job or have your responsibilities expanded?
• What are your new responsibilities?
• What kind of training did you get before you took on this additional work?
• Are you being paid more for the extra work? Why or why not?
• Do you think anything about this job will help you in your career someday?

Talking to teens about their rights and experiences at work is a great way to keep communication flowing. Explain that there are laws to protect teens against sexual harassment and discrimination, and encourage your child to come to you with all work-related concerns, especially if anything “doesn’t feel right.”

Also make sure your son or daughter understands that with rights come responsibilities. Some employers get away with paying teens less than minimum wage by paying them “off the books” and telling them they won’t have to pay taxes. But remind your teen that paying taxes is an important responsibility and a legal requirement. Also, paying Social Security tax is how workers earn the Social Security benefits they’ll receive later.

And be aware of your teen’s physical health and safety: Is he or she nodding off a lot? Are grades slipping? Does he or she seem stressed out? You, your teen, and perhaps your child’s doctor can confer about maintaining a healthy balance between school, work, and other responsibilities.

By investing some time in research beforehand, your teen can have a fun, worthwhile, and safe job experience.

Family gatherings, special traditions, delicious treats — the holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, especially for kids. Unfortunately, for emergency room doctors it’s also one of the busiest.

Learn how to protect your little ones from some common holiday dangers, so you and your family can enjoy a season that’s happy and healthy.

Poisoning

• Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry plants, and other plants are commonly used as decorations during the holidays. Like many plants, these are considered potentially poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of kids. Symptoms of plant poisoning can include rashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your child has eaten any part of a plant, immediately call your doctor or the National Poison Center: (800) 222-1222.
• “Bubble lights” containing methylene chloride can be poisonous if a child drinks the fluid from more than one light (even if labeled nontoxic). Snow sprays may be harmful if the aerosol propellants are used improperly.
• Alcohol poisoning is a common risk for children during the holiday season. Many parents host holiday parties where alcohol is served. Take care to remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon as possible. Because kids imitate adults, many may drink the beverages they see adults drinking. Children become “drunk” much more quickly than adults, so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous.
• Food poisoning is another potential holiday hazard. Practice food safety by washing hands, utensils, dishes, and anything else that comes in contact with raw meat, including poultry and fish, and raw eggs before and after use. Don’t contaminate a serving dish with raw meat. Store leftovers properly and heat them thoroughly before serving.

Choking and Swallowing

• Tree ornaments, light bulbs, icicles, tinsel, and small toys are potential choking hazards for small children because they may block the airway. The general rule of thumb is that if it’s small enough to fit in the mouths of babies and toddlers, it’s too small to play with.
• Common holiday foods such as peanuts or popcorn are potential choking hazards and should not be given to children under age 4.
• The needles of holiday trees can cause painful cuts in the mouth and throat of a child who swallows them.
• Angel hair (made from finely spun glass) and ornament hangers may cause cuts, skin irritation, or eye damage if touched or swallowed by children.

Fire

• Keep your tree secured in a sturdy stand so that it doesn’t tip over (or isn’t knocked over by kids or pets) and keep it away from all heat sources, such as electrical outlets, radiators, and portable space heaters. If you buy an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled “fire-retardant.” Unplug all lights, both indoor and outdoor, and extinguish all candles every night before you go to bed.
• Avoid using real candles on a tree because if the needles are dry, they can easily catch fire. Never leave the room with taper candles or menorah candles burning — it only takes a minute for a spark from a candle to burst into flames. Keep lit candles away from windowsills and mantles and use only flame-retardant decorations when decking your halls.
• Circuits that are overloaded with lights, decorations, and accessories can start a fire. Don’t overload indoor or outdoor electrical outlets.
• Have your fireplace inspected before you light your first fire of the season. A chimney professional can clean your fireplace and ensure that it is safe to use. You can protect your family by using a sturdy fireplace screen when burning fires. Never burn paper or pine boughs, since those materials can float out of the chimney and ignite a nearby home or your own roof.
• Practice fire safety, have a family emergency plan in the event of a fire, and check smoke detectors before you put up your holiday decorations. These steps will ensure that your family can celebrate many holiday seasons to come.

Accidents

• A lot of cooking goes on during the holiday season, so there are many opportunities for burns and scaldings. Keep pot handles turned away from the front of the stove and always keep the oven door closed. To prevent accidents, watch your kids while you bake or cook. Kitchen appliances should be clean to prevent potential fires.
• Keep breakable ornaments out of young kids’ reach — or keep them off the tree until your children are older. If one does break, clean up the pieces quickly.
• Car accidents and injuries to children increase during the holiday season. Prevent a holiday ER visit by making sure that kids are buckled up securely during car rides and don’t drive after drinking alcohol. And be extra cautious when traveling at night on holidays such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when there is a higher incidence of impaired driving.
• Sledding accidents can be very serious. Young kids should be supervised and should avoid dangerous sledding areas, such as rocky areas, steep hills, and crowded sledding hills.

Medication Safety

Giving kids medicine safely can be complicated. And many parents feel the pressure when a young child needs certain medications, knowing that giving too much or too little could cause serious side effects.

But with a little knowledge and a lot of double-checking, you can give your kids medicine safely and prevent dangerous reactions.

Using medications safely means knowing when they’re necessary — and when they’re not. Always check with the doctor if you’re unsure whether symptoms require treatment with medication.

In many cases, non-medicinal treatments may be the best bet for a quick recovery, especially with cases of the flu or the common cold. Getting enough rest will allow the body to recover, and plenty of clear fluids (such as water, juice, and broth) will help kids avoid dehydration from body fluids lost through vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and nasal secretions.

If your child has congestion and a stuffy nose, saline (saltwater) drops can thin nasal secretions. A cool-mist humidifier or a warm-air vaporizer keeps moisture in the air, helping to loosen congestion. If you use a humidifier or vaporizer, though, be sure to thoroughly clean and dry it every day to prevent bacteria and mold from developing.

