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Halloween is a fun-filled time for kids and parents, from the candy to the costumes. Here’s how to make it a safe, trick-free treat.

Dressing Your Little Ghouls & Goblins

• Choose a light-colored costume that’s easy to see at night. Add reflective or glow-in-the-dark tape to the costume and the trick-or-treat bag.
• Only buy costumes labeled flame-retardant. This means the material won’t burn. If you make your costume, use nylon or polyester materials, which are flame-retardant.
• Ensure wigs and beards don’t cover your kids’ eyes, noses, or mouths.
• Masks can make it hard for kids to see and breathe. Instead, try using non-toxic face paint or makeup.
• Don’t use colored or decorative contact lenses, unless a licensed eye doctor prescribes them.
• Put a nametag with your phone number on your children’s costumes.
• To prevent falls, avoid oversized and high-heeled shoes. Make sure the rest of the costume fits well, too.
• Make sure that props your kids carry, such as wands or swords, are short and flexible.

Trick-or-Treating Basics Kids under age 12 should:

• always go trick-or-treating with an adult
• know how to call 911 in case they get lost
• know their home phone number or your cellphone number if you don’t have a landline

Older kids who go out on their own should:

• know their planned route and when they’ll be coming home
• carry a cellphone
• go in a group and stay together
• only go to houses with porch lights on
• stay away from candles and other flames
• know to never go into strangers’ homes or cars

For all kids:

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, the risk of kids being hit by a car is higher on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Make sure all kids:

• walk on sidewalks on lit streets
• walk from house to house (never run) and always walk facing traffic when walking on roads
• cross the street at crosswalks and never assume that vehicles will stop
• Give kids flashlights with fresh batteries. Kids may also enjoy wearing glow sticks as bracelets or necklaces.
• Limit trick-or-treating to your neighborhood and the homes of people you know.

When kids get home:

• Help them check all treats to make sure they’re sealed. Throw out candy with torn packages or holes, spoiled items, and any homemade treats that weren’t made by someone you know.
• Don’t let young children have hard candy or gum that could cause choking.
• Have kids wash their hands before eating, and don’t forget to make sure they brush their teeth.

Keep Visiting Ghouls Safe Too!

Make sure trick-or-treaters are safe when visiting your home, too. Remove anything that could cause them to trip or fall on your walkway or lawn. Make sure the lights are on outside your house. Light the walkway to your door, if possible. Keep family pets away from trick-or-treaters, even if they seem harmless to you.

Halloween Goodies — What You Give Out and What Kids Get

• Make Halloween fun for all — including kids with food allergies. Consider buying Halloween treats other than candy. Stickers, erasers, crayons, pencils, coloring books, and sealed packages of raisins and dried fruits are good choices.
• As you check what your kids brought home, keep track of how much candy they got and store it somewhere other than their bedrooms. Consider being somewhat lenient about candy eating on Halloween, within reason, and talk about how the rest of the candy will be handled. Let kids have one or two treats a day instead of leaving candy out in big bags or bowls for kids to eat whenever they want. Adults should practice flexible thinking to make sure all children visiting your doorstep feel welcomed and included!

Keep in Mind to be Kind!

Adults should practice flexible thinking to make sure all children visiting your doorstep feel welcomed and included!

• A child who doesn’t say “trick-or-treat” may have communication differences.
• A child taking a while to choose their candy may be practicing their executive functioning skills.
• A child who takes more than one piece of candy may not understand unspoken trick-or-treat expectations.
• A child without a costume may have sensory differences.
• A teen trick-or-treating may need to enjoy being a kid a little bit longer. Halloween is many little ones’ favorite time of year. Following these tips can help keep them safe so they can focus on the magic.

Halloween is many little ones’ favorite time of year. Following these tips can help keep them safe so they can focus on the magic.

When your teen gets a driver’s license, it’s important to set some rules of the road beyond the relevant driving laws. By clearly defining your expectations before you hand over the car keys, you’ll reduce the risk of frustrating conflicts, costly crashes, and other problems. What’s more, you’ll feel more confident about your teen’s safety.

Set rules to cover a range of factors, such as seatbelts, passengers, curfews, and dealing with distractions like smartphones and other devices. Try to involve your teen in creating the rules and consequences.

