www.family-club.ie

Introducing the exciting new magazine for parents and kids that’s absolutely free

FREE

Ouch!Why do children

start to bite?

Travellers Tales Everything you need to

know about car seat safety

What a relief Soothing solutions for

ecezma, nappy rash and even chicken pox!

Put a

in your stepSPRING

February/March 2011

Family Club Needs You!!!

We hope you’ve enjoyed receiving your FREE Family Club magazine. Your childcare provider and the NCNA have been working hard with us to bring you content that is interesting and informative, with a little fun thrown in for good measure.

To keep Family Club going strong we need your help. If you know of any complimentary brands or companies who would like to submit content to the magazine then please ask them to call/email the Family Club team on 01-6452941 or info@family-club.ie.

From June 2011, Family Club magazine will be distributed amongst 90% of childcare facilitates in the Republic of Ireland so it’s a great way to keep parents/guardians informed of relevant new products, services and expert advice both in Ireland and internationally. We look forward to hearing from you.The Family Club Team

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Family Club is looking for your fun filled photos and the best one will receive a hamper of all the products featured in this issue plus have their picture published in the April/May edition.

So dig out those funny pictures of you and your children at the zoo or jumping in puddles and send them to info@family-club.ie or post them to Family Club c/o NCNA, Unit 12C, Bluebell Business Park, Old NAAS Road, Dublin 12.

NCNA / EARLY YEARS ALL IRELAND CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN BITING

A HEALTHY HOME FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY

SWINE FLU PREVENTION

ANIMAL WATCH: ISPCA

ECZEMA CARE

CAR SEAT SAFETY

EUROSPAR RECIPE

NAPPY RASH PREVENTION

CHICKENPOX TREATMENT

DISCIPLINE AND YOUNG CHILDREN

1

At Family Club we love that special Irish phrase: there’s a grand stretch to the evenings – so, to celebrate the days getting longer, and that Spring is finally here, we’ve put together a packed issue of Family Club magazine.

Read on for advice on keeping the family fighting fit for the better weather ahead, whether it’s beating chicken pox, escaping swine flu or surviving childhood eczema. We also introduce Beckham the DSPCA dog, and give you the low down on your child’s first best friend: the family pet.

There is also some exciting news that the NCNA will be amalgamating with the IPPA (Irish Preschool Play Association) in the coming months and combining their strengths to create a new childcare representative body called Early Childhood Ireland.

Family Club is particularly happy with this news as it means our lovely magazine will be distributed amongst 90% of the childcare facilities in Ireland thus helping us grow.

A big thank you to all our readers who have been in touch with such excellent feedback on the first two issues. We’re looking forward to incorporating your great suggestions into forthcoming Family Club Magazines – brought to you

2

3

4

5

6

8

9

10

EDITOR’S NOTE

CONTENTS

free in association with the National Children’s Nurseries Association (NCNA).

Enjoy the Spring!

The Family Club Team.

11

12

13

2

6

11

2

NCNA / EARLY YEARS ALL IRELAND CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

National Children’s Nurseries Association members have always recognised and promoted the value of providing quality daycare for each individual child in their care. Quality childcare positively influences children’s earliest experiences in daycare and plays a vital role in their future development. It has long been accepted among childcare providers and parents that NCNA members deliver quality daycare.

How is a nursery recognised as being an All Ireland Centre of Excellence?

Childcare services who wish to apply for this award undergo a rigorous process of self evaluation with the support of advisory staff from NCNA or Early Years. They are then visited by NCNA / Early Years staff who are experts in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education to validate that the nursery is operating to the high standard required of an All Ireland Centre of Excellence. Successful applicants will receive “The NCNA/Early Years All Ireland Centre of Excellence Award” for display. The award demonstrates to parents, visitors and members of the public a commitment to quality and success in implementing and maintaining consistently high standards of excellence.

The ten criteria are: Programmes and Curriculum for Children; Relationships in the Nursery; Partnership with Families; Health, Safety & Hygiene; Staff Conditions & Professional Development; Physical Environment; Diet & Nutrition; Management & Administration; Implementation of Policies & Procedures and Evaluation & Review of Nursery.

