1. Caring for the Young

2. Caring for the Young
As a PSW, you will be expected to care and support client’s of all ages.
You may work in a setting that requires you to work with infants, children, teens and their families
Children may:
Be ill
Have developmental disabilities
Have physical disabilities
Always promote DIPPS

3. Caring for the Young PSW ROLE
Providing a safe, stable and secure environment for the family by doing the following:
Developing positive relationships with family members
Maintaining daily routines/rules
Identifying and reporting stressful situations
WHAT SITUATIONS MUST BE REPORTED?
See Pg 244

4. Caring for the Young DISCIPLINE & PUNISHMENT
Follow and reinforce the rules of the home using proper discipline.
Be aware of your role when disciplining a child
Discipline:
Teaches responsible behaviour
Sets limits
Provides guidelines
Should be consistent
Consequences should be the same
Praise proper and acceptable behaviour
Punishment is not your responsibility

5. Caring for the Young
SUPPORTING THE CHALLENGING CHILD
Many kids that are raised in troubled environments become troubled themselves. They may be:
Verbally aggressive
Resistant to rules/regulations
Difficulty forming bonds
Children may act out to express their feelings of:
Anger
Guilt
Fear
Shame
Or because they are :
Tired
Overwhelmed
Unwell
Going through loss/change
Having problems at school (bullying/peer pressure/difficulty learning)
See pg 247 Box 16-2
12 Principles

6. Caring for the Young MEETING NUTRITION NEEDS
Infants and children require proper nutrition for G & D, however, this is not always an easy task!
As a PSW, you must be aware of the challenges facing today’s youth.
Children that live in poverty and have barriers to healthy eating (1.2 million) are more likely to have chronic health problems, difficulty at school, and poor self esteem.
Obesity is increasing in Canadian children d/t poor eating habits and lack of exercise.
Many young people are concerned about body image
Cultural diversity

7. Caring for the Young HELPING A CHILD EAT WELL
Set the stage for pleasant mealtimes
Plan family meals at regular times
Meals should be positive/conflict free
Avoid distractions
Adults should be role models for proper behaviour
Avoid power struggles/Trust child’s food choices
Let the child gage their own hunger
Promote healthy food choices/be a role model
Try not to give into demands

8. Caring for the Young HELPING A CHILD EAT WELL
Adjust your approach based on the child’s age
Infants eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full, feed on demand, not on a schedule
Introduce new foods to a child in a positive, comfortable, relaxed manner
Children may have to be offered new foods times before trying it
Get help if needed
Call your supervisor if you are concerned about:
Wt loss/gain
Negative mealtimes
Eating disorders

9. Caring for the Young PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM INJURY
As a PSW you are responsible for protecting the child you are caring for from:
Falls
Burns
Poisoning
Choking
Abuse
Ensure that you are aware of the developmental tasks for the age group.
This can help predict what injuries a child may be prone to.

10. Caring for the Young PREVENTING INFECTIONS
A child’s immune system develops over time.
Immunity builds as exposure increases
Children are more at risk if they have:
Physical disabilities
Developmental disabilities
Immuno-compromised
As a PSW make sure to WASH YOUR HANDS to prevent the spread of infection
Be sure to wash toys & personal care items as well

11. Caring for the Young VACCINATIONS
Canadian infants & children require vaccinations for several diseases
Vaccines are so effective that most of the diseases they prevent are now very rare in Canada
The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the risks
There is no proven medical research that links autism with vaccinations
See
VIDEO – Penn & Teller

12. Immunization Schedule for Infants & Children

13. Caring for the Young TOP 5 REASONS KIDS MISS SCHOOL URI’s
Kids get 6-10 colds/yr
More severe/longer lasting than adults
Cold medication is very strongly discouraged
Never give ASA
Gastroenteritis
Viral or stress induced
Vomiting/diarrhea
Possible dehydration
Clear to DAT

14. Caring for the Young Otitis Media Conjunctivitis Sore throat
Common under the age of 2
Can be cause by URI’s or allergies
Can be viral or bacterial
Conjunctivitis
Very highly contagious
Sore throat
Usually caused by virus
Associated with URI’s
Watch for fever associated with sore throat

15. Caring for the Young
Keep children home for at least 24 hrs if they have:
Fever
Vomiting/ diarrhea
Strep throat
Conjuntivitis
Despite our best efforts, kids will get sick!