Almost every toddler I know goes through a period where they become more "picky" with what they want to eat and even how they eat! Part of it may be linked to their development as they are becoming more independent and wanting to exercise their ability to make decisions. Different parents would share stories of how their son or daughter will only eat certain foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (like pb&j).. or that they will only eat certain foods that are a certain color.. or that certain foods cannot touch on their plate. Whatever the case, you will often have worried parents wondering if their toddler is getting enough calories or nutrition.
Usually the advice to parents is to present healthy options and try to keep meal time pleasant by not forcing the toddler to eat. The idea is that they will get hungry and eat... eventually. I have to admit this is much easier advice to give than to adhere to. My older daughter has never been a great eater and she has been in the lowest percentile for weight ever since birth. She also seems to have a fast metabolism and is a super active kid. All that in addition to the fact that every time she gets too excited and jumps around too much, or runs around too much after meals... she will often cause herself to go into a coughing fit and then even throw up everything she's eaten! So we try to balance between not making meal time a complete stress vs making sure she is getting some healthy caloric intake... not an easy task.
Now, this article caught my eye today. It basically links poor eating habits in toddlers with lower IQs. Main take away points I got from it are:
- children at age 3 who eat a high fat, sugar, and processed foods diet have slightly decreased IQ later in childhood (they tested the kids at 8.5 years old)
- children who eat a "health-conscious" diet rich in salad, rice, pasta, fish, fruits, and vegetables have 1.2 point increase in their IQ
- theory is healthy eating = optimal brain growth (which fastest brain growth happens from 1-3 yo)
So of course the authors go on to say that further research is needed to confirm this link. One thing they could not adjust for in the study was maternal IQ. This is huge because maybe it is not so much the association of food that produced the higher IQ but more so the link that moms with higher IQs tend to offer more nutritious foods to their toddlers.. and therefore their toddlers scored better on the IQ tests later on. One way I can think of to really test this theory is to have only twins in these kind of studies... offer one twin "nutritious food" and the other twin the so called high fat, sugar, and processed foods and test their IQs to see if there is a difference! Of course, trying to get twins to enroll in a study like that may be challenging...
Anyways, whether it is true or not it is a good plug to offer more healthy options to our toddlers.
One other interesting thing is that the Asian diet is mostly rice, meat, and vegetables... so since she was on solids my girls have been eating rice mixed with meat and vegetables as their staple. In fact, my three year old really does not eat other foods well... she doesn't really like pizza (though she will pick the pepperoni or sausage off the cheese and eat that). On the other hand, she loves ice cream and will eat only ice cream probably for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if given that option!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Toddlers and Second Languages
This is why I took great effort to immerse my daughters in Mandarin Chinese and in Taiwanese (a Chinese dialect) at an early age. Since my kids are cross-cultural in more than one sense (their father is Korean while I'm Chinese.. and we're living in America!) I felt it was important and even useful in the future to be at least bilingual... but I'm hoping they'll pick up Korean, too. And if you count the Taiwanese dialect as another language (because I think Taiwanese and Mandarin is as different as Spanish is from French).. then she'd really be quadrilingual!
So they get the Taiwanese exposure from my parents and my older daughter is pretty fluent in Taiwanese. I know they will get English in school and she is already speaking mostly English because most of her friends at preschool, church, etc all speak English.. after all we are living in America. So I still try my best to speak to her in either Taiwanese or Mandarin Chinese because I know that some kids lose the ability to speak a language they once knew as a toddler after they are full time going to school. As for the Korean lanugage.. since dad mostly speaks to them in English, we'll have to have their paternal grandmother speak to them more and perhaps we'll have to send them to Korean school! Or we'll just have to hire a korean speaking nanny!
But especially with the way the future looks with China becoming more of an economic power... I think it may be really useful to be able to master the Chinese language. So we've been going to this "Mommy and Me Learn Chinese" class in our community for about half a year now. It is for kids age 3-5 and it is mostly just crafts and songs but it's exposure! The class was featured here. Come join us if you have Monday mornings free and live in the area!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Sick Babies and Toddlers
My 14 month old is currently sick. It is hard enough when adults fall ill but what misery when the little ones succomb! They are miserable when they feel bad so will not play, laugh, or smile as much as usual. Naturally, they will want to be held more and demand more of the caregiver's time and attention. One has the difficult job of coaxing the sick child to drink more fluids in between wiping away snot which takes skill in of itself. Then there is the nose plunger, which some parents are much too aggressive using, but when done right, could suction out gobs of mucous to the little one's temporary relief.
