According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Version Four, Text Revision, Asperger’s Disorder is characterized by the following symptoms:

- Impairment in social interaction as evidenced by reduced non-verbal behaviors such as eye contact, facial expressions, body postures, and gestures.

- Failure to develop social peer relationships; the child is uninterested in same-age peers.

- Lack of spontaneous seeking to enjoy bonding with others; the child is uninterested in sharing pleasurable experiences with others.

- Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior such as intense necessity for routine and organization, adherence to strange rituals, movements such as hand or finger flapping, twisting, or rocking.

- The disturbance causes significant impairment in social behavior.

- There is no clinically significant delay in language and communication single words. Unlike autism, children with Asperger’s Disorder have much less social and learning impairment.

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the major characteristics of Asperger’s there are a few more things that you can do to help your toddler cope with the world. Look into getting professional help. A reputable specialist familiar with the disorder can offer advice on your child’s development and a clinical psychologist can work in tandem with your pediatrician to help improve your child’s social skills through therapy and/or medication. When your toddler is of age to begin pre-school, seek the counsel of a special education expert as well, as school is a very social and academic environment.

The exact cause of Asperger’s Disorder is still a mystery, and although there is no “cure” for this condition, there are many behavioral and psychiatric interventions that will help your child achieve a meaningful life.

In simple terms, aromatherapy is the art and science of the therapeutic use of pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils to improve the health and balance of the skin, the body, the mind and the soul.  Aromatherapy is an “alternative” form of healing and maintaining health that has been practiced for thousands of years.  Medical science today acknowledges the effect of scent on parts of the brain, such as the limbic system, that sparks the emotions of sensuality, calmness and serenity, happiness, and contentment.  These emotions in turn regulate sleep, appetite, pain reduction, reduction of anxiety and depression, and pleasure.

To be effective, essential oils must be 100% pure therapeutic-grade oils that are sold by companies specializing in aromatherapy; beware of concoctions sold at your local mall that may carry the label of being an essential oil, but in reality are merely “fragrance oils.”  Don’t waste your money on this junk.  Go to the Internet and find a legitimate essential oil dealer such as Aromaland, First Essentials, or Soma.

Let’s start with a basic “Children’s Blend.”  About ten drops of the blend mixed with water and heated with a candle lite in your aromatherapy burner serves to calm and soothe hyperactive toddlers.  Choose two of these oils:  Lavender, Geranium, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Mandarin, Neroli (orange flower), Rose, Ylang Ylang, and Mimosa.  Shake your oils until well blended in a small bottle (available via any aromatherapy dealer).  As the calming scent fills the room, your toddler will feel calm and happy.  At bedtime, choose Lavender and Chamomile to make a “sleep blend” that will ease your toddler into deep, healing sleep. Be sure to keep the burner out of children’s reach!

Another favorite among parents with toddlers is the Cold and Flu Prevention Blend.  This is just as effective for adults!  This blend is not as pleasant to smell as blends that use many florals; this is a purely functional blend that does its job.  Mix one teaspoon of Lavender, 1 teaspoon of Eucalyptus, ¾ teaspoon of Ravensara and ½ teaspoon of Bay Laurel.  Shake the bottle well to blend, and try to keep the blend burning all day during cold and flu season.  Aroma therapists have been using Eucalyptus oil for a thousand years to ward off germs and purify the air.

Massage blends are fabulous for toddlers!  You don’t have to be a skilled massage therapist to use these blends; simply rub the blend all over your toddler for a soothing and healing effect.  For massage blends, you will need a “carrier” oil such as sweet almond, aloe, or olive oil.  Never apply essential oils directly to the skin and avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.  The only exception to this rule is Lavender; this essential oil can be applied to the skin without a carrier oil.

