A Seattle Children’s Publication | Summer 2020

Helping Kids Cope During Stressful Times

Since kids thrive on routine, now is the time to practice healthy habits and comforting rituals like family meals, lots of exercise and outdoor time, limited screen time, regular sleep schedules and household chores. Stay devoted to soothing before-bed routines. And of course, be a role model: let your kids see you making healthy choices for your own wellbeing.

Be an active listener as you encourage your child to express all their emotions. Share your own feelings, too, plus healthy coping strategies. For example: “I miss seeing grandma and grandpa in person.

I know this won’t last forever, but I’m feeling a bit sad right now. Shall we write them a letter and make some drawings for them?”

Brainstorm about actions your child can take to feel better. Since helping others is a powerful way to boost moods and shift attitudes, maybe your child could help grocery-shop for an elderly neighbor or collect donations for your local food bank? You might also encourage your child to talk with an older, wiser loved one who has lived through tough times, and who can share their stories and offer reassurance that this too shall pass.

It’s possible that your child may need additional help to cope. If you believe that stress is having a toxic effect on their mental health, seek out some expert support. (See the related story on page 2.)

to learn more:Visit seattlechildrens.org/copingandcovid.

Before COVID-19, life gave us plenty to worry and stress about. But the pandemic has taken things to a whole new level. It has ruined our plans and changed the way we learn, work and socialize. It has separated us from loved ones. Many of us have lost employment. And on top of the pandemic, racial injustice has triggered widespread turmoil. Everything feels out of control.

But there is a silver lining. These uncertain times give us an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with our children. We can also help them learn to manage their stress and build their resilience, so they can bounce back from life’s tough times — now and in the future.

How can we help our kids? By doing what

parents do best. We can ensure that they feel safe, secure and nurtured. This means plenty of conversation, snuggling and playing together. It also means shielding them from news that focuses on death-toll updates and violent events.

my Good GrowingAre you looking for more information about child health and safety? Sign up for my Good Growing, Seattle Children’s free email newsletter for parents and caregivers of babies, children and teens. You’ll receive six issues each year, in an easy-to-read format, so you can quickly scan to find tips that apply to your family and areas of interest.

Subscribe today at seattlechildrens.org/

newsletters.

It’s Crucial to Stay Vaccinated

Your Child’s Doctor, Urgent Care or Emergency Department?

Is your child up to date with their routine vaccinations? Keeping babies and children current has never been more important, yet vaccination rates in Washington state have dropped since the pandemic began. With routine vaccinations being missed or delayed, it’s likely that — in addition to COVID-19 — we will also be faced with outbreaks of serious diseases that can be prevented with vaccines, such as measles and pertussis (whooping cough). Th e best way to protect children is

by vaccinating them on time. Talk with your doctor or healthcare provider today to learn how you can keep your child on schedule and catch up if necessary. Your provider can also explain how they’ve made their clinic safe for visits during the pandemic.

to learn more:Visit immunitycommunitywa.org/covid-19-and-

immunizations.

When your child needs medical care, where should you go for treatment? For most issues, see your child’s doctor. Visit them for common illnesses and minor injuries — and when you need vaccinations, checkups, prescription refi lls or expert advice. Th ey know your child’s medical history and can manage your child’s overall healthcare.

If your doctor’s offi ce is closed and you can’t wait for treatment, urgent-care clinics are open evenings, weekends and holidays. Some take appointments and some don’t. Seattle Children’s has four urgent care locations for children up to age 21, and all accept

appointments. Th ey are in Bellevue, Federal Way, Everett and at the hospital’s main campus in Seattle.

What if your child has a very serious illness or injury? If the situation is immediately life-threatening, call 911. Otherwise, take them to an emergency department (ED). EDs are open 24 hours. Th ey have staff and equipment to treat severe asthma attacks, badly broken bones, poisonings, bad burns and other serious or life-threatening conditions.

to learn more:Visit seattlechildrens.org/urgentcare.

Mental health problems are common in children and teens. In any given year, about 20% of kids experience mental health disorders. However, only about half of these kids get the help they need — sometimes because parents simply aren’t sure what to do. A new Mental Health Resources page on the Seattle Children’s website can help parents learn to recognize the signs of a mental health problem and take action. Check out this new online hub at seattlechildrens.org/mental-health-hub.

