Reasons why
Firstly it’s important to get a little bit of an idea around why your child may be scared of the dark. It could be anything from genetic susceptibility (your child may be simply more emotional and sensitive) or even a stressful event can lead to a fear of the night time. Remember, children will mirror their parents behavior so if one or both parents are anxious, the child will also behave this way.

What to do
The first step is talking to your child about what is scaring them. Take them seriously and try these tips:

If they are scared of monsters reassure them that monsters don’t exist. Do not check the cupboards and under the bed for them as this will make them think that you believe they could be real.
If your child is frightened of someone breaking into the house, show them all of the security measures and locks you have around the home to keep everyone secure.
Ask your child what would make them feel more comfortable at night.
Install a nightlight next to their bed or leave the hallway light on so that some light enters their room at night.
Encourage your child to be active on a regular basis. Exercise helps reduce stress levels dramatically.
Look at what your child is currently watching on television and reading in books. Sometimes news stories and other images can scare children, adding to or creating their fear of the dark.
Take a serious look at their room at night. Are there things in their room that cast shadows or make the room scary in any way? If there is, remove these items.
Don’t talk about your child’s fear with other people in front of your child. This can make them feel anxious.
Search online toys and other comfort items you can buy over the internet to help soothe your child at night and make them feel more comfortable in the dark.
Create a bed time routine that is enjoyable. This will help your child to feel more relaxed heading into bed at night.

Once your child is slowly taking the steps to overcome their fear, for instance, remaining in bed for longer than usual, make sure you reward them. Always reinforce their positive behavior.

While being afraid of the dark is very common it can seriously impact on the well being and sleeping habits of your child. I hope our list of ideas has given you some useful advice on just how to help your child learn and understand that there really is nothing to be afraid of at night.

Toys
In recent times, there have been a series of outrages over girl’s toys in particular, and about the kind of message they portray to the younger generation. Bratz Dolls and Struts Horses have both been the subject of a lot of press recently because of the way they allegedly promote adult dressing in young girls. While the idea of our daughters being exposed to over-sexualised portrayals of toys is worrying, it is not exactly a new phenomenon, as the news stories would have us believe. All one needs to do it look at the original portrayer of unrealistic body image–Barbie. Instead of censoring the toys your children do and do not play with, why not consider developing a strategy for balancing out their perceptions of them? Speak openly with your children about the fact that beauty comes in many shapes and sizes, with specific reference to the fact that a lot of toys are unrealistic because they are just that–toys.

TV
TV is another way in which our girls are being subject to unmeetable standards of femininity. Again, however, while it is much easier to restrict the amount of TV our kids watch, simply preventing them from exposure is not the full solution. Perhaps watching some of the shows you’re concerned about with your daughter and asking her what she thinks about it would be a better long-term approach to helping her develop a healthy body image and self esteem.

Negative images and unrealistic expectations have always been placed on children. While it does seem that these days those images are available from a much younger age, we need to remember that countering those images with positive ones is just as important. Look for online toys and games that reinforce positive body image, resilience and diversity, but most of all, communicate with your child and foster confidence and a sense of self esteem.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is water soluble vitamin that is not stored in the body and must be replaced each day.  Kids need to ingest it from their diet or supplements (high doses of vitamins are not recommended).

Vitamin C is important for maintaining a healthy immune system, helps the body fight stress and enhances collagen production that are needed for healthy skin, cartilage, bones, teeth & connective tissue. It also helps in increasing iron and calcium absorption. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that helps to prevent free-radical cell damage that comes from environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, herbicides and unhealthy foods.

A deficiency of vitamin C can cause different types of diseases and sickness. Scurvy is the most common disease caused by severe and chronic vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms include fatigue, bleeding gums, loose teeth, bruising, dry hair and skin, poor wound healing, and anaemia.

Most fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C. Good sources of vitamin C including green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, kiwi fruit, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, guava, blackcurrants, parsley and tomato.

Healthy children are more likely to develop into healthy teenagers and healthy adults. If they are healthy, they can do a lot of things they want to do!

1. Start the day with a healthy breakfast

Healthy breakfast gives them energy for the day. Whole-grain breads, cereals, whole fruits, skim or low-fat milk and yogurt are good breakfast foods.

2. Snack smart

Healthy snacks provide an additional source of calories needed by kids throughout their active day. Yogurt, fresh or dried fruits, cereal bars and raw vegetables with dip are good choices.

3. Eat lots of different foods

Children need to eat lots of different foods including large amounts of vegetables, legumes, fruits & whole grains; and small amounts of dairy & meats to get all the nutrients needed for growth & good health. Macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Fats and Protein) are the body’s main source of fuel. Micronutrients (Vitamins and Minerals) are needed for many body functions.

4. Drink plenty of liquid

Children should drink plenty of liquid for hydration while providing nutrients for good health and growth.

5. Be active everyday

Being active promotes healthy growth and development. Children need at least 1 hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Playing hide and seek, tag games and sports are great ways to get kids moving while also having fun.