Category

Parenting Advice

Feb 28
2

Put an infant in a box – really

By | Blog, Child Development, Parenting Advice, Prevent injury, Safety Tips | No Comments

An Infant in a box – REALLY?

Who would put an infant in a box?   Well, hopefully, new parents in Denver will!

Denver Public Health hopes to soon begin a campaign distributing free baby sleep boxes across the city, a first, modest step in Colorado to help new parents gain access to a simple tool that health experts say could greatly reduce infant mortality.   Please check out this Denver Post article referencing Denver Public Health.

The leading cause of death in infants – that’s birth to age one – is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).    It is believed that this tragic occurrence, happening during their sleep, is likely caused by suffocating due to items in the crib with them   Doctors recommend *nothing* in the crib with an infant.

In this Children’s Hospital of Colorado excellent information about SIDS, there is a long list of things to AVOID so the infant stays safe.   Two of these are:

  • Sleeping on a sofa, adult bed or other soft surface
  • Sleeping in the same bed with someone else, including a parent or sibling (called “co-sleeping” or “co-bedding”)

Infant in a Box.   Yes, really!

infant in a box

Infant in a Box

A small, safe place to sleep – these infant sleep cardboard boxes (used for many years in Europe, already) – are a simple and wonderful solution to the two dangerous situations listed above.

Despite years of research, doctors don’t know why SIDS strikes some infants.     However, we do have accurate numbers of its occurrence.   In Colorado, between 50 and 80 babies have died from SIDS each year since 2004.

Safe sleeping is a goal that every parent – and babysitter – can commit to by following the advice from our excellent Children’s Hospital of Colorado.

Stay Safe!

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 17 year youth Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

 

Feb 02
0

Help a Choking Child – Babysitters get trained

By | Blog, Parenting Advice, Prevent injury, Safety Tips, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

Help a Choking Child – Babysitters get trained

The people who choke most often are small children and senior citizens.    So, youth who want to be babysitters, be sure to get trained, first.     Help a choking child, because you’ll know what to do!

I have taught Babysitting CPR classes for 17 years for youth ages 11+.    Training to be a safe Babysitter is so important – but feeling confident as you start babysitting is “worth its weight in gold”, as they say.

Parents Want YOU

As I always say in my class to young students, “parents are looking for YOU because you are a) kind and you are b) trained.”     I am so pleased that parents of prospective babysitters are directing them to my class because I include full CPR in the course.   I urge you to check my website page called “Compare the Classes” – it compares “babysitting” classes that don’t include mannequins and CPR, diapering with dolls, etc.     Take a GOOD class which includes preventing injury,  quality time with children,  first aid, choking skills, diapering/burping, tummy time, shaken baby syndrome – and full CPR.

Little kids choking

HELP A CHOKING CHILD

Please visit this excellent information site:        SafeKids.org  for keeping children safe.

When someone is choking it is vital that you  a) recognize the emergency and b) know what action to take.   Safe Kids Worldwide (safekids.org) states this statistic about choking:

The Hard Facts

Among children treated in emergency rooms for

non-fatal choking incidents, almost 60 percent were food-related.

Overall, 13 percent of cases involved swallowing coins and 19 percent involved candy or gum.

 

Tips to avoid choking

  • Cut food for toddlers into tiny pieces.   Children under 5 should not eat small, round or hard foods, including pieces of hot dogs, cheese sticks or chunks, hard candy, nuts, grapes, marshmallows or popcorn.
  • Remember to have young kids eat in a high chair or at the table, not while lying down or playing. It is important to supervise your babies when they are eating or playing.
  • Keep small objects out of reach
  • See the world from a child’s point of view. Get on the floor on your hands and knees so that you are at the child’s eye level. Look for and remove small items.
  • Keep small objects such as buttons, beads, jewelry, pins, nails, marbles, coins, stones and tacks out of reach and sight.

Be On the Lookout for Magnets & Batteries

Swallowing toxic items

Parents often don’t know it was swallowed!

Keep small magnets and batteries away from children. Some great information from SafeKids.org:

These include magnets found in construction sets, children’s toys, refrigerator magnets.    Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that magnets or batteries have been swallowed. Look for abdominal symptoms, such as pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Get trained before babysitting – and learn CPR.   Stay Safe!

