writing from the heart for children and parents

  Welcome to my home page. I am a pediatric critical care nurse and freelance writer. I have a passion for children and parents going through a health care crisis and I write to issues these kids confront. I deal with death and dying, terminal illnesses,and health and safety issues for parents and kids of all ages. I have been an elementary school nurse and I have taught high school students so my experience covers all age groups. I love children and want them to experience life at it's best. I am currently working on fiction for children.

Here I will provide information, resources, book reviews, and ideas to help families cope with whatever health cisis they are facing. If you seek information on a topic, please contact me by email and I will research and get you what ever information I can find.  

Ashley Runion was diagnosed with leukemia in June...and she is well enough to be home for the Christmas holidays, a blessing to be sure. Visit her Caring bridge site to follow her journey... it is a clear example of what kids going through chemo and serious treatments are dealing with. You can leave her a comment and word of encouragement as well. Parents should check it out tooo... Ashley's mom writes about the feelings she has had watching her daughter fight this illness. The site can be accessed http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ashleyrunion

Check it out and be sure to leave a comment...write a comment here.... or email me to let me know what you think.

• Hey kids, anyone going through a chemotherapy treatment may experience mouth sores or mucositis at some point in their treatments... Here are some tips to get you through this painful symptom of chemotherapy

List of Do nots.....

• Avoid spicy foods like sausage or rough textured foods like corn chips
• Avoid pop or carbonated drinks...
• Avoid citric juice or fruits while your mouth is the most painful.

List of Do's.....

• Do drink plenty of liquids to keep hydrated... milk shakes and high calorie drinks that are not too hot or cold
• Eat puddings, jell-o, cream soups, bland foods like mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, smoothies,
• Practice good mouth hygiene... brush teeth twice a day and swish with  a mixture of mouthwash and water or other prescribed solution to prevent thrush and infections.
• Use lip balm for dry lips to prevent cracks and promote healing.  
•  
• Follow these tips for a mouth that feels better.  The key is to eat and drink what feels the least painful so that you still practice good nutrition and promote healing. If you have other tips for kids suffering from painful mouth sores and you have personal experience, go to the Kids words and then some page and leave your tips for other readers. Everyone will appreciate the helpful information.   

It is time to go back to school and here are some tips just for kids...

Be safe..whether you are walking,riding a bike, taking a bus or getting a ride from mom in the family car...be safe, look around at your surroundings, wear that seat belt, travel in pairs, and don't talk to or take a ride from a stranger.

I know I sound like your mom.... but it is because we love you.

Study hard. Be kind to others. Don't be a bully. Do help out a friend if you can.

Avoid hurting others and remember that words hurt too.

Have a safe and wonderful school year. Let me know how school is going for you. And start thinking about what you want to be when you grow up.

Be the best that you can be.... I believe in you!!!!!

And if you or a friend have a health issue or crisis that you are dealing with this school year,I want to help. Feel free to email or make a comment in the comment section of the website. You can also write on the Kids words and then some page to encourage other students who are having health issues.

Kids, especially you in high school...............

 Check this out.........

http://www.lightthenight.org/ for ideas on how to join a walk for leukemia or how to start your own group and walk in your community.  It would be a great activity for your church senior high youth group.

It would raise funds for research and for children in need who are fighting the brave fight of leukemia or other blood cancers. It would also be a great way to show God's love for others through you.

 For more information on leukemia or lymphoma visit http://www.lls.org/  Email me with details of your group so I can publish it here or on my blog, or visit the kids words and then some page to make your own comments. I look forward to hearing just what you can accomplish when you set your heart in motion.

I have found a website for kids who are dealing with the loss of a loved one where kids read encouragement from other kids who are dealing with the same losses. There are ideas about how to remember your loved one and other good information about coping with the death and dying of your loved one. The site even has the endorsement of Her Majesty Herself, The Queen of England. Check out this site and then come back here and leave a comment in the Kids words and more section of this website. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. Visit http://www.rd4u.org.uk/ I hope you find words that will comfort you and let you know that you are not alone. Keep visiting this site for more encouraging words for kids.

Visit my blog this week for great ideas for kids to beat being bored this summer. Researching a cause and deciding to raise funds to support it can give kids a purpose this summer. Organizations for muscular dystrophy and juvenile diabetes for example, will always need money for research to find better treatments and maybe a cure. The blog will list several other organizations  where kids can volunteer or donate funding. Bordem is not acceptable when there are so many good causes out there to support. Visit http://heartfeltwords4kids.blogspot.com/ for ideas.

