Canyon View Pediatrics – Canyon View Medical

What Your Pediatrician Has in Her Medicine Cabinet (For the Kids)

Posted on January 19, 2022January 17, 2023 by Avery Dustin

Is your medicine cabinet a jumble of bottles, with some expired medications drying up in the back? Have you ever had a child sick in the middle of the night and had to send someone out in the cold to pick up something for a bit of relief? Pediatricians often call the winter months “respiratory season” because of the seasonal spikes in viral illnesses, so consider doing a quick check on your medicine cabinet so you can be prepared. Here is what I have in my home, regardless of the time of year.

Multivitamins

Even with a varied diet, it can be hard to get all the recommended nutrients every day. The AAP recommends breastfed babies receive 400 IU of vitamin D supplementation, and all children and adolescents 1 year and older receive 600 IU of vitamin D. This is especially important for Utahns because while many Americans are vitamin D deficient, we are at even higher risk in the high latitudes of Utah. Bone density increases fastest during growth in childhood and adolescence, so take advantage of that by adding calcium too–especially during puberty! Consider providing these nutrients through a multivitamin, especially if your child has picky eating habits.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen is great at reducing fevers and pain. Children as young as 3 months of age can safely take acetaminophen for teething, fevers with illnesses, or other fussiness you may think may be pain-related. Under 3 months of age, you should talk to your pediatrician first. A fever in this age group should be evaluated immediately. Also talk to your doctor first if your child has a history of liver disease or injury.

Ibuprofen (Motrin)

I am a fan of acetaminophen and an even BIGGER fan of ibuprofen. For children 6 months and older, I usually grab this one first. Ibuprofen also treats fevers and pain, and at higher doses has anti-inflammatory effects too. When kids have pain in their bones or muscles, I usually recommend this as the first-line medication offered. Talk to your doctor first if your child has a history of kidney disease or if you are concerned about them being severely dehydrated.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Diphenhydramine is a powerhouse medication with many uses. While I hope you don’t need it often, I have it in my medicine cabinet just in case. It can be used for allergies, itching, allergic reactions, motion sickness, severe sleep issues (clear this one with your doctor first), and even helps treat migraines.

Honey

Ok, this is not a medication, but have you ever had a bad cold and been soothed by a spoonful of honey either swallowed straight or mixed into warm tea? When prescription medications are not needed, it is so great to have other options, so try this for a cough or sore throat. Just remember, infants under 1 year of age should never be given any honey or honey products because of their risk for botulism.

Bonus: Nasal Aspirator

Another non-medication, but WOW, these are great for all of our sick and snotty babies! The Nose Frida and NeilMed Naspira are some of my favorites because you control the strength of the suction, and they disassemble easily for thorough cleaning between uses. A good nasal suction can sometimes keep a baby out of the doctor’s office, and while we love to see you, your sweet baby may rather stay at home. Pair its use with nasal saline drops or saline spray to break up that snot and increase your suction superhero powers. Nasal saline can also be very effective on its own for children who are older or do not tolerate suction.

For your child’s dosing of the medications listed, check out our Dosage Charts. And if you ever have questions or concerns about your child’s illness, the pediatricians at Canyon View Pediatrics are here for you. We can clarify your child’s appropriate dosing for medications, provide recommendations on how to use them, and determine if other treatments, such as antibiotics, are needed as well. And remember to always keep your medications (including those vitamins) in a safe and secure place away from your child’s reach. If you have a concern about accidental consumption, call us right away, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Sarah Tang, MD

Canyon View Pediatrics

Spanish Fork, UT

Kids Who Count

Posted on November 3, 2021December 7, 2022 by Avery Dustin

As a pediatrician, one of my passions is advocating for the health and well-being of children.

Having cared for many children during my ten years in the Navy on active duty and my five years at Canyon View Pediatrics, I’ve realized that often our goal shouldn’t be forcing children to be a certain way but embracing all that they can become. Since moving to South Utah County 5 years ago, I’ve put this philosophy into action by serving on the Board of Directors for Kids Who Count.

