All parents try to do the best they can. It’s hard to keep up with what’s cool, what’s not, what’s harmful, and what’s good. Unfortunately, most harmful things don’t come packaged with skull-and-crossbones warning labels nowadays, so it’s important as parents to be diligent about not only what goes in or on your child’s body, but also the ideas and messages they are exposed to on a regular basis. Did you know how toxic these things were?
Online Social “Education”
When we think of education, we think in terms of brick buildings and stern teachers, but even before modern online classes and other digital changes to learning curriculum were a thing, young and impressionable individuals were “learning” online. However, not all information on the internet is equal or valid, and some of the most toxic elements can be found unfiltered with just a web search.
Not only can peer pressure and other harmful elements be found in the digital schoolyard, but there are many self-declared “professors” and “educators” with limited or no qualifications, using the open platform to reach malleable minds early.
It is best to scrutinize and vet all resources your child accesses on the internet, even those that are claiming to be educational or kid-friendly, to make sure that they are not learning inappropriate lessons. This can range from “advice” on poor coping mechanisms to outright dangerous and extremist viewpoints that only thrive in the absence of criticism and open challenge.
Foods That May Cause Problems
If you’ve heard about those crazy parents who don’t let their kids have any fun and they avoid things like Red 40, you might be surprised to learn that they are onto something. Just because the FDA approves something does not make it safe. So, you might be surprised to hear that this vibrant food coloring is made from petroleum. That’s right. When you eat things with Red 40, Yellow 5, and other similar types of colorants, it’s not much better than eating gasoline.
While it probably won’t kill you in an instant, it doesn’t mean that these food dyes aren’t causing cellular damage that over time can lead to much bigger health issues. Additionally, these sneaky dyes are responsible for many problems in children. Want to know what to do about a child with impulse control issues, anger, and even hyperactivity disorders? Start with diet.
For some of these children—the ones without any underlying trauma or other conditions—these dyes are one of the biggest culprits. In fact, they are so problematic that if companies in Europe want to use them in foods, they must put a warning label on the products. As a result, these dyes aren’t found in many European foods the same way they are in American foods.
Removing food toxins like these from your child’s life can help them live a happier, healthier, and more vibrant life, and as a bonus, can be less stressful for parents.
Too Much Sitting
Sitting is toxic. Kids naturally want to move and play, instead, we teach them to be still and sit for far too long and at far too early of an age. At a time when developmentally, kids need more running, climbing, and jumping, we make them sit instead. What does this do?
It reduces things like balance, and bone growth, and can even impact their mental development. Movement is learning for young kids. If your children sit all day at school and then sit all night at home, you aren’t doing them any favors. Get your child up and moving as much as possible. Take walks, play games, let them do dangerous things safely, and more. Not only will their physical health benefit from more movement, but their emotional and mental development will be far more robust as well.
Toxic Cleaning and Body Care Products
What are you putting on your kids? You probably think that their shampoos and soaps are safe, but unless you’ve learned how to read labels and avoid toxins, it’s likely that you’re harboring some pretty toxic stuff in your household. Finding products that undergo something like hair care product testing or soap product testing not only look for toxins but also tests the effectiveness of the products. Your products could be harboring anything from lead to hormone disruptors, to lung irritants and more.
Laundry detergents and dish detergents are other sources of toxins in the home. These toxins can affect kids in multiple ways. If your child struggles with allergies, some of these toxins may be exacerbating symptoms as well. Start by learning what the different ingredients are in these products and look to remove synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, and more.
