Parenting Advices

Cockroaches and mosquitoes can cause asthma, dengue and a host of other diseases. But do the pesticides that kill them pose equal, sometimes greater danger to our kid’s health? If used incorrectly, pesticides can be very harmful when ingested or inhaled, or absorbed by the skin. While all products carry warning labels, most consumers ignore them. Don’t.

Children are at a greater risk. Their organs are still developing. These pesticides can affect their ability to absorb nutrient. Their bodies may also have a hard time expelling the harmful chemicals, which stay in their systems where they can cause long-term and even permanent damage to the nervous system and other organs.

Pregnant women should also avoid pesticide exposure because of its effect on their unborn child’s neuromuscular system. However, there have been very few studies on how great the effect can be. Research has been done on animals, which developed skeletal abnormalities and low birth weight after excessive exposure.

The chemistry of a pest killer

There are chemical pesticides (made of synthetic materials) and biopesticides (made of natural materials as animals, plants and bacteria).

Chemical pesticides include organophosphates and carbamates, which kill pests by affecting their nervous system, and pyrethroids.

On the other hand, biopesticides use naturally occurring substances. For example, microbial biopesticides use bacteria or virus, to attack the pest or its eggs. Others harvest substances (like sex pheromones that interfere with matting).

Both can affect a person’s health, but in varying degrees. You also have to consider how you were exposed to the pesticide, how much, and your own level of sensitivity. For example,  swallowing pesticide can be very toxic and potentially fatal, since the chemicals can harm the stomach and intestinal lining.

The invisible poisons

Pesticides are useful, yes, but you have to be careful — and take far greater precautions than just asking your kids to leave the room when you spray. Ten minutes later, when they walk in, they can ingest the chemicals through a number of ways.

Playing on the floor. Even unscented sprays will leave a microscopic “carpet” of pesticide droplets on the floor, where they’ll be absorbed by your toddler’s skin.

Inhaling the chemicals. Chewing on a toy. You’d never let your toddler chew on a bottle of insecticide, but they’re at equal risk if you leave their teether on the table when you spray.

Touching an infected surface, then rubbing the eyes. Some pesticides can even penetrate the eyes directly (that’s why they get watery). They may also accidentally eat improperly stored pesticides and cleansing agents like roach sprays and insect sprays. Even swimming can put them at risk, if the water contains strong chemicals.

Signs of  pesticide poisoning:

Symptoms include nausea, mild dizziness, and redness of the eyes or skin. Severe reactions include respiratory distress (difficulty in breathing, wheezing), convulsions, and change in consciousness. Here’s what to do:

• If it was due to contact with the skin and eyes: Remove contaminated clothes Wash the affected area with clean running water for 15 minutes.
• If it was inhaled: Loosen tight-fitting clothes. Bring him near a window or any area where he can get a fresh air. If he has convulsions, has trouble breathing, or is turning blue, give artificial respiration and rush to the nearest medical center as possible.
• If it was swallowed: Don’t make the person vomit. Some poisons may cause even greater injury when they are vomited. Bring the person to the emergency room right away.

How to avoid exposure to pesticides:

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We’ve listed down some of parents’ pet peeves regarding kids’ tantrums and some tips on how you can get your child to tame his or her conduct. Here are the top 7 kid’s annoying behaviors:

Behavior #1: Little Miss Bossy

Why she does it: I recently overheard my 6-year old niece scream at my 4-year old daughter in frustration, “Why do you aways want to get your way? Do you want to rule the world?” To which my daughter replied, “No, I want to be a princess.” While we laughed at this exchange, I had to admit my daughter’s tendency to boss everybody around can be annoying. Preschoolers are naturally power-hungry. They often want what they want and on their terms.

How to stop it: Try laying some ground rules that your child can follow. Always repeat these before social situations so she can be reminded on how to behave. Tell her she has to share her toys or wait for his turn during a play date or a party. Remind her too of the consequences if she doesn’t behave. Finally, reinforce good behavior by praising her whenever you see her cooperating.

Behavior #2: Interrupting conversation

Why he does it: Being rudely interrupted by a demanding child in the middle of a serious conversation is another annoying yet common problem. Most kids insist on immediate attention as they are still trying to master patience. Tugging on your sleeve and interrupting is also a way for your child to make his presence known.

How to stop it: Gary Ezzo, author of the parenting book On Becoming Child Wise, suggests teaching your child to interrupt conversation politely. When your child needs to interrupt, teach him to place a hand on your side, shoulder, or arm and then wait till you acknowledge him. You can then politely excuse yourself from the person you are talking to and give your child your attention. When you’re ready to face your child, you can take his hand and gently squeeze it so he will know that you acknowledge his presence.

Behavior #3: Manipulative Crying

Why he does it: You say “no!” to a request and your preschooler immediately launches into a plaintive howl. These bouts of “no-tears” crying can be one of your child’s most annoying habits. It’s a way for them to test their boundaries — how far they can get away with what they want by getting yur sympathy or annoying you till you give in.

How to stop it: At this stage, children need to learn that crying is not manipulative tool that will get them what they want. Oftentimes, parents need to be aware of what they may or may not be doing to encourage their children’s unwanted behavior. Giving in to a child when he or she is crying to “get something” or to “get out of being disciplined” will only reinforce negative behavior. Instead, remove a child from a negative situation and give him some quiet time to settle down and regroup.

Behavior #4: Nose picking and nail biting

Why he does it: Kids like to explore everywhere, including the little crevices of their bodies. Picking his nose or biting his nails can also be a sign of boredom. Your child doesn’t know what to do with his hands.

How to stop it: Gently pull his hand away from her nose or mouth. Give your child something play with or hold to distract her from doing the habit. Keep your child’s hands busy.

Behavior #5: Kicking and biting when they’re upset

Why he does it: Kicking and biting when your child is in a tantrum is his way of getting attention. It is also a way of expressing their frustration: of not getting what they want or being understood. A violent tantrum can also be triggered by a child’s physical discomfort. She may be hungry, tired or overly stimulated.

How to stop it: When you child resorts to violent tantrums when you say no, don’t give in. Let her know you don’t like it and won’t tolerate it. Stay calm and don’t shout at your child. Hold her tight so she won’t hurt herself or take her somewhere safe where she won’t kick or hit other people. You can try giving her a time out and put her in a corner of the house. Make sure the place is safe and you keep your eyes on your child too. Don’t talk to her till time out is over. After she calms down, find out why she was upset. Explain why you said “no” to what she asked for. Finally, teach your child to express anger the right way: through words. Small kids don’t have enough words to express their emotions and needs so they get frustrated. Be patient and listen. You can tell her that if she cries, kicks, or bites, you won’t be able to understand her.

Behavior #6: Running around (especially in a restaurant or in a church)

Why he does it: Preschoolers are still learning how to control their impulse, which means it can be quite challenging for them to actually stop and keep themselves in check when their feet want to run, for example. But while they are busy discovering and practicing the many skills that they are developing at this age, they need constant and consistent guidance as to how and when to behave in different situations.

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