Kids Who Count is a non-profit organization serving Nebo SchoolDistrict. The group is dedicated to bringing minimal to no cost early intervention services to children 0 to 3 years old who have delays in speaking, walking, or social development. Over the last year, following many years of planning and organization, I’ve also been able to bring Autism treatment services to the area, allowing families to find help closer to home instead of traveling to Provo, Lehi, or even further.

Learn more about Kids Who Count.

4-H

Posted on November 3, 2021December 7, 2022 by Avery Dustin

4-H

My name is Natalie Banks. I have been a medical assistant since 1999, working with Dr. McVey in our Spanish Fork Pediatrics office for the past four years. I am married to Norman Banks, a life-long native of Palmyra, Utah, and together we have six children. We live on a 5th generation family farm where we raise and sell seed stock Simmental and Angus Bulls around the country. We also raise and sell show pigs for Junior Livestock shows around the state. We keep busy as the local 4-H club leaders in Palmyra and are proud that we just hosted the 65th Annual Palmyra Community Jr. Livestock Show in April!

We appreciate the support Canyon View Medical Group provides as a Utah State Junior Livestock Show sponsor each year. Our children breed, raise and train their own steers, heifers, pigs, lambs, and goats to show throughout the state of Utah from April to September of each year. Show kids and their livestock compete and are ranked on their marketability and showmanship skills. They can win buckles, ribbons, prizes, and cash. At the end of these shows, they participate in an auction where they get to sell their projects to raise money for their college education!

Newborn Diaper Care

Posted on September 21, 2021January 17, 2023 by Avery Dustin

What is in my baby’s diaper…?

When babies are born, we spend a lot of time loving their beautiful faces, but a lot of their care seems to be for their bottoms! A newborn baby typically has 8 to 12 diaper changes in a day—while a person might know a lot about what happens down there, as a parent of a newborn, you may be surprised by what you find. Hearing about it early may help calm some of those middle-of-the-night panic moments. Here are some common findings, questions, and even surprises that may come up during your baby’s diaper change.

Urinating

How often should your baby pee? Your baby should work up to at least 5 to 6 wet diapers per day. A good rule of thumb is Days of Life = Number of Diapers. So 1st day of life, have 1 wet diaper; 2nd day of life, 2 wet diapers; and so on until he reaches 5-6 wet diapers per day from then on. Decreased wet diapers may be the first sign of dehydration, so if you see that your baby isn’t peeing as much as usual, consider shortening those feeding intervals and feeding her more often. If it is a big or persistent drop, she isn’t acting well, or you have other concerns, seek medical attention right away.

Sometimes, in a baby’s urine, you’ll see an orange tinge or even a little pile of orange dust! This is caused by urate crystals. Urate crystals occur because newborn urine is more concentrated in the first few days of life. If you see these, it will likely be in the first week of life. Sometimes, this is referred to as “brick dust” because it often sits on top of the diaper.

Poop

Ahh, poop. I never thought poop would be so important in my medical or parenting career, but the newborn phase is the new parent’s inauguration into the poop obsession club.

Your newborn’s poop will start out as sticky, black/dark green meconium, which will go away by his 4th day of life. After that, diaper changes will be less sticky and tricky. His poop may then be various shades of green, yellow, or brown. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby’s meconium has not transitioned by the 4th or 5th day of life.

Unlike wet diapers, we worry less about how many dirty diapers each baby has. He may poop with every feeding or just every few days. Pooping might even take a bit of effort, accompanied by a red face and a little cry. (It is hard to bear down and relax at the same time!) But if your little one is otherwise happy and gaining weight appropriately, we will be happy too.

So when will your pediatrician REALLY worry about poop? If it is red or black like new blood or old blood, or chalky white, which means it could be missing bile. If there are tiny drops of blood in your baby’s poop, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. But if you see lots of blood or white-colored stool in your baby’s diaper, he should be seen by a medical professional immediately.

