The rising number of infant milk allergies in children
By Christina Szalinski
Taylor Arnold, a registered dietitian nutritionist, faced difficulties in feeding her second baby. Seeking medical help, she finally consulted a gastroenterologist who diagnosed her baby with allergic proctocolitis, an immune response to specific food proteins, which she narrowed down to cow’s milk.
The rise in cow’s milk protein allergies, or CMPA, in children has sparked debates among experts regarding its causes and ultimate diagnosis. Some believe the increase is due to improved recognition of symptoms, while others argue that CMPA is being over-diagnosed.
Nigel Rollins, a pediatrician and researcher at the World Health Organization, suggests that the increase in diagnoses is actually influenced by the aggressive marketing of the $55 billion-dollar formula industry which has backfired and led parents to believe that fussiness or colic could indicate a milk allergy.
Some experts advocate for reintroducing milk to confirm the diagnosis. Case and point, Arnold suggested that her son’s symptoms improved once they eliminated dairy, but when they reintroduced the food group back into his diet at eight months old, he had no issue.
One thing the experts recommend is introducing or reintroducing food allergens, such as milk or peanuts early, actually reduced the likelihood of developing allergies.
Source: The Atlantic
Stop naming your child’s feeling mid-meltdown
By Rachel Bowie
For all intents and purposes, a tantrum can best be described as an emotional fire. When your kid reaches that point, all bets are off. In fact, as parents, we’ll employ almost any tactic to return to a state of calm. Still, there’s one technique that Dr. Becky Kennedy, a child psychologist and author of Good Inside, says we should avoid: Labeling our kid’s emotions in the moment. Her suggestion: Name the wish instead. Let’s say your kid is melting down after you set a limit on screen time. All they want is another show. Resist the urge to label the feeling (“I see you’re frustrated”) and prioritize verbalizing the unfulfilled wish at the root of their tears. “You wish you could watch another episode of Bluey.” More situations: “You wish you could have ice cream for breakfast” or “You wish you could stay up late like your brother.”
“Seeing the wish is a version of seeing the good kid under the bad behavior,” Dr. Kennedy explains. It also keeps you rooted in the present as you work together to uncover the cause of their meltdown—and hopefully a solve.
Because if a tantrum is an emotional fire, it’s not the easiest moment to create a teachable moment—for example, helping your child identify the range of emotions raging through their heads. It’s also far too easy for our own minds to enter panic mode as we try to quell the tears, which makes our abilities to soothe and calm less effective.
Source: purewow.com
Should cannabis-using parents discuss it with kids?
By Jamie Davis Smith
With the growing legalization of cannabis, the phenomenon of ‘weed moms’ is emerging, akin to the traditional ‘wine moms’. While some parents choose to keep their cannabis use hidden from their children, others prefer to be more open. Parents like Mike Colavita say “transparency is key,” but there is little guidance available regarding age appropriate disclosure.
Experts believe that conversations surrounding cannabis will, in time, begin to resemble those about alcohol. Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care physician, encourages parents to be open and honest about their drug use, arguing that it makes them more of “a trusted partner.” Being transparent can also make children comfortable seeking help if they have concerns or struggle with substance abuse at a later time. Psychiatrist Dr. Lateefah Watford also suggests that parents who have made mistakes with drugs or alcohol in the past should share their experiences as cautionary tales.
When approaching the topic, parents should consider both their children’s age and ability to understand nuanced messages. In addition, highlighting the distinctions between adult and teenage cannabis use is key, says Grinspoon: “it is a much more risky activity as a teen.” Of note, it is important for parents to model responsible cannabis use, avoid impairment, and discuss the safety concerns without exaggerating the harms.
Source: yahoo.com