The challenge is that sometimes there is very little one can do to relieve discomfort. Time, rest, and fluids are key. However, sleep is often disrupted due to coughing fits, snot fits, and unfortunately, like for us last night, even vomiting fits! A sleep deprived child means more fussiness and less immunity to fight sickness so it can be a vicious cycle. Often parents will fall ill themselves due to lack of sleep as well as the close contact with all the contagious secretions. That is why hand washing is so important!
So what best to do during these trying days? Offer supportive care. The goal is to try to alleviate symptoms as much as possible so the child can rest. There are limited options because studies show that it is harmful to give cough medications to children under the age of 6. So as best as you can:
- push fluids to avoid dehydration! (don't stress if appetite is down and child is not eating much solids.. they may throw it all up later anyway!)
- tylenol if needed for fever or pain
- saline nose drops can help if nares are crusty and dry (sometimes helps them sneeze out gobs of goo)
- stepping into the bathroom with child after a hot steamy shower can help with breathing
- humidifier at night if you have the heater on and to avoid nose bleeds
Most upper respiratory infections are due to viruses and do not require antibiotics. However, if symptoms persist for more than 1 week or worsens instead of improves make sure you see a physician so the child can be checked for ear infections, bronchitis, strep throat etc!
At the end of the day... the best medicine you can offer may just be lots of love, hugs, and kisses!
The challenge is that sometimes there is very little one can do to relieve discomfort. Time, rest, and fluids are key. However, sleep is often disrupted due to coughing fits, snot fits, and unfortunately, like for us last night, even vomiting fits! A sleep deprived child means more fussiness and less immunity to fight sickness so it can be a vicious cycle. Often parents will fall ill themselves due to lack of sleep as well as the close contact with all the contagious secretions. That is why hand washing is so important!
So what best to do during these trying days? Offer supportive care. The goal is to try to alleviate symptoms as much as possible so the child can rest. There are limited options because studies show that it is harmful to give cough medications to children under the age of 6. So as best as you can:
- push fluids to avoid dehydration! (don't stress if appetite is down and child is not eating much solids.. they may throw it all up later anyway!)
- tylenol if needed for fever or pain
- saline nose drops can help if nares are crusty and dry (sometimes helps them sneeze out gobs of goo)
- stepping into the bathroom with child after a hot steamy shower can help with breathing
- humidifier at night if you have the heater on and to avoid nose bleeds
Most upper respiratory infections are due to viruses and do not require antibiotics. However, if symptoms persist for more than 1 week or worsens instead of improves make sure you see a physician so the child can be checked for ear infections, bronchitis, strep throat etc!
At the end of the day... the best medicine you can offer may just be lots of love, hugs, and kisses!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Five Year Old Dies of Flu!
Well, this came up during lunch time conversation today so I thought I'd look into. Apparently, a five year old girl in NJ died from complications of the flu. She supposedly had a flu shot earlier in the fall. They did not mention whether she got one shot or two (some folks need 2 shots for immunity... otherwise they are not immune at all! you can see my earlier post about flu vaccines). They also did not mention whether or not she had any underlying medical condition. Here is one of the articles about it.
In any case, it is very sad and I kept thinking about my little girl who is three years old and how devastated I would be!
CDC estimates that yearly the number of people who die from complications of the flu has ranged from around 3,000 to 49,000. The number of folks hospitalized for complications is even higher!
Last year I got the swine flu when I was in my third trimester of pregnancy. I did not get the swine flu shot in time because our hospital didn't have it yet! It was awful.. I never felt so sick before in my life. I was coughing for at least 4 weeks and there was a period where I seriously considered going to the ER. They probably would have admitted me and given me Tamiflu given my high risk of mortality and morbidity due to the pregnancy.
Bottom line.. I say get your flu vaccines and get your kids vaccinated! I say if your body is going to be exposed to this virus that can cause all sorts of serious complications and even death... then why not give it a fighting chance and introduce it to a "dead" version of the virus so that when the real deal arrives, your body has an army that is ready to fight? Some folks unfortunately may not form the antibodies or even with the antibodies it may not be enough to fight off the bug... but at least you tried. Got to weigh the possible consequences of "to vaccinate or not vaccinate" and then base it on statistics for chance of that consequence to happen.