Is that blood down there??

Occasionally, a parent is put in shock from seeing blood in the front of the diaper. Where does this come from?

In baby girls, blood may come from the vagina. Your little girl is born with functioning reproductive organs, so as her mother’s hormones decrease in her body outside of the womb, it may stimulate a “mini period” in her. It can also cause a little bit of clear, white, or yellow vaginal discharge that has a mucus consistency. But no need to worry if either of these things does not occur—though it can happen, it will not necessarily happen in all baby girls.

A baby boy may have small amounts of blood in his diaper after a circumcision. Otherwise, he should not bleed. Normal bleeding from a circumcision site is spotting, less than the size of a quarter. If you see continued dripping or oozing when you are home, try applying pressure for at least 30 seconds. If it does not stop, he should be seen right away by a doctor. Not sure if it’s blood, or is your baby uncircumcised? Consider the possibility of urate crystals. If you think it could be blood, call your doctor right away.

While the rest of us have a #1 and #2, maybe babies should have a #3, #4, or more! Now that we have reviewed what some of those things are, you can be assured when your baby makes the normal transition from being inside the womb to outside. If you have other questions, consider taking a photo of the diaper to share at your appointment when you come to see your pediatrician at Canyon View Pediatrics. Happy diaper changing!

And remember, if your baby is acting ill, excessively sleepy or fussy, has a temperature of 100.4 F or higher, or if you have any other immediate concerns, you should always take your baby in to be seen right away.

Summer Should Be Fun…and Safe

Posted on May 11, 2020January 17, 2023 by Avery Dustin

Oh, summer, where have you been? Longer days and later nights, the sound of kids playing in the neighborhood, snow cones, swimsuits and sprinklers, carnivals, camping, and family vacations. Summer is a time when people and their families make memories enjoying the outdoors. It’s supposed to be filled with fun, so here are a few reminders to ensure it stays safe while having fun.

All the cool kids are wearing helmets. Summer is when kids love riding their bikes, rollerblading, skateboarding, and using motorized scooters. Encourage your children to wear a helmet, and explain that it just may save their life. Many injuries happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets. Children learn best by observing you, so set the example. When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard. A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head and covers the forehead, not tipped forward or backward. The strap should be securely fastened with about two fingers able to fit between chin and strap. The helmet should be snug on the head, but not overly tight.

Streets are for cars, not kids. Teach your children road safety.

Teach them to use crosswalks, if available.
Teach them when you should cross and when you shouldn’t. Look both ways.
Encourage them to ride bikes on the sidewalks instead of streets.
Playtime should have restrictions. Your kids should never play where vehicles are moving.
Wear bright-colored clothing so they stand out to drivers.

Sunburns hurt. They can also be dangerous. So, power through the tantrums and resistant behavior when applying sunscreen to your kids. They will thank you when they’re older (or maybe not). Tips for sun protection include wearing hats, using long sleeves or pants when in the sun for extended times, and of course using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 or higher. Canyon View Medical has some fantastic blogs on sunscreen. Check these out. Skin Protection by Dr. Paxton, How to Pick the Right Sunscreen by Kristen Wright, FNP.

Hot cars can be killers. NEVER leave your infants and children (or pets) in a car unattended. NOT EVEN for a minute. We hear about cases every year, yet Utah continues to have heat stroke-related deaths due to parents leaving their children in the car. In fact, according to the Utah Department of Health, on average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. In more than half of these deaths, the caregiver forgot the child was in the car. In 2018, 52 children died in hot cars across the U.S., and by June of 2019, we had already seen 11 deaths nationwide. It may be tempting to run into the gas station while your baby sleeps, or leave your toddler in the car while you drop something off at a friend’s house, but it’s best if you don’t. On an 80 degree day, the temperature inside of a car can rise 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes and keep getting hotter with each passing minute. So, imagine what happens when the temperature outside is 100 degrees or more. Keep in mind that leaving a window open or being in the shade won’t help. Young children are particularly at risk, as their body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s. When a child’s internal temperature gets to 104 degrees, major organs begin to shut down. And when that child’s temperature reaches 107 degrees, the child could die. It’s not worth it.