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 17 year youth Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

Oct 28
0

Screen Time for Kids – Not Much

By | Blog, Child Development, Parenting Advice, Quality Time | No Comments

Screen Time for Kids

Everyone knows the story about the internet:  earliest impressions were “Internet allows for massive knowledge and learning”, “Internet is a vast and amazing library”.   BUT, next came the shock of discovering violence/crime on the internet, predators on the internet, vicious games on the internet, etc.   So, here we are, today, with the big questions of internet security and how much Screen Time for Kids “should” there be?

kid-computer-1

Screen Time for Kids? Not much!

For over 16 years, I’ve been teaching Babysitting CPR classes in the Denver area  (age 11-15).    Besides first aid, diapering, burping, preventing injury, FULL CPR – lots and lots of content – I spend considerable time talking to them about Quality Time while Babysitting.    It is, of course, not only wonderful for the children to get attention, to be read to, to be played with, it is a great investment in their small business!   I remind my students that children are asked by their parents who they want for a babysitter – I tell my students that *they* will be the ones wanted if the children have a nice time with them, affectionate time, creative time, PERSONAL time.   That, of course, means no computer or TV time whenever possible.

Screen Time for Kids?   NOT MUCH

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers some excellent advice about screen time for children ranging from little toddlers to older teens.    Great advice!

The Academy breaks down their advice into two categories – advice for children up to age 5 and for ages 5-18.    CBS News has offered a snap shot view of the recommendations.

What I really like about the advice is that it stresses what to do “instead” with the child – play, exercise, dining, and more.    For instance, no computer in the bedroom!    It’s a strong message; limit screen time and activities to do, instead.

kid-computer-3

Screen time? No – unless it’s video chatting

Parents are busy – it can be too easy to “plop the kid in front of the screen”.

I hope you benefit from the advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics!

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 16 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

 

 

Jun 20
0

Toddlers with Guns

By | Blog, Parenting Advice, Prevent injury, Safety Tips, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

Toddlers With Guns

Some people are choosing to own guns.   So, there are guns in their home.     On the tragic rise is toddlers with guns – because people are NOT safely storing their guns.

Little kids are getting killed.   Little kids are killing.   Because they FOUND THE GUN!

Of course, little kids don’t know the danger of a gun but only have seen them fired on TV – you just point it and shoot, right?

So they do.   At their little sister.   At their mom.   At anyone.

This a story about a 2 year old in the car’s back seat who reached under the driver’s seat, located a gun and then shot his mother – and killed her, as she drove.   Embedded in this Washington Post article are links to more and more stories of small children shooting others with guns.    It’s on the rise.     Read each tragic story.    It’s happening.    This article, alone, references at least four incidents.

This Denver Post article, dated May 1, 2016 is entitled, “Toddlers Have Shot 23 People in the U.S. This Year“.

blood

Toddlers With Guns.   WHO leaves guns where tiny people can find them?

access drawer 1

Finding a gun in a                   drawer

Child in a Boat With No Life Jacket.     SERIOUSLY?

I grew up in MN, land of 10,000 lakes, where there are lots and lots and lots of boat and swimming activities.    Regardless the many responsible parents, there were/are continual stories of drownings because a boat overturned and the little kids did not have on life jackets.   What is more obvious than a life jacket on a child when in a boat?     Equally, what is more OBVIOUS than storing your gun somewhere completely safe?

access drawer 2

What’s THAT in this                          drawer?

I’ve been teaching Babysitting Safety/CPR to youth age 11+ for 16 years, now.   Only recently have I begun to add to class this piece of advice, “I recommend you talk to your parents about if the babysitting home has a gun somewhere and is it SAFELY stored?”   I want no one to get hurt with a gun – but a young babysitter may not be aware of the potential danger to their own life.    I never thought to add this warning until teaching classes now, in 2016.   It’s a real issue.   And how utterly stupid that it’s happening at all!

Good Golly Miss Molly…

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 16 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

May 31
0

Eat. Play. Read. 15 Minutes With Your Child

By | Blog, Child Development, Parenting Advice, Quality Time, Videos, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

Eat. Play. Read.  15 Minutes With Your Child

For the 16 years I’ve been teaching Babysitting CPR classes for youth age 11+, I have always strongly urged the importance of quality time with the children.    I tell these young babysitters it will 1) make the children like you – and thus behave better for you and 2) will make you the preferred babysitter – and thus you make more money.