 A diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma is a harsh reality to face for most parents and usually comes as a complete surprise because the child has not shown symptoms for long. The Leukemia and Lymphoma society is information at a parents fingertips with accurate and clear information and guidance.  The site can be reached at http://www.lls.org/ and I recommend it as the first resource for parents and teens to check out after the diagnosis and treatment plan has been laid out.

While visiting the site make sure you check the new LLS blog. There is an excellent article by Samantha Mills titled Five Ways to Cope with a blood cancer diagnosis.  The article is basic, honest, and a good starting point for any patient facing this new journey. Also you will find two more booklets to download called Coping and Each New Day. Both of these will be valuable as well.

Finally, click on the page Kids words and then some here at this site,  to write your own feelings or comments about how you are coping, how the articles or the site helped, or any other helpful insight you can offer other kids facing cancer.  No two treatments or results are exactly the same, but the feelings patients go through during the treatment and recovery process are always similar. It sometimes just feels better to open up to others who have gone down the same path.

  Check out http://www.ezinearticles.com/ to find other articles that can be shared or published on you website. Just remember to include my resource box when you publish.

 Sad Isn't Bad... A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss

Written by Michaelene Mundy and Illustrated by R.W. Alley

ISBN 978-0-87029-321-4

This is a great book to read to a child when they are experiencing the loss of a loved one. Older children may read it to themselves but could still need the reassurance of an adult or may need to have questions answered.

 Each page addresses a different topic:  It is ok to cry, It is ok to ask questions, and You might feel all mixed up,  are some of the topics explained.

 The cute cartoon like illustrations are an addition to the text and any child will relate to the expressions on the face of the little elf who depicts the main character.

The most important thing about this book is that you can take one topic from the page and open up the discussion with your children. They could be having a hard time expressing their grief to you or maybe you can't seem to find the words to begin.  This book gives you a great starting point for a heart to heart with your child.

Check back often and I will review other books that may help you and your child deal with death and dying issues.

 Hey kids, summer is here and it is hot, hot, and hot.  Here are a few tips to keep you safe at the pool or beach.

1.     Never swim alone. No never. Always have a buddy.

2.     Use sunscreen. I know, it is gooey, but a sunburn hurts.

3.     Stay where an adult can see you. No excuses.

4.     Always swim where there is a lifeguard on duty, or an adult supervising.

5.     Follow any rules posted at the pool or beach. Rules are to keep you safe.

6.     Follow mom and dad’s rules if you have a pool in your backyard.

7.     Do not swim with gum or candy in your mouth. You could choke.

8.     Do not go in water over your head unless you know how to swim.

9.     Take rest periods out of the water for 15 minutes every hour so you don’t get overtired.

10. Drink plenty of cool fresh water while out in the summer heat. Also enjoy fresh fruit or snacks throughout the day for energy.

Follow these simple rules when swimming at the pool or beach. Your parents will be happy knowing you are being safe. And you will enjoy being cool while having safe summer fun.

   The family pet is just that, part of the family. Helping your child to deal with the loss of the family pet can be a challenge.  Here are a few tips to start the healing process.

1. Allow your child time to be sad. It is important that your child can express his or her sadness, especially if you are not feeling the same sense of loss.
2. Help your child to talk about what she or he is feeling and let them know you understand. Giving the child the freedom to talk about it is part of the healing process. It is important that a child not fear speaking up about their pain.
3. Let your child choose an activity to help them remember their beloved pet. Depending on the age of the child, they can draw a picture of their pet, make a memory box with a collar, chew toy, or picture of their pet inside, or make a donation to an animal shelter in their pet’s name with their own money.  
4. Consider starting the planning process to acquire another pet. Explain that you understand the pain of missing the lost pet. Talk about the need to wait a period of time before replacing the pet if that is how you feel. Discuss a time line and plan for finding a new pet even if it is months away. Giving the child concrete guidelines helps the healing process along.  
5. Finally, put a positive spin on things by reminding your child how much your pet knew he was loved, and what a good caregiver your child was. Talk about all of the fun things or cute things your child and your pet did. Remind your child what an important role the pet played in your family life and assure your child the pet will not be forgotten.

 Following these tips will not make the pain disappear, but it will allow the grief to be out in the open and start the process of healing for your family.