Of all of the drugs that you’d assume someone would abuse, it may come as a shock that children’s cough syrup is one of them. However, for some young kids and teenagers, that is exactly what they turn to and the effects are just as dangerous and potentially life threatening. ‘Robotripping’ is a slang term that get’s it name from the over-the-counter cough medicine Robitussin and it refers to the recreational abuse of children’s cough syrup. As a parent, it is important to understand the effects of robotripping, what the draw is, and what to watch for.

With a playful sounding name, many parents may think that ‘robotripping’ is just some new game or app, but there is nothing playful about this addictive activity. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a commonly used ingredient in many notable cough syrup brands, and robotripping is usually done with cough syrup containing this ingredient. Even at the recommended dosage, there have been some dangerous side effects known from taking medicated cough syrups. Every year, roughly 10,000 children are taken to emergency rooms because of cough syrup overdoses.  Taken at extreme doses these cough syrups are very dangerous, potentially resulting in hallucinations, fevers, rashes, respiratory problems, severe headaches and vomiting.

While other drugs might not be as easy to come by and may cost a pretty penny, children’s cough syrups are cheap and easy to obtain for a teenager. For this reason, some pharmacies have taken many cough syrups behind the counter. However, not all drug stores have this practice, and even if they did, it is not difficult to find ways around these cautionary measures.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America has reported that 1 in 10 teens have used OTC cold medicine, or ‘robotripping,’ to get high. With this staggering number, it is important that parents look for signs that their child may be involved in or considering the abuse of OTC cough medicines. Look for signs of sickness and any strange, hallucinatory behavior. It might also be useful to check their trashcans, or your own waste bins for DXM cough syrups. As a preventive measure, it is best to keep all DXM cough syrups out of your own house, and switch to natural children’s cough syrup, to eliminate the risk of anyone using your own medicines for drug abuse.

As always, it is best to have open, non-threatening discussions with your children. Regularly ask them how things are going, ask them if there is anything you can help them with, and if you have a very strong suspicion that they are abusing drugs, you need to openly, without accusation, ask them if they are. You aren’t nagging, you are merely acting out of concern and protecting those you care about.

Is getting healthy and spending more time with your kids high on your new year’s resolution list this year? What if you could combine them both? You could make 2012 the year that you bond with your children, while also bonding over the mutual goal of improved family health. The number one rule is to get everyone involved.

Go Natural

Make an activity out of ridding your refrigerator and pantry of unhealthy processed foods and products. Sure, most kids (and adults) would prefer to have their sugary cereals and Cheetos, but if you involve everyone, you could make proper nutrition a fun, common goal.

After getting rid of the processed, ‘fake’ foods, you can then work with your children to replace them with healthy, natural foods and products. This includes stocking up on fruits and vegetables, increasing the amount of whole grain breads and pastas, using organic products where possible, disposing of the old unsafe cough syrups and replacing them with safe and natural cold medicines, and getting rid of harsh – and possibly dangerous – chemical cleaners that may be adversely affecting the overall health of the family.

There’s no reason to get overly paranoid, but small changes, on a consistent basis, can bring about great things. In this case? Better health.

Exercise with the Kiddos

Sure, perhaps you’d prefer the ‘alone time’ that a trip to the gym or a neighborhood run might provide, but don’t forget that you can always use exercise with your kids as an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Taking a trip to the park where you create relay races, or playing interactive video games where you dance or do aerobics, or simply taking a family walk can keep the family active, connected, and healthy.

Make Choices Together

It’s important that everyone understands why you’re making these changes, and why they’re valuable. It’s easier for kids to want to do something if they really understand the benefit. Have discussions in which you all decide the best plan of action together. For example, one discussion might be how the family should eat this week and why, or how exercising can enhance everyone’s lives. You can choose new family activities together, and the kids can chime in with their ideas.  Lastly, make sure everyone understands why you’re ditching the processed foods, using natural cold medicines, or trying to get a half hour of exercise a day. Everyone feels more respected and empowered when there is open communication and the opportunity to be a decision maker. These family discussions can bring everyone closer together.

Ever wonder what influenza looks like across the map? We’ve got you covered. Using the CDC Flu Map on Zarbees.com, you can get a glimpse of the spread of flu and cold symptoms across the nation. By the looks of things so far, it may seem like a pretty mild flu season, but don’t let that fool you. Many have speculated that the widespread cold and flu are just a little late, and that we can still expect to see more widespread flu and cold symptoms as the winter progresses, and it may hit hard.

It’s never too early to start taking preventive measures and to stock up on the medicines that you and your children will need when a cold or flu does strike. Remember that hand-washing and proper nutrition are vital during these times, and limiting exposure to those with the flu could be the difference between long, sleepless nights, and a peaceful winter season. And when it comes to treating those cold symptoms, remember that all-natural remedies are always a safer bet.