More money.  That’s when they giggle and squirm a bit that I’ve identified their “secret” about babysitting – that they want to babysit to make money.  It’s rather sweet that they think they should be altruistic about babysitting versus pragmatic.  I assure them it’s both.   Parents are looking for two things, I tell them:  1) someone kind and 2) trained.   Yes, they deserve to be paid for doing the vital thing of keeping dearly loved children safe!

I urge them to PLAY with the children; ask them questions to get conversations going, teach them a song or a dance, make up things to do – be creative.    I also urge them to READ to the children and I list for them all the benefits – brain and vocabulary development, emotional soothing, imagination as the plot and characters unfold, and more.

Eat. Play. Read.

So, that’s advice for babysitters, right?

Well, I have come upon a very nice organization that gives similar, gentle information for PARENTS.    The site The Family Tree suggests small changes that families might make that can make a big impact.

Eat. Play. Read.

One of their programs is Eat. Play. Read.  Just 15 Minutes a Day.   

“The time investment is small, but the benefits of spending as little as 15 minutes a day eating, playing and reading with your family are enormous – starting with more focused, creative and sociable kids.”

Eat. Play. Read.

Eat together – it’s strong family time

You might like to print out this one-page list of suggestions for your refrigerator:

Eat. Play. Read.  

The Family Tree also has You Tube short videos explaining why each area has great benefits – Eat.  Play.  Read. 

Click above on each each short clip – it’s a boost of inspiration and motivation!

 

Eat. Play. Read.  Print-out examples.

For instance, a one-page sheet gives great suggestions on using “positive discipline”.  It’s a helpful nudge, reminder, deep-breath list of information when times get tough.

Eat. Play. Read.

Play together. Let your kids know you.

Eat. Play. Read.

Quality time. It’s BEST.

 

But wait!   Parents do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with “advice” about parenting and “vital information” about parenting?

Gotcha.   It can rather make you feel like you “need to do even more” or that you are “falling short” since you don’t do that particular, specific advice in your household…

Nah…

I recommend reading this article from the Washington Post, “Quality Trumps Quantity”.    It addresses the issue of parents feeling they should “spend more time” with their kids.   The article asserts that the quality of the time is far, far more important.   And to stop feeling guilty!

A hefty chunk of time to be with your children can be very hard to achieve.   The article asserts that parents should not expect it – or even try to think in terms of quantity.   Rather, quality.

The article is clear support to continue to do, as always, “the best you can”.    That’s wonderful right there!   It’s the best you can!

reading together

Read together.

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 16 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

May 20
0

Online CPR is not CPR

By | ARE you ready to help?, Blog, Parenting Advice, Safety Tips | No Comments

Online CPR is not CPR

As a Training Center for the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), I recently received a voice mail from a woman requesting information about getting CPR certified – on a speedy basis.  I returned her call the next morning.    She told me that she had just taken an “online CPR course” and was “now certified” so she could begin her new job as a Nanny in a few days.   However, online CPR is NOT CPR!

I told her an online class is *not* a real class; without physically utilizing mannequins with a trained Instructor present to monitor correct compressions and breaths, it is *not* a certified class.

She argued that she now had a “real” 3-year certification.   3-year certifications don’t exist in authentic CPR agencies.

I was appalled.   These employers believe this woman can save their children in case of emergency.   Nothing is further from the truth.   She is not trained.

Faking Certification

Recently, our CO legislature passed a bill making it illegal to claim that your dog is a “Service Dog”, if it is not.   Service Dogs are highly trained dogs to give their owner mobilization support, retrieve items, emotional support, and more – much more.

Service Dogs wear a jacket (with licensure card in pocket) that allows them to enter buildings, airlines, restaurants, etc.

To pretend that your dog is a service dog is abusive.   It can engender doubt in the mind of the public – “is this REALLY a Service Dog?”   Of course, the public is also in danger if untrained dogs are entering venues but are not trained for public contact.

Online CPR is not CPR – They are Lying

The Health and Safety Institute (HSI) states on their website that these untruthful online-only companies claim their classes are ‘nationally accepted’.   They are NOT.

HSI states further, “No major authentic training program in the United States endorses certification without practice and evaluation of hands-on skills.   According to OSHA, “online training alone does not meet their requirements”.

FAKE certificate 2

FAKE CLASS

FAKE certificate

             FAKE CLASS

Let’s Clarify Online-Only vs. “Blended”

There IS a difference.   All major legitimate agencies now offer an option of “Blended Training”.   This means that some class information is done online in advance of the physical skills done face-to-face with an Instructor.   The student arrives to class with a print-out of completion and the physical skills are then taught.   A Blended class is a great idea.   A usual CPR class runs 2+ hours – the Blended class, since part is completed in advance, requires a shortened physical skills session with an Instructor.