So why choose an All Ireland Centre of Excellence Award Crèche: The All Ireland Centre of Excellence Award acknowledges NCNA/Early Years members who are providing excellent standards of care for children in Ireland.

Check if your Centre has the All Ireland Centre of Excellence Award Plaque displayed. http://www.ncna.ie/all-ireland-centre-of-excellence/

You arrive at the childcare service to find that your child has bitten another child or has been bitten. Biting is alien to most adults but among toddlers and young children it’s common behaviour, and like many childhood habits, it does pass. In a childcare setting, there are many peers, all with their varying moods, all with competing interests for toys and caregivers, so there are increased chances for biting.

Why do children bite?

Children learn by exploration - touching, smelling, hearing, and tasting. If you give an infant a toy, where does it go - straight into the mouth! Tasting or “mouthing” things is something that all children do. It is difficult for children this age to understand the difference between gnawing on a toy and biting someone.

Teething begins for most children at 4 to 7 months. Swelling gums can be tender and sore causing a great deal of discomfort. This can be eased by chewing or biting down on something - unfortunately this can also be a child in the service!

Around the age of 12 months, infants become interested in finding out what happens when they do something - cause & effect, e.g., when they splash in water they get wet! They may also discover that when they bite someone, they get a reaction (from parents, care givers & staff) or a loud scream of protest!

Older toddlers may sometimes bite to get attention. When children are in situations where they are not receiving enough positive attention and daily interaction - biting is a quick way to obtain it - even if it is negative attention.

Older toddlers love to imitate others. Sometimes children see others bite and decide to copy. Adults should never bite a child back, it will not stop the biting but teaches the child that biting is okay.

Toddlers try hard to be independent. “Mine” and “Me do it” are favourite words. Learning to do things independently and making choices are part of growing up and a huge feature of children’s development. If you want a toy or want a playmate to move out of your way, it’s a quick way to get what you want.

Young children experience a lot of frustration. Toddlers don’t have good control over their bodies yet and language skills are just developing. A loving pat sometimes turns into a push. They haven’t yet learned how to play with others so at times, when they can’t find words to express their feelings, they resort to hitting, pushing, or biting.

A child’s world can be stressful. Daily routine or lack of it, finding interesting things to do, or adult interaction can create stressful situations for children. Children also experience stressful events like divorce, a new sibling or a new home. Biting is one way to express feelings and relieve tension.

UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN BITING

What you can do if your child is biting at home or at daycare?

Recognize that very young children rely on non-verbal communication rather than verbal language to express wishes and feelings.

Ask yourself these questions: When? Who? Where? What? How?

• When? If a child seems to bite when tired or hungry, you may want to look at your daily routine to be sure that he/she is getting enough sleep and nourishment

• Who? Is the biting happening with a particular sibling? Are the children close in ages? Are they competing for your attention?

• Where? Did it happen in the playroom, bedroom, kitchen? Is there something in that environment that makes your child stressed?

• What? If you determine that the biting occurs as the result of exploration or teething, you may want to provide the child with a teething ring to gnaw on. If the biting occurs when two children are fighting over a toy, you may want to purchase extra toys. It does not work to make very young children share. Toddlers don’t have the skills to negotiate or understand another child’s perspective.

• How? How did you deal with it? You should always remain calm, comfort the bitten child first. Encourage empathy in the child who has bitten by asking the child to get a comfort item or tissue for the child who is hurt. As soon as the child who has been bitten is comforted and attended to, talk to the child who has bitten, using language which is appropriate to the age and stage of the child e.g. ‘it is never okay to bite’. The goal is to help children to develop empathy, self control and positive social skills.

The childcare workers in your service have lots of experience in dealing with this type of behaviour and can offer you support and information. Consistency between the service and home is key to letting young children know that this behaviour is not acceptable. Ensure that you do not refer to ‘child A’ as the ‘biter’ or tell your child not to play with a child who has bitten them - this fosters fear and bad feeling in the setting - which is not good for either child.

Be hopeful, biting incidents are a normal part of each child’s development, it will pass and within a short period of time (usually 2-4 weeks) with sensitive and careful handling, most biting incidents will subside.

3

4

Cold and flu viruses are spread easily from person to person in a variety of ways:

• Direct contact - like shaking hands with someone who has the flu.

