Sorting or gambling - occupational therapy with socks
Yes, it really does exist, World Lost Sock Day. Since 1998, the poor socks that disappear without a trace in the Bermuda Triangle between the laundry basket and the washing machine have been commemorated on 9 May.
What is this topic doing on a paediatrician's website? The day serves as an opportunity to remind parents that sorting or folding socks, for example, can be a great perception and attention game for children.
There is a whole range of practical tips like this - also known as occupational therapy in everyday life: folding napkins, setting the table with the same arrangement of plates and cutlery, folding laundry or sorting socks. All incredibly good for child development and practising perception. And once the household chores have been completed in a playful way - tip number 2 - a game of "sock puzzle", Doc's favourite game for fun with younger children, is a good idea. Both sorting socks and sock gambling are suitable for children aged 4 and over.
Further interesting tips
U7a screening
Our series of U examinations continues a little irregularly, because U7 is not followed by U8 - but by U7a.
Paediatric myths
Have you ever heard these phrases or said them yourself? "The child has such yellow snot, it's probably something bacterial!" "The urine smells so bad, it's probably a urinary tract infection!" "The child is coughing so badly, it must be pneumonia!" You hear all these sentences over and over again and they are all, you guessed it, rubbish.
Lice
First things first: I know of almost no family with children, including my own, who have not had a visit from these little creatures. Head lice infestations have nothing to do with a lack of hygiene. Lice don't care whether they crawl on freshly washed hair or walk over an unkempt head - they take what they get.