​Best pediatricians can help with separation anxiety. Separation anxiety varies considerably among children. Some babies become hysterical when the mother is out of sight for a very short time, while other children seem to have constant anxiety over separations during infancy, early years, and preschool age.
 
A message to all working fathers and mothers
The trick to surviving separation anxiety requires preparation, quick transitions, and the passage of time. I dare say that parents suffer as much as children during separation. Although we are often told that children stop crying within minutes of saying goodbye, how many of you have not thought that "they don't know how to handle things well" when between sobs your child clings to your legs, begs you to stay, and it hurts your game?
 
For many working mothers, separation anxiety creates many questions. Although it is a totally normal behavior and a beautiful demonstration of a deep bond, separation anxiety can create many concerns in both child and parents.  Here are some facts about separation anxiety and suggestions for improving transitions.
 
Facts about separation anxiety
Babies: Separation anxiety develops after a child gains an understanding of the permanence of an object. Once the child realizes that you are really gone (when you do), this can make him uneasy. Although some infants show an understanding of object permanence and separation anxiety from 4 to 5 months of age, most develop more specific separation anxiety around 9 months. This coming and going can be worse if your baby is hungry, tired, or not feeling well. Make transitions short and routine if it's a tough day.
Young children: Many young children who do not feel separation anxiety in infancy begin to have problems at 15 or 18 months of age. Separations are more difficult when children are hungry, tired, or sick — which is almost always the case! As children develop independence during infancy, they are often even more aware of separations. Their behavior during separations will be boisterous, loud with tears, and difficult to control.
Preschoolers: By the time children are 3 years old, they understand more clearly the effect their anxiety or pleas for separation have on us. This doesn't mean they aren't stressed, but they certainly want your attention. Be consistent; Do not return to the room because the child is asking you to do so and above all do not cancel your plans due to separation anxiety.
Contact  Gastonia Pediatric Associates, your Gastonia area pediatricians, offers top-quality pediatric care.

​Pediatricians help parents cope with aggressive behaviors from their children. There are many times when your child's behavior fills your heart with warmth and affection. But there are others where it will probably drive you a little crazy. As a toddler or preschooler, your child lacks the self-control to calmly express anger and is likely and natural to lash out, hit, or bite out of frustration.
 
While outbursts are normal, especially during tantrums, there are things you can do to shape your child's behavior.
 

• Teach him the rules of the house. Children do not know house rules until they are taught, so this is one of their important parenting responsibilities. Young children are often interested in touching and exploring, so if there are valuable things that you do not want them to touch, hide them or remove them from where they are. Consider organizing a space in your home where your child can play with books and toys. Whenever the child does not obey an important rule, it must be admonished immediately so that she understands exactly what it is that she did wrong.
• Threats are overrated. It is always more effective to positively reinforce desired behaviors and teach children alternative behaviors rather than just saying, "Drop that or you'll see." Tell them that the next time they are angry, they should use their words.
• " Control yourself."  Well, it still can't. Remember that young children, by nature, have little self-control. They need to be taught not to kick, hit, or bite when angry, but to express their feelings in words.
• Alternatives to the fight. Teach your child to say "no" in a firm tone of voice, turn her back, or try to reach an agreement instead of physically fighting. Through example, you are teaching your child to resolve discrepancies with words, more effectively and civilly, rather than using physical violence.

If your child seems to be more aggressive than usual for more than a couple of weeks, and you can't handle the behavior alone, see your pediatrician. Other warning signs include:
 

• Injury to himself or to other children (tooth marks, bruises, head injuries).
• Attacks on you or other adults.
• Being sent home or forbidden by the school or neighbors to play.
• Your own fear for the safety of those around you.

 
The most important warning sign is the frequency of outbursts. Sometimes children with aggressive behavior disorders go several days or a week or two without incident and can even behave charmingly during that time, but few can go a whole month without getting into trouble at least once.
 
Feel free to reach out to pediatricians at Gastonia Pediatrics Association. Our experts are more than happy to help provide guidance, and medical assistance when needed, to help understand the reasons for your child’s aggressive behavior and how you can cope with them. Contact  Gastonia Pediatric Associates, your Gastonia area pediatricians, offers top-quality pediatric care.

 Nightmares
Nightmares are terrifying dreams that usually occur in the second half of the night when dreams are most intense. Children may wake up crying or scared and may have difficulty falling back to sleep.
 
Night terror
Night terrors happen most often in toddlers and pre-schoolers, and occur during the deepest sleep cycle. The deepest sleep occurs early in the night, often before the parents go to sleep.
 
