The Internet is like a puddle – review

Five Mile Press, Victoria, 2014
ISBN 9781760064167


For children aged 3-6 yrs








A cautionary tale

Don’t let the wide-eyed animals in “The internet is like a puddle” lull you into thinking all is calm. Expect a serious message. There are loads of fun things to do and games to play on the internet. Look out for a crocodile with plenty of teeth idling in the puddle but don’t be deceived. This book will help adults communicate a cautionary approach to internet time and start conversations with young children about safe internet play.

The internet can be a bit tricky

There’s lots of games and splashing fun to be had in a puddle, the water may appear to be shallow but can be deep and mirky underneath. In this picture book koala is absorbed stepping out with his mobile phone, rabbit and bear are on a lap top, ipad or ‘device’, mouse looks on holding a red polka-dot ball. The first inkling of difficulty comes when frog jumps head first into the pond, the internet can be “a bit tricky”. 
The first inkling of difficulty comes when frog jumps head first into the pond

Child-friendly story about online safety

Young children in many Australian families may not ask “what’s the internet?” Going online is just part of daily life. This little gem of a book is going to be helpful for adults wanting to create awareness about internet safety from a child’s perspective. 
Shona Innes, the author, uses words like “deep’, ‘stuck’, ‘trouble’ and ‘tricky’. Awareness is raised about safety and chatting to strangers, also health and wellbeing. Bears eyes droop from playing too long.
Feelings and reactions are explored, the internet is fun to play with and because of this it can be hard to say ‘no’. This validates feelings children may have if they are asked to say ‘no’ to the chance to dip into the ‘internet puddle’. It might seem unfair when ‘everyone else gets to play’.

Role of a parent or carer

Big bear holds Little bears paw at the edge of a pond. Duck is happily floating in the “puddle”. Then something doesn’t look right, a large crocodile with lots of teeth and a menacing smile waits in the pond with an inflatable purple floaty ring. The message is clear, a safe person needs to be there to make sure children don’t go in too deep and if this happens, they know what to do next. Notes for parents and teachers about technology use, setting limits and being internet safe are at the back of the book. Shona Innes, is a qualified clinical and forensic psychologist.
This book has engaging illustrations with thoughtful text and provides a wonderful means for communicating with children in a child-friendly way. It is one of several books from the Big hug series featuring expressive and warm animal illustrations and sharing emotional challenges.

Please get in touch if you would like to read The Internet is like a puddle, You are like you or Worries are like clouds. I purchased copies from The Children’s Bookshop they can also be purchased online. Recommended retail price is $14.95.

Crocodile, Freshwater Station, Cairns

More on internet, cyber or online safety?

World issues: Staying safe online is a recent book for primary students, with plenty of photos and accessible text.  Parents can link to Australian Government’s Office of the Children’s eSafety Commission, for guidance and strategies in the home, including managing technology. The publication A parent’s guide to online safety is available 5 languages. Life Education, visits schools to empower children and young people to make safer and healthier resources through education. Parents can find out about how to start conversations with their children.
Your feedback is valuable. Do you have any children’s 
resources that have helped explain internet safety?

Jillian Rattray

AWCH librarian
Email:

Ji*****@aw**.au











November 2016

Four ways parents can increase their protective role and pain-reducing effect at medical procedures – resource

 

Many people believe that medical procedures have to hurt, particularly if they involve needles or other sharp instruments. They can hurt, of course, but you may be surprised to know that pain is not a given.  Fear and pain are natural protective mechanisms that parents can help switch off — and the earlier you start, the easier it is.

Checkout this video from Professor Denise Harrison and the Be Sweet to Babies team (Baby vaccination; the secret to a calm and peaceful immunization).
 

Do your homework and go prepared.  It’s not hit and miss whether a child learns to cope – it’s a combination of their previous experiences, how well prepared they are, and what the adults say and do.  Instead of relying solely on the healthcare professionals, find out in advance how you can be a positive influence, reduce the perception of threat and help your child feel safe and comfortable.  You may be surprised how much research has already been done.

Get all the important tips from a tiny tot in It doesn’t have to hurt from the Centre for Paediatric Pain Research in Canada.

Children sense and watch what’s going on around them and adults need to stay calm; it is the key to a child’s sense of security.  As a parent, I also know it can be hard and may require faith, combined with an Oscar-winning performance, to present the medical world as a safe and friendly environment. “You have to be brave for your child” is how one experienced mum put it.

It’s not helpful when parents identify with their child’s potential or actual suffering and show their own emotions.   If you are releasing a cascade of anxiety-producing hormones, then your young child will too, amplifying any fear and pain.

Remembering to breathe and watching the natural rhythm of your breath can make a big difference.

There is a long, history of parents being excluded from the care of their children in the medical setting.  Fortunately times have changed, and parents no longer have to hand over their children and their power to the healthcare providers.  You can speak up, maintain your authority and become a vital member of the team.  Calm, informed parents provide the ideal protection from fear, pain and trauma for children.

It’s not about being demanding.  It is what works for my son.  We are positive and confident when we go for procedures and we have never had a problem.  It has changed our perspective on the hospital.”   Parent and health rights lawyer Liz Bishop, who has more to say in the video Listen to a parent’s experience.

When parents and health professionals all work together as one harmonious team, each bringing their complementary areas of knowledge and expertise, medical procedures can become a source of resilience and mastery for children.

REPLACE THE OLD MALADAPTIVE CYCLE
 
Procedures→Threat→Fear→Distress→Pain→Aversion→Avoidance
 
WITH
 
Procedures → Normal→Sense of safety→Coping→Happy to go back again→Mastery


Angela Mackenzie
Paediatrician/author
29 June 2015