Good Growing

Explaining Mental Health Problems to Your Child

At least 1 in 5 kids will have a diagnosable mental health problem that needs treatment. So, the odds are that this will affect your circle of loved ones — whether family or close friends. And it means that we all need to be comfortable speaking about this topic with kids in an open, supportive and matter-of-fact way.

A logical place to start is to compare mental illness to physical illness. For example, we all know what it feels like to be sick with a cold: we can feel miserable for a while, and then we get better. But it’s possible for a cold to worsen into pneumonia. When this happens, we must get help from a medical expert. Likewise, we can all feel sad or worried or anxious sometimes. Usually, these feelings don’t last too long, and we soon feel better. However, sometimes these feelings can become so strong or long-lasting that they interfere with our life. When this happens, we need to get help from a mental-health expert.

Sadly, there can still be stigma or shame around mental health problems. (It’s similar to how just a few generations ago, the word ‘cancer’ was whispered as if it were a horrible secret.) Fortunately, attitudes are changing. By shining a light on mental health and bringing it into our everyday conversations, we’re shedding these outdated attitudes.

We can help kids understand that mental health illnesses are real illnesses, and they’re nothing to feel ashamed or guilty about. Luckily, there are experts who specialize in diagnosing these problems and finding the right treatments.

The details of these conversations will of course depend on the child’s age and level of understanding. One easy way to explore the subject of mental health is to talk about the struggles of certain characters in books, TV shows and movies — characters who are portrayed with a full range of emotions.

Being naturally curious, kids are sure to have questions about mental health. For us as parents to feel informed about the topic, we may need to do a bit of homework. The Mental Health Resource Hub is a helpful place to start.

Finally, keep in mind that if a child does have a mental health problem, no one is at fault — it’s not the child’s fault and it’s not the parent’s fault. Coming from a place of unconditional love and deep compassion, we as parents can do what we do best: listen, validate, check in and provide the support our kids need.

Read Mental Health and Your Child or Teen: What to Watch for and How to Help to learn more.

New Beverage Recommendations for Kids and Teens

What kids drink can have a big impact on their current and future health. We want them to choose drinks that support the best possible nutrition and hydration. However, with so many beverages available, it can be confusing and complicated to make healthy decisions. New recommendations from health experts cover concerns about sugar, caffeine and other ingredients. They were developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Heart Association. To simplify recommendations for families, beverages are separated into three categories:

• Beverages to drink: plain drinking water and plain pasteurized milk.
• Beverages to limit: 100% juice, plant-based milk alternatives and flavored milks.
• Beverages to avoid: sports drinks, sodas, fruit drinks, aguas frescas, sweetened waters, energy drinks, energy shots, coffee and tea.

This resource provides specific, age-based recommendations for kids ages 5 to 18.

Avoid Products With PFAS

Known as ‘forever chemicals,’ PFAS last for hundreds and possibly thousands of years in the environment and are linked to serious health problems including cancer. These manmade substances were created to prevent grease, stains and water from sticking. PFAS (short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in household items such as cookware, food packaging, plastics, toys, cosmetics, waterproof clothing, upholstery, carpets and area rugs.

Pregnant people and infants may be especially susceptible to PFAS. Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana is a pediatrician and environmental health specialist at Seattle Children’s. She warns that PFAS affect developing fetal organ systems and may have health impacts later in life: “In terms of health harms, they can affect reproductive systems, immune systems and thyroid function.”

How can you avoid PFAS? Beware of products labeled waterproof, grease-proof, stain-proof or non-stick. When shopping, choose products labeled ‘fluourine-free’ or ‘PFC or PFAS-free.’ Look for the ‘Safer Choice’ label; these products are PFAS-free. And because Washington state has banned PFAS, buying products from local stores (rather than online) is another way to avoid them.

At home, don’t reheat food in plastic containers; instead use microwave-safe glass. Use cast iron or stainless-steel pans instead of nonstick. If you must use a nonstick pan, use it on lower temperatures and avoid scratching it. Vacuum often to reduce the dust from items sprayed with PFAS fabric protectors.

Learn more about PFAS.

Self-care Is Essential

It’s no surprise that so many parents report being under a tremendous amount of stress. Because there’s such a critical link between a parent’s happiness and wellbeing and that of their child, mental health experts are urging parents to practice plenty of self-care.

If you haven’t made self-care a priority, now’s the time. It restores our energy and patience and helps us connect to our loved ones. It makes us better caregivers. And self-care doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

Concentrate on the basics. Are you getting enough quality sleep? Do your food and beverage choices help you feel your best? Are you getting enough physical activity and time outdoors? Do you spend time with good friends and pursue interests that fulfill you? Is screen time enriching your life — or hijacking it?

Remember that practicing self-care is the opposite of being selfish. Plus, you’re setting a great example for your child by making your health and well-being a priority!

Check out Child Mind Institute’s video, “How can I take care of myself so I can be the best parent I can be” and explore our parenting advice page.

Spring Safety Tips

Take a moment to run through this mini checklist, designed to help your child avoid injuries this season.

✔ Insist on a properly fitting helmet for every bike, skate, board and scooter ride.
✔ Wear life jackets when in and around water as you enjoy boating and fishing season.
✔ When mowing the lawn, keep children under 5 indoors or far away. Don’t allow kids under 12 to use a push mower or those under 16 to drive a riding mower.
✔ Empty buckets right after use to prevent toddlers from drowning.
✔ Keep household ‘spring cleaning’ chemicals where children can’t access them.
✔ Install window guards or stops to prevent window falls.

Get more injury prevention tips and resources.

Your Child’s Heart Health: What Is Arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia (pronounced a-RITH-me-ah) is an abnormal heart rhythm. There are various kinds of arrhythmias that affect the heart in different ways. A child’s heart may beat too fast or too slow for the activity they are doing, or it can beat in an irregular way, changing speed and pattern.

Arrhythmias are caused by problems with the heart’s electrical system, and sometimes these are present from birth due to how the heart was formed. This is known as congenital heart disease. About 1 in 200 babies born need heart surgery to correct a defect.

Because the heartbeat affects blood flow, some arrhythmias can cause certain signs and symptoms. In many cases, the arrhythmia itself is harmless and may simply feel weird or annoying. These sensations — called palpitations — can feel like pounding, racing or fluttering.

Certain types of arrhythmia can cause serious effects. A child might feel weak, lightheaded, dizzy, or may even faint. They may be short of breath and get tired easily. Or they may sweat or appear more pale than usual. In some cases, they may have chest pain or discomfort. Although rare, certain kinds of arrhythmia can cause fatal cardiac arrest; sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sudden death in kids during sports and exercise.

Children with symptoms of arrhythmia should get a medical exam. Start with your child’s doctor, who may refer you to a pediatric cardiologist (heart specialist). A cardiologist can perform specialized tests and recommend treatment if needed.

Be sure to stay current with well-child visits and ensure that your school-age child gets a thorough sports physical before participating in organized sports. And of course, it’s always important to know your family health history, including cardiac issues.

Learn more about arrhythmia or Seattle Children’s Heart Center, offering pediatric heart care at 12 locations around Washington state, and at clinics throughout Alaska and Montana.