What to Know

To ensure the safe use of prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, discuss your child’s symptoms with your doctor and pharmacist.

When giving your child medicines, you’ll need to know:

• the name and purpose of the medication
• how much, how often, and for how long the medicine should be taken
• how the medicine should be administered (for instance, whether it should be taken by mouth; breathed into the lungs; inserted into the ears, eyes, or rectum; or applied to the skin)
• any special instructions, like whether the medicine should be taken with or without food
• how the medicine should be stored
• how long the medicine can be stored safely before it needs to be discarded
• common side effects or reactions
• interactions with other medications your child may be taking
• what happens if your child misses a dose

Because the dosages of prescription and OTC medicines depend on a patient’s weight, make sure the doctor and pharmacist have updated information about your child’s size. Too little medication can be ineffective and too much could be harmful. Also, different medicines have different concentrations of ingredients, so always check the bottle and ask the pharmacist if you have any questions.

Make sure the doctor and pharmacist know if your child has allergies or takes other medications regularly.

Sometimes, medicines should be given on an as-needed basis (only when a child needs them for certain symptoms, such as pain or discomfort). OTC drugs that relieve symptoms like aches, pains, or fever (such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen) should only be taken as your doctor recommends. Over-the-counter cough and cold medications are not recommended for children under 6 years. It is very important to talk to your doctor first to be sure an over-the-counter medication is safe for your child.

Many medicines, though, should be taken until finished as prescribed by the doctor — even if your child begins to feel better before that. For example, antibiotics help to kill bacteria, so it’s important to finish all doses even after symptoms stop, otherwise the infection could return.

Aspirin Alert!

Never give aspirin to kids, especially during viral illnesses. Using aspirin during an illness caused by a virus (such as the flu, chickenpox, or an upper respiratory infection) can cause Reye syndrome, a potentially life-threatening disease with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue that progresses to a coma.

Because some OTC medicines (including some that treat headache and nausea) contain aspirin, you should always read labels and check with your doctor before using them. Be aware that some aspirin-containing medications use words other than aspirin (such as salicylate or acetylsalicylate), so avoid those, too.

Safety Basics

For safe medication use:

• Don’t try to diagnose your child’s problem yourself. Always check with your doctor if you’re unsure whether symptoms require medical treatment.
• Never use leftover medications. For example, pharmacists will sometimes dispense more liquid medication than is needed in case some is spilled or measured incorrectly. If you have liquid left over after your child has completed the course of treatment, throw it out. For medicines taken as needed, keep an eye on the expiration date to make sure you’re not giving an outdated medication.
• Never give your child medicines that have been prescribed to someone else, whether it’s an adult or child. Even if two people have the same illness, they may require different drugs with different dosages and directions.
• Never give a child a medicine that is meant for adults.
• Do not give your child two types of medications with the same ingredients.
• If you’re purchasing OTC medicines, check the packaging for possible tampering, and don’t use any in cut, torn, or sliced packages. Be sure to check the expiration date, too.
• Develop a relationship with a local pharmacist so that your family’s medication history is in a central location. Consult your pharmacist if you have questions about any medicine, including information about possible side effects or reactions.

Giving Medicines to Kids

After leaving the pharmacy, you’ll still need to take a few precautions. First, check to make sure you have the correct prescription. Many prescription and medicine bottles look the same, so make sure your child’s name is on the label and it’s the medicine that the doctor recommended or prescribed.

Be especially careful when reaching into the medicine cabinet in the middle of the night — it’s easy to grab the wrong bottle when you’re sleepy.

Read all instructions. Both prescription and OTC medicines usually come with printed inserts about common side effects and further instructions on how to take the medicine. Be sure to read all information carefully before beginning the medication, and call the doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

With or without food? All prescription medicines have labels or instructions about how to take them. For example, “take with food or milk” means the medicine may upset an empty stomach or that food may improve its absorption. In this case, your child should eat a snack or meal right before or after taking the medication.

Another common instruction on prescription medicines is “take on an empty stomach,” in which case your child should take the medicine 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal because food may prevent the medicine from working properly or may delay or reduce its absorption. Some medicines interact only with certain foods or nutrients, such as dairy products, so be sure to check the label for any additional instructions.

The label may instruct you to shake a liquid medicine before using so that the active ingredients are evenly distributed throughout it.

The right dose. Giving the correct dose is important because most medicines need to be taken in a certain amount and at certain times to be effective. The dose will be written on the prescription label or, on OTC medications, should be printed on the package insert, product box, or product label.

In general, use caution when giving OTC medications to young kids. Cough and cold medicines are discouraged in children younger than 6 years old due to potential side effects. Consult your doctor if you have any questions.

You can dispense medicine in a variety of ways, and the best choice depends on your child’s age and willingness to take medicine. For babies who aren’t yet able to drink from a cup, try a calibrated dosing syringe, which lets you dispense the medication into your baby’s mouth, making it less likely to be spit out. Be careful when using a syringe, though — many come with a small cap on the end that can be a choking hazard to young children. Store a medication syringe in a safe place out of the reach of kids.

Other options for young kids are plastic droppers; cylindrical dosing spoons (these have a long handle that’s easier for children to grab); and, if your child can drink easily from a cup without spilling, the small dosage cups that come with many medications.

Some medicine dispensers are fashioned like pacifiers and proved effective with infants and toddlers. With these, you put the medicine in a small measuring cup attached to a pacifier, and then give the pacifier to the baby to suck — most of the medicine slips past the taste buds, making the medication go down easily.

Whatever method you use, it’s important that your child takes all of the medicine each time it is given.

Never use tableware or a kitchen spoon to measure medication because these don’t provide standard measurements. Instead, visit your local pharmacy or drugstore to find a measuring device designed to deliver accurate medication doses.

