Dry drowning is a scary term — one that parents have no doubt heard about but many may not know what it means. Before we get started, it’s important to note that dry drowning, and its cousin secondary drowning, are relatively rare — only accounting for about 1 to 2 percent of all drowning cases in the U.S. However, that’s still a significant number of deaths, and enough to warrant your thorough attention. Here are the facts about dry drowning.
 
What is dry drowning?
 
Dry drowning is a type of delayed drowning where a person gets a small amount of water in their nose or mouth and it causes spasms in the airway, leading them to have trouble breathing. Most symptoms of dry drowning will be visible shortly after exposure to water. Dry drowning can happen anywhere water is present — including the pool, hot tub, or even the bathtub.
 
So is secondary drowning the same thing?
 
No, but they are similar. With dry drowning, water never reaches the lungs. Secondary drowning occurs when a small amount of water does reach the lungs, but not enough to suffocate the person and cause immediate drowning. This water can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, leading to pulmonary edema. While dry drowning usually takes effect minutes after exiting the water, secondary drowning can occur up to 24 hours or so after the water exposure.
 
Are there symptoms of dry drowning?
 
Yes. Shortly after exiting the water, your child could experience any of the following symptoms: coughing, nausea or vomiting, extreme tiredness, irritability, and of course, trouble breathing. If you are worried about your child and feel like they are exhibiting symptoms of dry drowning, you should seek medical attention immediately.
 
Swimming safety tips
 
The best tool against drowning — immediate, dry, and secondary — is proper prevention. The pool is one of summer’s greatest pleasures, but also one of its greatest potential dangers. It’s vital that you know all of the swimming safety tips there are to know.
 
The number one tip for any parent is to always keep eyes on their child. This is easier said than done, but it helps to only allow kids anywhere near the pool area when you are nearby and have a full line of sight. If you go inside to grab a beverage, take your child with you. Align pool furniture to face the pool area so you’ll rarely have your back turned. Also, consider investing in a pool cover, which will help keep anyone from accidentally falling in when you’re not using it.
 
Of course, it’s nearly impossible to watch your child at all times, and children are by nature extremely curious. Your pool should always be fenced in, and that fence should be at least 4 feet tall. Install childproof latches on all gates, and make sure you remove any ladders if you have an above-ground pool.
 
LiveScience notes one smart pool safety tip, which is to always maintain a clean pool area - both in and out of the water. Toys, floats, and noodles left in the pool can attract kids and tempt them to jump in, while toys and floats left lying around the pool can pose a tripping hazard. You can’t rely on common pool safety items like floaties or even count of swimming lessons to keep your child from danger, as dry drowning doesn’t require full submersion to be deadly.
 
While recent news articles may have piqued your anxiety, dry drowning is a relatively uncommon thing - and even if your child is affected, it is not always deadly. But it’s these lesser-known dangers that must be illuminated. Know how to spot the symptoms, and don’t assume that your child is okay just because they’re fine when they get out of the water. Always make sure there are no signs of delayed drowning for at least a few hours — and up to a day — after pool time is over.
 
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Learning to play an instrument is a wonderful way for students to express their creativity. But did you know that learning an instrument can build literacy and language skills as well? Studies show that children who take at least two years of music lessons have an enhanced ability to process language, which gives them an advantage when it comes to reading and
communication. If you are a teacher or parent who would like to offer your children the benefits of learning an instrument, here are a few things to know:

Playing Music Has Other Benefits Too

Music has some pretty positive effects on the learning and social abilities of children, but learning an instrument can have other benefits as well. The benefits of learning an instrument are varied and encompass quite a few emotional and physical aspects. Music can work to decrease stress levels, which will have significant positive impacts on your child’s physical health. Playing an instrument teaches children the importance of perseverance, discipline, and responsibility, all of which will help your child succeed in other areas of life as well.  The benefits of playing music are boundless for your children. From improving language skills to positively impacting mental health, learning to play an instrument is one of the most effective ways to help kids learn better, feel stronger and develop into well-rounded adults. So, make music a part of your child’s life and learning experience.

Parent involvement is seen as one of the most important factors to student success. You can help by being co-operative and organized so as to get the most out of your parent-teacher conferences. Remember that communication need not only take place at these events, but they are a great place to start!

5 Must-ask questions


1.   What will my child learn this year?

• Be prepared to reinforce student learning at home
  
• Secure a tutor if needed
  
• DO NOT assume all learning will take place within the classroom
  

2.   How can I help?

• Getting involved in school life helps to create a great community atmosphere and makes the school a better place for all the students.

3.   How will my student be evaluated?
Know all upcoming assignments, tests and projects

• Help your child create a study schedule
  
• Make sure tests are administered in best way for your child

4.    What additional preparation can my child do?

• Be more active   
• Help them excel at sports
  
• How to help them become well-rounded individuals through extramural activities, music or volunteering.
• 
  

5. When can we have our next meeting?

• Check in with each other periodically 
• Keep communication open 
• Reward your child when he/she achieves set goals

It is critical that you work closely with your child's teacher to make sure they get the most out of their education.  You both have information to add to the discussion.  It's only when you work together that you can be sure to get the best experience for your child.

Listen as well as talk.

• Prepare for the meeting by writing down questions and comments you want to be sure to make during the meeting
•  During the meeting, listen to the teacher and take notes.  If you don't understand something the teacher says, be sure to ask clarifying questions!  
• Ask the teacher for things that could be improved and suggestions for ways you can help at home 
•  Denying a problem is not in the best interest of your child  
  

Let's talk specifics

• Be sure to get specific details regarding ways your child is tested and graded. 
• Discuss ways your chiild can improve grades  
• Include information about your child's private life.  Many things like illness, deaths, moves and family changes can impact a student's performance  
  

Take action

• Set realistic goals and discuss what the teacher will do in the classroom and what you will do at home to help your student reach their new goals
• Keep an open mind
• Check in often with the teacher to ensure that your student is on track and to discuss any new difficulties or issues that have arisen
  

If you and the teacher undermine each other's authority or ideas, your student will not be getting the support they need. Of course there are going to be differences of opinion, but handle these professionally for best results.