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Chapter 6: Limiting TV And Internet

Synopsis

Trying to limit the access a child has to TV and the internet can be a challenge especially if this course of action is rather sudden. Therefore is would be advisable for the parent to start the limitations from a very early age and use other more beneficial activities as a possible positive distraction.

Limit Bad Stuff

Given the opportunity most children today would rather opt to watch their favorite TV program or surf the internet indefinitely as such prolonged viewing are certainly made possible on both platforms.

The following are some ways that can effectively used to lure the child’s attention away from these rarely beneficial activities to something more productive mentally and physically:

Placing the TV or internet access in an area where there is a lot of activity will help to keep distraction levels high thus making it quite difficult to indulge in either of these activities for long.

Also ensuring there are a lot of other activities and entertainment possibilities such as board games and books so that the child will have options available o explore instead of just the TV or internet.

Setting a daily allowance for watching TV or surfing the internet would also be something to consider. Once this daily quota is exhausted, the child should be strictly encouraged to seek other forms of entertainment preferably something that involved some kind of outdoor activity.

To ensure this is made more interesting, parent participation would be encouraged as this will make the child feel wanted and thus make the whole exercise more enjoyable.

Making TV or internet access something that should be earned rather than something that is there for the taking is another effective method of limiting access to both.

Allowing the child access to either of these, only after chores and homework has been completed will not only encourage responsibility and discipline but will also help the child understand the merits of rewards.

Chapter 7: Maintaining Health Insurance

Synopsis

Insurance for children is very rarely contemplated as an important facility to have on hand. This is mainly due to the fact that most insurance companies don’t really push or promote these kinds of packages to their clients. However as the cost of medical fees escalate; it would be something that the parent should be prepared to seriously consider should the need to medical attention become necessary.

Insurance

There are probably several different programs and policies available in the market today and the parent would ideally have to take the opportunity to explore as many options as possible before making an informed decision.

There is also the long term cost incurred for any insurance policy taken up, as most policies will be considered null or inactive if the payments defaults.

Therefore understanding, that this is effectively a rather long commitment for the parent is crucial to deciding which policy is most suited for the child and the household budget.

The method of making claims on the insurance policy for the child is also important. The parent should read and understand all clauses hidden and otherwise before choosing to sign on to a particular policy being advertised.

There would also be a need for the parent to enquire at the local hospital the acceptance outline in place should the child need medical assistance immediately by with the use of the insurance.

Ensuring the hospital is willing and able to accept the insurance coverage to facilitate the medical procedures needed should be established before committing to the policy.

In spite of all the various elements that should be checked and rechecked before actually committing to a particular policy for the health of the child, it is still better to have a medical health insurance policy, as this will definitely ensure the parent is able to consider more costly medical options should there be a need to do so.

Chapter 8: Common Childhood Diseases

Synopsis

Although there are several different diseases a child will commonly be exposed to, these can be prevented with the adequate amount of good hygiene practices firmly in place. However in spite of all the possible precaution taken the child may still fall prey to these diseases and it would be in the parent’s and child’s best interest to have some knowledge of these diseases beforehand.

Sickness

The following are some of the more common childhood disease: Respiratory syncytial virus - being a rather common disease which is further enhanced with the presence of the flu bug, it usually causes a lot of problems for the child.

These would include pneumonia and bronchiolitis, inflammation of the small air passages in the lungs, and general difficulty in breathing.

Fifth disease or otherwise known as slapped cheek disease - this is usually seen as a lacy red rash that would appear on the child’s torso and limbs.

Although the child may not experience and severe life threatening possibilities, nonetheless it is a rather uncomfortable experience especially for younger children.

Hand, foot and mouth disease - this is considered a rather common disease where blisters or sores will appear inside the mouth and on the palms of the hands and also on the soles of the feet.

The virus that causes this disease will create a lot of discomfort for the child but is not really serious and will usually decapitate after about 10 days.

Scarlet fever or otherwise sometimes also known as strep throat -this infection is usually cause the child to experience severe soreness in the throat area accompanied by a bout of high fever.

The scarlet fever rash usually starts on the chest and then extends to the abdomen and then all over the body. It usually has the look similar to that of bright red sunburn patches.

Chapter 9: How Maintaining Good Health Helps Your Child In The Long Run

Synopsis

Healthy and happy children are less likely to succumb easily to diseases as their immune system would be strong enough to be able to withstand and onslaught of negativity.

The Benefits

Any child will be able to function better if he or she has been taught to adhere to clean and tidy attitudes and environments. Encouraging the child to have a regular exercise program or physical activity will also help to further strengthen to possibility of having the long term enjoyment that good health conditions can bring.