While their bodies are a lot more limber than adults, children may still experience back pains just like we do and will most likely not notice. There is a danger in not giving attention to this right away as back pains can hinder with the body’s development and become the cause of other underlying problems.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, here are symptoms parents should watch out for with children experiencing back pains:

• Losing weight or running a fever.
• Complaining of numbness or weakness.
• Having difficulty walking.
• Having pain that extends from the back down one or both of the legs.
• Having bladder- or bowel-control issues.
• Having pain that prevents the child from sleeping.

If any of these symptoms are present, an examination done by the doctor is necessary to evaluate it. Physical exams, MRI, CT Scans and Xrays may be asked.

Back pains are usually signs of the following condition, according to OrthoInfo.Org, and develop as early as pre-teen stage, so parents must not ignore it:

Muscle Strain and Imbalances
Musculoskeletal strain is most often responsible for back pain in children and adolescents. This type of pain frequently responds to rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and an exercise program.

Stress Fracture of the Spine
Spondylolysis, or stress fracture, may cause lower back pain in adolescents. Stress fractures may occur during adolescent growth spurts or in sports that repeatedly twist and hyperextend the spine, like gymnastics, diving, and football.

Infection
In young children, infection in a disk space (diskitis) can lead to back pain. Diskitis typically affects children between the ages of 1 and 5 years, although older children and teenagers can also be affected.

Tumor
On rare occasion, tumors, such as osteoid osteoma, can be responsible for back pain. When they occur, tumors of the spine are most often found in the middle or lower back. Pain is constant and usually becomes worse over time. This pain is progressive; it is unrelated to activity and/or happens at night.

Slipped Vertebra
A slipped vertebra, or spondylolisthesis, occurs when one vertebra shifts forward on the next vertebra directly below. It usually occurs at the base of the spine (lumbosacral junction). In severe cases, the bone narrows the spinal canal, which presses on the nerves.

Children will usually say “I don’t know” when asked about things they have done or didn’t do when you expected them to deliver. This response is a classic and many children may actually mean it when they say they do not know. Parents then end up getting frustrated and prod for more questions. This often results to asking questions that will not get answers as children will most likely withdraw and retreat from getting the third degree.

Experts say that asking the right questions is the key. It teaches the kids to own up to their actions and mistakes.

For instance, instead of asking “Why did you do that?” ask “What did you do?” or “What happened?” Answering this will help children see the consequences of their actions. The process of explaining to you, is actually letting them see the error of their ways, so to speak. Allowing the child to describe what happened makes her see her behavior and hopefully, come into a realization and self-awareness.

The next question to ask then is “What can you do instead?” to help the child come up ways and solutions. This process teaches the child to develop sharper decision making skills and life-skills that he will need when he is an adult.

You can also ask the question, “What would have happened if you didn’t do that?” It increases their self-awareness and the way they know themselves.

These basic questions, according to expert takes the blame off and makes productive, thinking individuals of your kids.

With sources from Parenting & Children at About.com

There’s a lot of changes when your infant finally becomes a toddler. His unfamiliar desires, needs and abilities suddenly makes you feel anxious. The following insights will somehow make you understand what your toddler would really like you to know.

• I Know how!

Whether it’s pouring her cereals, fixing her bed or doing a dozen daily tasks, your toddler wants you to understand that she can do it by herself. After she mastered walking, her sense of competence and autonomy was developed. So if she says “Mama I can do it”,  let her do it! It teaches them to be responsible

• Limitations

Toddlers are easily overwhelmed by new situations, so they need a structure “every single day”. You need to be consistent with what they can and cannot do. But make sure that you’ve explained clearly to them why they’re not aloud to do some things.

• Picky eater

It’s normal for your toddler to be choosy with food. But make sure that she eats a couple of items from each food group, and she’ll be fine. Let her enjoy eating her favorite dish. Do not force your child to eat something that she doesn’t like.

• Never get tired of answering

At this stage, toddlers will develop their communicating skills. They will start asking, Why is the sky blue?, Why is your dress red? or Why do I need to eat that? Don’t get tired of answering their questions because It’s all new to her. She’s curious with a lot of things, so be patient.

• Wild imagination

Your child’s imaginations soar, so does her fear, anxieties and nightmare. Don’t belittle them and don’t take for granted their feelings. If your child says “There is a monster inside the closet!” this is because of her imagination. It’s your responsibility to talk to her. Teaching your child how to pray will help her a lot.

These are just few points that you need to know as a parent. Learning to understand your toddler seems hard. But with great determination you’ll surely enjoy every moment with your precious child.

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