• Indirect contact - like touching a dirty tissue used by someone with a cold, or a surface that has been touched by someone who is sick.

• Through the air - like when one child sneezes on another.

• Through contaminated food and water.

• Some germs are spread through contact with animals or by a bite or scratch.

We all know that viruses, such as the Flu virus, can be spread through the air when someone coughs, sneezes or simply speaks. But were you aware that they can also be spread via surfaces, including the commonly touched surfaces of your home? Indeed when the virus passes from your nose to your hands, it can then be easily transferred onto a table, door handle, highchair, toys, or any other surfaces you could touched if you have not washed your hands before. Once there, it can survive several days, multiplying the occasion for someone from your family to catch the virus and get ill.

Colds and flu can happen at any time of the year, but especially so in winter. Prepare yourself by learning more about colds and flu.

A HEALTHY HOME FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY

For further healthy tips and more, visit www.dettol.ie

When it come to babies, they are born with some protection from the antibodies you passed on in the womb, but with so many different types of cold and flu viruses around, it’s common for babies to catch their fair share before their immunity kicks in.

Help to protect your baby from catching cold and flu with these simple tips:

• Get vaccinated against the Flu virus.

• Wash your hands regularly, especially before feeding your baby and touching baby equipment.

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like bedside tables, bathroom surfaces, kitchen counters. Follow label directions to disinfect properly.

• If you’re breastfeeding, keep it up as breastmilk passes your antibodies to your baby.

• If you have a cold or flu, cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, then put it in a bin and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Don’t worry, be mindful!

As hard as it is to bear, it’s normal for babies to catch colds and they usually last no more than a week. If you think your baby has flu, Swine Flu or a fever, contact your GP or Health Care Professional immediately.

To help protect your family during the winter, discover the Surface Cleanser range and Disinfectant spray.

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

5

SWINE FLU PREVENTION

Top steps for preventing the spread of Swine Flu:

• Regular and effective hand washing prevents the spread of the illness.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or if it happens unexpectedly cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow and not your hand.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and use hand sanitizer as well.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Blow or wipe your nose with disposable, one-use tissues and then discard them in a plastic-lined, covered, hands-free bin. After blowing the nose, hands should be washed.

• Effective, regular cleaning of all surfaces and contact areas i.e. door handles, stair banisters, toilet cistern handles etc.

Symptoms

Onset

Fever

Headaches

General aches & pains

Fatigue, weakness

Extreme exhaustion

Runny nose

Sneezing

Sore throat

Cough

Diarrhoea, vomiting

Common Cold

Slow

Rare

Rare

Rare

Quite mild

Never

Common

Usual

Common

Mild to moderate hacking cough

Never

Swine Flu (H1N1)

Sudden

Characteristically high (>38`c or 100`F)

Prominent

Usual, often severe

Can be prolonged for a number of weeks

Early & prominent

Common

Common

Common

Common

Sometimes

What is Effective hand washing?

1. Check that a clean, disposable paper towel or electric hand drier is available.

2. Turn on warm water, to a comfortable temperature and moisten hands with water and apply liquid soap/gel to hands.

3. Rub hands together vigorously until a soapy lather appears and continue for at least 20 seconds (as long as it takes to sing happy birthday twice).

4. Rinse hands under warm running water, until they are free of soap and dirt. Leave the water running while drying hands.

5. Dry hands with the clean, disposable paper or hand drier.

6. If taps do not shut off automatically, turn taps off with a disposable paper.

7. Throw the disposable paper towel into a lined bin with a secure lid.

Parents – what’s your role?

Concerned and informed parents are the first line of defence against the spread of Swine Flu in childcare services. A parent/guardian has the power to prevent an entire childcare service from infection, simply by keeping their child home when they do not feel well or exhibit symptoms. Keep your child at home if our child has general flu symptoms. If you think your child has Swine flu, contact your own GP and if your child has been confirmed with Swine Flu, please alert the childcare service and keep your child at home for 7 days from the onset of symptoms. If your child is in a high risk group contact your GP for advice and support.

6

YUM! PET FOODanimalwatch

I imagine every parent who shares their home with a pet has experienced the horrible realisation that their child has been helping themselves to the cat or dogs food! We all know that pets are fed human food by us so it’s easy to see why a curious toddler would think that the pet’s food is up for grabs too! In fact, the stronger a connection your child has with their pets (and this is a good thing), the more likely it is that the urge to try pet food will be there. So, what can you do to prevent this?