Pools are fun until they’re not. Water safety is important. You may have heard that drowning is the second most likely cause of death for kids 1-4 years of age (only after birth defects), but did you know that 69% of drownings occur during non-swim times? This means most drownings occur during unexpected and unsupervised access to water. Toddlers are, by nature, curious and active. Water safety is important at all ages, but especially for mobile children under 4. Make sure your toddlers don’t have access to indoor and outdoor standing water (i.e. swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, natural bodies of water such as ponds, buckets filled with water, toilets, birdbaths, etc.). Swimming lessons are encouraged. All children should wear a life-jacket when near lakes and rivers, even if they can swim.

Water should be a food group. Make sure your kids drink plenty of water while in the heat of summer, even if they don’t feel thirsty. If possible, avoid activity during the hottest part of the day. Stay hydrated.

References:

www.healthychildren.org, an American Academy of Pediatrics website

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips-Staying-Safe-Outdoors.aspx

https://www.safekids.org/heatstroke

https://health.utah.gov/featured-news/officials-warn-of-deadly-temperatures

https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Bicycle-Helmets/

https://healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Water-Safety-And-Young-Children.aspx

Common Household Dangers to Kids

Posted on March 18, 2020January 13, 2023 by Avery Dustin

I was a first-time mom of a hilarious and stubborn two-year-old girl (now almost 16). Her father and I were in the middle of a move, just having purchased our first home. Life was great. Trying to move furniture with a toddler in the way was sort of a nightmare, but we managed. It wasn’t until 15 minutes later that I realized the medication I was on at the time, and that I had placed on the TV stand was missing. “Have you seen my pill?” “It was right here!” Panic set in as I looked down and found a half-melted capsule on the floor next to my toddler. Long story short, I called Poison Control and spent the rest of the night at Primary Children’s Hospital. It was a night I won’t ever forget. Just thinking about it now can bring me to tears, 13 years later. I was beyond scared and felt incredibly guilty as a mother who should have known better. Since then, I have learned that these aren’t just statistics or numbers on a fact sheet. These are our kids, grandkids, friend’s kids, and the kids in our community to which this can happen.

Do you know that United States Poison Control Centers receive, on average, an exposure case every 15 seconds? Did you also know that 44% of those cases are children five years and younger? Every day, over 300 children in the United States between 0-19 years old are treated in an emergency department, and two children die as a result of poisoning. Toddlers are curious and tend to put just about anything in their mouths. It’s not only chemicals in your home that are labeled with warnings that can be dangerous to children. Everyday items in your home or purse, such as household cleaners and medicines, can be hazardous to children as well. Medication dosing mistakes and unsupervised ingestions are common ways that children are poisoned. Thankfully, there are ways you can help poison-proof your home and protect the children you love.

Here is a list of the most common household dangers to toddlers and young kids, as well as ways to help protect them from accidental poisonings.

Medications/Vitamins- Medications are the leading cause of poisonings in children. It’s essential to keep all medicines and vitamins out of the reach of children. Be particularly careful when visiting friends or relatives, especially the elderly. They often take multiple medications and keep them in reach since they don’t have young kids of their own. Children often find medicine kept in purses or on counters and nightstands. Place bags and briefcases on high shelves or hang them on hooks, out of children’s reach and sight. When dosing medications for your child, it is essential to read and even re-read the directions before you administer the medication. It’s better to be extra safe than sorry.