“But It Tastes Yucky”

Try these tips to get kids to take “yucky” medications willingly:

• Some kids may prefer it if medications are chilled, but refrigeration may alter the effectiveness of some drugs. Check with your pharmacist to see if chilling the medicine is safe.
• Mixing the medicine with a small amount of liquid or soft food (such as applesauce or yogurt) may make it more palatable. Use only a small amount of food and make sure your child eats the entire portion to receive the complete dose of medication. Avoid mixing medication in a baby’s bottle — a baby who doesn’t finish the bottle might not receive the full dosage. Check with your pharmacist to make sure that the medication’s effectiveness will not be altered by mixing it with food or liquid.
• If you’re using a syringe, try squirting the medicine (a little bit at a time) on the inside of the child’s cheek, where there are no taste buds.
• If your child has difficulty swallowing a tablet or capsule medication, you may be able to crush it and mix it with soft food (such as pudding or applesauce). However, always check with your pharmacist before crushing a tablet or opening a capsule because the effectiveness of some drugs may be harmed by crushing.
• Some pharmacies offer flavorings such as chocolate, cherry, grape, and bubblegum to make drugs like antibiotics and cough syrup more appealing to children. Only a small amount of flavoring is needed to disguise the taste. Although supporters say the better-tasting flavor may be an incentive for a child who has to take medication regularly, other experts say the chemicals in the flavoring may diminish the effectiveness of the drug. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the safety of flavoring in medicine, especially if your child has an allergy to certain dyes or sweeteners.

Precautions

Never try to entice a child who balks at taking medicine by saying that it’s candy. This tactic can backfire, and a child could accidentally overdose by ingesting dangerous medicine mistaken for a tasty treat. Instead, explain that medicine can make your child feel better, but it should never be taken without a parent’s supervision.

If your child spits out or vomits medication, don’t give another dose — call your doctor for instructions.

And, if your child isn’t getting better or is worsening despite taking the medicine, talk to your doctor.

Side Effects

After giving your child a dose of medicine, be on the lookout for side effects or allergic reactions. The pharmacist or product packaging may warn you about specific side effects, such as drowsiness or hyperactivity.

If your child has side effects such as a rash, hives, vomiting, or diarrhea, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Penicillin and other antibiotics are among the most common prescription drugs to cause an allergic reaction.

If your child develops wheezing, has trouble breathing, or difficulty swallowing after taking a medication, seek emergency help by calling 911 or going to the emergency department immediately. These could be symptoms of a serious allergic reaction that requires emergency care.

Safe Storage

You’ll need to be as vigilant about storing medications as you are about giving the correct dose. Read the medication’s instructions — some drugs need to remain refrigerated, but most should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.

Despite the convenience of your bathroom’s medicine cabinet, it’s a poor choice for storing most medicines because of the humidity and moisture from the tub or shower. Instead, store medicines in their original containers in a dry, locked location that kids can’t reach.

Child-resistant caps can be difficult even for adults to open, but make sure to protect your kids by re-locking and recapping child-resistant bottles properly. Because kids can sometimes open the cap, it’s still important to lock away all medicines. If any visitors to your house have medicine in their bags, purses, or coat pockets, make sure they put those out of site and out of reach.

If your child accidentally takes medicine, call the Poison Control Center right away for guidance at 1-800-222-1222. Keep this number posted in an easily visible place in case you need it.

Safe Disposal

Do not give leftover medicine to others. When disposing of medications, make sure they stay out of the reach of children and don’t contaminate the environment. Check the package for specific instructions on how to dispose of the medication. Do not dispose of medicines in the toilet unless the package says it’s OK.

If there are no instructions with the medication, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Break down tablets or capsules and mix them with another substance, like used coffee grounds or kitty litter. That way, kids and pets won’t try to get to the medicine. Next, put the mixture in a bag or container and seal it closed, before finally tossing it into a garbage can.
• Return the medication to a local pharmacy. Many pharmacies take back expired pharmaceuticals. However, each pharmacy has a different policy regarding old or unused medications, so contact yours beforehand to see if it will accept them.
• Local household hazardous-waste collection facilities often take expired medicines. These are the places where antifreeze, oil, and used batteries are taken for proper disposal. Similar to pharmacies, each facility has a different policy regarding unused medication, so call first.

Most kids don’t think a cuddly dog would ever hurt them, but the fact is about 4.7 million dog bites happen every year in the United States — and more than half of kids bitten are under age 14. Dog bites can be much more than an innocent little nip, and some require hospitalization or even surgery.

Teaching kids a few basic dog manners, though, will let them — and dogs — enjoy safer encounters.

Other People’s Pooches

Any breed of dog might bite. And just because a dog is small or seems friendly doesn’t mean it can’t do some damage. Even the nicest, most well-trained family dog may snap if it’s startled, scared, threatened, agitated, angry, or hungry.

No matter how well you think you know the dog, always supervise your kids around someone else’s pet. To reduce the risk of bites, teach kids these safety guidelines:

• Always ask the owner if it’s OK to pet the dog.
• Let the dog see and sniff you before petting it.
• Do not run toward or away from a dog.
• If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, stay calm, don’t look it directly in the eye, and stand still or back up slowly.
• If a dog tries to bite you, put anything you can between you and the dog. If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball, cover your face, and lie still.

Owner’s Manual

A lot of the responsibility for preventing dog bites falls on the owner’s shoulders. Before getting a dog, talk to a professional (such as a veterinarian or reputable breeder or pet shelter) to discuss what type of dog or breed is best for your household. Ask questions about the dog’s temperament and health. A dog with a history of aggression is not suitable for a household with kids.

If your family has a dog, make sure it gets all required immunizations and regular vet checkups. Also, have it spayed or neutered. Consider taking your dog to obedience school to make it more social and obedient, and thus less likely to bite someone.

When you take your dog out in public, always keep it on a leash so you can be in control if its behavior gets out of hand. If you have kids, closely supervise them when they’re around the dog and never leave an infant or toddler alone with your pet.

