Curious Kids Need To Be Tough Inside

*This post are specially made for Nuffnang Friso Gold Family Day Out Contest*

What to Expect at the Nuffnang Friso Gold Family Day Out?

Loads of fun for you and your kids! There will be games and contests that your children will go crazy about, not to mention the spacious play area! For the adults, while your kids are occupied, we have arranged some great programs for you too!

Ruth Liew, the popular parenting and child care columnist on the local The Star newspaper would be sharing her valuable experience and expert advice on parenting.

We will have an expert nutritionist from Friso Gold to share her expert opinions on the matter of balanced diet and of course good nutrition in supporting your child's immune system.

And lastly, we are going to have a sharing session among the parent bloggers, this is when you can share your experience and exchange tips on parenting!

Did we mention that lunch will be fully provided? ;)

How do I get an Invite to the Event?

Simple! See the Picture Upload function ? Come up with a design of your own to show how your kids fight off the bacterias and germs! Then put up a blog entry with the theme "Curious kids need to be tough inside" and tell us how you can help increase your child’s immune system

. Then submit your entry via the form below.

The most interesting 80 entries will be given a family invite (for 2

adults and 2 children) to attend the Nuffnang Friso Gold Family Day Out.

And the blogger with the best entry would be walking away with a 3 Days 2 Nights holiday package for a family of 4 to Disneyland Hong Kong!

Not to forget RM100 Toys ‘R’ Us vouchers to be given aw

ay to the 10 blog entries with the most effort.

A.B.Q.A.R.I Step To Increase My Baby Immune Inside.

Why I named it as ABQARI Step? Of course it is the name of my beloved son. By the way, in Arabic literacy, ABQARI could be means as genius, brilliance, intelligence, smarts, outstanding ability and curiosity. The curiosity and the kids or infants are always bonded. Active kids with high curiosity are always being a victorious. Let me show you how I help my curious son to be tough inside using A.B.Q.A.R.I method:

A – Allow The Curiosity – It’s Time To Explore!

Toddlers in my little Abqari age are literally scooting away from b abyhood in search of new adventures. They're learning to talk, to walk and run, and to assert their independence. For my little Abqari, "outside" and "play" are becoming common requests.

Exploring also gives him a chance to work on important motor skills. Whether it's kicking a ball or climbing stairs, he can persist until he get it right. Doing so not only adds skills, it boosts his sense of confidence and competence. In other words, he begin to think: "I can do it!"

Letting my little Abqari explore is one way to see that he get enough daily ph ysical activity. Exploring fits well in that free-play category below. For kids 12- to 36-months-old, current guidelines from the National Association for Sports & Physical Education (NASPE) recommend:

at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity (adult-led)

at least 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play)

My Ideas For Exploring:

Inside- Practically during this ‘Tengkujuh’ season

Mirror, mirror -

At this stage, he learns to recognize themselves in pictures or mirrors. Securely set up a mirror at eye level and let your him explore his own face. Ask "Where's your nose?" or "Can you open your mouth?" He also enjoy imitating the behavior of others. He loves playing physical or verbal imitation games.

Climbing mount staircase -

He likes to climb stairs. Go up and down together on stairs. On flat ground, we practice walking backwards or on tiptoes. He loves imitate animals (walk like a duck, jump like a frog, etc.) or dance to music.

Outside Exploring - Enjoying The Nature!

Play ball-

Have a variety of balls around to play with. During th is year, my beloved son learn to kick, throw, and catch balls.

Beach it-

Fortunately, we stay very near to the lovely windy beach. Water and sand are great tactile attractions for my little Abqari. I always let him feel sand on his toes and fingers. Of course there is a minimal supervision for my little Abqari enjoying around water; he is very exciting playing in the water and this also make me more happier.

Examine nature-

Encourage him to pick up leaves and rocks, feel the bark on trees, and collect bugs.

