NATURAL HERBS AND HOLISTIC TREATMENTS
Many parents are turning to herbs and holistic treatments to keep their children healthy, but the question is whether these remedies are safe for the child. What can a provider do it a childcare parent expects you to administer ‘herbal medications” while their child is in your care? You always have the option to simply say "no". However, if you do decide to respect a parent’s choice of holistic medicine, there is some important information you should share with parents.
ü Parents should have their pediatrician’s approval in advance of administering any nontraditional remedy. As a provider you should keep a copy of the pediatrician’s written approval in your childcare files. Keep the approval updated periodically.
ü Remind parents they should stick with herbs that are safe for children and that are manufactured in developed countries. Never administer medication which does not come in its original container. Read labels. Do not allow a parent to give you herbs in a container other than the container they originally came from.
ü Before deciding whether or not to administer herbal medication ask parents whether the practitioner they have chosen is certified by a leading national organization for his specialty. And whether the practitioner has had experience treating children.
ü Make sure the practitioner is willing to be available, if you have questions. Get parental permission to talk with the practitioner directly.
ü IMPORTANT: As a provider you should always keep a copy of the pediatrician’s written approval in your childcare files. Keep the approval updated periodically.
For example: You may be a believer in a certain herb or holistic treatment that can help a baby with colic and with good intentions feel that it cannot hurt but only help the baby.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU NEVER ADMINISTER ANY NATURAL HERBS AND/OR HOLISTIC TREATMENTS TO A CHILD WITHOUT PARENT'S AND/OR DOCTORS WRITTEN APPROVAL.