When you find yourself thinking, “If only they could see that this is good for them,” you aren’t alone. We all want our children to understand that we’re only doing certain things because we love them, or because it’s good for them in the long run. However, in a child’s mind this isn’t always the case. Many parents worry about their children who refuse to eat, refuse to take their cough syrup, refuse to wear the clothes they’ve spent their hard-earned paycheck on, or refuse to befriend the children they wish they’d befriend. It can be difficult for the parent and the child. Use these tips to help you understand, cope, and handle these stubborn situations.

Choose Your Battles

Remember, sometimes if your child doesn’t seem to care about the thing that you’re stressing so heavily, maybe you shouldn’t either. Is what you want for them vitally important? Or is it just so you can say you’ve won or gotten your own way? A big part of parenting is selflessness and understanding. Perhaps it’s best to ask yourself, “Is this something to get upset about?” If it’s not, you should let it go, and let your child know you’ve let it go, too. Often, this may encourage your child to do the thing you wanted more than if you hollered and hounded them. It’s not about coercion or manipulation; it’s about effective communication. Really mean what you say, and say exactly what you mean. You’ll get the respect of adults and children alike.

Consider Why Your Child Won’t Cooperate

Become a parental psychologist. Look into their behavior and try to be empathetic. Think of some reasons why they are reluctant or downright stubborn about something. If that’s too difficult, there is always this often-overlooked tactic: asking. You can simply ask your child why they don’t want to do something. Be understanding. Is there fear, shame or grief involved in what they have to do? Get to the bottom of the issue. For example, if your child doesn’t want to take cough syrup when you know it will help them feel better, you may want to consider why they don’t want it and then restrategize. Maybe choose a different flavor, a different spoon, or do it in a situation that seems less demanding and more helpful. Cough syrup is just a small example of some of the struggles parents encounter with children. Remember, there are things you resist to for the same emotional reasons. It is human to be hesitant or afraid from time to time.

When it’s Necessary

If you think that it’s an important issue, and there are many, then calmly explain the benefits to your child. Give them reasons why it’s best for them, how it can make them happier, healthier, stronger, or smarter. It’s important to carefully choose your battles and your tactics. There’s no use in getting stressed out and worked up. It’s not good for you, or your child.  Simply take the time to share your concerns, your hopes, and your wisdom with your child. Don’t force them, don’t manipulate them, simply state the case as it really is, and try to make a list with your child of the possible outcomes.  Incidentally, this sort of talking could end up bonding you to your child more than any other forceful or authoritative method.

Do you have your own methods for dealing with uncooperative children? Please feel free to share your secrets with the rest of us.

The holidays are a time of travel for many, and the mixture climate changes, germ exposure and seasonal illness can really put a damper on things. Remember, children can get between 10-12 colds a year, so it’s likely one could hit while on vacation. That’s why it’s never a bad idea to bring along the children’s cough medicine. Check out our packing check list so you can be prepared, and keep your kids illness-free on vacation.

Pack a medical kit that includes the following:

-Health Insurance cards

-Sunscreen

-Bug Repellent

- Ibuprofen (For headaches, pains or fevers)

- Children’s Cough Medicine

-Antihistamines

-Antacids

-Motion Sickness Medications/Products

-First Aid Kit

BONUS TIPS

Make Sure to Get Plenty of Fresh Air – Fresh air is good for the lungs, good for the heart, and good for keeping airborne germs at bay. Young children are especially susceptible to germs, so it’s a good time to get them outdoors, or to get the air circulating in the room.

Be Careful about Food and Drink – This tip is especially vital when traveling to a different country. Don’t eat foods that have been sitting out for a while, and it’s best to stay away from any form of tap water. This includes keeping your children away from fruits and vegetables that have been washed in that water.

Wash Your Hands Frequently – This is where a parent has to be on patrol the most. Your kids are more likely to come into contact with unfamiliar objects while on vacation, and the risk of contracting harmful germs is much higher. Make sure the whole family is washing their hands frequently.

Use Sunscreen -  Sunscreen doesn’t only prevent a night of painful discomfort and  weeping, it protects you and your children from harmful sun damage and the possibility of skin cancer. Vacations are an easy time to forget this step with all of the fun going on, but be sure not to skip the sunscreen.

Relax and Be Smart – There’s no reason to over-do it on your vacation—it’s supposed to relaxing and fun. Make sure to take time to sit and enjoy your surroundings, and have your children do the same. Make sure everyone drinks plenty of water and stays active when possible; as long as it’s not dangerous or stressful.

Other than that, enjoy your family vacation! Some of the best memories a family can have come from vacations.