Topics to consider include:

Distractions

Ban multitasking behind the wheel, whether text messaging, making phone calls, or operating a GPS. Give your teen alternatives to these bad habits, like pulling into a parking lot to answer and make calls, and checking directions or setting GPS before leaving for an unfamiliar place. Be sure to set a good example in the way you handle distractions while driving.

Passengers

Many states restrict the number or ages of passengers that teens can have when they first get their license. Learn the rules in your state and consider adding others based on your child’s driving experience, temperament, and the driving situations likely to occur.

You might want to start by not letting your teen drive with friends, then loosening the restriction as your teen gains experience and comfort. But remember: the more teen passengers in the car, the greater the crash risk.

Nighttime Driving

Ease teens into driving after dark. While many states’ provisional licenses don’t require teens to be home until midnight, you might want to set an earlier curfew, then extend it as you see fit. Driving at night is riskier than daytime driving for all drivers, and even more dangerous for new drivers.

Speeding

Make sure your teen driver understands the consequences of speeding — how it can lead to potentially deadly crashes, costly tickets, points added to a driver’s license, and revoked driving privileges. Consider making your young driver responsible for paying speeding tickets and any insurance rate hikes they cause.

Seatbelts

Studies show that teens are the least likely age group to wear seatbelts, so it’s important to stress the importance of wearing them. Make buckling up a rule for your teen and all passengers. Nearly every state fines drivers and passengers for not wearing seatbelts, sometimes as much as $200!

Drinking and Driving

Teens should understand that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol — or getting in the car with someone who is — can be a fatal mistake. Encourage teens to call you for a ride — regardless of the time or whether they’re somewhere off-limits — and promise to withhold punishment and questions.

Schoolwork and Other Responsibilities

Consider making driving a privilege based on whether your teen keeps good grades or meets other responsibilities, like doing chores.

Vehicle Maintenance

Teach your teen basic car maintenance that will keep the car safe and prevent breakdowns, such as:

• checking the fuel level
• maintaining proper tire pressure (check monthly) and visually inspecting tires each time the vehicle is driven
• checking fluids (oil, brake, power steering, windshield washer)
• oil change every 3,000 miles or as recommended in the owner’s manual
• keeping mirrors and windows clean (inside and out)

Review tasks like reading a tire gauge and checking oil — first demonstrating, then supervising as your teen does it. Keep a notebook in the glove compartment to keep track of when oils, fluids, and air pressure are checked.

Weather Conditions

Set ground rules with your teen about which conditions are OK to drive in and which aren’t. Explain that if he or she is driving and a strong storm starts, it makes sense to pull off the roadway and wait it out — even if curfew is compromised because of bad weather, safety always comes first.

What Else Should I Know?

Consider putting the rules in writing by creating a Driver Agreement that clearly states the rules and the consequences for not following them. This eliminates gray areas and stresses that you take the rules seriously and your teen should too. The CDC has a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement you can download and use, or you can make your own.

And from time to time, get in the passenger seat while your teen drives. This will give you a sense of how comfortable he or she is behind the wheel — and how comfortable you are handing over the keys. Creating rules for the road now can help build a foundation for safe driving that your teen will have forever.

It is hard to find a teenager not on social media. It is a big part of their daily lives and interactions with others. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, up to 95% of young people aged 13-17 report using a social media platform. Nearly two-thirds say they use social media daily, and one-third say they use it “almost constantly.”

Dr. Nashedra Barry, a psychologist at Children’s of Alabama, says parents should know that social media can bring benefits and risks to teenagers. She says it can be used to connect with friends and family and as a creative outlet for kids. However, she warns that too much social media can lead to negative consequences.

“Too much social media could lead to children no longer prioritizing things like sleep and physical activity,” said Barry. “It can also open children up to cyberbullying and access to information that they may not necessarily be ready to understand just yet.”

Barry says parents can monitor their child’s social media use by using parental controls. This way, they can see if their child is accessing inappropriate information. Another way is for parents to make sure their children understand that you respect their privacy but want to make sure they are staying safe. Parents can tell their children it is okay to be nice, not to “friend” strangers, and to use privacy settings.