Household Cleaning Products- Many cleaning and laundry products are poisonous. Children are attracted to them because of their bright colors and can confuse them with things like juice, candy, or toys. Single-use laundry packets, in particular, are very concentrated and toxic. Even a small amount of detergent can cause severe injury and death. Poison centers receive many calls each year about children getting into laundry detergent. Swallowing laundry detergent usually causes mild stomach upset or even no symptoms. However, children exposed to them can experience excessive vomiting, wheezing, and gasping. Some get very sleepy or even have trouble breathing. They can also cause irritation of the skin or eyes if touched. Keep these products in their original containers and store them out of children’s reach.

Button Batteries- Small, shiny, and attractive to kids. Button batteries are found in most homes in some remotes, key fobs, and toys, but they can cause severe damage and even death if swallowed. Store extra batteries out of children’s reach. According to Utah Poison Control, a button battery can cause severe damage in as little as two hours after ingestion. Keep all devices that use button batteries out of reach of children, and make sure the battery compartments are tightly closed or even taped shut.

Liquid Nicotine- Even a tiny amount of the liquid nicotine used to refill e-cigarettes can kill a child. Liquid nicotine is sold in many different flavors, many of which are appealing to young children. Keep these products out of a child’s reach.

Carbon-monoxide Poisoning- Carbon monoxide is a gas that you cannot see, taste, or smell and because of this, it is often called the “invisible killer.” It is created when fuel-burning appliances, such as heating devices, grills, clothes dryers, and vehicles, do not burn all the fuel they need to function. Test CO alarms every month.Replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Utah Poison Control 24-Hour Service Call 1-800-222-1222

The Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC) is a 24-hour resource for poison information and educational resources. If you suspect poisoning, call the number listed above. If you have children, it is a good idea to put this number in your phone for easy and quick access. In the month of March, our Pediatric offices will have fridge magnets free to the public. Stop by and pick one up.

Things you will need to know when calling:

The exact name of the product
Amount ingested
When the ingestion happened
The age and weight of the person exposed
How the person is doing
Phone number where you can be reached

References:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/poisoning/index.html
Utah Poison Control: http://poisoncontrol.utah.edu/index.php#householddangers
American Association of Poison Control Centers, 2018 Data Snapshot https://piper.filecamp.com/uniq/op8yK0HrOC738v8L.pdf

Fad Diets vs Real Nutrition

Posted on March 10, 2020December 19, 2022 by Avery Dustin

Canyon View Pediatrician – Richard Paxton, MD, and Wellness Expert – Lisie Byington talk about the differences between Fad Diets vs. Real Nutrition. The presentation was given in January 2019 in Springville, Utah, as part of the Community Health Seminar Series.

Skin Protection – More Fun in the Sun

Posted on March 4, 2020January 17, 2023 by Avery Dustin

Spring – a common time for sunburn

Spring is a wonderful time of year for many reasons. The days are getting longer, the winter illness season is coming to an end, and many outdoor activities are beckoning once again. However, it is also the time of year when many severe sunburns occur. There are several reasons for this:

Many people’s skin is quite pale after the long winter, and more vulnerable to burn.
The air is generally cooler than in the summer, so it is more difficult to feel when a burn is occurring.
The sun is getting higher in the sky, so the rays are becoming more direct, and are therefore more likely to cause skin injury.
Spring sports and yard work can abruptly increase the amount of time people spend outdoors.
Some people are anxious to get tan after winter and try to do it all at once.
While we associate many summer activities with the need for sun protection, spring activities often don’t trigger this thought.

Preventing sunburn is important

There are many health hazards associated with sunburn, the most serious of which is the aggressive form of skin cancer known as melanoma. Occasionally, this type of cancer is diagnosed in people in their teens. Exposure to the sun’s radiation increases the risk of genetic mutations in our skin cells which can lead to this dreaded condition.

But that’s not the only reason to avoid getting burned. These are true burns and can range in severity from superficial first degree burns with only mild discomfort, to deep second degree burns with blistering, extreme pain, and sometimes permanent skin changes. The younger a child is when sunburn occurs, the more severe the damage is likely to be.