If you encounter the problem, try not to react strongly when you first find your child with their mouth full and their hands in the pet food or water bowls. A sudden outcry or even laugh will more often that not increase the allure of the forbidden and will only encourage further experiences. Try to make light of the situation and divert your child’s attention until you can get the pet food away. Rest assured, stopping children eating the cat’s food is a problem that’s fairly easy to solve by simply moving the dish to somewhere out of reach but that is still available to your cat. Dog food is a different story since most dogs and puppies won’t be able to jump to the high spot to eat or drink. There are also some safety issues with dog food dishes and children as well. Dogs can be quite protective of their food bowl and even the most mild mannered of dog may have an issue with another ‘pack member’ investigating his bowl. Many dog bite situations in the home are related to food possessiveness and can be easily prevented by careful management at feeding times. If moving the food dish is not an option, restrict the pet food eating by only feeding enough for one sitting at a time, keeping your child occupied until your pet is finished. Consider putting a stair gate across the kitchen door to restrict the child access. If your kids are old enough to understand then you can explain about the special food needs of pets and humans and why pets need pet food and people need people food.

From a health point of view:

• Keep your cats and dogs wormed regularly as this will cut down on the risks of parasites such as worms. It is also best to keep your pet regularly de-flead as well as up to date with the annual vaccinations.

• Teach or remind your children about the importance of washing hands and monitor regularly to ensure they are keeping up a high standard.

• Wash your pet’s food and water bowl before each feed as you would do your own plates – pets like to eat and drink out of clean crockery too.

• Clean the floor area around the pet’s feed area on a daily basis.

• Pick up the dog poo from the garden once every day and if you can find where the cat is using as a toilet remove poos regularly. If your cat uses a litter tray then make sure this is emptied at least once a day.

• Try to feed your dog and cat dry food as this is less likely to attract flies and is actually better for the pet.

Finally, enjoy the interactions and antics of your kids and the pets. Having access to pets is one of the most satisfying and rewarding childhood experiences we can give our children. Pets teach children about empathy and respect for others feelings and needs and it is my experience that children who grow up with pets are more outgoing and balanced.

Gillian Bird is the Education Officer at the DSPCA and can be contacted for more advice/information on gillian.bird@dspca.ie

7

Hello my name is Beckham and I am an Education Dog for the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Rathfarnham. I was rescued by the Dublin SPCA in 2002 when I was only a year old because a kind person reported that I was living in a back garden in Clondalkin. My owner was not feeding me enough food so I was very thin and sick. One of the Dublin SPCA inspectors took me back to the shelter and there I was looked after very well. I was called Beckham after some famous lady called Victoria who is very skinny. Not long after I hear that my owner was taken to court and as well as a fine of €150 was given a “Ban for Life” from owning a dog! I was very happy about this.

Shortly after this I moved out of the kennels and into my new home with my owner Gillian Bird who is the Education Officer. Part of her job is to give tours and talks in the shelter and I had great fun helping her with the children. Soon I was allowed to come with Gillian when she visited schools and I have been doing this ever since. I love to meet children of all ages, from little ones in Crèches and Primary schools to the adults in colleges and adult groups. I am a lively dog but I know that not everyone likes a big dog so I am very gentle and quiet in these talks. My favourite thing to do in Primary Schools is to lie on the cool floor and let the children come and pet me. I don’t even mind the little ones poking me in the ears and eyes as they are only learning how to pet a dog. With the older children I do some rather clever tricks that I taught my owner to do – I sit, play “Dead”, don’t touch a dog treat until she tells me and I can even bark when she gives me the signal.

I suppose I should tell you a bit more about the Dublin SPCA (also know as the Dogs & Cats Home). It is a registered charity and has been helping animals since 1840. They investigate cases of cruelty, offer a free animal ambulance service, provide long-term care of animals and rehome animals nursed back to health like me.