Try this wonderful toddlers’ massage oil:  ten drops of Lavender, four drops of Marjoram, 2 drops of Ylang Ylang, mixed with two ounces of a carrier oil.  Shake to blend, and then give your toddler a gentle, soothing massage with the blend.  An alternative massage blend is great for toddlers with colds, aches, or pain.  Use ten drops of Geranium, five drops of Sandalwood, five drops of Chamomile, and two ounces of carrier oil.  Rub the blend gently on the toddler’s chest and back to help relieve congestion.

Would you like to know more about aromatherapy? There are two marvelous books on the market that will help guide you as you create your own blends of soothing smells;  The Aromatherapy Companion by Victoria Edwards, and the classic Aromatherapy Workbook by Marcel Lavabre are both available through Amazon.com.

Part of the reason that asthma is so traumatic is because it is often not diagnosed until after the child has the first attack. Once diagnosed, however, there are many medications and treatments that can help an attack after it begins. Of course, most parents would say that they would rather the attack never happens. There are many ways that parents can help prevent asthma attacks in their children.

Once you realize that your child has asthma, start keeping a diary of what brings on the attacks. If you can find the things that trigger the breathing difficulties, you can try to avoid exposing your child to those triggers, thus keeping the asthma at bay. When you start to notice a pattern, talk to your child’s doctor about the things that you think are causing the problems.

For asthma sufferers, a clean environment is of great importance to keep the symptoms of the disease at bay.  Things such as rugs and stuffed animals are major culprits when it comes to triggering asthma symptoms.  While it is not always a plausible suggestion to get rid of these offending items, it is best to keep these items constantly clean.  Many stores sell products that help cut down on the amount of dust in one’s home. The buildup of dust is one of the most common triggers of asthma attacks. Therefore, a concerned parent will make every effort to keep the amount of dust to an absolute minimum.

For severe asthma difficulties, you may need to eliminate the pets in your home, or consider a pet that does not have fur. Fish and other aquatic animals are another good option for asthmatic children. There are certain breeds of dogs that are less likely to trigger asthma and allergies, such as poodles, so consider these options if your children enjoy having pets around.

Mold is a major trigger for asthma. Keeping your home free from mold by keeping the humidity low will help your child’s asthma. If you have a damp basement, try to keep your child out of the basement as much as possible. Absolutely do not allow anyone to smoke in your home.

Cleaning products can cause asthma symptoms to worsen, so consider cleaning when your child is at school or at a friend’s house. This includes vacuuming. Vacuuming your home can stir up dust and other allergens that cause asthma attacks. Avoid using cleaning products with strong odors. Consider installing allergen filters in your furnace and air conditioners to control allergens in the air.

There are two important things you can do to reduce the effects of asthma. The first thing to do is to keep your child’s environment as clean as you can.  This is a preventative measure designed to help your child have the least amount of attacks possible.  The second thing is to keep your child’s asthma medicine, such as their inhaler, readily available at all times.  This way, if your child begins to have an attack, the results can be minimal because their medicine can be administered immediately.

I remember when I first saw the movie The Karate Kid back in the 1980′s. When the movie was done, I turned to my dad and said I was going to learn to do what Daniel-san had learned. The next day, I was headed out to the local dojo with my mom. We had come early and sat on a bench while the class started. I had come for the adult’s class (I was all of eighteen years old then), but the class in session was the junior class for kids twelve and under. The smallest members of the dojo, kids as young as four or five, worked just as hard, if not harder, to imitate their older dojo brothers and sisters. Martial arts for children can be a wonderful self-esteem booster and great exercise. It can also help with motor skills and coordination and improve social skills.

Between the ages of two and five, your toddler is growing in mind, body and spirit.   These ages are distinctly important, as they set the tone for your toddler’s life pattern of behavior.  Childhood development experts recommend that toddlers participate in physical and mental activities to encourage personality growth, physical maturity, and socialization with others.  The martial arts effectively provide these experiences in a variety of ways.

While your toddler is growing, his muscles and bones must develop strength and agility.  Physical development occurs only when a toddler receives adequate exercise that including stretching, bending and muscle-building movements.