Even if you don’t own a dog, make sure that your kids understand some “nevers” about being around dogs:

• Never squeeze dogs too tight, drop them, fall on them, or jump on them.
• Never tease dogs or pull their tails or ears.
• Never bother dogs while they’re eating, sleeping, or taking care of their puppies.
• Never take a toy or bone away from a dog or play tug of war with a dog.
• Never feed a dog a treat with your fingers. Put the treat in your palm with your fingers and thumb held close together.
• Never crowd a dog or back it into a corner.

If a Dog Bites Your Child

If your child is bitten by a dog, contact your doctor, particularly if the dog is not yours. Some dog bites need to be treated in an emergency department. The force of a dog’s bite can actually result in a fracture (broken bone). Some dog bites can seem minor on the surface but can cause deeper injuries to muscle, bone, nerves and tendons.

While rare, rabies and other kinds of infections from dogs like bacterial infections can occur and should be treated as quickly as possible. Always be sure to ask your doctor if your child needs antibiotics to prevent a dog bite from becoming infected. Not all cuts (lacerations) due to dog bites are stitched because this type of repair can increase the risk of infection. Your doctor will decide which lacerations should be stitched.

Try to have the following information available to help the doctor determine the risk of infection and what kind of treatment, if any, your child needs:

• the name and location of the dog’s owners
• if the dog is up to date on its vaccinations
• whether the attack was provoked or unprovoked (an example of a provoked attack would include approaching a dog while it’s eating or while it’s taking care of its puppies). Knowing the attack was unprovoked has nothing to do with assigning blame, but it lets the doctor know that the dog could be sick, which might affect treatment decisions.
• your child’s immunization status and any chronic medical history

Pets love us unconditionally. They’re also great for our health — mentally and physically. Caring for pets can boost self-esteem, prevent loneliness, and even lower heart rate and blood pressure in some people.

Growing up with a pet can be wonderful for kids. But remember that although the experience gives kids a sense of responsibility, only adults can be truly responsible for a pet. Selecting the right pet is a serious decision that family members should make together.

Before You Select a Pet

A common mistake is bringing home a pet on an impulse without fully understanding the level of commitment involved. For instance, lots of people buy bunnies at Easter time without giving a thought to the 5- to 10-year commitment their family will be making to the animal. Moms and dads also often flock to the pet stores and shelters to find a dog or cat for a surprise Christmas or birthday present for their kids.

But many shelters and pet stores actually don’t allow purchases or adoptions of pets around the holidays because, far too often, animals are returned when families haven’t thought through all of the responsibilities of taking care of the pet.

If you’re set on getting a pet for a birthday or the holidays, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests first buying and wrapping some pet supplies (pet bowls, pet bed, leash, etc.) as gifts, then selecting the pet as a family. That way, everyone has time to really think about whether your family is ready for a pet.

Key Questions

Before adopting or purchasing any pet, talk to all family members, discuss expectations and responsibilities, and take a realistic look at your family’s lifestyle. Ask yourselves these key questions before leaping into pet ownership:

• How much care will the pet require?
• What role will each family member play in the pet’s care? Who will feed the pet, groom and bathe it, clean its living space, and walk it, if need be?
• What kind of medical care will the pet need?
• How big will the pet grow to be?
• Do you have enough space in your home for the pet to live and exercise? If you’re thinking about getting a dog, do you have a yard, preferably a fenced one? (Cats, birds, rabbits, and other small animals can generally adapt to any space, but dogs need lots of room to run and jump.)
• Do you have another pet? How do you think it will get along with a new pet?
• Who will care for the pet when you’re away? (e.g., what will you do with the pet if you work long hours and the kids stay after school for soccer practice? What if your family travels a lot?)
• Does anyone in your family have a history of allergies or asthma? If so, talk to your doctor about the possibility of pet allergy tests to see whether anyone might be allergic to certain animals. Or consider a hypoallergenic pet who is less likely to trigger allergic symptoms.

Are Some Pets Dangerous?

Although the animals your child sees in the woods or parks may be cute to look at, they can be dangerous as pets — they aren’t used to being around people and may carry diseases that can be transmitted to your child. People mistakenly believe they can tame a wild animal. Instead, you should teach kids to stay away from animals in the wild, and never to touch, feed, or try to take an animal home.

And just because you can buy a pet from the pet store doesn’t mean it’s safe for homes with kids. Animals that may not be child-safe include:

• reptiles (turtles, snakes, lizards, iguanas)
• rodents (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, mice, rats)
• amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders)
• ferrets
• baby poultry (chicks, ducklings, goslings, turkeys)
• monkeys
• exotic animals

Reptiles transmit salmonella, a kind of bacteria, through their feces. The salmonella bacteria are transmitted through direct contact with reptiles or by touching surfaces and people who have had contact with reptiles. Pet reptiles are more risky for infants and elderly people who are likely to have greater difficulty with a salmonella infection.

Dogs and cats can also spread infections. For example, pets that are often outdoors easily pick up ticks, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. This shouldn’t stop you from owning a dog or cat, though. Using effective preventative tick treatments and collars can help decrease the number of ticks that find your pet. If you live in a wooded area, check your pets regularly for ticks.

Pay attention to which dogs aren’t recommended for first-time owners. For example, some larger breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Dalmatians, and Great Danes, may not be kid-safe because they can grow to be more than 50 pounds. Also, bites from very large dogs can do a lot more damage than those from smaller dogs. And, of course, avoid choosing a dog that’s been specifically bred to be an aggressive fighter (such as some Pit Bulls or Rottweilers).

Do Your Research

Common domesticated animals that can make good family pets include cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and fish. But be careful about labeling a certain animal or breed as unquestionably safe. There are exceptions to every rule, and any animal may scratch or bite if put in a dangerous situation.

