And They Licked the Platter Clean

And They Licked the Platter Clean





* If your child won't try vegetables, mix finely grated raw
carrots with peanut butter and use as a spread for
crackers, bread, apple slices, or bananas.

* Puree an egg or egg substitute with cooked or defrosted
frozen vegetables and grated cheese. Cook the mixture the
same as you would scramble eggs.

* Serve vegetables as a first course on a colorful,
child-oriented plate and then serve the meat or fish as
the second course to be eaten after the vegetables are
finished.

* Make edible art. Use the plate as the background and have
each child add applesauce for clouds, shredded lettuce for
grass, celery sticks for a stem, carrot rounds for
flowers, orange slices for leaves, raisins for rocks, and
any other edible ingredients for natural scenes.

* Most toddlers need to eat more often than older children.
Give them favorite, high energy foods and quick and
convenient snacks such as slices of fruit and raw
vegetables, whole grain breads, crackers, and cereals, or
chunks of cheese.

* Encourage your children to enjoy and learn about a variety
of foods. All foods can fit into a healthy diet over time.

* Introduce new foods to preschoolers. They are more willing
to try them and will enjoy practicing their skills with
fork and spoon.


Growing Up Drug Free


From the time your child is born, there are things you can
do to help your child grow up drug, alcohol, and tobacco free.
Here are some guidelines.

* Take precautions with medicines and harmful household
products.

* Respect your child's feelings.

* Use effective communication skills; avoid statements that
blame, sarcastic remarks, or put downs.

* Be certain that rules for behavior are fair and
consistent.

* Set aside time to be with your child.

* Guide your child's activities. Know where your child is at
all times and get to know your child's friends.

* Set the example for your child.

* Have drug, alcohol, and tobacco free parties and
activities in your home.

* Learn about the school's drug policy.

* Ask for help if you need it.

For more information, you might want to contact

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information
6000 Executive Boulevard, Suite 402
Rockville, Maryland 20852

(301) 468-2600/(800) 729-6686 (alcohol/drug information)
(800) 662-HELP (toll-free; drug abuse treatment information and
referrals).


Parents and the Schools


The school can be a vital link to your child's well-being.
So much of your child's life is spent in school, it is
important that you be aware of all the people and situations
involved. Besides the school nurse (who may not be at the
school full time), there are many resources you can call on.

Teachers are aware of the whole child and things that
might be getting in the way of your child's learning. School
counselors can advise on your child's social and emotional
well-being. Many school counselors concentrate on helping
children build self-esteem, and some work with groups of
children with similar problems, such as coping with a divorce
or death in the family.

Physical education classes provide an opportunity for
exercise, and they foster teamwork. The school cafeteria is a
source of well-balanced lunches (and breakfasts in some school
districts), many of which are government-subsidized for low
income students. The principal and teacher can advise on
special services provided by the school district for children
with handicaps and special learning needs.

The most important thing you can do is stay in contact
with the school, especially your child's teacher. Listen
carefully to the teacher, because the teacher will often spot
problems or warning signs of serious trouble before you might
notice them.

It is also important for you to tell the teacher if your
child has a serious health problem or is experiencing an
emotional crisis at home. It is imperative for the school to
know if your child is on medication and what it is, who should
be contacted in case of an emergency, and what to look for in
your child's behavior that might be a warning sign of the onset
of a medical emergency.

Your child's welfare is a partnership between the parent
and the school. If a serious medical condition exists, private
or community health services should be consulted.


What can you expect of the school?


The following information has been adapted from Managing
Asthma: A Guide for Schools, published by the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of
Education.

The principal should:

* give parents a clear policy on taking medication during
school hours.

* provide opportunities for staff to learn about medical
emergencies.

* establish a resource file on health issues for teachers
and staff to read.

* schedule building repairs, cleaning, or painting when
students are out of the building during vacations or the
summer.

The school nurse should:

* maintain health records on all students with chronic
diseases.

* alert staff members about students with serious health
conditions.

* inform parents if they suspect a serious health problem.

* administer medication according to school policy.

* Work with the parent/teacher organization to provide
educational programs on medical conditions that affect a
large number of students.

The teacher should:

* know the early waning signs of a medical emergency.

* develop a clear procedure for handling schoolwork missed
due to illness.

* understand the side effects of medication, for example,
drowsiness, anxiety, withdrawal.

* educate classmates about special medical conditions of
students in the class, while respecting confidentiality.

* reduce health hazards in the classroom.

* encourage students with health problems to participate in
classroom activities as much as possible.

* allow a student to do quiet activities if a medical
condition prevents full participation.

These are just some of the actions that school personnel
can take to make the school a safer and friendlier place for
your child. Remember that when children are well and
comfortable, they learn more.