Another concern with sunburn is the increased risk of other heat-related injuries. Someone with a severe sunburn is more likely to suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can lead to severe illness and even death. Occasionally, sunburns can affect a large enough portion of the body to cause the serious conditions associated with other significant burns, including susceptibility to infections and temperature regulation problems.

How to protect our children (and ourselves)

As with many things relating to our health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We should think about sun protection every day. Here are a few specifics that may help:

Sun protective clothing and hats are usually the most effective means of preventing skin injury due to the sun, especially in infants and toddlers.
Sunscreen, with an SPF of at least 30, is important to use on exposed skin.
1. It should be applied about 20-30 minutes before sun exposure, sweating, or getting wet.
2. Be sure to use enough. For an adult, this might mean up to 1-2 ounces per application.
3. Reapply after getting wet, even if the sunscreen claims to be waterproof.
4. Sunscreen can be used on babies, but the time spent in the sun should be very limited in this vulnerable population.
5. Remember that sunscreen and insect repellent often don’t go well together, and may even inactivate each other. Read the labels carefully.
Beware of reflected sun, whether from snow or water or even concrete, as this can greatly increase sun exposure, especially in young ones.
Pay attention to the UV index, found on most weather reports and apps, to know when the sun will be most likely to cause harm.
Avoid being outside between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM as this is when the UV index is typically highest.
Wear sunglasses which block 100% of the UVA and UVB rays, because eyes can get sunburned too.
Avoid the use of tanning oils and creams as these do not block the sun’s harmful rays.
Never use tanning beds, especially children and teens, as this direct exposure to harmful UV rays greatly increases the risk of the problems mentioned above.

As pediatricians, we strongly encourage outdoor activities because of the many health benefits they provide. Most adults, and many children, would do well to spend more time out of doors. We should also focus on doing so in a safe manner, so as not to cause unintended harm. By keeping these simple ideas about sun protection in mind, we can all better enjoy this wonderful spring season and the summer which is just around the corner.

Every Day Strong – Combating Anxiety and Depression by Building Resilience

Posted on January 13, 2020January 13, 2023 by Avery Dustin

Every other year children in Utah schools are given a survey that asks: During the past 12 months, did you ever feel so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that you stopped doing some usual activities? In 2011, 13% of youth responded yes, but when the survey was repeated in 2017 that number had risen to 25%. (Utah County Student Health and Risk Protection (SHARP) survey data.)

While not all of these children who answered yes would meet the criteria needed to diagnose a Depression or an Anxiety Disorder, this trend illustrates the increasing challenge our children are facing. Frequently I’m asked if the causes of this increase are known. While there are many theories about contributing factors, such as the use of smartphones, living at elevation, changes in family structure, helicopter parenting, and social media, none of them fully capture what is going on, and more importantly, they do not provide any guidance on what parents should do for those kids who are suffering.

To address this, the United Way created a program called Everyday Strong, which focuses on building resilience in kids to help them combat anxiety and depression. This is achieved by focusing on our physical needs, our need for safety and our need for connection, which when met, allows us to feel confident and hopefully thrive in life.

Below is a brief discussion of these concepts, but for more details and ideas you can read through the EveryDay Strong Handbook, attend a live presentation, or watch a recorded presentation here.

At the most basic level, we all have physical needs that must be met. Examples include sleep, food, water and rest. We all know that person who becomes “Hangry”, but once you give them a little food, they return to a more productive version of themselves. When I was on Active Duty in the Navy, I learned that when marines, soldiers, sailors or airmen had experienced combat stress, the most effective intervention is “3 Hots and a Cot”, or in other words three hot meals, a chance to get good sleep, with a plan to return to their unit as soon as possible.

