Preschoolers

·      I will clean up my toys.

·      I will brush my teeth twice a day.

·      I will wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.

·      I won't tease dogs - even friendly ones.  I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.

      

        Kids, 5 to 12 years old

·      I will drink milk and water, and limit soda and fruit drinks.

·      I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors.  I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I'm playing sports.

·      I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.

·      I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week.

·      I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car.  I'll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.

·      I'll be nice to other kids.  I'll be friendly to kids who need friends - like someone who is shy or new to my school.

·      I'll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet.  Also, I'll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without my parent's permission.

                Kids, 13 years and up

·      I will eat at least one fruit and one vegetable every day, and I will limit the amount of soda I drink.

·      I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition.

·      I will choose non-violent television shows and video games; I will spend only one to two hours each day, at the most, on these activities.

·      I will help out in my community through volunteering, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need.

·      I will wipe negative "self talk" (i.e. "I can't do it" or "I'm so dumb") out of my vocabulary.

·      When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find constructive ways to deal with stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or discussing my problem with a parent or friend.

·      When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk with an adult about my choices.

·      I will resist peer pressure to try drugs or alcohol.

While there is no "cure" for infections caused by a virus, there are things you can do to help your child feel better until the virus runs its course:

To relieve a stuffy nose...

·      Thin the mucus using saline nose drops.

·      Clear your baby's nose with a suction bulb.  Squeeze the bulb first, then gently put the rubber tip into one nostril and slowly release the bulb.  This suction will draw the clogged mucus out of the nose.  This works best for babies younger than 6 months of age.

·      Use a cool-mist humidifier in your child's room.  This helps to moisten the air and clear your child's nasal passages.  Be sure to clean the humidifier often.

To relieve a fever...

·      Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen.  Ask your pediatrician for the right dose for your child's age and size.  Don't give aspirin to your child because it has been associated with Reyes syndrome, a disease that affects the liver and the brain.  Check with your pediatrician first before giving any other cold medicines.

  To prevent dehydration...

·      Make sure your child drinks a lot of fluids.  He may want clear liquids rather than milk or formula.  He may eat more slowly or not feel like eating because he is having a hard time breathing.

·      If your child's virus doesn't seem to go away, or seems to get worse, call your pediatrician.   Your pediatrician will let you know what the best treatment is for your child.  In some cases, all you may need to do is make sure your child gets plenty of rest and eats a balanced diet.  Other times, your child may need medicine.  Most infections can be treated at home.  However, if an infection becomes severe, your child may need to see the pediatrician or rarely even go to the hospital. 

        Prevention 

Although there is no way to keep your child away from germs, there are some steps to take to help prevent them from spreading:

·      Make sure everyone washes his or her hands.  Regular hand washing greatly reduces the spread of germs.

·      Keep your child away from anyone who has a cold, fever, or runny nose.

·      Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking cups, toothbrushes, washcloths or towels with anyone who has a cough, fever or runny nose.

·      Wash dishes and utensils in hot, soapy water.

·      Do not smoke around your children.

To report a computer crime:

Call the FBI at 816-512-8200

Call the local police

Or www.cybertipline.com
Or 1-800-843-5678

Safety tips:

• Never meet someone you first met online.

• Never give out identifying information.

• Never download pictures from an unknown source.

• Never upload pictures to people you don't know.

• Never respond to messages from strangers.

• Keep your profile private.

• Don't mention emotional vulnerability.

• Never view or send provocative pictures.

• Don't project yourself in an unfavorable way.

• Use "street smarts" in Cyberspace.

The Predator Grooming Process includes projecting similar interests by telling your child that they like the same things as they do.  They encourage trust and often will make your child think that they can tell them anything.  When your child talks about problems, the predator will always take their side.  And finally, the predator will persuade your child to tell them secrets and may say to keep their friendship secret because no one else will understand.

As a child be suspicious and tell an adult if someone you don't know asks personal questions such as where you live or your phone number.  They may say things such as:

• Let's chat private.

• Where's the computer in your house?

• Do your parents know we are chatting?

• I know a way you can earn money.

• You seem sad; what is bothering you?

WARNING FLAGS FOR PARENTS INCLUDE:

• Excessive time on the computer

• Secretive about online activity

• Receipt of phone calls or mail from unknown people

• Withdrawal from family or friends

• Use of other people's online accounts