B – Balance Diet

At this age, my little Abqari moving from the eating habits he had as infants toward a diet more like us. I use to keep broadening my little Abqari’s appetite by introducing new flavors and textures. Food preferences are set early in life, so I help him develop a taste for healthy foods now.

Toddlers have little tummies, so serve foods that are packed with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong, and limit the sweets and empty calories. My little Abqari continue to explore self-feeding, first with fingers and then with utensils at around 15 to 18 months of age. I give him many opportunities to practice these skills, but lend a hand when frustrations arise. As skills develop, I step back and let him take over.

Milk is an important part of a toddler's diet because it provides calcium and vitamin D, which help build strong bones. Kids under age 2 should drink whole milk for the dietary fats needed for normal growth and brain development. I’ve decided to breastfeed my son before, but after confinement I’m failed to do so. I’m so disappointed and choose formula milk such Dutch Lady Step 1 & 2 followed by Dutch Lady 1,2,3 till now and will convert to Friso Gold then as he grows.

Q – Quality Time Sleep

My little Abqari are increasingly aware of his surroundings, so distractions might disrupt him at bedtime. His growing imaginations can start to interrupt sleep, too. Now more than ever, a simple and consistent bedtime routine is my best bet for getting a sleepy toddler snugly into bed.

My little Abqari requires about 10-13 hours of sleep a day. Whether all these hours are slept at night or split up between nighttime sleeping and daytime naps is up to his demand.

What I have aware most is not to put any extra-large soft toys or stuffed animals in the crib, and look out for items with ties or strings that could wind up around his neck. Also, be on constant lookout for nearby objects my little Abqari might be able to reach from a standing position in the crib: curtains, window blind pulls, pictures, or wall hangings are all possibilities.

A – Away Off Poisonous Foods and Medications

My little Abqari are curious and like to put things in his mouth. As a parents, therefore, must keep medicines, cleaning products, pesticides, antifreeze, cosmetics and other dangerous substances out of reach. I used to follow The American Academy of Pediatrics and other safety experts recommend that parents take the following steps to poison-proof their homes:

*Store medicines, cleaners and other dangerous products in a locked cabinet, preferably out of sight and reach of children.

*If I must store items under the sink, use safety latches that lock every time you close the cabinet.

*Buy and keep all medicines in containers with safety caps. Keep in mind these caps are child-resistant, not child-proof.

*I Do not let my little Abqari watch me take medicine because he may try to copy me.

*Check the label every time I give medicine to make sure I'm giving the right medication and doses. Mistakes are common in the middle of the night, so I always turn on a light.

*Store products in their original containers. I never put poisonous products in containers that were used for food, especially empty drink bottles, cans or cups.

*To dispose of medications, I've checked instructions on the drug label to see if they can be flushed down the toilet or poured down the drain. If not, take the medication out of the original container and mix with coffee grounds, kitty litter or any other unappetizing substance to prevent children from eating the medication. Place mixture in a sealable bag or disposable container with lid; be sure any personal information is concealed; then drop the item in the trash, along with the empty drug containers.

*If I find my little Abqari near an open or empty container of a nonfood item, I get him away from the product. If he has some of it in his mouth, i'll make him spit it out or remove it with fingers. Then take him to a doctor and bring the container and anything removed from the child’s mouth to help determine what kind of treatment the child needs.

Foods to Avoid

Although now I start to offer my little Abqari some of the foods I’ve been withholding (milk, citrus fruits, whole eggs), I’m always watch for allergic reactions. I’m avoid foods that could present choking hazards, like popcorn, hard candies, hot dogs, raw vegetables and hard fruits, whole grapes, raisins, and nuts. I’m supervise my little Abqari at all times when eating.

R – Routine Vaccination Scheduled By Malaysian Government

My Little Abqari have been vaccines all these compulsory schedule:

At birth: #BCG # Hepatitis B
2 months: # Hepatitis B # DTP (diphtheria ,tetanus & pertusis) #Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b) # Polio
3 months : # DTP # Polio # Hib # Hepatitis B
5 months: #DTP # Hib # DTP # Polio
12 months: # MMR (measles ,mumps,rubella)
18months: # Polio # DTP.

