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The Power of Observation
by Mary Aronson

s a Holistically oriented Family Nurse Practitioner, I feel that the most important thing parents can do for the health of their children is simply to notice them.

Does that statement surprise you? Let me explain.

My belief is that health is a concept that is comprised of three equally important elements. These are, emotional health, physical health and spiritual health. Each area affects each of the others, all are linked together, and together they are make up the composite of the individual. Deficits in one area puts the individual at risk for developing deficits, or disease, in the other areas. Parents of children of any age are in the wonderful position of assessing their children's status in each of these areas. This opportunity allows parents to be most influential in assuring that their children's health is at its optimum level.

By the simple act of attending to their children's emotional, physical and spiritual health status, parents exert significant influence. They model to their children that they, the children, are important in each of these areas. Through this modeling, the children are taught to pay attention to themselves. They can begin to understand, even at a very early age, that they are significant, multi-faceted, and worthy of notice. This, in and of itself, can enhance health on all levels. Children learn that their experience of the world is important, and their self-esteem is buoyed. As children pass through different developmental stages they will have different emotional, physical and spiritual health pictures. There are some general areas to be aware of at all ages and stages. I advise parents to notice their children and communicate the information and insight they've gathered to teachers and health care providers with whom they share the care of their children.

• How does your child interact with others . . . children . . . adults?
• What are your child's interests?
• Does your child share possessions, ideas, laughter, words with others?
• Does your child sleep restfully?
• Is your child energetic?
• Is your child playful?
• Has your child experienced any traumas in his/her life? How did he/she cope?
• To whom does your child go for consolation?
• Does your child have an easy time relating to friends of his/her own age?
• Does your child adjust easily to change?
• How does your child do in school?
• What is your child's favorite activity?
• What do you and your child do together?
• What are areas of difficulty for your child?
• What does your child's diet consist of?
• What are favorite foods and drinks?
• Are there any foods that lead to belly aches, or that your child cannot tolerate for any other reason?
• Does your child have problems with bowels or bladder?
• What is the condition of your child's skin?
• Does your child take medicines or vitamins regularly?
• How often in the last month has your child expressed a physical complaint?
• What about the last 6 months?
• How many times in the past 6 months have you taken your child, or thought about taking your child to see a health care provider?
• Can your child see well?
• Is your child overweight? Underweight?
• Is your child worried about his/her health? Are you?
• How much television does your child watch in a day...in a week?
• How much unscheduled time does your child have, and how does he/she fill it?
• Does your child wear a seatbelt in the car and a helmet and protective gear when riding a bike, rollerblading or skateboarding?
• How do you know your child is happy, sad, angry, frightened, frustrated?
• Can your child name his/her feelings?
• What makes your child laugh?
• What makes your child cry?
• Does your child use physical complaints to avoid responsibilities or stressful situations?
• Does your child know that you love him/her?

I offer this list of questions to you as parents, incomplete though it is, as motivation and guidance in the effort to notice your children. As you increase your awareness and appreciation of them, they will come to know and appreciate themselves more, and respect their bodies and symptoms. That is the foundation upon which health and healing can flourish.

You may send questions you would like answered, or topics you would like to see addressed in the column to:

AskExperts@VegSource.com.

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Mary Aronson is a Nationally Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She works in a Holistic Family Practice office in Scottsdale, Arizona, and lives with her husband and three children in Phoenix.