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Being a parent means that there are plenty of things that we don’t know. And this can be a source of anxiety. It’s important to have certain skills in place, especially when it comes to emergencies. Here are some of the key skills that every parent needs to know.
Dressing a Wound
Your first aid kit may have many wound care products, but do you know how to use them? Children are going to fall and scrape their knees, and it’s important to know how to apply dressings.
Stopping a Bleeding Nose
Children pick their noses, and this usually means your child will have some form of a bloody nose. And if you are one of those mothers who doesn’t like the sight of blood, it might be time to try and desensitize yourself to this. When children are really upset, it’s not encouraging to see their mother stressed out as well.
Performing CPR
CPR is one of the most important skills you will ever learn. If you ever need to call 911 they may be able to give you instructions over the phone, but you have to remember that babies require 1 minute of CPR. You should take a course because this is arguably the most essential first aid skill you will ever learn. Always remember, your left-hand goes over your right, and if you do not know anything else, performing CPR should be done to the tempo of Staying Alive by the Bee Gees! But here is a proper guide!
Save a Choking Baby
Whether your baby is just learning how to eat, or there are potential hazards dotted around the house because of an older sibling, this is another invaluable thing that every parent should learn. Always remember, when a child is choking, they’re not going to gag. They will make no noise. If your baby is gagging, this can be very stressful, but this means that they are trying to get the item up.
Performing the Heimlich Maneuver
On the other hand, if you have older children, knowing how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver properly will be invaluable.
Removing a Splinter or Bee Sting
This requires manual dexterity but also being calm under pressure. The benefit of having long nails is that you can do this quickly without causing too much distress.
Spotting Mental Health Problems
If you see that your child is struggling with their homework or in general, it’s important to encourage conversation. Mental health problems and not just something for adults. We have to remember that children feel pressure in so many different parts of their lives that you need to encourage a forum at home where they are free to speak about their thoughts, rather than feeling embarrassed by them. If you spot any potential mental health problems, it is important to address them as soon as possible.
There are so many emergency skills that are not in the parent manuals, but some of these will not just help your child but will give you peace of mind.