Before choosing any kind of animal for your family, learn as much as you can about your pet-to-be:

• Read pet guides explaining the various personalities, tendencies, and backgrounds of specific breeds in detail. For example, some dog breeds (such as certain terriers or Chihuahuas) are known for their feistiness and are considered less tolerant of kids — especially if they aren’t raised with kids from puppyhood. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, have excellent reputations as family-friendly dogs. Also look around for guides (at your local bookstore, on the Internet, or at animal shelters) about taking care of different kinds of pets. If you’re interested in rabbits, the House Rabbit Society is an excellent resource — visit its website for information on rabbits and rabbit care.
• Set up a consultation visit with a veterinarian to talk about what you’re looking for in a pet and to ask questions.
• If you’re thinking about buying a dog from a pet store, first ask where they get their dogs and puppies. Some pet stores purchase dogs from “puppy mills,” where they may be poorly bred and, therefore, can have physical and/or behavioral problems. Instead, consider buying a dog from a private breeder or adopting one from an animal shelter.
• Ask neighbors and friends about their experiences with various kinds of pets.

Taking Your Pet Home

These tips will keep kids safe and help both your family and your new pet adjust:

• Take your pet for a checkup as soon as possible. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a breeder, shelter, or pet store should allow you to have an animal examined and returned within an agreed-upon time if it’s unhealthy. Read the fine print on any pet-purchase contracts to make sure.
• Teach kids how to handle and pick up pets — to never squeeze them too tight, drop them, fall on them, or pick them up too fast.
• Teach kids never to tease animals or pull their tails or ears.
• Teach kids never to bother animals while they’re eating, sleeping, or tending to their young.
• Teach kids never to take a toy or bone away from a dog.
• Teach kids never to pet or try to play with an animal they don’t know, even if it’s someone’s family pet.
• Closely supervise pets and kids. Never leave an infant or toddler alone with a pet.
• Don’t put pets into scary situations. For example, if you know your cat gets nervous around too many people, then put the kitty in another room during parties.
• Teach kids to wash their hands with soap and water after handling pets.
• Don’t keep undomesticated animals as house pets.

Pet ownership has many benefits, and doing a little research before taking the plunge will help make your new pet a welcome addition to the family.

Pets love us unconditionally. They’re also great for our health — mentally and physically. Caring for pets can boost self-esteem, prevent loneliness, and even lower heart rate and blood pressure in some people.

Growing up with a pet can be wonderful for kids. But remember that although the experience gives kids a sense of responsibility, only adults can be truly responsible for a pet. Selecting the right pet is a serious decision that family members should make together.

Before You Select a Pet

A common mistake is bringing home a pet on an impulse without fully understanding the level of commitment involved. For instance, lots of people buy bunnies at Easter time without giving a thought to the 5- to 10-year commitment their family will be making to the animal. Moms and dads also often flock to the pet stores and shelters to find a dog or cat for a surprise Christmas or birthday present for their kids.

But many shelters and pet stores actually don’t allow purchases or adoptions of pets around the holidays because, far too often, animals are returned when families haven’t thought through all of the responsibilities of taking care of the pet.

If you’re set on getting a pet for a birthday or the holidays, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests first buying and wrapping some pet supplies (pet bowls, pet bed, leash, etc.) as gifts, then selecting the pet as a family. That way, everyone has time to really think about whether your family is ready for a pet.

Key Questions

Before adopting or purchasing any pet, talk to all family members, discuss expectations and responsibilities, and take a realistic look at your family’s lifestyle. Ask yourselves these key questions before leaping into pet ownership:

• How much care will the pet require?
• What role will each family member play in the pet’s care? Who will feed the pet, groom and bathe it, clean its living space, and walk it, if need be?
• What kind of medical care will the pet need?
• How big will the pet grow to be?
• Do you have enough space in your home for the pet to live and exercise? If you’re thinking about getting a dog, do you have a yard, preferably a fenced one? (Cats, birds, rabbits, and other small animals can generally adapt to any space, but dogs need lots of room to run and jump.)
• Do you have another pet? How do you think it will get along with a new pet?
• Who will care for the pet when you’re away? (e.g., what will you do with the pet if you work long hours and the kids stay after school for soccer practice? What if your family travels a lot?)
• Does anyone in your family have a history of allergies or asthma? If so, talk to your doctor about the possibility of pet allergy tests to see whether anyone might be allergic to certain animals. Or consider a hypoallergenic pet who is less likely to trigger allergic symptoms.

Are Some Pets Dangerous?

Although the animals your child sees in the woods or parks may be cute to look at, they can be dangerous as pets — they aren’t used to being around people and may carry diseases that can be transmitted to your child. People mistakenly believe they can tame a wild animal. Instead, you should teach kids to stay away from animals in the wild, and never to touch, feed, or try to take an animal home.

And just because you can buy a pet from the pet store doesn’t mean it’s safe for homes with kids. Animals that may not be child-safe include:

• reptiles (turtles, snakes, lizards, iguanas)
• rodents (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, mice, rats)
• amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders)
• ferrets
• baby poultry (chicks, ducklings, goslings, turkeys)
• monkeys
• exotic animals

Reptiles transmit salmonella, a kind of bacteria, through their feces. The salmonella bacteria are transmitted through direct contact with reptiles or by touching surfaces and people who have had contact with reptiles. Pet reptiles are more risky for infants and elderly people who are likely to have greater difficulty with a salmonella infection.

Dogs and cats can also spread infections. For example, pets that are often outdoors easily pick up ticks, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. This shouldn’t stop you from owning a dog or cat, though. Using effective preventative tick treatments and collars can help decrease the number of ticks that find your pet. If you live in a wooded area, check your pets regularly for ticks.

Pay attention to which dogs aren’t recommended for first-time owners. For example, some larger breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, Dalmatians, and Great Danes, may not be kid-safe because they can grow to be more than 50 pounds. Also, bites from very large dogs can do a lot more damage than those from smaller dogs. And, of course, avoid choosing a dog that’s been specifically bred to be an aggressive fighter (such as some Pit Bulls or Rottweilers).

Do Your Research

Common domesticated animals that can make good family pets include cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and fish. But be careful about labeling a certain animal or breed as unquestionably safe. There are exceptions to every rule, and any animal may scratch or bite if put in a dangerous situation.

