Toddlers and Depression

Believe it or not there is a rising epidemic of depression among toddlers in North America. It is depressing in itself to think that they can suffer from it at all but apparently many toddlers can get the blues.

Many studies conducted since the 1990s show that clinical depression is a disease that can attack all ages. Depression and thoughts of suicide can plague a child as young as two years old and torture them the same way they do an adult or teenager. 

An ongoing study being conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Washington School of Medicine is finding that there are more toddlers and preschoolers with depression then we think. Their findings about toddlers and preschoolers with depression were so concerning that it has prompted a major Surgeon General Report to be conducted about the state of children's mental health in the United States. 

According to the National Mental Health Association, a whopping one in three children in the United suffers from depression.  The results of these types of studies are thought to be comparable to what is going on in other countries in the world.

 Unfortunately if your kid is depressed it can be a lot harder to diagnose then it is for an adult as so often it is interpreted as misbehavior stubbornness or even a low intelligence quotient. Like adults, toddlers and preschoolers lose all interest in activities that they used to enjoy when they are depressed. They also become lethargic, withdrawn and irritable. A depressed toddler may also cry a lot, lack enthusiasm be impatient and irritable and always be tired.

The child may also withdraw from favorite family, friends or activities. Toddlers that are depressed may also have trouble sleeping or sleep all day. Many of them suffer form excess weight gain or weight loss. The toddler who is depressed may whine more or need more attention. Frequent complaints of physical problems, such as stomachaches and headaches can also indicate depression. 

Depression in toddlers can also mimic learning disorders, regression, and lack of concentration and memory loss. In severe cases the child may talk morbidly or try to harm oneself or others during play. Trying to harm or a kill a pet is also a symptom.  If you see these symptoms take the kid to a doctor. It does not mean you are a bad parent! However before you rush your child to a doctor keep in mind that kids have ups and downs just like adults. The above symptoms become pathological when they begin to have some duration.

Displaying any of the above symptoms for a day is not the same as displaying them for weeks on end and that is what you mainly have to watch for.  According to a report done by the United States Surgeon General any child that displays depressed symptoms for more than two weeks needs to see a doctor. According to the same report the average duration of depression in a toddler usually lasts from seven to nine months.

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Keep Kids Hydrated with Popsicles

Keep Kids Hydrated With Popsicles

Sometimes I worry that I can't get my kids to consume what should be about four or five glasses of water a day. Keeping hydrated is just as important for little bodies as it is adults. This is especially important to think about in the near future as scientists are predicting one of the hottest summers on record this year.

It's hard for adults to sit there and drink their full eight glasses of day so how do you convince a fussy toddler or 'busy' six year old to drink up to five or six glasses a day. Then it occurred to me that the answer is probably – popsicles.

My kids love popsicles and the more brightly colored they are, the better!

Of course, not just any Popsicle will do here. It has to be made from more than just sugar and water like the commercial popsicles are. They have to be nutritious.

One of the most nutritious popsicles I could think of would be ones made with fruit juice and milk swirled together to make a healthy version of a Creamsicle. Of course there are also all kinds of vitamin enriched juices on the market that make a delicious homemade Popsicle as well. An interesting idea might be to try making popsicles with vitamin enriched waters, which are also now readily available in supermarkets.

On super hot days you can prevent your child from become dehydrated by making frozen treats out of Gatorade. Making old fashioned home made lemonade and adding a dash of salt to it can also help your child from becoming overheated and also supply a generous dose of Vitamin C.

Almost no kid can resist a homemade frozen treat that is made with Jello. The great thing about Jello powder is that it is not too sweet and that you can use less than the package indicated to make those brightly colored popsicles that children find so attractive. You can also make delicious low fat popsicles using the chocolate Jello powder. They will be especially nourishing if you use whole milk.

You can buy all kinds of plastic molds that can be used to make your own popsicles at places like Wal-Mart or Zellers and sometimes you can even get them in a grocery store. The key is to get a durable set that is not made of plastic that is too soft because kids love to chew on the 'stems' of the Popsicle handles. Try to get the kind that has a handle with a large beveled bowl where the Popsicle attaches to the stick to prevent drips. Wooden Popsicle sticks are not such a hot idea as littler kids like to chew on them and this can cause splintering and possible injury to the tongue.

Not that this tip has much to do with hydration but while we are on the topic of frozen treats, a frozen banana is a healthy treat to give a toddler. Not only is it nutritious but also gnawing on it can ease the pain of teeth that are coming in.

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