What’s the Problem?

There is no nationally accrediting or governing body for emergency care training.

What are some agencies offering authentic training?

  • American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI)   [part of HSI]
  • Medic First Aid  [part of HSI]
  • American Heart Association
  • American Red Cross
  • National Safety Council
online CPR is not CPR

   This is NOT training.             Online CPR is not CPR.

 

oneline CPR is not CPR

      THIS is CPR Training

The OSHA website has an article called “Unmasking the Certification Mill Problem” discussing the disservice of lying to people that they can get certified online.    The article states:  Thomas Glassy, director of the OSHA Directorate of Enforcement Programs, wrote: “Online training alone would not meet the requirements of these training standards. The word ‘train’ is defined as ‘[t]o make proficient with special instruction and practice,’ Webster’s II New Collegiate Dictionary, 1995, p.1, 169. These standards require training in physical skills, such as bandaging and CPR. The only way these physical skills can be learned is by actually practicing them.”

The article also asserts, “The certification mill problem threatens to undermine first aid and CPR education and certification as a whole. Though it is naïve to expect an immediate resolution, the problem requires direct action by employers, training organizations, states, and the federal government.”

Getting Real

online CPR is not CPR

            ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!

Can you learn to ride a horse watching a video?

Can you learn to change a diaper watching a video?

Can you learn to drive a motorcycle watching a video?

Online CPR is NOT CPR

Physical skills require physical involvement.  

We must stop accepting bogus online-only classes with their print-your-own certification cards that you get for paying $19 for the class.   It’s wrong.    It’s fraud.   Parents, don’t be tricked!

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 16 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

Apr 29
0

Kids and video games

By | Blog, Child Development, Parenting Advice, Quality Time, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

Kids and video games

When I teach the Babysitting CPR class that I’ve taught to youth age 11+ for over 15 years, I always urge students to spend *quality time* with the children, which brings up the issue of kids and video games.

There are surprising statistics on how little one-to-one time kids might spend with their parents who are rushing about to jobs, commitments, appointments, household and life errands, etc.   Life’s pace can be so fast that kids can get only short face-to-face time with their parents.   Perhaps 20 minutes per day?  So, I always counsel students to engage in conversation, ask questions about school and friends, get them talking about their favorite fun, favorite ice cream, favorite animal – and AVOID television and video games.

Compared to being talked to or read to, television is a waste of time and a brain drain for children, I believe.    Watching TV, they never use their imagination the way they do when being told or read a story.    But when their imagination envisions in a story the characters, what the characters are doing and saying, how they feel, the suspense in the plot, the child’s brain is active and developing

I’ve also always thought that kids and video games are a poor match.   I’ve thought that the games are detrimental to a healthy child.   After all, Seriously?   You make points for Murdering?   Rewarded for Violence?

SO…I decided to learn more about video games!

Kids and video games – there are some good games?

The RaiseSmartKid.com website has done some research, gathering input from many sources, to list Positive Effects and Negative Effects of kids and Video Games.

I’ve learned so much more about kids and video games – and some positive benefits.   It’s all about the premise of the game they’re playing.   If the game is one of quality, it encourages the development of quite a list of positive skills.   If it’s just violence, it’s trash.

There CAN be benefits!

There CAN be benefits!

Positive Effects of Kids and Video Games

  • Problem solving
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Motor and spatial skills
  • Multitasking
  • Making fast analysis and decisions
  • Immediate issues while keeping long term goals in mind
  • Reading and math skill development
  • Responding to frustrations and risks
  • Teamwork and cooperation when playing with others – Especially playing with parents!

Having fun is the best way to learn

I believe having fun is the best way to learn.    It’s why I make my Babysitting CPR classes lively and with warm humor.    I tell example stories of smart safety things babysitters have done, funny stories about what a little child said to her babysitter, etc.    Humor in class escalates retention, a major point of any training.

Having fun is the best way to learn

Having fun is the best way to learn

As a child plays a quality video game and does well with the challenges and problems and creativity, they experience the wonderful feelings of warm self-confidence, self-esteem, pride and satisfaction with success.    Good things!

It certainly seems to be all about a parental decision of WHAT games to allow their child to play.    And also that only ONE HOUR per day is the solid mandate asserted by researchers.

