My seven-year old daughter is not getting enough sleep. I try to get her to bed early but she doesn’t sleep before 11:30 pm. Is this a case of childhood insomnia?
— Nithin Joseph, Trivandrum

Childhood insomnia is rare. I suggest you make some lifestyle changes. If she tends to sleep in the afternoon or late evenings, that might be the cause. So reduce day time naps to minimum possible. Excessive digital gadgets use and watching television also disturbs sleep patterns. LED photons in digital screens alter melatonin — the sleep hormone — synthesis. Therefore reduce her digital screen time with all gadgets use prohibited two hours before bed time. Encourage calming activities at night such as reading a book, listening to a story, or playing with a pet. Moreover parents’ sleeping habits also influence young children. If the entire family puts lights out and goes to bed early, she will follow suit.

Is it safe to send my two-year-old to a playschool, considering that the Covid-19 pandemic is still not over? Please advise.
— Shravanthi Das, Noida
It is quite safe if all teachers and staff in the playschool/day care are vaccinated against Covid-19. Currently, Covid-19 cases are low and most infections are mild. But make sure that all including housekeeping staff are vaccinated and the playschool is compliant with good hygiene practices and safety protocols. Parents should not send children suffering coughs, colds and fever to school to prevent cross-infection.

My five-year old son is suffering enamel deficiency. What’s the treatment?
— Sheela John, Nagercoil
Enamel hypoplasia is characterised by sensitivity, pain and discolouration of teeth. If there are no other symptoms and complaints, you can ignore the problem as these are deciduous teeth which will be replaced by permanent ones. But if he is complaining of sensitivity while consuming hot or cold food, consult a paediatric dentist who may advise dental fillings. Also include foods rich in calcium in your child’s diet.

Is it advisable to give vitamin supplements to pre-teens? Or is it better to eat natural vitamins-rich foods?
— Somy Sinha, Mumbai
Pre-teens and adolescents need supplements if they are suffering vitamin deficiency reflected in poor skin, hair and nail health. If there is a deficiency and visible symptoms, vitamin supplements can be taken on doctor’s advice for a month or two but not regularly as it might cause hypervitaminosis which affects the renal system. Include foods rich in vitamins such as fruits and vegetables in your child’s daily diet to promote good health.

(Dr. J. S. Prasanna Karthik is consultant paediatrician at Padma Speciality Care Hospital, Madurai)