I – Increase Immunity From Invaders

There are tiny invaders thriving in our environment. Though not visible through the naked eye, they are everywhere – from the surfaces that we touch, to the air we breathe, and the food that we eat. These invaders, generically known as germs (viruses, bacteria, microbes, and parasites), look for every opportunity to invade the body and reproduce, as the body is an ideal environment for the propagation of these germs. When germs manage to get inside the body, they cause infections.

Thankfully, our body is actually able to protect itself through the body’s defense system. Made up of an intricate network of cells, tissues, and organs, the immune system offers an amazing protection mechanism that fends off the invasion by organisms outside the body.

During the early years of life, a child is most curious about the world – touching and feeling anything that he comes in contact with – which also makes him more susceptible to picking up various germs. Find out how the immune system offers my little Abqari 's protection round the clock.

First line of defence

Our child has generally has three types of immunity, the first being innate immunity. Also known as non-specific immunity, this first line of defence against foreign invaders are inherent in each individual. They provide general protection and respond immediately against any possible threats to the body. This includes the external barriers of the body, such as:

*Skin*

This is the primary physical barrier between germs and the body. Skin is tough and generally impermeable to bacteria and viruses. Additionally, the skin also secretes antibacterial substances, mildly antiseptic sweat and sebum that prevents entry and kills germs.

*Respiratory tract*

Being the main entry source of airborne pathogens, the respiratory tract is lined with mucous. Pathogens that are not killed immediately are trapped in the mucous and moved to the throat by tiny hairs called cilia.

*Stomach*

The hydrochloric acid produced and stored in the stomach will kill most invading organisms that reach this organ.

*Intestines*

Intestines are also lined with mucous, which serves to protect the intestines from digestive chemicals and harmful organisms. Additionally, mucous also contains an enzyme, lysozome, that breaks down the cell wall of many bacteria.

*Cellular defences*

If an invader slips through the barriers above, the immune system reacts by producing white blood cells, other chemicals, and proteins to attack and destroy the pathogens. The invaders are sought out and destroyed before they can reproduce.

Second line reinforcements

The second form of immunity is called acquired (or specific) immunity. It protects against pathogens that manage to survive the first line of defence. Unlike innate immunity, it is not present at birth and takes time to develop.

Through encounters with foreign substances, acquired immunity learns the best way to attack each pathogen, eliminate them from the body and develops a memory for that pathogen. In the event of a subsequent attack, the immune system will be able to respond more rapidly and effectively, providing better protection.

Generally, the most important components of acquired immunity are:

*Lymphocytes*

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that circulate in the blood stream. When antigens are detected, several types of cells work together to recognise and eliminate them. This occurs a few days after exposure of a foreign microorganism. The main types are T-cells and B-cells.

*Antibodies*

Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells by binding to the antigens. By doing so, they protect the body by helping cells ingest antigens, inactivating toxic substances produced by bacteria, and directly attacking bacteria and viruses and activating the complement system.

*Memory T and B cells*

After an encounter with a foreign microorganism, some lymphocytes develop into memory cells. When these cells encounter the same microorganism for the second time, they recognise it immediately and respond quickly. These cells live for a long time – extending from years to decades.

Passive defence

The third type of immunity that your child may obtain is passive immunity. Passive immunity refers to the protection that is adopted from another source and it is typically short-lived. For instance, antibodies in a mother’s breast milk provides baby with temporary immunity to illnesses the mother has been exposed to. This helps protect the baby against infection during the early stages of life.

The immune system works in concert with every system in the body. When it works, your child will be able to develop to his maximum potential, but when it malfunctions, terrible things will happen. Understanding your child’s immune system is crucial, as it can provide good indication of your child’s well-being and also guide you to help you maintain your child’s immune system at its optimal best.