Negative effects of kids and video games

If a youth plays violent games, their behavior can become aggressive, their values skewed by being “rewarded” for violence.   They can also become addicted to the game and thus avoid doing their homework and even stay awake all hours of the night playing the game – and ensuring fatigue and failure the next day at school.

GIRLS

As a strong advocate for woman and girls – and passionate about ending the worldwide abuse of women and girls – I find it horrifying how video games so often portray female characters as weak, helpless, sexually provocative or victims.   That doesn’t fly with me AT ALL.   I’m passionate about the awesome girls’ website called A Mighty Girl.      http://www.amightygirl.com/

This website offers a huge amount of excellent support for girls, empowerment for girls, and humor and fun.   Here are some video games recommended for girls from A Mighty Girl.

As a horse woman, I love horses with all my heart.   In fact, loving horses is very common for most girls!   So many young girls long to have a horse…

pony girl

GIDDYUP!

Why not buy her one?    There is a video game offered on A Mighty Girl site called Planet Horse.   The game player rides a horse all around the countryside, jumping fences, experiencing cross country challenges.   What fun – let your daughter ride a horse on Planet Horse!

What ARE the positive games available out there?

Sim City – the player builds a city and has to complete urban planning

Farming Simulator – the player performs the role of a farmer growing crops and livestock

Cut the Rope – the player uses physics to solve puzzles

Super Mario 64 – the player Mario explores a castle to rescue Princess Peach.

I’ve learned that there ARE some good video games and they CAN be beneficial to children – but ONLY AN HOUR A DAY is what is recommended.  

Stay safe!

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 15 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

Apr 19
0

Tummy Time babysitting tips

By | Blog, Child Development, Parenting Advice, Prevent injury, Safety Tips, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

Tummy Time babysitting tips

Tummy Time babysitting tips definitely help youth babysitters keep an infant safe.     And these safety reminders from medical experts are great reminders for parents, too!

At issue is that an infant enjoying tummy time must be continually supervised.    They must be watched in case they begin to fall asleep.    An infant sleeping on their stomach is of instant concern, a safety issue regarding the tragedy of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Since 1992 when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)  began to educate the public about how SIDS happens and the best advice on how to avoid a little infant suffering SIDS,  the incidence of SIDS has decreased by 50%.

While that is encouraging news, SIDS remains the leading cause of death in young infants.        It is vital to remember that infants must sleep on their backs, which is why the AAP implemented the “Back To Sleep” campaign; namely, sleep on the back.

tummy time baby

Tummy Time helps me get strong!

What are some great Tummy Time babysitting tips?

Dr. Jay L. Hoecker of Mayo Clinic recommends “at least 20 minutes of tummy time a day”.    The infant can lay on a blanket on the floor with some little toys close by to stimulate activity.   Dr. Hoecker states, “The more time babies spend on their tummies, the earlier they might begin to roll over, crawl on their stomachs, crawl on all fours and sit without support”.   They are developing muscles in their head and neck, shoulders and legs.   It’s all good!

Another great tip comes from the WEBMD site.     They recommend “move to the level” of the infant.  “Getting down on the ground and doing face-to-face encouragement will reassure a baby that he can did it and it’s OK”.

Use plastic mirrors.   A little infant might enjoy lifting her head (developing those muscles!) to look at their reflection in the mirror.   Lots of fun!

Involve a sibling.   Engaging the older child to join in the fun is a great idea for both ages.    As I remind my babysitting class students, two great rules when babysitting are

a) prevent injury and b) stay in the same room with the children.    Tummy time is a safe time for everyone.

Sing or tell a story so everyone enjoys themselves.   I urge my babysitting students to explore their own talent, their own creativity.    Can you tell the story or sing the song with “flair”?   Pull out your acting talent!

Never leave an infant alone during Tummy Time.

tummy time baby 2

Tummy Time makes me happy!

Not Too Hot – Tummy Time babysitting tip

KidsHealth.org  states this advice, “Make sure your baby does not get too warm while sleeping.   Some researchers suggest that a baby who gets too warm could go into a deeper sleep, making it more difficult to awaken”.    Again, the issue is SIDS.

Extra tips for parents

Pacifiers also have been linked to a lower risk of SIDS.

Having the infant sleep in the same room with the parents (but not the same bed) has also shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Does the parent smoke?   Oh, no…   Exposure to secondhand smoke doubles a baby’s risk of SIDS.

