Monday, September 28, 2009

Mental health for a young child

Mental health for a young child...?
Mental health for a young child...? My step daughter goes in and out of these moods. Mainly when she hears about her dad that is a drug user and is in jail all the time. She has not seen him in years. She is seven. But his mother is trying to see her and has told us she will do everything at all cost to get her. Now we have the police in on everything. But everytime the child hears about anyone from that side of the family she goes into these moods for weeks and weeks. She will hold her self from the bathroom, fight with us, tell us we are always wrong, eat like there is no tomorrow, sleep all the time, wont play with her toys, and so forth. She is not around anyone of these people. The courts have made this clear for the safety and the abuse. What would u do? More info.. She found out about her dad becuase of a family member writing her a letter and sneaking it into a gift. It stated her dad was stabbed, is on drugs and might be going to jail. His mom wrote this. She is twisted...
Parenting - 7 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Well first of all, at age 7, she should NOT be hearing about her father being in jail and how much he's a drug user. That's far too much information for a child. Especially if this person is her father..... Second, this little girl sounds like she could benefit from some therapy. She needs to be able to talk to someone about her feelings, an unbiased person, and she needs to feel comfortable talking about her feelings. Clearly this is beyond you or anyone else and she needs further assistance. The best thing you guys can do is help her with that. Help her learn to deal with her feelings in a different way rather than all the things you stated above. I hope for her sake that you guys can work this out!
2 :
Try to get her to talk to you about it. Ask her about her feelings on the situation and more importantly listen to what she has to say. If you can't get her to talk to you about it try counseling. Maybe you can talk to the school counselor about it and see if he/she can talk to your daughter about it. She may just be afraid that her father or his mother will be successful at taking her away from her family. Make sure to be patient and understanding without belittling her feelings. Good luck, I hope things get better.
3 :
she shouldn't be burdened with the knowledge that her dad is a drug addict or jail bird because for gods sake, she is SEVEN YEARS OLD. if you think that YOU, especially being a step-parent are going to magically make her accept everything or anything you say, especially anything negetive about her dad you are in for a long hard road. stay out of it, and quit talking smack to her, because one of these days she won't have to ASK ANYONE....she'll get behind the wheel and drive herself to where he is.
4 :
I agree with Momto2. She does not need to hear these conversations, it is obviously detrimental to her well-being. Furthermore, I think medicating her should be the last option. She needs therapy. Pick a psychologist for her to talk too... sometimes it helps to talk to someone that is outside the situation.
5 :
Talk to the courts.. show them the letter but most of all talk honestly and openly about drugs... not all FEAR and FIRE.. dont make her dad out to be totally evil... its easier to be honest about drugs if you actually have had some experience yourself.. (not just over react like so many people do.. which actually tends to push the kids into doing drugs more) at 7 she is too young for some of it.. but keep an open door so she can ask more.. this will help her cope.. she needs coping skills... you could have the grandma over to your house.. then if it gets nasty ask her to leave...i wouldnt leave the kid alone with this woman... how to talk about drugs: "Yes your father was on drugs, some times people try drugs thinking it wont affect them and then the drugs get a hold of the people and they cannot stop it. Unfortunately your dad was one of those people... it doesnt mean he doesnt love you, it means the drugs controlled his life so he couldnt help himself...."
6 :
I just have to wonder if she is hearing negative things about her father and his family that is instilling this fear into her? Your not talking negative about them to her are you that would terrify her are you? First off I wouldnt mention any of them in her presence again. If you need to talk to anyone about them make sure she isn't around. Secondly I would take her to see a therapist so she can have someone to talk to that can really fine the source of the problem and work with her to resolve the issue.
7 :
I have to say that I agree to some extent to what some of the other moms in the forum say, 7 really is too young to know in detail about her fathers side of the family. of course I also know that sometimes through the actions of others your child will learn alot of what you DONT want them know. If its possible to step back and view the situatin from a strangers stand point, is there any thing that you can do to minimize the moods. maybe isolate the other family exposure as much as you can, is she around anyone at school that talks about his family or family memebers. you could try asking the teacher for suggestions. what I would do though would be pretty extreme, haha (change schools, change towns ) the works however thats not always possible, so try getting her a hobby and ask her about what she thinks and what she knows about what is going on, since she knows this much, you may as well straighten out the issues on some things. good luck to you!!