Mental health includes how well a child thinks, copes with their feelings and behaves. A mental health disorder can delay or disrupt these basic abilities and interfere with how a child functions at home, at school and in social

situations. Just as a child’s physical health changes over time, their mental health can change, too.

Because kids and teens are always growing and changing, it can be tricky to tell the

diff erence between normal changes in mood and behavior versus anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Sometimes, expert help is needed. Just as you would get your child proper care right away for a broken bone or a physical illness, you can and should do the same for mental health problems.

If you think your child may have a mental health issue, start by talking with their doctor. If your child has a diagnosis and you’re looking for outpatient care, contact Washington’s Mental Health Referral Service, linked on our Mental Health Resources page. Or call 833-303-5437 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

to learn more:Visit seattlechildrens.org/mental-health-hub.

New Online Hub for Mental Health Resources

Kid Bits

Your Child’s Doctor, Urgent Care or Emergency Department?

facebook.com/seattlechildrens

instagram.com/seattlechildrens

twitter.com/seattlechildren

youtube.com/seattlechildrens

Sleepwalking and Night Terrors Sleepwalking and night terrors are common in children. Th ey are both types of parasomnias. During parasomnias, a child’s brain is asleep, but their body is awake — so they may have their eyes open and talk in a confused way. A sleepwalker will get out of bed and may say and do strange things. A child who’s having a night terror is apt to appear frightened and cry out or scream. Confusional arousal is a third type of parasomnia, during which a child sits up or thrashes around. Parasomnias are most common from about ages 3 to 10, and they typically occur one to three hours aft er falling asleep. Th e link below has more information — including why you shouldn’t wake a child during an event.

to learn more:Visit seattlechildrens.org/pdf/pe2587.pdf.

Get Ready for Sports Th e pandemic has forced many kids to take a long break from being active in their favorite sports, whether they’re on a school team or a community team. Most young athletes will need some time to get back into shape and build up their skills again when sports restart. To avoid injuries, a slow-and-steady plan is best — even for kids who tend to be naturally athletic. Th eir coach or athletic trainer can recommend a conditioning program that can be done at home, along with stretching routines and skill-building drills. Be sure to help your child match nutrition and hydration as their activity level increases. Also, remember to schedule a sports physical if it’s required.

to learn more:Visit seattlechildrens.org/health-safety/

keeping-kids-healthy/prevention/sports-

injuries-children-teens.

Focus on Home Safety For children in the U.S. ages 1 to 19, unintentional injuries — including drownings, poisonings and falls — result in more deaths and disabilities than any other cause. With all that’s going on in the world right now, it’s important to stay focused on home safety. Keep your water-safety habits consistent: be sure that young children are supervised around water (even kiddie pools) and that life jackets are worn when needed. Keep poisonous household products out of reach, and store medicines up and away where kids can’t get to them — preferably in a locked container. Prevent window falls by installing window guards and stops. Remember: window screens are designed to keep bugs out, not to keep kids in!

to learn more:Visit seattlechildrens.org/pdf/CE135.pdf.

Primary Care Clinic

Main Hospital Numbers206-987-2000866-987-2000 (Toll-free)

Online ResourcesVisit seattlechildrens.org for the following:• Child Health Advice• my Good Growing email newsletter• Doctor Finder• On The Pulse and Autism blogs• Medical condition information• Health & safety information• Ways to help Seattle Children’s• Research Institute information

• Bellevue• Everett• Federal Way

• Olympia• Tri-Cities• Wenatchee

• Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic

Heather Cooper is the Editor of Good Growing, which is produced four times a year by the Marketing Communi-cations Department of Seattle Children’s. You can fi nd Good Growing in the January, April, July and October issues of ParentMap and on our website seattlechildrens.org. For permission to reprint articles for non-commercial purposes or to receive Good Growing in an alternate format, call 206-987-5323. The inclusion of any resource or website does not imply endorsement. Your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2020 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington.

Regional Clinic LocationsQuick TipThe virus that causes COVID-19

spreads from person to person

more easily than the fl u does.