In any case, it is very sad and I kept thinking about my little girl who is three years old and how devastated I would be!
CDC estimates that yearly the number of people who die from complications of the flu has ranged from around 3,000 to 49,000. The number of folks hospitalized for complications is even higher!
Last year I got the swine flu when I was in my third trimester of pregnancy. I did not get the swine flu shot in time because our hospital didn't have it yet! It was awful.. I never felt so sick before in my life. I was coughing for at least 4 weeks and there was a period where I seriously considered going to the ER. They probably would have admitted me and given me Tamiflu given my high risk of mortality and morbidity due to the pregnancy.
Bottom line.. I say get your flu vaccines and get your kids vaccinated! I say if your body is going to be exposed to this virus that can cause all sorts of serious complications and even death... then why not give it a fighting chance and introduce it to a "dead" version of the virus so that when the real deal arrives, your body has an army that is ready to fight? Some folks unfortunately may not form the antibodies or even with the antibodies it may not be enough to fight off the bug... but at least you tried. Got to weigh the possible consequences of "to vaccinate or not vaccinate" and then base it on statistics for chance of that consequence to happen.
Monday, January 17, 2011
2nd Trimester is the best!
Well, I'm well into my second trimester (17 weeks exactly) and I feel great! This is the best trimester because usually the morning sickness goes away and you get your appetite back! Now, some people never lose their appetite and never get sick. Those are the ones who glow the entire pregnancy =)
For me... I usually have a pretty difficult 1st trimester so the 2nd trimester is a nice break. This pregnancy, however, my first trimester nausea was not so bad therefore I did not notice as big a difference.
This is also the trimester where some people describe a "burst of energy". For me, the extreme fatigue that I had during the 1st trimester is lessened.. so I feel more energetic than before but I'm not sure if I'd describe myself as being really energetic. At least I feel like I can do a few things now after dinner whereas previously, I just wanted to hit the sack!
This is the best trimester because pretty soon, the belly will get so large that it will be uncomfortable to move around and uncomfortable to sleep! I better sleep when I can because finally my younger daughter is sleeping through the night. So I may get 5-6 months of relatively uninterrupted sleep before #3 is born! (Anytime there is a sickness and throwing up is involved... sleep goes out the window again)
Well... in a couple of weeks we may find out if we're having a boy or a girl. The second trimester ultrasound scheduled around 18-20 weeks is when you can find out. So... we'll see...
For me... I usually have a pretty difficult 1st trimester so the 2nd trimester is a nice break. This pregnancy, however, my first trimester nausea was not so bad therefore I did not notice as big a difference.
This is also the trimester where some people describe a "burst of energy". For me, the extreme fatigue that I had during the 1st trimester is lessened.. so I feel more energetic than before but I'm not sure if I'd describe myself as being really energetic. At least I feel like I can do a few things now after dinner whereas previously, I just wanted to hit the sack!
This is the best trimester because pretty soon, the belly will get so large that it will be uncomfortable to move around and uncomfortable to sleep! I better sleep when I can because finally my younger daughter is sleeping through the night. So I may get 5-6 months of relatively uninterrupted sleep before #3 is born! (Anytime there is a sickness and throwing up is involved... sleep goes out the window again)
Well... in a couple of weeks we may find out if we're having a boy or a girl. The second trimester ultrasound scheduled around 18-20 weeks is when you can find out. So... we'll see...
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Pregnancy and Reflux!
This blog series is lovely isn't it? Symptom after symptom of various ailments and discomforts that come with the joy of a new baby... only to then have your sleep interrupted and sanity stretched =) Yet... people still opt to have kids! Ha... we're on #3 and though a bit fearful of what's to come, actually excited. I suppose I'm always one who rises to challenges. Though having a nanny is huge and I don't know what I'd do without extra help.
So... about gastroesophageal reflux or heart burn...
This can happen to folks who are not pregnant but it is a common symptom in pregnancy. Starts in the 1st trimester and may very well last or even get worse as the belly gets bigger and more pressure is pushing on the stomach. Usually, one notices discomfort like a burning sensation in the chest and a sour taste in the mouth though sometimes it is subtle and one may only experience bloating or belching.
Foods that can exacerbate heartburn include:
- tomato based foods
- caffeine
- chocolate
- mint
- carbonated beverages
- fatty foods
- spicy foods
- dairy
There are some meds that can exacerbate heartburn as well so make sure you talk to your doctor.