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Should a parent have the right to take your child away from you for half of that child's life

Should a parent have the right to take your child away from you for half of that child's life?
I don't believe anyone should have the right to tell you to get out of your child's life just because they don't want you there during their visits. People need to act more civilized instead of acting like little spoiled brats who can't have their way. That's the way my daughter's father acts and he wonders why I'm afraid to leave our daughter with him. He is very irresponsible and always starts trouble when ever he can. He also does not take good care of our daughter. She always returns sick and dirty after she's been in his care, but the courts won't listen to me since I can't get a lawyer of any kind. It's quite sickening how I have been treated by judges and how they disregard my child's health and welfare just because her father has a lawyer and he's good at lying. So what do you think? Should a parent be able to make the other parent lose precious time with their child just because they feel like it and not because they have a valid reason for wanting them to stay away?
Law & Ethics - 5 Answers
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1 :
no absolutely not i mean would you like to wake up one day and learn that you have a 10 year old child? that child wouldnt know you and its even harder to make a relationship after how many years so i definately think it is very wrong
2 :
In your case, YES. First, you keep his child away from him for half her life, but apparently, you believe that is a right to which only you are entitled. Second, you would obviously make an uncomfortable 3 some. So, your real question is: Why can't I make my ex (and my daughter) miserable when he is with my daughter? (Because it is not right.) Think about your your daughter as a person, not a weapon. She does not deserve to be a victim of your hate.
3 :
Welcome to the joy of our legal system. It sucks, period. Start documenting all the vists, you have the legal right to bring a tape recorder with you (video - leave it on the dashboard of your car if you wish), have an audio mini recorder in your purse, (you don't have to let the ex know you are taping by the way). Write down how your daughter was dressed, fed, and bathed when you dropped her off. Then write down her condition when you picked her up. Ask her on audio tape what she ate for dinner, did she have fun in her bath, etc.. non leading questions. Nothing like 'did daddy give you a bath?' (That's leading). You can also bring a wittness with you to the drops and pick ups. Want hubby to straighten up? Let him know why you have the wittness, and that you ARE taping and documenting the visits. You can after a few weeks or months (unless he does somethign serious) request (when you show the Judge and Social Worker your proof) that a social worker be present at visits with your daughter and her father. You can also make yourself look better by holding a steady job, keping the house imaculate, taking great care of your baby girl, enrolling her in an educational preschool, attending church (most Judge's believe it or not are Catholic, as are social workers).. Dont believe in God? Who cares, go to church anyway. Court wise it just looks really good on your behalf when you ask for something. (shows character) Document everything from stains on clothes, bruises, unwashed, dirty nails, teeth unbrushed, poorly made meals (non healthy), to much junk food, more illness while at Dad's, cat or dog hair on child's clothing, child seems more depressed, sullen, nervous, withdrawn, or emotional after visiting dad. Etc etc etc... Just make sure you only document the truth though. Don't try to fudge extras on the documentation just to get your own way. Some dad's are great father's even if they don't clean the kid up as good as a mom would. A good father loves his child, takes care of them within reason (food, roof over her head, own bedroom, buys her the basics at least as to what she needs, doesn't have a temper with her, etc). If she comes happy to you, take that into consideration. If she's happy with dad, then maybe just let it be. And even though you and him made the baby, he DOES have every right to tell you to hit the road when it's his visit time with her. He doesn't have to love you, want you, or even like you anymore just to be with his daughter. You can always tell him that you will call social services if she comes home sick one more time, or dirty. That might help him clean up the house, and his kid. He might feel uncomfortable bathing her also, be civial and ask him if bathing her bugs him. (since she's a little girl and he's a man, it bugs some dad's to bathe girls). Also as far as getting sick more at Dad's house, most people get sick when they go from point A to point B. Her body is use to the bacteria and germs in your house, but probably not in daddy's house. Plus she might see more kids over there who expose her to more colds and such. Just don't forget to look at the whole big picture before you try to ruin anyones life. Including taking her daddy away from her.
4 :
You need to let the father have his time with your daughter without you being there, and he needs to do the same for you. You can not control what he does unless he is outright bringing harm to her by abuse (verbal or physical), neglect, or molestation. Kids get sick, get over it. If he doesn't bathe her as frequently as you do, get over that too. His house, his rules. The same goes for your house. It stinks, and I feel your pain as I go through similar issues with my son's father, but I now from experience, lawyer or no lawyer, you will not win these battles in court. Besides, do you really want to keep the pot stirred up? Learn to relax and let things be. It will only make things better for you and your daughter. The more grief you give him, the more he will make life hard for you and your daughter. I know what I am saying sounds harsh, but I have been through 17 years of this and I know from experience. Please, it is so much better for your child if you understand that the court has awarded the father time for visitation, and they will uphold it even if it means getting a restraining order on you while she is in his custody. And yes, when parents separate, you will lose time with your child, right or wrong. Either turn it into something positive, like a character building experience for both you and your daughter, or your daughter will ultimately suffer.
5 :
It sounds like you are in some type of dispute. Speak to a lawyer or ask the court to appoint duty counsel. You have the right to some type of independent legal advice.