Once our most basic needs are met, we need a place to feel both physically and emotionally safe. As parents, we can focus on creating an environment where it is safe to talk, safe to feel emotions, safe to explore, and safe to fail. Because even if a child is safe, they may not feel it. It’s better to listen more than you speak while withholding judgment about what they are feeling and discuss failure as a chance to grow. This is easy to say, but much harder to do.

As you strive to create a safe environment, this should lead to opportunities for you to connect with your child. One of the most common complaints of teens experiencing anxiety and depression is feeling alone even when they are surrounded by people. You can connect by playing together, laughing together, learning about their interests even if you think they are boring, and apologizing to your child when you’ve done something wrong. Sometimes this is easy when you and your child share similar interests, but other times it is a real stretch. For example, what if they love playing the video game Fortnite or enjoy being in theatre, (things that don’t necessarily appeal to you)? Taking time to learn the basics, even making a fool of yourself by participating can go a long way to making that connection. Every child is unique and taking time to find that uniqueness is what brings about connection.

Ultimately, it is impossible to make someone else feel confident, but there are things you can do to encourage your child to find confidence. Some examples include trusting your child’s ability to solve problems, role-playing solutions, and remember when they have been successful. One specific tool that can help when dealing with Anxiety and Depression is naming the problem the child is facing. If every time a child is about to go to school they get overwhelmed worrying about all the things that can go wrong, you can start a conversation that what they are feeling is Anxiety. At times, giving this feeling of anxiety a specific name such as the “Bossy Pants” or “Stinky Head” helps externalize what they are feeling and allows them to get back in charge.

As you meet a child’s basic needs, help them feel safe, create meaningful connections, and build confidence, your child will have an opportunity to thrive.

The information provided by the United Way is not meant to replace professional mental health care. If you feel like your child’s needs surpass the given advice, please make an appointment with one of the Pediatricians at Canyon View Pediatrics.

https://www.unitedwayuc.org/images/pdfs-doc/UnitedWay_ResilienceHandBook_Web.pdf

Teaching Happiness

Posted on October 23, 2019January 17, 2023 by Avery Dustin

When asked what we want most in life, the majority of us will reply that we want to be happy. This desire drives much of our decision making and is the motivation behind almost everything we do. Times of elation, achievement, success, and victory are often described as “the happiest” moments of our lives. So how can we be happy? And, just as important, how can we “teach” happiness to our children?

Chicken and Egg

I believe the first step is to change the formula we’ve all been taught about happiness. In his book, “The Happiness Advantage,” Shawn Achor describes the traditional thinking this way:

“If you work hard, you’ll become successful, and once you become successful, then you’ll be happy.”

He goes on to explain that the problem with this equation is that it’s completely backward. Over more than twenty years now, the fields of positive psychology and neuroscience have shown that happiness is one of the precursors to success, not just a result of it. Again, from his book:

“…happiness and optimism actually fuel performance and achievement. …Waiting to be happy limits our brain’s potential for success, whereas cultivating positive brains makes us more motivated, efficient, resilient, creative, and productive, which drives performance upwards.”

Even though the Declaration of Independence famously lists “the pursuit of happiness” as one of our inalienable rights, it turns out that happiness is more a decision and manner of living than a pursuit or achievement. This paradigm shift can make a tremendous difference, and increase our likelihood of being truly happy and successful, in that order.

Certainly, there are times when emotional and psychological problems complicate the picture significantly and may require professional help. At Canyon View Pediatrics, we can help to determine if your child falls into this category. If you, as a parent, are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other related conditions, our family medicine colleagues can be of assistance. But even in these circumstances, the concepts and practices of positive psychology are an essential part of being a happy person.

So how is this to be done? And how is it then to be taught? Well, Mr. Achor’s entire book proposes answers to those questions. It is a fairly fast and entertaining read, so I highly recommend it. But I will summarize just two of the important concepts, specifically regarding how we can help our children live in greater happiness.