If you are concerned about your child's sleeping habits, check with your doctor. Keep a dream journal to help track your child's problem, including the following:
 

• Where the child sleeps
• How many hours do you sleep at night?
• What you need to fall asleep (for example, a favorite toy or a blanket)
• How long does it take you to fall asleep?
• How often do you wake up at night?
• What do you do to comfort or make him feel better when he wakes up during the night?
• The time and duration of naps during the day
• Any changes or stress at home

 
Write this down for 1-2 weeks and bring it to your doctor's office to discuss during the appointment. Remember that sleeping problems are very common and with time and the help of your child's doctor, you and your child will be able to overcome them.
 
 
Episodes of Nightmares and night terrors could be emotionally stressful for both the child and the parents. The best way to reduce this is to understand the causes of your child’s nightmare or night terrors. By keeping a dream journal, you will be able to understand the causes of episodes of nightmare and night terrors in your child. This article contains tips on what to do when your child has an episode.
 
You may need to consult your pediatrician if you are concerned about your child’s behaviors during episodes of nightmare and night terrors. Contact  Gastonia Pediatric Associates, your Gastonia area pediatricians, offers top-quality pediatric care.

​Pediatricians can help you cope with those annoying tantrums your child throws. Tantrums or tantrums are a normal part of development. They occur more between the ages of 1 to 3 years, but as many of us know, some children more than others break into big tantrums. Many children have more tantrums before and during language development. Before children can fully express themselves through the use of words, they become frustrated, and an easy way to express that frustration, whether it is hunger or discontent, is to break into tantrums to get what they need.
 
When you shouldn't ignore your child's tantrum
Sometimes it may be difficult to calm a tantrum, and you may feel the urge to ignore it. But there are two times when you shouldn't ignore a tantrum from your child. If your child is at physical risk of running into the street or is exposed to any danger; in this case, stop it and hold it firmly or make it clear.  If your child is hitting or biting, stop him immediately and be sure to let him know that this behavior is not allowed by physically moving him from the scene or taking away a privilege.
 
Tantrums are annoying, but they usually subside after age 3, although they do not go away completely. Your child uses tantrums to get what she normally naturally needs between the ages of 1 and 3.
 
You can't avoid every tantrum, but here are some ideas that can help you survive them with dignity.
Pay enough attention to your child and praise him when he is being good. Offer specific praise when he reacts well. However, don't think that if one child has more tantrums than another, it is because you are not paying enough attention to them. Personality is shaped by many behaviors, including tantrums.
 

• During a tantrum, give the child control over small things (small offer options so you can choose instead of asking questions that only require a yes or no.)
• Distraction. Take the child to another room. Offer him a safer toy. Even if it sounds silly, sing a song.
• Choose which battles to fight and adapt when you can. Sometimes you have to give in a little to reach an agreement; which is right. However, being consistent every day is key to reducing the intensity and frequency of tantrums. So, it's about time. Although most children have tantrums when they are 1 to 3 years old, many children continue to have tantrums during the school years.

 
Feel free to reach out to pediatricians at Gastonia Pediatrics Association. Our experts are more than happy to help provide guidance, and medical assistance when needed, to help understand the reasons for your child’s tantrums and how you can cope with them.  Contact  Gastonia Pediatric Associates, your Gastonia area pediatricians, offers top-quality pediatric care.

Pediatricians, as a result of their experience taking care of children, understand the curiosity on sexual topics exhibited by children. In this article, they’ve provided tips to parents on how to approach sexual discussion with children.
 
Sexuality is part of everyone's life, regardless of age. As your children grow and develop, they will likely start laughing about "private parts", telling "dirty" (obscene) jokes, and looking up "taboo" words in the dictionary. This curiosity is natural. Also, it is common for a child to have questions at any age. When your child is ready to ask questions, you, as a parent, should be ready to answer.
 
Where to start?
Every day, there are propitious situations to teach your children about sex. For example, at bath time, you can talk about body parts and what "private" means. A pregnancy or birth in the family is a good time to discuss how a baby is conceived and born. Watching television with your children can also be a good time to discuss relationships that appear on screen.
 
Educating moments can happen anywhere: while shopping, at the movies, or even in the park. It is not necessary to give a speech. First, find out what your children already know. Let them guide the conversation and ask the questions. Some children may not ask for information if they perceive that you are uncomfortable discussing the subject. Others may test you by asking uncomfortable questions. Speak openly and let the child know that they can ask any kind of question.
 
When children start asking questions, the following tips can make the situation easier for both of you:

• Don't tease or laugh, even if the question is funny. If you laugh, your child may feel embarrassed.
• Try not to appear embarrassed or overly serious about the subject.
• Be brief. Answer in simple terms. Your four-year-old doesn't need to know the details of sexual intercourse.
• Be honest. Use the proper name for each body part.

 
Children, in early ages, are always very inquisitive. They curiosity leads them to ask question about sex and sexuality. As a parent, you need to be prepared for these questions and have the appropriate answers to them. Your approach to sexual discourse with your children at their early ages will determine their willingness to open up to you when they are older. Contact Gastonia Pediatric Associates, your Gastonia area pediatricians, offers top-quality pediatric care.

