Be The Parent. Keep It Positive.
Every parent has moments they wish they could take back. Maybe you said something stupid in a heated moment. Maybe you overreacted to something small because you were feeling stress from work. Whatever the situation, all parents know it happens.
At Lice Clinics of America, we understand that finding out your child has head lice can definitely be one of those moments. Often normal responses may be:
“Who have you been playing with? Those kids are so dirty!”
“Yuck! Please don’t hug me. I don’t want to catch it!”
“It’s so gross! So Creepy!”
“How could this happen, haven’t you been careful? Have you been showering?”
“Oh no, now I have to tell all your friends and neighbors that you have head lice!”
Parents: This is what NOT to say when your kids have head lice. Remember, you are the adult. Arm yourself with good information. Take a second to collect your thoughts. Proceed with patience.
“The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice,” Peggy O’Mara reminds us. Now is the perfect time for you as a parent to use this opportunity to build trust between you and your child.
Here are a few things to remember to help you avoid the negative:
#1- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that between 6 to 12 million children will pass along head lice every year in the United States. That means there are millions of parents dealing with the same scenario in this country. You are not alone.
#2 – Shampooing and bathing alone do NOT kill head lice or nits. Dirty people do not catch head lice more than clean people. It simply isn’t true. It can happen to anyone, anytime. Head lice have been shown to hold their breath for over 4 hours underwater. This is why water and shampoo do not kill them.
#3 – When your child contracts head lice it is common courtesy to communicate with trusted adults the situation. People like parents of close friends, coaches or school nurses. However, it is not something that every child needs to know. Work hard to be as discreet as possible by communicating through trusted adults. Kids can be hurt by gossip or bullying from peers.
#4 – Children look to their parents for safety and security. You are the anchor. You are the level-headed adult. Look to a friend or trusted family member to talk to or for support if needed. Don’t let your kids be hurt by your fears or worries. Head lice are part of life. It is not a dire emergency.
#5 – Lice Clinics of America is your most trusted resource for helping you eliminate head lice from your life. We offer the latest, most reliable treatments that prove to be over 99% effective with a single treatment. Call our office today with your questions or concerns. We deal with head lice every day. We can help!