They also campaign for improvements in the laws and they provide four subsidised clinics for people who cannot afford

to visit a private vet. The Dublin SPCA offers a wide range of free education services to suit all ages and levels of ability to anyone interested in animal welfare and pet care. Animal cruelty is usually the result of ignorance and as Gillian is fond of saying, the Dublin SPCA feels that education is the key to preventing future cases of this type of animal cruelty. The reality is, we would like in the future for there to be no need of our services and for this we need your help.

The reason for this article is to offer my services to you. After over 8 years personally educating children in and around Dublin about the work of the Dublin SPCA and responsible pet care I would like to try to spread this humane message to the younger children as well. Gillian and I already visit many crèches and pre-school groups where she gives age appropriate talks and shows photographs of animals but we would love the opportunity to pass on the message of respect and kindness to all animals.

As well as these outreach talks, the children can visit our shelter in Rathfarnham for a 90 minute tour where they will be shown age appropriate videos and a talk followed by a tour around the facilities to see the dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, rabbits, birds etc. They can also meet me of course! Our services are free of charge but as a charity you understand that donations are always appreciated – the money to rescue animals like me has to come from somewhere.

Gillian says that if you want more information you can visit our web site at www.dspca.ie or call her on 01 4994705 or even email gillian.bird@dspca.ie.

Looking forward to lying on a floor near you soon!

Beckham.

BECKHAM THE DOG

8

What is eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory dry skin condition. It is a non-contagious condition which varies from person to person and comes in many different forms. In mild cases of eczema the skin is dry, scaly, red and itchy. In more severe cases there may be weeping, crusting and bleeding. Eczema affects people of all ages but is primarily seen in children. Those who grow out of their eczema during early childhood may see it reoccur in later life. Studies also show that up to 20% of Irish children have suffered from atopic eczema by the age of four.

What causes eczema?

The causes of eczema are still not fully understood. In most cases there will be a family history of either eczema or one of the other ‘atopic’ conditions i.e. asthma or hay fever. It is hereditary, but research into the genetic causes is still in its infancy. Eczema cannot be cured but there are many ways of controlling it and most children improve as they get older (75% clear by their teens).

What can I do about it?

Although eczema cannot be cured it can be managed. A daily moisturising routine is absolutely vital. Treating eczema involves calming the inflammation and treating itchiness and dryness at the same time. When there is a ‘flare up’, eczema needs to be managed with medicated treatments.

There is a variety of emollients and moisturisers available to people with dry skin conditions. It is important to

choose products that do not contain perfumes or irritants such as parabens, or any other chemical additives such as foaming agents.

What treatments are there?

A new range of products from Eau Thermal Avène, the leading French dermocosmetic brand, is available in selected Unicare and other pharmacies around Ireland. Products include an emollient cleansing gel and balm named Trixera+. Trixera+ products simultaneously combat all the components of atopic dermatitis skin conditions. The Trixera+ products are fragrance-free, paraben-free and contain specific targeted ingredients to treat each symptom of eczema. The active ingredient called Selectiose regulates the inflammatory response and reduces skin reactivity, while three plant-derived lipids restore the cutaneous barrier. Finally, the Avène Thermal Spring Water fights itchiness and enhances quality of life.

For further information on your skin please log ontowww.skinfoundation.ie.

For further information on Eau Thermale Avène please log onto www.eau-thermale-avene.com.

References:

1. Laboratoires Pierre Fabre study conducted in 8 countries on a panel of 4506 subjects who replied to a self-administered questionnaire poster presented at the next WCD in Buenos Aires.

2. UCD Irish figures about eczema: http://www.ucd.ie/research/charlesinstitute/skindiseasesinireland/#atopic.

Eczema, also known as ‘atopic dermatitis’, is a common skin condition that affects nearly one in eight people in Europe. This article explains the basics about the condition, and what you can do to relieve its symptoms.

ECZEMA (ATOPIC SKIN)

1

2

2

Brought to you by

9

Following research conducted through their ‘Check it Fits’ road show initiative the Road Safety Authority has confirmed that almost 3 out 4 child car seats examined were not fitted correctly.

Here at Allianz, as I am sure you can appreciate, all aspects of road safety are of great concern to us especially child safety. Following on from our article “tis the season to be safe” that focused on safety in the home during the Christmas period Allianz has put together this article on car seat safety, based on the advice of the Road Safety Authority, that I hope you will find useful when fitting your child’s car seat.