Have you noticed how clumsy toddlers can be?  Although they have mastered the fine art of walking, they seem to trip over many things, including their own two feet!  The martial arts excel at teaching your toddler motor skill coordination, precision movements that increase hand-eye coordination and foot/leg movements that help him learn balance and move him past the toddler “wobbles.”

How long is your toddler’s attention span?  How about his ability to focus on tasks until they’re completed?  Is he able to memorize and retain information at a rate appropriate for his age?  The martial arts require toddlers to concentrate and pay close attention to the instructions of the sensei (teacher); to be successful in the martial arts and in their lives, toddlers must learn to listen and thoroughly absorb the lessons.  Your toddler will also learn to focus and follow through on tasks; dawdling and impulsivity aren’t allowed!  The sensei will re-direct your child’s focus to mastering the task at hand; movements that can only be learned by strict focus.  Your toddler will be required to memorize the order and types of movements, performing them flawlessly when prompted by the sensei.  Thus, when he begins school, your toddler will have a distinct edge in learning language and abstract arithmetic skills.

The best things in life are not free. Hard work and discipline get you what you want and help you reach your goals. Unfortunately, toddlers only know that they want everything now. There is no later; there is no waiting. Right away is all that matters. In the martial arts, toddlers get their first taste of reality and learn self-discipline. They learn that they have to take things step by step and master each step before moving on to the next. There are no shortcuts.

Your toddler will learn that unprovoked aggression is never appropriate.  The martial arts are defensive in nature; your toddler will learn that amicably getting along with others results from the self confidence of knowing that he isn’t going to be harmed by schoolyard bullies.  As he bows to his opponent, your toddler learns to show respect to others, increasing his own confidence. His mastery of the martial arts also teaches him that he can succeed in life tasks, thus building a confident, intrepid adult.

Your toddler’s sensei will expose him to the enduring wisdom of Eastern philosophy and the ancient world.  These are the concepts of avoiding foolish and self-destructive behavior, service to others, tolerance for differences, patience, loyalty and caution.

Most dojos these days offer many programs for all age levels. Childrens’ classes abound in nearly every city, suburb and community center. Take your time to find a school and style of martial arts that fits your child and your budget. Talk to the instructors and the parents of other students, sit in on the classes, and watch how instructors teach. If you find a good school, your child will gain invaluable skills that will last a lifetime.

Child development experts have long believed that children should have exposure to household pet companions. Having a pet has many advantages:

- Pets teach children about the existence of other living creatures first-hand rather than on television.

- Pets help children understand nature’s ways and the authentic natural world rather than animated cartoons where all the animals, predators and prey, get along famously. Nice, but it teaches a false perception of the ways of the animal kingdom. Perhaps your toddler is not ready to watch the National Geographic channel where predators mercilessly run down their prey and eat them alive. But the misconceptions of movies such as “The Lion King” don’t prepare your child for the real cycle of life.

- Owning and caring for a pet teaches your child responsibility and accountability. Fish die when they aren’t fed. Hamsters squeal in pain if they’re squeezed. Puppies have housebreaking accidents that need to be cleaned up. Animals aren’t like stuffed Teddy bears; they need food, water, veterinary care, and a clean environment.

- Pets die. Children often have their first brush with death and grief when a beloved pet dies or must be euthanized. Understanding a pet’s death is a dress rehearsal for the death of Grandmother or Uncle Bob. Coping with death is an important part of a child’s socialization.

- Having a pet teaches toddlers the essential skill of empathy with other people and with animals. At this age, children should be developing a sense of compassion and emotional intimacy with others. This is how they learn to make friends and to avoid doing things that hurt others. Caring for a pet is the perfect opportunity for toddlers to learn kindness and tolerance.

