Exercising Discipline: Kids and their Use of Mobile Devices

With the rise in technology, most households now own several internet-connected mobile devices. In fact, a research conducted by Telsyte has found that the average household in Australia owns at least one tablet, with other families owning up to 20 devices consisting of smartphones, tablets and other types of mobile devices.

This also means that more and more children are exposed to mobile devices at a much earlier age. Thus, it is not surprising to find many discussions about the effect of introducing mobile devices to children at a young age.

Let’s be realistic though – we can’t completely avoid exposing our children to these devices especially when we own one or two ourselves. However, we can set limits and take a better approach to make screen time (the time spent in front of the television, computer or mobile device) more fun and educational for our kids.

Limit their time in front of the TV or mobile device

If your child is under 2 years old, as much as possible, they should not be allowed in front of the screen. For 2 years and older, experts advise parents to limit their screen time to only up to 2 hours a day. This already includes time in front of the television, computer, mobile devices and handheld gaming devices.

Therefore, it is important that we exercise discipline in our little ones, as well as ourselves and avoid giving in to the temptation of just letting them use a device just to avoid tantrums. One effective way is to set a schedule when they will be allowed to use a tablet or watch the TV and stick to that schedule.

For instance, to unwind from school, you can let them spend time 30 minutes watching the TV or playing an app on the tablet after they come home. You can also allow them screen time while travelling in the car. After this, they should be doing their homework or other activities that you have planned for them. If they insist on continuing with playing or watching the TV, you can first divert their attention with another activity that they find interesting, which does not involve gadgets.

Monitor their activities

It isn’t enough to monitor the time they spend on mobile devices, you also have to pay attention to what they are doing and what effects these activities may have on them. If you allow them to access the internet, then be sure to guide them and whenever possible, check which sites they visit, discussions they participate in and how they use their mobile devices and the internet in general.

Let them only use apps that you have approved

Before they can play with any apps on the mobile device, make sure that you have used the app yourself and know about its mechanics. Especially for smaller children, it is best that you’ll be the one to pick the apps they can play with.

When choosing apps for your kids, pick ones that they won’t just enjoy but also learn from. There are plenty of apps specifically made for kids – from learning their ABCs, to counting, drawing and playing musical instruments. There are even apps about the environment and apps teaching the importance of eating fruits and vegetables.

Set time for outdoor and creative activities

Of course, if you can allow them to explore the world and learn through apps and the mobile device, then you should make sure they keep in touch with the real world. While they can have fun, play and learn through a tablet, nothing can beat the experience they will have through outdoor games, and physical and creative activities.

This can as well help you with limiting them and reinforcing a discipline on amount of time they spent in front of the TV or tablet. We should remember that as parents, it is our responsibility for our child to grow up with discipline, but neither do we have to deprive them of the things that they enjoy.

Most Common Allergens that Cause Hay Fever in Children

Just like in adults, allergic rhinitis, known as hay fever, is common among children. The condition occurs when your child is exposed to airborne irritants that trigger symptoms such as constant sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy nose and eyes. Children become more sensitive to irritants and develop allergic rhinitis between the age of 4 and 6 years, but the effects become minimal as they grow older and reach adulthood.

The Body’s Reaction to Allergens

Hay fever is the result of the body’s reaction to irritants, or better referred to as allergens. But what exactly goes on inside your child’s body as this happens?

When your little one has come in contact with an allergen, his immune system mistakenly identifies this substance as a pathogen that the body needs to get rid of. As part of the inflammatory response, histamine is then produced and released by the body. Histamine is a substance that dilates the blood vessels so that white blood cells and other components of the immune system can better fight off the pathogens and protect the body.

This mechanism then triggers the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including:

· Runny nose
· Sneezing
· Nasal itching
· Itchy, watery eyes
· Sore throat

Your child could be experiencing more or fewer symptoms, depending on the cause or severity of his allergy.

Dealing with Allergic Rhinitis

In order to effectively manage your child’s allergic rhinitis, the first step is to identify the allergen. Generally, allergens can be classified into four different types, which are:

 · Pollens (wood and grass)
· Animal furs, feathers, saliva or skin
· Dust mites and other insects
· Mould

Allergy from Pollens

If your child’s allergy occurs only during certain periods of the year, they could be suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis. This type is commonly caused by pollens from trees and grass which grow during a specific season.

If this is the case of your child, then the best way to control allergic reactions is to prepare even before the start of the season. Don’t let your child play in grassy areas or areas where pollens are widespread to avoid contact with the allergens. Antihistamine products may also be taken prior to the onset of hay fever.

Animal Allergens

If you own a pet, or have recently adopted one and your child has begun to show signs of allergic rhinitis, then your dog’s fur or saliva may be causing the hay fever. Try to isolate your child from pets (including the household items or areas where the pet’s fur and saliva can be left behind) and see if there are any improvements. Compared to other types of allergens though, the response to isolation from animal allergens usually takes a longer time.

On the other hand, some parents continue to expose their children to pets to help them gradually build tolerance to animal allergens. This method is referred to as desensitisation.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are very tiny insects (and the size isn’t an exaggeration) that nest on woven materials such as beddings, mattresses and sofa. Although they don’t bite, they can cause allergic response. And with children often playing on the sofa and lounging on beds, this makes them even more vulnerable to dust mite exposure.

It is highly recommended that beddings and pillows be covered with dust mite-proof sheets and cases, and that rooms should be regularly cleaned with a vacuum. Carpets and rugs should also be washed and changed.

Moulds

Perhaps you already know that moulds grow on damp and moist areas – and you might have seen some in the bathroom, pipes, sink, air conditioning vents and gutter. If moulds are not regularly removed and water traps are not maintained, then this can cause allergic rhinitis attacks when your child is exposed to the airborne particles.

You can avoid mould build up by reducing the humidity in indoor areas, repair leaking pipes, and replace damp wooden materials as these cannot be thoroughly cleaned. The bathroom should also be cleaned at least once a week with the moulds scrubbed off from tiles and the rubber mats washed.

Visiting Your Paediatrician

In most situations, allergic rhinitis does not require a trip to the doctor. Over-the-counter medication can usually help with suppressing the symptoms. However, if the cause of the allergy has not been identified or if your child is exhibiting severe symptoms (including blocked sinusitis that causes pain, the loss of taste or smell and itchiness spreading around the body), it may be best to call your healthcare provider.