Experts are also linking too much social media use to affecting a child’s mental health. Earlier this year, the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murthy, called on Congress to put a warning label on social media platforms, warning about the dangers to the mental health of children and teenagers. In an opinion piece, he said that social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. If parents learn of cyberbullying, harassment, or any other problem on social media, they can report it to school staff, the social media platform, or local law enforcement. If a parent becomes worried about their child’s mental health, talk to their pediatrician. Barry also encourages parents to be role models for their children regarding social media use.

“Smart social media use can start with parents modeling that for their children,” said Barry. “Parents should make sure they are not over-consuming social media or spending too much time on their phones. It can be difficult to get that point across to your children if you are having an issue with too much screen time yourself.”

Another recommendation is that parents consider making a household plan for social media use. The American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan tool lets parents set household rules for social media use.

For more information on what parents can do to help their children with social media use, click here.

We’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the histories, cultures and contributions of our employees from Central and South America, Mexico and Spain. At Children’s of Alabama, we are united in our mission and dedication in providing the finest pediatric healthcare to all children. Each of the employees featured here contribute to our core values of trust, teamwork, compassion, innovation and commitment. We thank them for sharing their stories of inspiration and impact.

Isabella Robles Sanchez, RN– Rheumatology Clinic Nurse

What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?

I am so proud of my Colombian heritage. The Colombian culture is so vibrant, hospitable, strong, resilient and beautiful. My family always made it a point to keep the culture in our household and taught me how important it was to conserve that in my daily life.

What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?

I am passionate about helping the Latino population in the health care setting making them feel comfortable and seen. I hope to continue to serve my patients and families well and be an asset to my team. I want to inspire others to be resilient and to pursue their dreams even in adversaries.

What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?

I had always known I wanted to work with kids but after completing my clinical rotations at Children’s of Alabama, I knew it was the place I wanted to work. The environment was colorful, friendly, and inviting and I wanted to be a part of an organization that promoted health and happiness. I wanted to make a difference in these family’s lives.

Who are some Latinos or Latinas that have inspired you?

I would definitely have to say my parents. When we immigrated to this country 23 years ago, they came with the mindset of giving me a better future. They worked hard to get me where I am today. They faced a lot of adversaries, but their faith and strength kept them going. They inspire me to work hard and serve people well.

A nutritious lunch is key to a child’s success at school. A well-rounded and healthy lunch gives children the energy they need to learn and grow throughout the day. Packing a tasty and nutritious meal also helps them develop good eating habits that will stay with them as they grow. Studies show that children who eat well at a young age are more likely to continue these habits in the future.

Michelle Jeffcoat, Clinical Nutrition Manager at Children’s of Alabama, shares knowledge on properly packing a school lunchbox while teaching your kids healthy eating habits. A common concern when discussing why healthy meals are important for children is proper ratios of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Jeffcoat says, “Don’t focus on ratios for kids. Focus on incorporating healthy foods to establish healthy habits while also providing the energy kids need to get through the day.” She also recommends resources available at https://www.myplate.gov/ for guidance on appropriate nutrition for children.

Knowing what to pack in a child’s lunchbox can be challenging. Jeffcoat emphasizes the importance of creating a balanced meal for children that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and even items that may be a little higher in sugar, like sweets, or less dense snacks, such as chips. Jeffcoat adds, “In our current culture, many foods can be labeled in the media and on social media as “good” or “bad,” and this can be misleading. It’s important to teach children (without any existing health conditions or allergies), that there are no foods to specifically avoid.” This will enable them to build healthy eating habits and a good relationship with food.

Food safety is also a factor to consider when packing a lunchbox. Certain foods kept in unsafe temperatures can lead to the growth of bacteria and cause illness if consumed. “Any fresh meats, cheeses, dairy and other foods that require refrigeration should not be kept at room temperature for more than 4 hours at a time,” Jeffcoat shares. Fortunately, the state of Alabama follows the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, which make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school children every day. All school lunches must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Federal Nutrition Standards, so school lunches can be a good option to ensure children get a balanced and fresh meal daily.

It all started in the summer of 1997 when four camp counselors at YMCA Camp Cosby were killed on their night off after a train collided with their car. The camp didn’t have bereavement resources and began to scramble to seek next steps amidst this tragedy. One of the camp counselors who was tragically killed was named Amelia Elliot. Amelia’s parents teamed up with Children’s of Alabama Pastoral Care to explore the idea of a grief resource center for bereaved children and parents. Twenty-seven years later, the impact is enormous; over 1,000 people receive bereavement care each year from The Amelia Center.