It’s the law!

While all parents want to keep their children safe when in the car, a new EU child safety protection law was introduced in 2006, which makes it compulsory for all children to travel in the correct child seat, booster seat or booster cushion. In Ireland, drivers can face up to 4 penalty points and/or a monetary fine if they fail to use the correct child restraint in their car.

The most important point to know is that you should only purchase a child car seat from a retailer who has been trained by the manufacturers and is prepared to check that the child car seat is suitable for your child and fits in your car.

Selecting and fitting your car seat

Next time you are buying or fitting your child’s car seat or booster seat these simple tips may help to make it safer:

• Choose the correct car seat for the your child’s height and weight. Seatbelts are designed for adults that’s why children need assistance with using a seat belt.

CHILD CAR SEAT SAFETY

Type of restraint

Groups 0Rearward-facing baby seat

Groups 0+Rearward-facing baby seat

Group 1Forward facing child seat

Group 2Booster seat

Group 3Booster cushion

Weight Range

For babies up to 10kgs (22 lbs)

For babies up to 13kgs (29 lbs)

9 – 18kgs (20 – 40 lbs)

15 – 25 kgs (33 – 55 lbs) 22 – 36kgs (48 – 79 lbs)

Approx Age range Birth to 6 – 9 months

Birth to 12 – 15 months

9 months – 4 years

4 – 6 years

6 – 11 / 12 years

• Make sure the car seat you choose meets the latest safety standard (ECE Regulation 44.03 – remember to look for the E mark).

• Be aware that not all car seats will fit all cars so make sure your chosen car seat is compatible with your car.

• Never put a rearward facing baby seat in a front seat of a vehicle if the passenger airbag is activated. This is an offence.

• When fitting the car seat place your weight down on the seat as you tighten the seat belt, this will make sure the seat is securely fitted.

• Once fitted there should be no slack on the seat belt.

If you have any doubts if your car seat if fitted correctly or with any aspect of its workings, please seek advice from a professional.

Everyone has to wear one

Some parents will find that their child’s favourite game in the car is the undo their safety belt or harness on their car seat. It is important that parents are vigilant about this. If your child is going through a phase of undoing their harness or safety belt, explain that everyone in the car has to wear a safety belt, even Mum & Dad! Some children do this out of restlessness or boredom. For very young children a desire to escape from the straps or harness is usually an indication that baby is uncomfortable. Typically in such cases the harness needs to be adjusted at the back of the car seat. Remember as baby grows you need to adjust the straps. To avoid this find ways to keep them happy and amused and hopefully they will loose interest in trying to get out of their safety belt. If your child does open the safety belt pull over when it is safe and refasten their seatbelt.

More information

The Road Safety Authority website www.rsa.ie is a valuable resource for parents, drivers and pedestrians.

The Road Safety Authority is currently running an initiative called No Child Car Seat No Excuse. As part of this programme they have produced a DVD & booklet called Child Safety in Cars which can be ordered FREE by calling 1890 50 60 80 or online at www.rsa.ie/childsafetyincars.

In addition the RSA is planning to bring its popular ‘Check it Fits’ Roadshow around the country in Spring and Autumn of 2011. Check their website for updates.

I hope that this article has been of use to you and that it helps keep your child safe the next time they are in the car.

10

Steak with Caramelised Red Onion and Red Wine Butter

Recipe Key Facts

Prep time: 10mins

Cooking time: 20mins

Egg free | Shellfish free | Nut free

Serves: 4

Calories: 654 Kcal per serving

Ingredients Shopping List

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 red onion, very finely chopped

• 250ml (9fl oz) red wine

• 150g (6oz) soft salted butter

• 4 x 200g (8oz) steaks, fillet, sirloin or rump

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

SPECIAL OFFERS FROM YOUR LOCAL EUROSPAR SUPERMARKET

Pampers Simply Dry Carry Pack range2 for €6

Pampers Simply Clean Wipes 72 packOnly €1

Heinz Mum’s Own Recipe Jar range2 for €1

www.eurospar.ieSee in-store for details. These offers are valid from 31st January to 27th February while stocks last. Lots more offers are available in your local EUROSPAR supermarket for you and your family.