- Pets are a lot of fun! Toddlers are endlessly fascinated watching hamsters run on their wheel, the crazy antics of ferrets, the playfulness of puppies and kittens, the graceful movements of goldfish, and the chattering of birds. Having a pet is not only great fun, but pets also provide valuable knowledge about the way real-life animals function in the world. With puppies, they find the only unconditional source of love in their lives.

If you think your toddler is ready to care for a pet, first consider what kind of pet is appropriate for your child’s age, degree of understanding how to care for the pet, and the child’s comprehension that these are living creatures that need daily care. For example, it would not be appropriate for a toddler to care for a large hookbill parrot such as a Macaw or African Grey. These talkative birds live a human lifespan, require special care, and have unpredictable natures; they can snap off a curious child’s finger in seconds! These birds are pets for adults, not children. If you feel your child is ready for a puppy, remember that the puppy will grow into a full-sized dog. Dogs known for aggressive temperaments such as American Pit Bull Terriers, Rotweilers, Chows, and Akitas aren’t good choices for a toddler. Good-natured dogs like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, Poodles, and spaniels are a much better choice.

Not ready for puppies and kittens? Fish, guinea pigs and hamsters make outstanding first pets. Children learn to feed them, clean their environments, interact with them carefully and gently, and they provide hours of fun. Parakeets are also good choices; their bright colors and cheerful chattering are interesting and entertaining for a small child.

Pets can do wonders to enrich your child’s life. Working with animals can be a very rewarding experience and teach your kids many valuable lessons. If you feel your child is ready and responsible enough for a pet, choose wisely and teach your child how to care for another living creature.

Food allergies, as opposed to food sensitivities, occur in the immune system. A true allergy to a food results in a violent, life-threatening reaction caused by the immune system attacking the offending protein as it enters the body and bloodstream. The immune system produces an antibody called IgE, which seeks out and bonds with the protein of the food that the child is allergic to. The build up of IgE proteins in the blood stream releases a torrent of chemicals that can cause itching, swelling, vomiting, fever, difficulty breathing, and many other symptoms, and can eventually lead to the systems of the body shutting down.

Most food allergies appear before a child reaches three years of life. If, however, a child is never exposed to a certain food that they have an allergy to in the toddler years, they might show an allergic reaction later in life. The most common allergens are wheat, milk, nuts, soy, and eggs. In fact, those foods incorporate over ninety percent of the allergies children face.

Allergies and sensitivities to foods are two different ideas. Sensitivities to foods are far less severe. The reactions of it do not occur at once that is why it is harder to detect sensitivities to foods because if your child eats an entire meal, it will not always be apparent as to what food caused the reaction. As for allergies, it is different. Allergies reaction takes place every time within seconds of ingesting the food allergen.

Although some food allergies cause problems for a lifetime, many of them can be outgrown. If you are concerned that your child may have a food allergy, it is crucial to have them screened through the use of an allergy skin test. This will eliminate any doubt in your mind about whether or not there is allergy present. Once diagnosed, inform all caretakers, family, and friends about the allergy, and teach your child to ask what is in the foods that they are offered. The best way to deal with allergies in children is to completely avoid the foods that cause the reaction.

It is not practical or realistic to try to shield a child from harmful foods all the time. At time in your least unexpected, thing can happen. You might be able to give your child only those foods that they are not allergic to, but then there is always the potential that your child will eat an offending product when you are not around. So safety in mind come first. Always be certain that you and your child’s caregivers have access to medicine that will neutralize their allergic reaction. In most cases, this will be a special medical tool that administers epinephrine, otherwise known as adrenaline. This medical is best to you get it from your doctor. Remember after it been use, make sure you bring your child to receive quick medical attention. So parents, you will not know your child has food allergies until your child has been exposed to the allergen and experienced an adverse reaction.

In order to understand childhood depression you must have a definition of depression in mind. Many people say, “I am so depressed” when they have a particularly disappointing or sad day, but there is a major distinction between these momentary, fleeting feelings of sadness and genuine clinical depression. Clinical depression is a continual, pervasive sense of sadness, dread, and anxiety. When left untreated, depression can lead to serious health issues and even thoughts of suicide.