The Amelia Center is focused on providing three main services:

• Individual Counseling: Through the individual counseling program, counselors walk with children aged five and above who have lost a loved one. The program provides services to families free of charge and is tailored to each child. “Each person’s grief journey is unique, and we try to honor that,” said Matthew Bunt, M.Ed., LPC-S, a counselor at the Amelia Center. “We also know that grief is not time-limited, so we want to be here for the long haul. So as things come up down the road, the door is always open for them to return.” Counselors also see bereaved parents who have lost a child and are not limited to the parent’s age – they even see people in their 90s. Both a bereaved child and parent receive individual care to help walk through the different types of grief.
• Support Groups: Various support groups meet depending on need, but some ongoing groups include infant loss, family groups that include both the parent or caregiver and child, teen guys groups, and more. Activities like yoga, drum circles, movie groups and horse riding help process grief in an active way. “Really, anything that makes it okay to talk about the person who died helps,” said Matthew. These groups usually meet about once a month and come at no charge.
• Training and Education: The team of counselors will visit schools in and around Birmingham and train their faculty on steps to take in the event of a death of a student or faculty member. This is incredibly valuable for making schools aware of bereavement and the resources that are available in town.

The Amelia Center implements several ways to express confusing feelings of grief, like making memory boxes, playing in the sand tray, creating memory stones to place at their loved one’s grave, and even playing basketball to get them moving while sharing uncomfortable feelings of grief. “It opens the door for them to be able to process well when they might not be able to use their words,” said Matthew. Normalizing grief and knowing there are others feeling the same emotions is one of the most important parts of bereavement therapy.

It’s helpful for families to “turn the chapter” after the death of a loved one, and the Amelia Center is a wonderful resource to walk into the next chapter of life.

Spending time in the sun is a great way to enjoy a warm day with your family, but it’s important to be mindful of the potential skin health risks. There are many quick and effective ways to prevent skin damage, such as using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing and ensuring that children stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. By taking these precautions, families can safely enjoy their time outdoors and avoid the harmful effects of strong UV rays.

Sunscreen Guide

Children have very sensitive skin, so choosing the right type of sunscreen for their skin type can be challenging. Here are some things that can help: the higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the more protection is received from the sun. It is recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Dr. Peily Soong, a pediatrician at Children’s of Alabama, shares advice on using sunscreen properly. “Generally, you should apply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors. However, if you’re sweating or swimming, you should apply it more often. Sunscreens are not towel proof, so if you dry off with a towel, you should reapply sunscreen.”

How to Treat a Sunburn

When a child gets a sunburn, it is important to begin treatment quickly to reduce pain and prevent further skin damage. “Most sunburn treatments are geared towards symptom relief of pain and discomfort. Ibuprofen can help with pain relief. Cool baths and aloe lotions can also help treat the pain and discomfort of sunburns. If blisters occur, do not pop them as they do help the healing skin underneath it to keep from getting infected,” said Dr. Soong. A good start to relieving a sunburn is to apply a cold, damp cloth to the affected areas to reduce heat and swelling. Next, a gentle moisturizer, preferably one with aloe vera, is a great way to soothe a child’s skin and help prevent future peeling. Ensuring the child is drinking plenty of water will help with hydration, as sunburn can cause dehydration more easily than normal.

Risks

Remember, sunburn can lead to serious health risks, especially for children. The more sunburns a child experiences, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer. That’s why applying sunscreen with a high enough SPF to your child’s skin is essential.

Hydration is more than just quenching a child’s thirst; it’s a simple habit that can be implemented into their everyday routine to keep their body fueled, muscles strong and brain functioning. Staying hydrated is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Whether they play sports, or just trying to keep a healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated is important. 

Encourage your kids that water is a great source to help them stay hydrated. Making sure they drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep fueling their body is very important. Hydration is especially key when they are outside for a long period of time, vacationing in a hot environment or at an outdoor sporting events.