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Sunday, September 20, 2009

Is it moral to have our children and great grand children pay for our health care

Is it moral to have our children and great grand children pay for our health care?
Over $800 Billion to reform a health care system on top of a 1.4 trillion deficit. All this will be passed on to our children. How can people justify that?
Law & Ethics - 6 Answers

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1 :
I will be effected by this and so will my child (when I do have one) and grandchild too. its not only immoral, its also stupid
2 :
yes chances are your grandchildren will benefit from it so yes it's moral.
3 :
Just another tax...that's the way I think of it, but I'm whole-heartedly against universal health care its a BAD idea, look at countries that have it, there is a reason the level of care in the US is so high.
4 :
Is it moral to have our children and grandchildren pay for the war in Iraq? Is it moral to let people get sick and die because they weren't born rich? If we don't reform the health care "system", the costs will keep going up and more people will be unable to afford it.
5 :
$800billion is a bit better than $2.26 trillion the USA spent on healthcare in 2007. 37th best healthcare in the world..lol...what a joke.
6 :
You you are the luckiest people. your government do something for you.See the people of 3rd world country, dying on roads and in their homes without treatment because they could not afford the expenses.there is no difference between a human being and an animal.there is no health care system at all.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

how can small magnets be detimental to the health of a child

how can small magnets be detimental to the health of a child?

General Health Care - 1 Answers
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1 :
they could swallow the small magnets and choke

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Saturday, September 12, 2009

what are some careers that deal with education of children and health

what are some careers that deal with education of children and health?
I have a degree in biology and a desire to teach children. are there any doctors who teacher or teachers who have have went on to medical school?
Teaching - 2 Answers

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1 :
become a science teacher
2 :
If you want to work with children but also in health become a school nurse.They work with children every day but they also have to do health evry day.

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

looking for sites for scholarships for health related-child life specialists career,undergraduate

looking for sites for scholarships for health related-child life specialists career,undergraduate?

Higher Education (University +) - 1 Answers
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1 :
Try this site- its pretty good http://www.fastweb.com/

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Friday, September 4, 2009

How can i explain to children about health and fitness so they will understand

How can i explain to children about health and fitness so they will understand?
I am working with 3-4year olds and during circle time i want them 2 have an understanding of why its important im not sure how to word it so it dont sound to complex can someone start me off? I have collected books on fruit at the library and will be making fruit salad with them...
Preschool - 2 Answers

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1 :
get out that food pyramid! do a circle time on each food group (starting off with fruit was good!). get veggies, breads, dairy products (keep in mind to do very little with the fats and oils group). then have them help put together the pyramid. i believe they have a lot of coloring pages, etc. on their website. p.s. i've seen a teacher make a big pyramid with magazine cutouts of different foods. the children helped glue or tape the pieces to the group they belong to.
2 :
Show them a picture of my ex-wife and tell them that if they do not eat right and exercise, they will end up looking like this.

