Parent Engagement Tips November 2020

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Carbon monoxide alarms 

To protect your family, you need to have both smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. CO alarms are not just a good idea, they are the law. In Ontario, working CO alarms must be outside all sleeping areas when a home has a fireplace, fuel-burning appliance, or an attached garage.

CO is a highly poisonous gas, produced as a by-product when common fuel burning appliances don’t get enough air to burn completely. You can’t see, smell, or taste CO. It is virtually undetectable without a working CO alarm. CO alarms also expire and should be replaced as directed by the manufacturer.

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning:

  • headaches
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • breathlessness
  • collapse
  • loss of consciousness
  • death

Have appliances checked annually by a certified technician. If your CO alarm is sounding, react immediately: exit the home with children and pets, and call 911 from a safe location outside the home.

Practice calming strategies

Our job as parents is to help teach our children the skills they need to calm themselves down when they get upset. We help them adjust to new challenges or expectations, and along the way, we teach them ways to handle their frustration without outbursts. We also try to limit their exposure to stress they cannot handle. There are many ways in which we can manage anxious thoughts and practice calming strategies. Some practices include belly breathing, focusing on comfort items (like a photo or worry stone), using a worry jar, and practicing progressive muscle relaxation. Practice some of these strategies with your children at home. 

When feeling unwell

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us some important lessons! One important one is to stay home when you are not feeling well. Both children and adults can spread illnesses that can make others sick. 

If you are feeling unwell, follow the steps below:

  • Stay home unless seeking medical care.
  • If you or your child are sick, ensure you get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medicines as needed to manage symptoms and advised by your pharmacist or health care provider.
  • Contact your health care provider if you are concerned about your or your child’s health.

For further information on common infections and your child, visit the Common infections and your child page on the Caring for Kids website.

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