Child Custody and Issues

Child guardianship are legal terms which are sometimes used to describe the legal and practical relationship between a parent and his or her child, such as the right of the parent to make decisions for the child, and the parent’s duty to care for the child.

Following ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in most countries, terms such as “residence” and “contact” (known as “visitation” in the United States) have superseded the concepts of “custody” and “access”. Instead of a parent having “custody” of or “access” to a child, a child is now said to “reside” or have “contact” with a parent. For a discussion of the new international nomenclature, see parental responsibility.

Basic issues

Children: Elbow Fracture

Fractures about the elbow are very common in children, but the anatomy of the child’s elbow may make the diagnosis less obvious than in a mature skeleton. An understanding of the ossification and fusion of the secondary growth centers about the elbow is essential to avoid overlooking these injuries and to optimize treatment. If plain radiographs are equivocal, an arthrogram of the elbow may clarify the anatomy and diagnosis. Early neurologic and vascular complications are not uncommon and must be recognized before fracture reduction. Many late complications, such as malunion, osteonecrosis, and physeal bridging, are largely preventable by correct early diagnosis and treatment. Anatomic reduction of articular surfaces, restoration of physeal anatomy, and near-anatomic alignment of fracture fragments in the frontal plane are the corner-stones of successful treatment of pediatric elbow fractures.

What is an elbow fracture? An elbow fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in one or more of the bones in your child’s elbow. It may also be called a broken elbow. The elbow is the joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) meets the two forearm bones (radius and ulna). The elbow joint helps greatly with arm movements.

What causes an elbow fracture? A fall on an outstretched hand, in an attempt to stop a fall, often causes an elbow fracture. This may also happen by falling directly on a bent elbow. Your child’s elbow may be broken while playing sports. A bad twist of the elbow and overuse of the elbow may also lead to fractures. Broken elbows may occur because of a direct blow or if the elbow is hit straight on.

What are the signs and symptoms of an elbow fracture? Your child may have pain, swelling, and bruising in the injured elbow. Your child’s arm may bleed if the skin is broken. The bones may poke through the skin, not look normal, or look bent or out of place. He may have a hard time moving his elbow, arm, or hand, or may refuse to use his elbow or arm. Your child may hold the elbow with his other hand to lessen the pain. Your child’s arm, elbow, or hands may feel weak, numb, or tingly.

How is an elbow fracture diagnosed? Imaging tests may be needed to see if your child has a broken bone. These may also be done to check for other injuries, such as a bone, muscle, or blood vessel problem. Your child may have one or more of the following:

• Bone scan: During this test, pictures are taken of your child’s bones. Your child is given a small, safe amount of radioactive dye in an IV. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infection, or cancer in the bones.
• Computerized tomography scan: This test is also called a CT or CAT scan. This is a type of x-ray that uses a computer to take pictures of your child’s arm and elbow. Your child may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your child’s caregiver if your child is allergic to shellfish or has other allergies or medical conditions.
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is also called an MRI. The test uses magnetic waves to take pictures of your child’s arm and elbow.
• X-ray: This is a picture of the bones and tissues in your child’s elbow. X-rays of the elbow and arm may be done to check for broken bones or other problems. Several pictures of your child’s bones may be taken. X-rays of both your child’s injured and uninjured elbows may be needed.

How is an elbow fracture treated? Treatment will depend on how bad your child’s fracture is and whether other parts of his elbow are affected. Your child may need one or more of the following:

• Devices: Keeping the broken elbow from moving is very important. A splint or cast with a sling may be put on your child’s elbow and arm. This may be used to decrease pain and prevent further damage to the broken bones.
• Medicine: Medicines may be given to help with your child’s pain. Your child may need antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot if he has a break in his skin.
• Supportive therapy: Ice packs may be put on your child’s elbow to decrease swelling, pain, and redness. Physical therapy may be needed once swelling and pain are gone. A physical therapist may assist your child with special exercises. This may help his elbow recover faster and become stronger.
• Surgery: Your child may need surgery with an elbow fracture, especially if his bones are out of place. It may also be needed if your child’s fracture does not heal with other treatments. Surgery helps return bones to their normal position by putting them together with pins, wires or screws. Surgery may also be done if your child has other injuries, such as nerve or blood vessel damage.

Child Hair Designs

Kids Hair Cut at Home

If your child is afraid of the hairdresser’s, then try to cut their hair at home. They will feel safe and comfortable and you will save time and money

. However if you don’t have any hair cut experience, you might want to seek out a step by step guide on children’s hair cutting.

Hair Care Troubles and Hair Tips for Kids

Trouble washing your child’s hair?
Try to use a mild shampoo in his or her favorite color or scent. Sometimes children are more willing to wash their hair with a fun shampoo, especially if it doesn’t sting their eyes.

If you’re having trouble combing their hair, try to create trust and reassurance by allowing them to comb and brush their own hair on their own terms.

Do not brush your child’s hair 100 strokes before bedtime in the traditional manner. Although combing the hair will promote shine and condition, brushing to this extend will over stimulate the sebaceous glands and make the hair greasy and heavy. Doing a quick brush to get the tangles out should be sufficient. Remember to use a comb on wet hair rather than a brush or you risk creating static electricity, which leads to breakage.

Some signs can show any type of child mistreatment

Aggressive, disruptive, and sometimes illegal behavior; Anger and rage, or feelings of sadness or other symptoms of depression; Anxiety or fears, or flashbacks and nightmares; Broken bones or internal injuries; Burns; Changes in a child’s behavior or school performance; Constant hunger or thirst; Cuts and bruises; Dirty hair or skin, frequent diaper rash; Drug and alcohol abuse; Hard-to-believe stories about how accidents occurred; Lack of interest in surroundings; Lack of supervision; Passive or withdrawn behavior; Poor self-image; Sexual acting out; Self-destructive or self-abusive behavior, suicidal thoughts; School problems or failure; The child seems guarded and startles easily; The child loiters at school or friends’ houses; The child seems reluctant to go home

Physical Signs of Child Abuse
1. Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises, or welts in the shape of an object
2. Bite marks
3. Anti-social behavior
4. Problems in school
5. Fear of adults

Emotional Signs of Child Abuse
1. Apathy
2. Depression
3. Hostility or stress
4. Lack of concentration
5. Eating disorders

Sexual Signs of Child Abuse
1. Inappropriate interest or knowledge of sexual acts
2. Nightmares and bed wetting
3. Drastic changes in appetite
4. Overcompliance or excessive aggression
5. Fear of a particular person or family member

Signs of Neglect
1. Unsuitable clothing for weather
2. Dirty or unbathed
3. Extreme hunger
4. Apparent lack of supervision