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My six-year-old daughter, Scotia, has had her share of embarrassing health problems: scaly scalp, constipation, bad breath, to name a few. They?re not the kind of things I like to talk about with other parents at the playground.
?Parents are reluctant to discuss certain health concerns because they think it reflects poorly on their parenting skills or their child?s hygiene,? says Ian Landells, a paediatric dermatologist in St. John?s. ?They feel guilty when, in fact, it usually has nothing to do with them.?
Lose the guilt by getting informed. Here?s how to face up (sometimes literally) to some of your child?s ickiest health issues without batting ? or lowering ? an eye.
1. Bad Breath

The first time I noticed my daughter?s breath was less than fresh, I wasn?t too concerned. But when I caught myself backing away during our up-close-and-snuggly moments, I knew we had a problem. What to do: Poor dental hygiene is one of the main causes of bad breath in children, says Ian McConnachie, a paediatric dentist and president of the Ontario Dental Association. Make thorough after-meal brushing a habit (up until age seven, you should supervise) and remind your child to brush the surface of her tongue, an area where bacteria accumulates. Wherever the contact between the teeth is tight, flossing is a must. If your child is practising good dental hygiene and her smelly breath persists, see your paediatrician. Bad breath can also be a sign of acid reflux, enlarged tonsil...