Signs of dehydration

• Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or tired
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dry lips and mouth
• Crankiness
• Drowsiness or dizziness

What to do when experiencing dehydration symptoms:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Find fluids that contain electrolytes
• Try to get in a cool location out of the sun

Medical attention is needed when:

• Lethargic
• Muscle twitching
• Feeling nausea
• Dizziness

Positive vs. Negative Hydration Drinks

Water, sugar and salt all help the body absorb fluids, which can be found added all together into one sports drink. However, most “healthy” sports drinks contain too much sugar and not enough electrolytes. This makes it hard for the body to replenish itself of what it really needs. Energy drinks and vitamin waters are typically mistaken for a good source of electrolytes and hydration, especially during sports or high-energy level activities. It is proven that the best way for children to get their vitamins and energy from a balanced diet. See below for some drink options for proper hydration.

Drinks for proper hydration:

• Water
• Coconut water
• Gatorade, the lower the sugar the better like Gatorade Zero
• Pedialyte
• Propel

Avoid these:

• Energy Drinks like Monster, Bang, Alani Nu, Prime
• Coffee
• Sodas

A stay at the hospital can bring a lot of mixed emotions for children, especially if they need to have surgery. We want your child to feel as stress-free and comfortable as possible during their time at Children’s of Alabama, so we have brought in expert help to build a surgery packing checklist. “We want to normalize the hospital environment,” said Leigh Dees, a child life specialist in one-day surgery. “Anything that will help pass the time is great to pack.”

Keep reading for a list of items Leigh and our team of child life specialists believe will bring comfort to your child as they are recovering from surgery.

• Weighted blanket: A weighted blanket is a great way for your child to feel safe while they are at the hospital. Weighted blankets are proven to relieve stress and increase your child’s sense of calm and are known to benefit people with anxiety and insomnia. Researchers have also found that weighted blankets relieve the reception of pain. Resting after a surgery is very important, and a weighted blanket can improve your child’s sleep while they recover.
• Headphones: Noises of the hospital can become very overwhelming for your child, especially if they are recovering from surgery. Noise-cancelling headphones allow your child to block out stressful noises like a beeping machine or unnecessary chatter. Putting on soft piano or jazz music can increase your child’s mood and allow them to focus on something other than the pain.
• Stuffed animals: It’s important to remember how special the connection is between a child and their stuffed animal, specifically in stressful situations. Giving your child something soft and cuddly to squeeze is clinically proven to relieve stress and makes your child feel protected. This a big moment in your child’s, and having a stuffed animal gives your child an emotional support partner to stick with them throughout their hospital journey.
• Coloring book: Once your child is feeling up to sitting up and wants to do an activity, a coloring book is the perfect solution. This permits your child to express creativity and has proven to relieve stress in both children and adults. This is an excellent way to take your child’s mind off the pain and take their mind off the anxiety that comes with a hospital stay.
• New clothing item: Children love sporting their favorite movie character, sports team or favorite color, and this can bring comfort to them during their hospital stay. Surprising your child with new t-shirt, hoodie, bathrobe or sweatpants can bring comfort and joy to them. Sometimes hospital gowns can become uncomfortable for sensitive children, and a soft clothing item will help keep your child feel secure.
• Slippers: Slippers are a wonderful way to warm your child’s feet and bring joy at the same time. Fun character slippers, like bear paws, are great for when your child might begin walking again after their surgery, to keep their feet warm when walking on cold hospital floors. Kids love tacky slippers, so it’s also a great way to make your child laugh or be able to express humor in a stressful time.
• iPad or Tablet: Depending on your child’s age, an iPad is great tool after surgery. They can watch movies or play games during recovery. Distraction is a positive technique for children who are experiencing pain or are overwhelmed by their hospital stay. Keeping your child’s mind occupied helps reduce anxiety and create a positive mood.

If your child utilizes a communication device, be sure to pack this as well. We want each patient to be able to communicate how they are feeling during their stay. The child life team is also equipped with items to adhere to all five senses. “We have a lot of age-appropriate check-out bins for kids,” said Leigh. These might include sticker scene books, Lego boxes or toys. 

Children’s also provides the Sensory Pathway, which walks through what you should expect for your child’s surgery and details items child life specialists can supply. Visit the website to learn more about how you can prepare your child for their surgery: https://www.childrensal.org/services/sensory-pathway.