Things you can try to do for it include:
- avoid those list of foods that exacerbate the symptoms
- eat smaller meals more frequently
- eat slower
- drink less during meals
- avoid bending or exercising right after eating
- avoid lying down sooner than 2-3 hrs after eating
- avoid tight fitting garments or belts around the waist
- avoid smoking and alcohol (well if you're pregnant you shouldn't be anyway!)
If you need meds you should speak to your doctor. Tums or maalox may help. You may also be put on something like Zantac or Prilosec or even Reglan.
I'm glad that I actually don't get this symptom too badly though certain meals do trigger it. I had indian buffet for lunch today which is a lot of food and a lot of creamy sauce... so probably was not the best idea.
This can happen to folks who are not pregnant but it is a common symptom in pregnancy. Starts in the 1st trimester and may very well last or even get worse as the belly gets bigger and more pressure is pushing on the stomach. Usually, one notices discomfort like a burning sensation in the chest and a sour taste in the mouth though sometimes it is subtle and one may only experience bloating or belching.
Foods that can exacerbate heartburn include:
- tomato based foods
- caffeine
- chocolate
- mint
- carbonated beverages
- fatty foods
- spicy foods
- dairy
There are some meds that can exacerbate heartburn as well so make sure you talk to your doctor.
Things you can try to do for it include:
- avoid those list of foods that exacerbate the symptoms
- eat smaller meals more frequently
- eat slower
- drink less during meals
- avoid bending or exercising right after eating
- avoid lying down sooner than 2-3 hrs after eating
- avoid tight fitting garments or belts around the waist
- avoid smoking and alcohol (well if you're pregnant you shouldn't be anyway!)
If you need meds you should speak to your doctor. Tums or maalox may help. You may also be put on something like Zantac or Prilosec or even Reglan.
I'm glad that I actually don't get this symptom too badly though certain meals do trigger it. I had indian buffet for lunch today which is a lot of food and a lot of creamy sauce... so probably was not the best idea.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
1st Trimester Fatigue
Alright so I find the first trimester the hardest time of pregnancy because of the onset of symptoms that can occur during this time. Some folks get it real bad and others not so much... and lucky me I get to experience it all!
My previous blog focused on nausea. I'll talk about fatigue next because that is usually the other huge give away! I get soooo tired during this time. During the day, it is hard to have energy to do the things I need to do. Being at work and needing to interact with patients is one challenge but being home and chasing around a preschooler and toddler is another thing altogether! I'm usually so spent that I have no desire/energy to do anything else at night after dinner except crash in my bed. So my house is a complete mess and I'm so disorganized... which drives me nuts!
So how am I still up right now blogging? Well, I think I'm getting some energy back as I'm heading into my second trimester. Noticed how I didn't blog at all in November? Heh. Most people will feel better by the second trimester... only to feel tired again by the third.
It is a challenge to feel so tired and needing sleep... but then having sleep interrupted at night from increased frequency of urination! That of course is another common symptom in the first trimester.
So what to do about it?
- may seem counter intuitive but exercise actually does help
- small frequent meals with extra protein
- eat healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables
- decrease activities and cut out unnecessary activities that tire you out
- get rest! take a nap if you can
- hang in there.. should improve in the 2nd trimester
My previous blog focused on nausea. I'll talk about fatigue next because that is usually the other huge give away! I get soooo tired during this time. During the day, it is hard to have energy to do the things I need to do. Being at work and needing to interact with patients is one challenge but being home and chasing around a preschooler and toddler is another thing altogether! I'm usually so spent that I have no desire/energy to do anything else at night after dinner except crash in my bed. So my house is a complete mess and I'm so disorganized... which drives me nuts!
So how am I still up right now blogging? Well, I think I'm getting some energy back as I'm heading into my second trimester. Noticed how I didn't blog at all in November? Heh. Most people will feel better by the second trimester... only to feel tired again by the third.
It is a challenge to feel so tired and needing sleep... but then having sleep interrupted at night from increased frequency of urination! That of course is another common symptom in the first trimester.
So what to do about it?
- may seem counter intuitive but exercise actually does help
- small frequent meals with extra protein
- eat healthy with lots of fruits and vegetables
- decrease activities and cut out unnecessary activities that tire you out
- get rest! take a nap if you can
- hang in there.. should improve in the 2nd trimester
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