Before choosing any kind of animal for your family, learn as much as you can about your pet-to-be:

• Read pet guides explaining the various personalities, tendencies, and backgrounds of specific breeds in detail. For example, some dog breeds (such as certain terriers or Chihuahuas) are known for their feistiness and are considered less tolerant of kids — especially if they aren’t raised with kids from puppyhood. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, have excellent reputations as family-friendly dogs. Also look around for guides (at your local bookstore, on the Internet, or at animal shelters) about taking care of different kinds of pets. If you’re interested in rabbits, the House Rabbit Society is an excellent resource — visit its website for information on rabbits and rabbit care.
• Set up a consultation visit with a veterinarian to talk about what you’re looking for in a pet and to ask questions.
• If you’re thinking about buying a dog from a pet store, first ask where they get their dogs and puppies. Some pet stores purchase dogs from “puppy mills,” where they may be poorly bred and, therefore, can have physical and/or behavioral problems. Instead, consider buying a dog from a private breeder or adopting one from an animal shelter.
• Ask neighbors and friends about their experiences with various kinds of pets.

Taking Your Pet Home

These tips will keep kids safe and help both your family and your new pet adjust:

• Take your pet for a checkup as soon as possible. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a breeder, shelter, or pet store should allow you to have an animal examined and returned within an agreed-upon time if it’s unhealthy. Read the fine print on any pet-purchase contracts to make sure.
• Teach kids how to handle and pick up pets — to never squeeze them too tight, drop them, fall on them, or pick them up too fast.
• Teach kids never to tease animals or pull their tails or ears.
• Teach kids never to bother animals while they’re eating, sleeping, or tending to their young.
• Teach kids never to take a toy or bone away from a dog.
• Teach kids never to pet or try to play with an animal they don’t know, even if it’s someone’s family pet.
• Closely supervise pets and kids. Never leave an infant or toddler alone with a pet.
• Don’t put pets into scary situations. For example, if you know your cat gets nervous around too many people, then put the kitty in another room during parties.
• Teach kids to wash their hands with soap and water after handling pets.
• Don’t keep undomesticated animals as house pets.

Pet ownership has many benefits, and doing a little research before taking the plunge will help make your new pet a welcome addition to the family.

These days, almost every teen has many ways to get online: via smartphones, tablets, and laptops, all of which can be used in private. It’s very easy for teens to create and share personal photos and videos of themselves without their parents knowing about it.

Most of the time, this is no big deal. By sharing something with a friend, your teen could have a memory to enjoy forever. But if what gets shared is a little too personal, your teen’s reputation could be harmed. Even if the image, video, or text was only meant for one person, once it’s been sent or posted, it’s out of your teen’s control. It could be seen by lots of people, and it could be impossible to erase from the Internet, even after your teen thinks it has been deleted.

Any sort of photo, video, or message that shows someone doing or saying something embarrassing or offensive can be damaging to a reputation. But this is especially true if there’s nudity, sex, or sexually suggestive content involved. This type of sharing, known as “sexting,” has the potential to haunt a teen for the rest of his or her life.

What Is Sexting?

Sexting (or “sex texting”) is the sending or receiving of sexually explicit or sexually suggestive images, messages, or video via a cellphone or the Internet.

Examples of sexting include sending:

• nude or nearly nude photos or “selfies”
• videos that show nudity, sex acts, or simulated sex
• text messages that propose sex or refer to sex acts

Why Do Teens Sext?

Many girls sext as a joke, as a way of getting attention, or because of “pressure from guys.” Guys sometimes blame “pressure from friends.” But for some, it’s almost become normal behavior, a way of flirting, being seen as cool, or becoming popular. And teens get some reinforcement for that when lewd celebrity pictures and videos go mainstream and the consequences are greater fame and reality TV shows, not ruined careers or humiliation.

How Common Is Sexting?

It’s hard to know exactly how common sexting is among teens. Studies have found that about 1 out of every 5 to 10 teens — guys and girls — have sent sexually suggestive pictures. And about 1 out of every 3 to 8 teens have received them.

The studies focused mainly on pictures, not sexually suggestive comments, messages, or tweets. The percentage of teens involved in sexting goes up if written sexual content is included, but it’s not clear by how much. But one thing is clear: Sexting is relatively common among teens.

Consequences of Sexting

Teens should understand that messages, pictures, or videos sent via the Internet or smartphones are never truly private or anonymous. In seconds they can be out there for all of the world to see. If a compromising image of your teen goes public or gets sent to others, your teen could be at risk of humiliation, embarrassment, and public ridicule. Even worse, it could damage your teen’s self-image and possibly lead to depression and other mental health issues.

And don’t overlook the potential for legal consequences. In some states, a teen could face felony charges for texting explicit photos or even have to register as a sex offender.

Beyond that, questionable behavior online can haunt a college applicant or prospective employee years later. More and more colleges and employers check online profiles looking for indications of a candidate’s suitability — or giant red flags about bad judgment and immaturity.

What Parents Should Know

Teens’ decision-making skills, judgment, and ideas about privacy are still being formed. It can be hard for them to grasp the permanent consequences of their impulsive interactions. Just as they might not consider how smoking now can lead to long-term health problems, they can be reluctant to curb their “share everything” tendencies now for the sake of their reputations later.

One of the top responsibilities of parents is to teach their kids how to take responsibility for their own safety and their own actions. It’s important to send that message about the virtual world too. Even if a teen’s intentions are playful or harmless, if messages or pictures become public, the outcome can be anything but.

What to Say to Your Teen

It’s crucial to talk to your kids about how pictures, videos, emails, and text messages that seem temporary can permanently exist in cyberspace. One ill-considered picture sent to a crush’s phone easily can be forwarded to the recipient’s friends, posted online, or printed and distributed. Even an image sent to a boyfriend or girlfriend could lead to problems if someone else sees it or it’s distributed after a break-up. Intense peer pressure to take or send nude pictures will pale in comparison with the public humiliation that follows when the images land on Facebook or the cellphones of hundreds of other kids and even adults.

