Parents want to protect their children when surprising circumstances arise. Whether utility service has been interrupted or you’ve been unexpectedly stranded, there are ways to be prepared. PREPARED, NOT PANICKED Panic is a great danger in an emergency – as mentioned in the article: RULE OF 3′S TO SURVIVE. Children will pick up on your emotion. Your preparation will make you confident so that your children will draw strength from you. THE NEED FOR A ROUTINE Look for creative ways to implement a daily routine for the sake of your children. A parent instituted routine is comforting to the child. PASTIMES Amusements help pass the time when you are unable to travel. It is unlikely that you will have access to a source of power to operate electronic games. Craft supplies are wonderful to have on hand; this includes play dough, scissors, paper, tape, markers, glue and other assorted items. Take the time to introduce your children to board games, dolls, toy cars, blocks, puzzles and reading in order that they will be welcomed ‘old friends’ should they need entertainment. It is also wise to keep educational materials stocked (items such as work books, flash cards, pencils, reference books, etc.) in the event you find organized schooling is no longer an option. MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH Your dental health and other health conditions should be tended while you have access to remedies and treatments. Rather than neglect those annoying aches and pains, take steps to remedy them so they aren’t a factor in an emergency. Remember to keep any necessary medicines in stock. Get into the habit of observing the sleeping, eating and toilet patterns of your family members so that you will detect illness early and be able to deal with it proactively. Train yourself to take note of the impact of circumstances on those around you. It is easy to become consumed with your own difficulties and overlook warning signals that others may need help. CULTIVATE AN APPRECIATION FOR REAL FOODS The foods you consume today will affect your health tomorrow. Children that are trained to be picky eaters could do themselves harm by refusing to consume needed nutrients. A pallet can be taught to appreciate the taste and texture of REAL foods, but the exercise is complicated by taste buds dulled on sugars and processed foods. Take time to introduce new foods gradually in the diet. Learn about nutrition and basic food preparation – and teach your children about these things also. INFANT AND BABY CARE Proper care of a baby doesn’t require a lot of equipment. Contrary to advertisements, babies can thrive without cribs, bouncy chairs, carriers, disposable diapers, pacifiers, iron rain chicago boxes, and other assorted gadgets. An infant’s needs are simply to be fed, warm, dry and clean. Nursing an infant is a skill that can be learned. Even if you should choose to give your infant bottled formula, it is in mother and baby’s best interest to invest the time to breastfeed during those crucial first months. This can help insure that the smallest family member has a ready supply of nourishment. For bottle-fed babies, you will need to keep formula in stock. Infants require protection from extremes of cold and heat as their bodies aren’t yet able to regulate temperature. Babies need to be shielded from the summer sun. Umbrellas are useful for this application. In the winter, dressing little ones in layers protects them from the cold. Zippered fleece sleepers can be placed over long thermal underwear for nighttime warmth. Sharing a bed with 2 or 3 others helps everyone stay warm at night. Wool socks, hats and zippered fleece jackets can keep babies warm during the day. SANITATION Daily baths won’t be possible if water is in short supply or if temperatures are very cool. Find the warmest spot in your living quarters and teach your children that they should wash their faces, hands, feet and privates every day. Before meals, have them wash their hands. As conditions may not be ideal, this precaution is well worth the trouble to maintain everyone’s health. Take the time to teach older children about latrine construction, placement and proper disposal of waste.&
Jul 18