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Can I decline to work with a client with TB due to concerns over the health risks that being exposed presents

Can I decline to work with a client with TB due to concerns over the health risks that being exposed presents?
I work for a social work agency that deals with children with mental health issues. I am not a hospital social worker and am not skilled in dealing with infectious disease. I was just told that i will be getting a client who has inactive TB. I know that currently there is no risk in being around this individual, but if the client was to go "active" then I could potentially contract it as i have to work in close proximity to my client for several hours per week, sometimes in confined spaces such as a car. I feel very bad for this child, but I do not feel that I should have to put my own health at risk as well, especially with a disease that is not curable, can be deadly and stays with you for your entire life. Being exposed could also put my loved ones at risk too, which they did not sign up for. How can I kindly ask my place of work to remove me from this case without seeming difficult or uncaring? Thank you. The information i am getting is helpful. An added tidbit of info is that my place of work did not even disclose that this child was a TB carrier to me. A co-worker happened to know and was the one to share this info. Kind of frustrating. I feel I should have been given this information by managment so I could assess the risk and take precautions. I do understand what both responses are saying in regards to making sacrafices for the client's you work with. I try my best to do this on a daily basis. The crazy thing is that, in social work, every job you apply to working with children or the elderly they TB test you. So if you were to catch this illness, your opportunities at getting another job can be hindered because most people do not want to take the chance of exposing other clients (with potentially bad immue systems) to this disease. The whole situation is sad. Hopefully I will make the right choice. Also, I believe it has been inactive/dormant for about 12 months but I really do not know for sure at this point.
Infectious Diseases - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
1st I would want to know how long it has been inactive? And was this child treated with antibiotics for a course? You should know more if you can decline any client....but you could also wear a special mask, kinda like the surgical ones.But they are a little different. As for removing from the case without seeming uncaring...google tb and learn some info before letting fear grip you.
2 :
If the TB is inactive, it means that it is not contageous and cannot be spread unless it becomes active and that even then doesn't mean that you will catch it because TB isn't just in the lungs, it can be in the space surrounding the lungs, where not even coughing can spread it. It can also be in other places in the body. It being inactive also means that it was treated aggressively with antibiotics, like every other TB case. I would still make myself aware of TB through research, but turning down a client because of this is quite early to be doing so. Think about it. If you turn this client down, someone will know that you turned them down because of the inactive TB, then another person won't take the case, then another, and another all because they will be scared to take care of someone with an illness. Granted it is a scary illness, but it can be treated and cured as long as they are compliant with treatment. I don't believe that your place of work would give you this client if they were contageous anyway. TB patients during an active phase of TB are usually put in a negative pressure room and separated from others. Since this child is inactive, it means that they are ok to go into the public. Instead of quitting on this client, wear a mask if it makes you feel safer. I would do that rather than further let the child know that no one wants to be around it because of an illness that isn't possibly contageous. I am not trying to make you feel bad, but if everyone thought of their own health and well being, there wouldn't be nurses, doctors, and any other health professionals to help their clients.
3 :
I would echo the nursing student in the need to become more informed about TB - mechanisms for transmission - how the child is to be monitored etc. I would want to meet with the health department (who ultimately would track infectious disease). Your agency should fully support you in becoming educated not only for yourself but also for your client. You would also then be able to practice appropriate universal cautions. One of the things that social workers want to do is be able to educate their clients about the illnesses they are working with. Being able to translate the world of medicine is very useful. It seems like you are a very conscientious social worker and that this would be of tremendous help to your client. DA

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