So how can you get through to your kids? The answer is to have open conversations about personal responsibility, personal boundaries, and how to resist peer pressure. Conversations like this should occur throughout kids’ lives — not just when problems arise.

Explain to your kids, early and often, that once an image or message is sent, it is no longer in their control and cannot be taken back. It can, and likely will, spread beyond the person who was meant to see it. Teach kids to follow the “WWGT” (“What would grandma think?”) rule. If grandma shouldn’t see it, they shouldn’t send it.

In the meantime, parents can make it clear that there will be consequences if their kids are caught sexting, such as taking away cellphones and computers or having limits to when and how they can use these devices.

When you take care of your grandkids — whether it’s for a few hours or a few days — you’re probably excited to put all of your great parenting experience to good use.

But you may want to brush up on a few childcare basics. Government agencies and medical experts have developed new safety standards and laws to keep kids healthy and out of harm’s way. As a result, new products are available that make it convenient and economical for parents — and grandparents — to meet those new standards.

Whether you’re caring for grandkids at their house or in your home, these tips can make the experience enjoyable — and safe — for all of you!

Emergency Information

Be prepared in case you need to take your grandchild to the doctor or hospital. It’s important to know a child’s medical history, including any allergies and any medicines your grandchild takes. Also have information about the child’s insurance coverage and written permission from the parents authorizing you to seek medical care for your grandchild.

Numbers to know:

• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222. If you have a poisoning emergency, this toll-free number will put you in touch with the poison control center in your area.
• Police/ambulance: If your grandchild has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.
• Phone number for your grandchild’s doctor.
• Parents’ work and cellphone numbers.

Medicines

Know what medicines you can give your grandchild in case of illness. If you have questions, call your grandchild’s doctor before giving any over-the-counter medicines.

Also, kids who are 12 years old or younger should never be given aspirin, as it has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness that can cause nausea, vomiting, and behavioral changes, and often requires treatment in a hospital.

Never give a child medicines that have been prescribed for someone else. Even if two people have the same illness, they may require different drugs with different doses and directions.

Sleep

Infants younger than 1 year old should be placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies should not be placed on their stomachs or their sides to sleep. Babies should sleep in a crib or bassinet on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet, without soft bedding, plush toys, or other soft objects.

Other ways to lower the risk of SIDS include:

• Keep the room temperature comfortable and avoid over-dressing your grandchild.
• Give babies a pacifier at naptime and bedtime, but do not force it if a baby resists. If the pacifier falls out during sleep, you don’t need to replace it.
• Keep babies away from cigarette smoke.

Babies who room-share (sleep in the same room, but not the same bed) with parents have a lower risk of SIDS. Consider having a crib or bassinet in the room where you sleep.

Car Seats

Babies and children should be in child safety seats that meet current standards. All kids younger than 12 years should ride in the back seat with the appropriate safety restraint.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants and toddlers ride in a rear-facing seat until they are 2 years old or until they have reached the maximum weight and height limits recommended by the manufacturer.

All kids 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing height or weight limit for their car seat, should use a forward-facing car seat with a full harness for as long as possible.

Booster seats are vehicle safety seats for kids who have outgrown forward-facing or convertible car seats but are still too small to be properly restrained by a vehicle’s seatbelts.

Many states have laws requiring booster seats for kids up to 8 years old and 80 pounds, or 4 feet 9 inches tall. The AAP states that kids should use a booster seat until the car’s lap-and-shoulder belt fits properly, which is typically when they’ve reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years old.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have safety seat laws and more than half have booster seat laws. Ask your local government office or department of motor vehicles about child safety restraint laws in your state.

Even if your state does not require booster seats for older children, put safety first when traveling with your grandkids. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions, and do not exceed weight limits.

Helmets

Helmets save lives and prevent serious head injuries. Many states and local municipalities now have laws that require kids to wear helmets every time they ride their bikes. So make sure that your grandkids always wear one when riding a tricycle or bicycle.

Helmets are now made in colors and styles that appeal to kids, so they’re not as much of a hard sell as they once were. Make sure that your grandchild’s helmet fits well. Be a positive role model (and protect your own head) by wearing your helmet, too.

Helmets also should be used for skating sports, such as skateboarding, rollerskating, and inline skating. The AAP recommends that kids also wear wrist, elbow, and knee padding for those sports.

Cribs

Use a firm crib mattress. To avoid suffocation hazards, keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib, including pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, etc.

Cribs made after 1974 meet current safety standards, including slats that are no more than 2-3/8 inches apart so that infants can’t get their heads stuck. A crib that has been in the family for generations may not be suitable or safe — cribs made before 1974 might be covered in lead paint, have slats that are too far apart, or pose other safety hazards.

Before using a crib, check the side rails for locking devices. Remove mobiles when an infant is 5 months old or can get on his or her hands and knees.

Walkers

Doctors strongly discourage the use of walkers (devices with wheeled frames and suspended seats that allow babies to propel themselves forward using their feet). Infant walkers don’t let infants walk any sooner than they would without one and they pose a high risk of injury, particularly from falls down stairs that may result in serious head injuries.

Infant walkers also allow access to hazards normally out of reach. Also, they don’t give babies the necessary pulling up, creeping, or crawling experiences that are key steps for later movement. Stationary walkers are a safer alternative, but limit the amount of time spent in them.

Toys

Guidelines published by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) can help you see which toys are age-appropriate for your grandkids. You may think that because a grandchild seems mature, he or she can handle a toy that was meant for an older child. But that’s not a good idea, as age guidelines for toys consider developmental appropriateness as well as safety.

When you shop, look for sturdy, well-made toys that don’t pose choking hazards. Cribs, toys, and equipment you might have used with your kids may have sentimental value, but often aren’t safe options now.

Childproofing the House

Supervision is always the best way to keep grandkids safe. But it’s also wise to childproof your home.

