Thoughtful Thursday, August 12, 2010

If you don't listen to your child at age 5, he/she won't listen to you at age 15...

Have you ever caught yourself half-listening to your child? - mechanically nodding your head and repeating "uh-huh"

Take the time to really listen to your child and look him/her in the eyes. Making geniune contact with them NOW (regardless if your child is simply talking about his favorite Sponge Bob character), will allow for more open and honest communication LATER (when the child is full of angst, raging hormones and no longer wants to share his favorite anything).

Brown Recluse Spider Bite

Spider bites are very serious. If you suspect your child has a spider bite, take him/her to the doctor as soon as possible. Do not try and lance or drain the bite before seeing a doctor- you can actually spread the poison this way and cause more tissue damage. Antibiotics are necessary to rid the infection.

If you see streaking (red lines running from the bite area) seek immediate medical attention.

I've been bitten by a brown recluse and recently my daughter suffered a bite from one of these poisonous spiders. Brown recluse bites have a trademark bull's eye pattern, typically burn or sting and are extremely painful.

Day 3

Day 5 (after 4 days of antibiotics)