Are we neglecting our children?

This week some of us watched a talk show that depicted the condition of extremely neglected young children. Horrifying, disgusting, criminal and unbelievable are all words that capture how I felt watching this travesty. These innocent babies were left alone and given minimal food and water to survive. Human contact and normal rational care were absent. These victims were so poorly treated it has left them emotionally, physically, intellectually and socially retarded.

Although these were severe cases, I wondered how many of us neglect our children in small ways. How long do we leave them in front of the television so we can do ________ (fill in your blank). Are our conversations really one-sided commands or perhaps inquiries related to missing remote controls or completed homework? Do you speak with your child everyday, I mean speak with not talk to? Do you really listen? How much eye contact you have with your child? Do you regularly ask your child what happened today in their life and listen intently for the answer?

Mom are you paying attention to your children? Paying attention costs you something, Dad. You have to stop what you are doing. You have to delay your desire to Twitter, TIVO, talk on the phone or check your email. You, busy parent, have to stop cooking, cleaning, folding, searching and organizing. Pay attention!

We can do better...

Here are steps you can take to ensure you are caring for your whole child.

1. Make sure you have discussions that involve eye contact. Ask open-ended questions that initiate a discussion. Yes, I know your 4 year olds conversation about his space trip is illogical, but it means something to him. Your 2 year olds discussions are half gibberish but she is practicing -- let her.
   
2. Hug, hold and rock your child. Without the human touch some children have died. Touch is nourishment to all humans (not only babies). Try gently massaging your child, use oil or lotion.
   
3. Play with your child. Let them use their imagination to transport you to a different time and place. Play a board game, Candyland or Trouble. Play catch or go bowling.
4. Take your child to Well child checkups. A general timetable is:
   

• 2 days old
  
• 2 weeks old
  
• 1 month old
  
• 2 months old
  
• 4 months old
  
• 6 months old
  
• 9 months old
  
• 12 months old
  
• 15 months old
  
• 18 months old
  
• 2 years old, thereafter annually
  

Let's not simply keep the children alive, let's be excellent parents. There will be more tips to come, but this week let's at least do one of the activities mentioned above.

All the best,