People can spread COVID-19 to

others even if they do not feel sick.

PARENTING CLASSES Autism 101

This free 90-minute lecture is designed to provide information and support to parents and families of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. A portion of each session is dedicated to answering questions from the attendees.

View dates and locations, sign up for live streaming or view a past lecture at seattlechildrens.org/autism101. Email Autism101@seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.

Autism 200 Series

Autism 200 is a series of free 90-minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand autism spectrum disorder. Each class features a different topic.

Classes are usually offered on the third Thursday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., via live streaming.

View dates and topics, sign up for live streaming or view past Autism 200 lectures at seattlechildrens.org/autism200. Email Autism200@seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.

Babysafe

Babysafe is a 4-hour class for new and expectant parents and others who care for babies. Topics include infant development, baby safety, injury prevention and care of common injuries for infants from birth through 12 months of age. Infant CPR is demonstrated and practiced, but this is not a certification class.

This class is currently available virtually via Zoom. The fee is $85 and each registration is good for 2 people from the same family. View dates at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions.

Heartsaver First Aid, CPR and AED

This video-based class for parents and caregivers covers how to treat bleeding, sprains, broken bones, shock and other first-aid emergencies. Also includes infant, child and adult CPR and AED use. Students receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid, CPR, AED course completion card that is valid for 2 years.

This class is offered in Seattle. In-person classes are on pause at this time. Please check the website for the most current information at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

This 8-hour class is for adults who regularly interact with adolescents ages 12 to 18. Youth Mental Health First Aid will improve your knowledge of mental health and substance use problems and will teach you how to connect youth with care when needed.

A virtual version of Youth Mental Health First Aid is now available for free. The date you register for is the date of the live instructor-led course. View dates at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.

CHILD, PRETEEN AND TEEN CLASSESBetter Babysitters

For youth, ages 11 to 14. Students learn about responsible babysitting, basic child development, infant and child care, safety, handling emergencies, age-appropriate toys, business tips and parent expectations.

This class is offered in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and Federal Way. In-person classes are on pause at this time. Please check the website for the most current information at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.

CPR and First Aid for Babysitters

For youth, ages 11 to 15. Topics include pediatric CPR, treatment for choking, and first-aid skills. Students receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED completion card, which is valid for 2 years.

This class is offered in Seattle. In-person classes are on pause at this time. Please check the website for the most current information at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.

The Chat

The Chat is a new online workshop series on puberty and sex that reflects the content from the in-person classes, For Boys and For Girls. Offered via Zoom, each 45-minute workshop is for preteens 10 to 12 years old, plus a parent or trusted adult..

You may take any individual workshop or all 5. If you register for all 5 events, we recommend starting with BO, Pimples and Hair — Oh My! and ending with Being Connected: Sex, Love and Everything In Between. While families can choose to attend any combination of workshops, the information in earlier sessions provides a foundation for understanding later sessions.

Classes and EventsAs the COVID-19 situation changes, we continue to adjust or postpone our classes and events to follow public health recommendations. We now offer some classes online while some are on pause. Please check our website for the latest information. Scholarships are available. If you would like to ask about a scholarship, use the contact information for the class you’re interested in to connect with the registrar.

The Chat workshop titles are: BO, Pimples and Hair — Oh My!; Girl Bodies and Beyond; Boy Bodies and Beyond; Being Together: Feelings, Friendships and Families; and Being Connected: Sex, Love and Everything In Between. The cost is $25 per workshop or the series of 5 for $100.

View dates at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions. See a trailer for The Chat at greatconversations.com.

Sibshops

Sibshops are lively peer support groups for siblings of kids with special needs. Separate sessions are held for kids 6 to 9 years old and kids 10 to 13 years old.

Sessions take place at Seattle Children’s hospital campus in Seattle at a cost of $25 per session.

View dates online at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-4133.

EVENTSFree Virtual Car Seat Checks

King County Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are offering free virtual car seat check appointments via video chat platforms. For more information, email Laura Miccile at laura.miccile@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-8664.

South County Fire and Safe Kids Snohomish County are offering free virtual car seat classes on the first and third Thursdays of the month, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Visit southsnofire.org/education/child-passenger-safety.