Walk through your house with an eye for anything that may be unsafe for kids, including tools, knives, and choking hazards. For babies and toddlers, put outlet covers on all of the outlet plates. And don’t forget safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers in the kitchen and bathroom. Look for products that adults can easily install and use, but which are sturdy enough to withstand pulls and tugs from children.

Safety latches and child-resistant packaging are not guarantees of protection, so be sure to keep medicines, household cleaners, and other dangerous substances locked away and out of reach. Consider doorknob covers and door locks to help keep kids away from places with hazards, like bathrooms and swimming pools.

Child safety products are typically sold at drugstores, big-box stores, and hardware stores.

Strangulation Hazards

Babies and toddlers can strangle or become entrapped in the most unexpected ways — curtain cords, strings on clothing, and infant furniture and accessories can be dangerous.

Reduce the risk of strangulation by not putting necklaces or headbands on your grandkids and not dressing them in clothes with drawstrings, which can get caught on play equipment and furniture. And while it may be handy, don’t tie a pacifier around your grandchild’s neck or tether it to clothing.

Tie up all window blind and drapery cords so that they aren’t within kids’ reach, and avoid having telephone cords that dangle to the floor. While mobiles that dangle above the crib can offer babies great visual stimulation, they should be removed by 5 months of age or once your grandchild can get on his or her hands and knees.

Be sure to install safety gates but don’t use old accordion-style ones, which can trap a child’s head.

Choking Hazards

Putting things in their mouths is one of the ways that babies and youngsters explore their worlds. But certain foods, toys, and other small objects that we probably take for granted can easily lodge in their little airways.

Common choking hazards for kids under 4 years old include foods like peanuts, popcorn, raw carrots and other raw vegetables, hard fruits, whole grapes or cherries, or hard candies. Watch out for small plastic toys that come from vending machines or parts of older siblings’ toys, such as (Barbie) doll shoes or small construction pieces (like Leggos).

Be especially watchful during adult parties, when nuts and other foods might be easily accessible to small hands. Clean up promptly and carefully, and check the floor for dropped foods that can cause choking. Make sure small refrigerator magnets and other small items are out of kids’ reach.

Lead Exposure

It’s important to do what you can to reduce kids’ exposure to sources of lead, particularly if they’re younger than 3 years old.

Lead, which is in paint, soil, and other household areas, has been linked to physical and behavioral problems. Though the government banned lead-based paint and gasoline in the 1970s, many older homes, toys, cribs, and even some furniture are covered in lead-based paint because they were painted before the ban.

If you live in an older house, chances are that lead-based paint was used at some time. To minimize exposure to lead-based paint chips, use a wet cloth to wipe windowsills and walls, and watch for water damage that can make the paint peel. And limit your grandchild’s exposure if you have major renovations done.

Be sure that your grandkids wash their hands before eating, after playing outside, and at bedtime. Your doctor or local health department can provide more tips.

Older Furniture

When grandkids comes over to stay with you, don’t use old cribs or baby furniture that your own kids might have used many years ago. Though these items may have served your kids just fine and have undeniable nostalgic appeal, they may not meet current safety standards, might be covered in lead paint, and may be worn down. Equipment needs to be in good condition and up to current safety standards.

Hand Washing

Thorough hand washing — particularly after going to the bathroom and before preparing or eating food — is now recognized as one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of any illness, from the flu to infectious diarrhea.

To really get rid of germs: wet your hands with warm water, then scrub with soap for at least 15 seconds (long enough to sing a few rounds of “Happy Birthday”) before rinsing well. In a public restroom, dry your hands on a disposable towel, then use that towel to turn off the faucet.

Teach your grandkids this important habit to help the entire family stay healthy. If you have a tough time getting them to make a stop at the sink, try soaps with bright colors, fun shapes, or appealing smells. Or have them sing a favorite song during the scrubbing.

Vaccines

Immunizations are one of the most important ways to keep kids — and everyone around them — healthy. Find out if your grandchildren are up-to-date on all their immunizations.

Also, it’s particularly important for grandparents to get annual flu shots, which are recommended for everyone over 6 months of age, including adults. Flu shots usually are given between September and mid-November and throughout flu season.

Also make sure that you have had the Tdap vaccine. This is particularly important to help decrease the chance of spreading pertussis (whooping cough) to your grandchild. Pertussis can cause very serious illness or death in infants.

TV, Computers, and Video Games

Follow the AAP’s age-related guidelines for keeping your grandchild’s screen time under control:

• Babies and toddlers younger than 18 months: No screen time, except for video chatting.
• Toddlers 18-24 months: If screen time is allowed, choose only high-quality programming/apps, and use them with your grandchild.
• Preschoolers: Limit media to 1 hour or less per day of high-quality programming. Watch with your grandchild.
• Big kids: Place consistent limits on hours of media use per day.

Offer your grandkids a variety of free-time activities to try instead of TV or videos, video games, and the Internet. The TV should be turned off during meals and homework, and you can set a good example by limiting your own TV watching.

To help you decide what programs are appropriate for your grandchild, look for age-group rating tools on some TV programs and video games (they’re usually listed onscreen).

Internet Safety

The Internet can be a great resource, and your grandkids may astound you with their ability to navigate a computer keyboard or an Internet search engine. As technology has improved, it’s become a huge part of kids’ lives. But it’s important to reduce risks that kids might be exposed to online.

Online tools can restrict access to adult material and protect your grandchild from Internet predators. Many Internet service providers (ISPs) provide parent-control options to block certain material from coming into a computer. Software also can help block access to certain sites based on a “bad site” list that your ISP creates. Filtering programs can block sites from coming in and can restrict your grandchild’s personal information from being sent online.

Also, it’s wise to create a screen name that protects a child’s real identity. And consider adding house rules for computer use, such as: never give your name or address on the computer and never click on pop-up ads or offers to buy things.

After raising healthy, safe kids now is the time to enjoy being a grandparent. Respecting your own child’s role as a parent and taking safety precautions will make your visits — and your grandparenting experience — a whole lot smoother.