 

The family dog might help tummy time be fun!

Click on this YOU TUBE clip for a gentle look at dog and infant together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyUVjhLBFX4

 

As always, STAY SAFE!

===========================

EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 15 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

Apr 05
0

Can you pant like a puppy for me? Babysitting class

By | ARE you ready to help?, Blog, Parenting Advice, Quality Time, Safety Tips, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

“Can you pant like a puppy for me?

When I teach my Babysitting Class  to youth ages 11+, I ask them, “Have you ever been home AND your parents were home and you STILL got hurt?”

Of course, they all say “yes” and begin to recount the varying things they experienced when three or five or seven, whatever age.    I share with them MY story of cutting my knee open when I fell in first grade on a metal door mat outside the elementary school.   Needing stitches, my mom brought me to the doctor.   I share with my young babysitting class students that I remember crying because it hurt, because I was scared, because blood is really scary – and THEN the nurse got out a NEEDLE!   I was crying when she kindly asked, “Can you pant like a puppy for me?”

I remember being confused why she wanted me to do such a thing.    But, I promptly complied and sat there, on the gurney, panting softly – trying to be a puppy.

babysitting class

Pant like a Puppy in babysitting class

Babysitting class – great tip

Of course, you get the point…  The gentle distraction got me busy with a task so that my mind focused on the task instead of the mental whirling vortex of pain/fear/blood.

 

babysitting class tips

It hurts! I’m scared!

I have taught adult CPR, First Aid and the Babysitter class for over 15 years.   The babysitting class (EasyCPR-Denver.com) covers many, many excellent topics – but if an injury occurs, regardless that the young babysitters are always focusing on safety while babysitting, it is accompanied by the fear the child will feel if injured.   To kindly reassure and distract the child is a way to calm the tears and calm the fears.   I urge my babysitting class students to distract with the question, “Can you pant like a puppy for me?” or perhaps, “What IS your middle name, Kelly?” or perhaps, “How old IS your dog, anyway, Stevie?”

It is a good reminder to my babysitting class students that just as THEY got hurt even though their loving parents were home at the time, so, too, an injury can still occur while they are babysitting.    I urge students,  through the 4+ hour babysitting class, to follow two very important safety rules:

1) Prevent injuries by scanning each room for possible dangers and

2) Stay in the same room with the children you’re babysitting.

With those two safety mandates, babysitters have safety on their side!

As a Training Center for the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), I enjoy teaching this excellent class – their curriculum is strong and manageable for youth age 11+.

=====================

EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 15 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please  SHARE  this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

 

Feb 09
0

Off With Their Shoes – detox your home

By | Blog, Parenting Advice, Safety Tips | No Comments

Off With Their Shoes!    Some Easy Ways to Detox Your Home

Studies have shown an amazing amount of dreadful bacteria and pollutants are carried into your home on your shoes.   The safest thing to do for a healthy home is to have everyone leave shoes at the door.   The goal is to detox your home – here are some easy ideas for you.

detox your home

Leave shoes at the door

Off With Their Shoes!

It won’t take long for you to embed this new habit, if your family is not already doing it.   All it takes is a family discussion, agreement that everyone will comply – and then a creative or fun way to leave the shoes near the door!

detox your home

Cool ideas to keep shoes out of the way

It will be well worth committing to this new habit.    Shoes track in pesticides – yikes!    Also, lead dust, pollutants, road sealant, and more.    To really gross you out, think about unwittingly walking on someone’s spit on the sidewalk or animal droppings from the grass – and then coming in the house!    Oh, nooooooo…

Of course, we call can spend time on the floor, but NOBODY spends more time on the floor than babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.    You don’t want that stuff on their hands and faces!

Detox Your House in some more ways….

Crack a Window

Indoor air can be five times as polluted as outdoor air, so open the windows whenever the weather—and your AC or heating budget—permit.

detox your home

Crack a window a bit

Dump the Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets coat clothes with chemicals—which have been linked to the development of asthma—and acetone, also found in nail polish remover. Plus, your towels will be more absorbent without that dreadful chemical covering.

Dust your Home Differently

Instead of sprays (which add to your chemical load) or feathers (which just kick up more dust), use dry, unscented microfiber cloths, which attract dirty particles instead of scattering them.

With each small choice, each small step, you can bring your home – and your family – into a healthier place.   It’s well worth it!

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Jean Lesmeister, 15 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

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