​Pediatricians have immense experience taking care of children. This has given them insights on the behaviors of young children. This article, is a product of such insight. In this article, you will learn how to help your child learn to read.
 
How can I help my child learn to read?
An important question asked by parents of young children, is how they can help their children learn to read. Here are some tips on helping your child learn to read:
 

• Reading books aloud is one of the best ways you can help your child learn to read. This activity can be fun for you too. The more enthusiastic you are about reading a book, the more your child will enjoy it. The most important thing to remember is to let your child go his own way and have fun with what he is doing.
• When reading with your child, tap under the words to show your child that the letters tell the story.
• Use funny voices and animal sounds. Don't be afraid to overreact! This will help your child get excited about the story.
• Stop to look at the images; ask your child to name what she sees in the pictures. Talk about how the pictures relate to the story.
• Invite your child to participate when there is a repeated phrase in the text.
• Show your child how the situations in the book are similar to what happens in his life.
• If your child asks a question, stop and answer it. The book may help your child express her thoughts and solve her own problems.

 
Feel free to reach out to pediatricians at Gastonia Pediatrics Association. Our experts are more than happy to help provide guidance, and medical assistance when needed, to help your child learn to read. Contact  Gastonia Pediatric Associates, your Gastonia area pediatricians, offers top-quality pediatric care.

​Epiglottitis is the product of an infection or injury.
 
Infection causes epiglottitis
In the past, a common cause of swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues was infection with the Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. The Hib bacteria is responsible for a number of serious diseases, the most common of which is meningitis. Currently, the presence of Hib is much less frequent in developed countries due to vaccination against Hib in children. The bacteria are spread through infected particles that are coughing or sneezing into the air. It is possible to get the Hib bacteria into your nose and throat without getting sick, although you can spread the bacteria to other people.
 
Injury causes epiglottitis
Physical injury, such as a direct blow to the throat, can cause epiglottitis. Burns can also be caused by drinking very hot or caustic liquids.
 
You can also develop epiglottitis-like signs and symptoms if:
 

• You ingest a chemical that burns your throat
• You ingest a foreign body
• You smoke drugs, like crack
• Risk factor's
• Certain factors increase the risk of epiglottitis, such as:

 
Prevention
There are certain precautionary steps to take to avoid your child contacting epiglottitis
 

• Vaccinate your child. The Hib vaccine is available to fight the bacteria that causes epiglottitis. Your child should receive a complete series of the Hib vaccine, according to the recommendations of a pediatrician.
• Do not share personal items.
• Wash your hands often. If there is no water or soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

 
 
Treatment
If your child has an unusual sore throat or is breathing hard, call your doctor right away. Because epiglottitis progresses very fast and has very serious consequences, do not try to treat it at home. After communicating with your pediatrician, try to calm your child down. Do not try to examine their throat or insist that they lie down. Also, avoid offering food or water, as this could cause the child to vomit, making it even more difficult to breathe.
 
Just like any other ailment, it’s important to take preventive measures against epiglottitis than trying to treat it. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to pediatricians at Gastonia Pediatrics Association. Our experts are more than happy to help provide guidance on this topic.
Gastonia Pediatrics Associates help treat epiglottitis in children. Our pediatricians provide the optimal care while treating epiglottitis in your child.  Schedule an appointment with our pediatrician today to treat epiglottitis in your child. Gastonia Pediatric Associates, your Gastonia area pediatricians, offers top-quality pediatric care.

Pediatricians have been very helpful in this turbulent period of COVID-19. Apart from their concerted medical efforts to combat the disease, they’ve been sensitising communities on how to avoid the virus.
One major problem for parents with young children in this period is how to make their little ones feel comfortable wearing a face mask.
 
Adults and older kids are starting to accept wearing face masks outside as the new norm and a public health necessity.  Now, we need to figure out a way to help our younger children to become comfortable donning a mask whenever they head out in public. 
 
Face coverings can help slow the spread of COVID-19 and should be worn in public settings by all adults and children over the age of 2 years old when social distancing is not possible. It is natural for young children to feel scared of face coverings, but there are some ways for you to help put them at ease.
 

• Help your child understand the importance of face coverings. Explain that face coverings can keep away bad germs and help to keep ourselves, our family and our friends healthy and safe!
• Early morning outings may work better for young children.
• Show your child pictures of other children wearing face coverings. Children often find masks different and strange, but by seeing them on others, your child will be more inclined to wearing one.
• Personalize the face covering by allowing your child to decorate the mask or choose the pattern. You can turn the mask into a costume and let them “dress up” for their outings.

 
If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to pediatricians at Gastonia Pediatrics Association. Our experts are more than happy to help provide guidance on this topic.  Pediatricians at Gastonia Pediatrics Associates help provide guidance to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Gastonia Pediatric Associates, your Gastonia area pediatricians, offers top-quality pediatric care.