Whether you’re looking for a special meal to cook for Valentine’s Day, entertaining on St. Patrick’s Day or simply want to enjoy a great meal we think you’ll love this recipe. It’s easy to do and the flavour is fantastic. Steaks are great simply fried but are easily jazzed up with flavoured butters. Make a batch of the butter and store in the freezer ready to take off a slice or two when you next have a steak or even a chicken breast for an instant burst of flavour.

Method

1. To make the butter, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan. Add the finely chopped onion and fry over a low heat until really soft. This should take about 5-8 minutes. Once soft add the wine to the pan and simmer until it has almost completely evaporated, then spoon into a bowl and allow to cool.

2. Once the onions have cooled mix them into the softened butter. Season with a little black pepper. Spoon the butter onto a piece of clingfilm then roll into a sausage shape. Place in the fridge.

3. Heat another frying pan over a high heat. Drizzle a little oil over the steaks then season well with salt and pepper. Fry in the hot pan for 3 minutes on each side depending on how you like your steak.

4. Remove the steak from the pan and allow to rest under a piece of foil for 5 minutes.

5. Take the butter from the fridge and slice off 8 discs then remove the clingfilm. Place 2 discs on top of the steaks and allow to slowly melt. Serve with new potatoes and green vegetables.

11

NAPPY RASH

It’s red, it’s raw, it’s uncomfortable, and it makes for a very unhappy baby. So how can you ease the irritation of the dreaded Nappy Rash? Read on for some soothing solutions.

What does nappy rash look like?

Nappy rash is present when your baby’s skin looks red and sore and may be chapped or swollen in places. Nappy rash can make your baby feel uncomfortable. It can be prevented and treated quite easily with Caldesene 10% w/w Medicated Powder and Caldease 15% w/w Medicated Ointment.

Why does nappy rash occur?

When your baby wets a nappy, bacteria react with the urine on the nappy to form ammonia. If the nappy isn’t changed quickly, the ammonia can “burn” your baby’s delicate skin. If a nappy is wet and soiled at the same time, this causes a different chemical reaction which can irritate and damage the skin even more. Nappy rash can affect all the delicate skin around your baby’s bottom and inner thighs, and may be particularly bad in skin folds and creases.

What can you do to prevent nappy rash?

• Check your baby’s nappy often and change it as soon as it becomes wet or soiled

• Wash the area with damp cotton wool, using very mild baby soap, and dry it well, without rubbing.

• To make sure the skin is dry, and to help provide a barrier against wetness, sprinkle on Caldesene, the special medicated baby powder

• If it’s not too cold, let your baby kick around without nappy or plastic pants as much as possible to let the skin ‘breathe’.

• Wash clothes in a non biological powder, and rinse thoroughly.

How Caldesene protects at every nappy change

Caldesene powder is the market leader in the powder nappy rash treatment. Caldesene is specially formulated to prevent and treat nappy rash. It protects against skin irritation caused by common bacteria and fungi especially in delicate skin folds. Because Caldesene is a powder there is less risk of disturbing the rash which might be painful.

Caldesene is available in three sizes – a 20g travel pack which is handy when travelling anywhere and a 55g and a larger 100g which helps when there is more than one baby under 2.

Always read the label. Contains 10% w/w calcium undecylenate.

12

CHICKENPOX TREATMENT

Chickenpox can be a worrying and distressing time for parents. For many children this will be the first time that you won’t be able to kiss it better. Happily, however, symptoms tend to be mild in young children and chickenpox usually runs its course without serious consequences. In most cases, the biggest problem is likely to be stopping little hands from scratching as this can cause infection and even scarring.

Tips for parents

Chickenpox is a virus so there is no cure for it. Your child’s immune system should deal with the virus over the period of a few days but in the meantime here are some practical things to consider.

Help with the symptoms

Applying Care ViraSoothe to the chickenpox rash will reduce the itch and help avoid scratching. Keep your child as cool as possible. Dress your child in light, loose clothing and keep bedding to a minimum. Keep your child’s fingernails clean and short to prevent deep scratching and make sure your child drinks plenty of water. This will help prevent dehydration.

Who you should inform

If your child has chickenpox, they will be infectious from before the first spots appear until the last blister has scabbed over. To prevent further spread, children with chickenpox should be kept off school, crèche or playgroup. You should let them know that your child has chickenpox.

