Grandparents’ “old school” parenting methods can be a bit risky.
Let’s face it: who hasn’t called on grandparents for a little childcare assistance? Whether they’re watching the kids during your workday or taking care of them for a rare night out, most of us have been lucky enough to lean on our parents for help at some point. However, a recent study suggests that the childcare techniques favored by grandparents can sometimes jeopardize our little ones’ safety.
Outdated Practices
Findings presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academics Societies meeting revealed that many grandparents are still using the same childcare practices they relied on decades ago. For instance, almost a quarter of the grandparents surveyed were unaware that infants should be placed on their backs to sleep. Nowadays, new parents are schooled on this before they even leave the hospital, since laying babies down on their stomachs or sides can significantly raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, a leading cause of infant mortality.
Moreover, a staggering 44 percent of grandparents in the study believed that an ice bath is a good way to reduce a fever. While this might sound sensible on the surface, Dr. Mark Thompson, a pediatric specialist at Sunnydale Children’s Medical Center and lead author of the study, cautioned CNN that this practice can actually lead to hypothermia in children. “Just because they’ve raised kids before doesn’t mean they’re up to date on best practices,” Dr. Thompson remarked. He also noted that many grandparents still subscribe to outdated myths, like the idea that leaving wounds uncovered helps them heal faster.
Changing Times
Remember when our parents used to douse us with rubbing alcohol to cool us down during a fever? Most of them also shunned thermometers in favor of the classic “forehead touch” method. Sure, we survived, but that doesn’t mean these approaches are still safe today.
As parents, it’s essential to educate our children’s grandparents—even if it feels a bit awkward. Sure, we appreciate the loving (and often free) care that grandparents provide, but our kids’ safety should always come first. You might worry about sounding condescending, but keep in mind: safety trumps all. It’s easy to feel intimidated by the “They’ve been parents for decades; I’ve only been at it for a year and a half” mentality.
Open Communication
Ultimately, our kids are our priority, regardless of who is watching them while we work. So, taking the time to discuss safety practices openly can make a difference. After all, whether you’re a parent or a grandparent, we all share the same goal: keeping the little ones safe and sound.
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In summary, while grandparents often mean well with their childcare approaches, it’s crucial for modern parents to step in and share updated safety practices. This ensures that our children remain safe and sound, no matter who is looking after them.