Caring for the Young Caring for the Young

Caring for the Young

Caring for the Young • As a PSW, you will be expected to care and support client’s of all ages. • You may work in a setting that requires you to work with infants, children, teens and their families • Children may: – Be ill – Have developmental disabilities – Have physical disabilities • Always promote DIPPS

Caring for the Young PSW ROLE • Providing a safe, stable and secure environment for the family by doing the following: – Developing positive relationships with family members – Maintaining daily routines/rules – Identifying and reporting stressful situations WHAT SITUATIONS MUST BE REPORTED? – See Pg 244

Caring for the Young DISCIPLINE & PUNISHMENT • Follow and reinforce the rules of the home using proper discipline. • Be aware of your role when disciplining a child • Discipline: – – Teaches responsible behaviour Sets limits Provides guidelines Should be consistent • Consequences should be the same • Praise proper and acceptable behaviour • Punishment is not your responsibility

Caring for the Young SUPPORTING THE CHALLENGING CHILD • • Many kids that are raised in troubled environments become troubled themselves. They may be: – Verbally aggressive – Resistant to rules/regulations – Difficulty forming bonds Children may act out to express their feelings of: – Anger – Guilt See pg 247 Box 16 -2 – Fear 12 Principles – Shame Or because they are : – Tired – Overwhelmed – Unwell – Going through loss/change – Having problems at school (bullying/peer pressure/difficulty learning)

Caring for the Young MEETING NUTRITION NEEDS • Infants and children require proper nutrition for G & D, however, this is not always an easy task! • As a PSW, you must be aware of the challenges facing today’s youth. – Children that live in poverty and have barriers to healthy eating (1. 2 million) are more likely to have chronic health problems, difficulty at school, and poor self esteem. – Obesity is increasing in Canadian children d/t poor eating habits and lack of exercise. – Many young people are concerned about body image – Cultural diversity

Caring for the Young HELPING A CHILD EAT WELL • Set the stage for pleasant mealtimes – – Plan family meals at regular times Meals should be positive/conflict free Avoid distractions Adults should be role models for proper behaviour • Avoid power struggles/Trust child’s food choices – Let the child gage their own hunger – Promote healthy food choices/be a role model – Try not to give into demands

Caring for the Young HELPING A CHILD EAT WELL • Adjust your approach based on the child’s age – Infants eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full, feed on demand, not on a schedule – Introduce new foods to a child in a positive, comfortable, relaxed manner – Children may have to be offered new foods 10 -15 times before trying it • Get help if needed – Call your supervisor if you are concerned about: • Wt loss/gain • Negative mealtimes • Eating disorders

Caring for the Young PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM INJURY • As a PSW you are responsible for protecting the child you are caring for from: – – – Falls Burns Poisoning Choking Abuse • Ensure that you are aware of the developmental tasks for the age group. • This can help predict what injuries a child may be prone to.

Caring for the Young PREVENTING INFECTIONS • A child’s immune system develops over time. • Immunity builds as exposure increases • Children are more at risk if they have: – Physical disabilities – Developmental disabilities – Immuno-compromised • As a PSW make sure to WASH YOUR HANDS to prevent the spread of infection • Be sure to wash toys & personal care items as well

Caring for the Young VACCINATIONS • Canadian infants & children require vaccinations for several diseases • Vaccines are so effective that most of the diseases they prevent are now very rare in Canada • The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the risks • There is no proven medical research that links autism with vaccinations • See www. phac-aspc. gc. ca/im/is-cv/index-eng. php • VIDEO – Penn & Teller

Immunization Schedule for Infants & Children

Caring for the Young TOP 5 REASONS KIDS MISS SCHOOL 1. URI’s – – Kids get 6 -10 colds/yr More severe/longer lasting than adults Cold medication is very strongly discouraged Never give ASA 2. Gastroenteritis – – Viral or stress induced Vomiting/diarrhea Possible dehydration Clear to DAT

Caring for the Young 1. Otitis Media – – – Common under the age of 2 Can be cause by URI’s or allergies Can be viral or bacterial 2. Conjunctivitis – – Can be viral or bacterial Very highly contagious 3. Sore throat – – – Usually caused by virus Associated with URI’s Watch for fever associated with sore throat

Caring for the Young • Keep children home for at least 24 hrs if they have: – – Fever Vomiting/ diarrhea Strep throat Conjuntivitis • Despite our best efforts, kids will get sick!