Many adults assume that children have no reason to be depressed, provided they are in a stable home, well fed and cared for properly. But the truth is, childhood is not entirely the carefree frolic we wish it to be. Many children feel extreme pressure from their peers and society to be something they are not in order to fit in. Still others feel that they must reach a level of perfection in order to please the important adults in their lives. Children have little to no control over their lives, and this can be very frightening for them in a way that they have a hard time understanding. These situations lead many children to depression.

Depression, while exhibited as an emotional response, has a chemical cause that can and should be treated. While scientists have very limited understanding about the function of the brain, they do realize that certain chemicals can become imbalanced in the brain, leading to depression. The treatment for depression often involves medications and relaxation techniques that balance out these chemicals.

The most important thing a parent can do to help their child battle depression is to be aware of the risk their child faces and knowledgeable about the symptoms they might see in their children. Children who are depressed will have persistent feelings of sadness or be constantly irritable. They will often express or exhibit a low self-image. This is often exhibited in statements such as “I’m so dumb” that seem to come out of nowhere.

Children who are depressed will find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork or other responsibilities. They may loose sleep, or begin to sleep too much. Their appetite will either increase or decrease dramatically. The same occurs in their level of activity.

Depressed children often exhibit physical symptoms, such as a persistent stomachache or headache that seems to have no trigger. Other changes in the child’s normal routine or behavior can be signs of depression. While the depression may be triggered by an obvious event, such as the death of a relative or sudden move, if the symptoms persist for an extended period of time, it becomes dangerous.

If your child shows signs of depression, the best thing to do is to call a professional immediately. This professional can either be your family doctor or even a school counselor. If these people do not have experience working with depressed children, then they can recommend another professional who does have experience. Medications and aggressive therapy may be suggested treatments for your depressed child, but it will be worth it in the long run. Getting involved in your child’s life is the best thing a parent can do in order to contribute to a happy childhood.

Hand Foot Mouth Diseases (HFMD) is contagious most commonly affects children and can spread rapidly wherever groups of children are in close contact such as in childcare centre, kindergarten and in schools. Children are at high risk for HFMD because of their immune systems have not yet fully developed at the young age.

What is Hand Foot Mouth Diseases and how it spread?

Hand Foot Mouth Diseases (HFMD) is a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. Most frequent causes of HFMD is coxsackievirus A16, coxsackievirus A and enterovirus 71. HFMD is very contagious and spreads through direct contact with infected person. The virus can be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes creating a mist of fluid containing viruses in the air, saliva, nasal and throat discharge, fluid from blistering skin cores and feces and indirectly by contaminated substance such as toys, books and so on.

Signs and symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Diseases

Parents are advised to seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms. The following signs and symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Diseases may occur:

• One or two days of fever
• Painful red sores may develop in the throat, on the gums, on the inside of the cheeks and on the tongue.
• Rashes may appear with small blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and may spread to the buttocks.
• May have headache and irritability (in young children).

While the diseases is mild and self-limiting but complications affecting the heart and brain could occur that lead to death.

How to prevent from HFMD?

The likelihood to reduce infected with Hand Foot Mouth Diseases is by practicing good hygiene. Only maintaining high standards of personal and environmental hygiene can really minimize getting any infectious diseases.

1. Washing hands is necessary to reduce the potential of spreading any infectious diseases, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, as well as before eating or preparing foods.
2. Disinfecting common areas and object that is close encounter with children like kitchen, utensils, toys, baby pacifiers. This is necessary since the virus can live on objects or surfaces for several days.
3. Parents should teach your children and ensure your child practice good hygiene.