Growth Mindset

In her book, “Mindset,” psychologist Carol Dweck, Ph.D., describes the concepts of “fixed” and “growth” mindsets, backed by years of research through dozens of studies. To have a full appreciation for this important topic, I recommend her whole book, which is also a fast and entertaining read. I will briefly summarize the main ideas and how they pertain to our children.

The fixed mindset basically says that things (and people) are how they are and can’t change. Phrases which exemplify the fixed mindset are the following:

That’s just how I am.

I’m not good enough.

I’m a failure.

Why even try?

I can never get it right.

Bad things always happen to me.

On the other hand, the growth mindset is exemplified by phrases like:

I’ll get it next time.

I know I can do better.

I failed that test, but I’m not a failure.

I’ve got this.

Good things are coming.

I can do anything.

This is more than just blind optimism. It’s a state of mind and being, with far-reaching implications for the path of our lives. Those who consistently stay on the growth side of the mindset spectrum achieve significantly more success than those who tend towards fixed mindset thinking.

My challenge to all of us as parents is to cultivate the growth mindset in ourselves and help our children to do the same. The most practical and measurable way of doing this is to carefully consider the words we use, especially when we are around our children, ensuring that they convey the positivity of the growth mindset. If we catch ourselves expressing fixed mindset ideas, we can consciously turn those phrases around to model the growth mindset attitude.

This must begin with paying closer attention to our own self-talk, and the stories we tell ourselves. If our internal dialogue is overly negative and critical, this will likely spill over into our treatment of others, especially our children. It has been said that we should treat ourselves like someone we care about. If we talk to ourselves in a way that would be inappropriate for our friends and loved ones, then the change should start here.

Circle of Control

This concept is illustrated by the story of Zorro. You may recall that when Alejandro (later Zorro) first encountered the old sword master Don Diego, the younger man was broken by years of drinking and bad decisions. He felt completely helpless, having (in his view) no control over his own life. Don Diego had to help Alejandro become the director of his own life, and develop real self-control for the first time.

Don Diego drew a circle in the dirt around Alejandro and told him that he must become the master of only that small space. He said, “This circle will be your world. Your whole life. Until I tell you otherwise, there is nothing outside of it.” Once Alejandro mastered control of the circle, he was gradually given other and greater challenges. As he gained greater abilities and discipline, he also regained control of his life, becoming the master of his world. This helped him to overcome the despair that results from falling prey to the victim mentality and restored the internal locus of control necessary for growth and success. Once again, from Achor’s book:

“Feeling that we are in control, that we are masters of our own fate at work and at home, is one of the strongest drivers of both well-being and performance.”

My second challenge to all of us as parents is to teach our children how to be the directors of their own lives. The most powerful way to do this is through example. Do our words and actions demonstrate discipline and control, or are they more reflective of the victim mentality? If there are areas of our lives that we can’t seem to master, we may need to start with a small circle, and gradually increase it. This is likely to be the case for our children as well.

An example in the Achor book describes a man whose desk at work was chronically messy, to the point that his productivity nearly ground to a halt. He was given the task of clearing one small corner of his desk, which he did fairly quickly. Rather than progressing to the rest of the desk, he was then charged with defending that small area for the next day, keeping it organized and clean. Gradually he tackled other small sections of the desk until he once again had control over his domain (or at least his desk).

We can employ the same techniques with our children, from toddlers to teen. Consider how this concept can apply to our young ones in cleaning their rooms, completing their homework, getting out of bed on time, yelling at siblings or parents, common chores, reading a book, and dozens of other everyday situations. Gradually they can experience the increased self-esteem that comes with being masters of their own circles of control.

Your Brain on Positive

Our effectiveness in spreading the “happiness advantage,” and teaching it to our children, will depend entirely on our ability to make the necessary changes in ourselves first. Positivity breeds positivity. The ideas of the growth mindset and circle of control, among other concepts of positive psychology, can transform our lives and our family experiences. When we choose happiness as our way of life, greater success will necessarily follow. And this will be true for our children as well.