People you should avoid

Most people who come into contact with your child with chickenpox will suffer no ill effects at all. If they have previously had chickenpox then they should have immunity from it for the rest of their lives. The lady next door who might be willing to baby sit while you go to the shops is not going to catch shingles from your child. You should keep your child away from people who have not had chickenpox, especially newborn babies, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system. If you or your child has recently been exposed to the chickenpox virus, you may not be able to visit friends or relatives in hospital. You should telephone the ward to check first.

You’re not on your own

The one thing you can be sure of is that your child won’t be the only one in the area to have chickenpox. They probably caught it from someone at school, crèche or playgroup so find out who else has got it and get together. Having tea/lunch at each other’s homes means you can compare notes and the kids can play together and compare spots. You can even take it in turns to baby sit in order to get the shopping done.

What to eat

For children over 4, sugar free ice-lollies can help to lower temperature and provide fluids, as well as soothing a sore mouth if it has become infected. Avoid foods that may make the mouth sore (such as salty foods) and try having soups as they are easy to swallow (just make sure the soup is not too hot).

DISCIPLINE &YOUNG CHILDREN

13

When should we start to discipline children? The answer lies in our understanding of the word discipline. If it means punishing a child for wrongdoing, then it is best not to start with a very young child and to be aware that this is not automatically the best approach, even with older children. However if we understand discipline in the context of our role as teachers, then we may not realise that as parents/caregivers, we are actually disciplining from day one. In fact, the word discipline derives from the Latin term ‘to teach’.

Positive discipline techniques

• The type of discipline techniques most accepted with all age groups, including very young children, are positive techniques that rely on the premise that by increasing appropriate behaviours, a decrease in inappropriate behaviours will naturally occur. For instance, if a child is taught from an early age to stop and turn around at the top of the stairs and crawl down, they are less likely to continue to run to the top of the stairs and attempt to go down in an upright position until they are ready to do so.

• Using positive techniques demands a lot of work on the part of parents and caregivers. They need to be able and willing to praise the child’s attempts at learning new skills no matter how clumsy their attempts to use them. Much research has shown that when we are praised for any piece of behaviour we are more likely to repeat it. This is as true for children as it is for adults. Most parents and caregivers instinctively use this premise to teach children the dos and don’ts of behaviour.

• When explaining things to young children, including the rules of behaviour, it is important to remember that a small child’s understanding of spoken language is limited. So long explanations of why young David can’t grab another child’s toys will not work as well as a simple ‘no’ and handing the toy back. Of course as the child grows you can begin to use more complicated and abstract explanations that include some reference to feelings etc but very young children require short, concrete instructions and explanations.

• Parents and caregivers also need to be careful not to get into bad habits themselves when developing their approach to parenting/caring for children. One habit that can unconsciously develop is that of shouting. Young children do require continuous supervision and instructions to keep them out of trouble and it is easy to fall into the habit of continually saying or shouting ‘no’. Like all habits, you can start off small, by shouting on rare occasions, but before you know it, the shouting has become a habit that can be difficult to break. Life with a small child is hectic and can at times be frustrating, tiring and downright hard work. However it is a good idea from time to time to take stock of how you are doing in terms of meeting the challenge of behaviour management. If you think you are shouting try to stop. If you find it difficult to stop, that’s a wake-up call for you to try even harder to break the habit.

In summary, when it comes to discipline and young children, start early. Discipline at its best is based on a secure relationship and is teaching rather than punishing. Positive discipline is now regarded as the best form of discipline relying on the concept of catching a child when they are good (rather than bad!) and praising them accordingly. It’s important also to be aware of your own behaviour - avoid developing bad habits such as shouting or continually saying ‘no’. Look for the behaviours you want to encourage and concentrate on developing these. Encourage also, the development of skills that enable the young child to enjoy their world and learn from their wide and varied experiences.

By Anne O’ Connor, Child Clinical Psychologist and founder of www.RollerCoaster.ie. For more information, visit www.RollerCoaster.ie - Ireland’s No 1 Website for Pregnancy & Parenting

Allianz NCNA A4 Flyer PQ.pdf 1 06/09/2010 12:08