• Wash their hand frequently
• Covering your month and nose when coughing or sneezing following washing of hands after that.
• Take a bath at least twice everyday.
• Not to put their fingers, hands or any other objects into their mouths.
• Not to share utensils.
• Not to share foods
• Avoiding contact with infected individuals.

It is crucial for children to adopt good hygiene practices.

Infectious diseases in children are a big concerns for parents. Usually children will not get infectious diseases at home for there are protected. As your child don’t come in contact with many people at home and parents or I should say adults are generally immune to many childhood illness so adults cannot and don’t have the opportunity to transmit those infections to your children. So where do children get the infectious diseases from if it is not possible to get the infectious disease at home.

Where do children get infectious diseases from?

Well the infectious diseases are spread places like in the Day Cares, Child Cares, Kindergartens, enclosed Playgrounds or other facilities when there are a large amount of children gather together for period of time come in close contact. Children most likely will put their hands in their mouth after playing. Children fall sick easily compare to the adults. Children immune systems have not fully developed at their age. There is no way to prevent the spread of all infectious and illnesses within these places. However some of these infectious diseases can be prevented especially Hand Foot Mouth Diseases.

Children Practice Good Hygiene

The best way to prevent these infectious diseases for transmission is to educate your child to wash their hands well. Always remember that infections can be spread by any person, child or adult, who show no signs of that illness. They may or may not be sick but they might just be a carrier of the diseases. Habits of washing your hands is the most effective way because it dilutes and flushes off germs and other contaminated matter. Sadly enough that most children are not conscious of their personal hygiene as majority of children are not taught of practising good hygiene at home. Parents have to teach your child at the young age to practice good hygiene at home first and help them maintain the habit although it is not easy to teach proper hand washing hygiene.

How to Make An Impact To Children Practicing Good Hygiene ?

The first step is as parents you have to be a role model. Children will naturally imitate your behaviors, the way you present yourself, the way you speaks, everything in you include your bad behaviors. So if you practice good hygiene habits, they will follow closely. If you wash your hands before and after eating and whenever you have to wash your hands. Make it as routine, help and encourage your child practice good hygiene a habits. So start now and set a good example for your children in practicing good hygiene.

Food is not the only culprit when discussing the causes of childhood obesity. Many parents do not do enough to encourage their child to “go outside and play” or get involved in athletic activities. There are so many things to do inside the house while sitting in a big, comfortable chair that a child feels no need to move anymore than they have to. Worse they will glue to their computer.Naturally, your child’s safety does play a large part in their ability to roam around outside. But there are alternatives that provide avenues for both exercise and safety.

There are several things that parents can do to encourage their children to become more active. The best way to encourage children to exercise is to be an example to your child. Even when your children are babies, they should see you exercising, making physical activity an important part of your life. As they grow up seeing you enjoying being active, they will learn that exercise and physical activity is fun and an important part of your life.

Make exercise fun for your family. Think of things you can do together that encourage your children to get up and start moving! Install a basketball hoop in your driveway if your living area permit or bring your child to the park. Spend time exercise together with your kids. If your kids enjoy riding bikes, get yourself on your bike and take a ride as a family. If your child enjoys martial arts, then enroll him or her and a karate class. Arrange physical activities with relatives or neighbors on weekends. The key is to find something that inspires your child and encourage them to pursue that activity.

Another way to get your child moving even if the weather outside is not conducive to outside activities is through exercise videos. Find an exercise video for kids and do the routine with your children. Not only will your children be healthier, but you just might loose a few pounds as well! Again, keep it fun! Laugh at the mistakes that you make, and stay upbeat!

By the way not all children have the ability to be athletic. If you child does not have an affection toward any sport, do not force them into playing sports. Sports are not the important factor when teaching your child about exercise. The importance of finding fun and enjoyable activities that your child will look forward to doing should be a parent’s main focus to reduce the child’s inactive habits. Helping them to see that exercise is not a mundane, boring part of life but rather a fun and exciting idea will help ensure that your child will take these ideas with them as they grow into healthy adults.