Why Are Transitions So Difficult For My Child?

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What is it about change that is so problematic for some children (and for us)?

The stories are familiar:

  • The child who can’t make it down the hallway in school without causing a disruption.
  • The child who has seemingly had a good day at school and then whines incessantly before dinnertime.
  • The bedtime routine that takes forever and is not enjoyable for anyone.
  • The child who does fine in the classroom for major subjects but falls apart in the lunchroom or during specials.
  • The child who acts out whenever there is a substitute teacher or a new babysitter.
  • Those nightmarish car rides that we have all experienced.

 

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Does Your Child Have Bad Behavior at School, or Is it Sensory Processing Disorder?

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Sensory integration (SI) is the organization of sensory input and sensations (touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, movement, body awareness, and the pull of gravity) in order to produce appropriate responses to situations, events, emotions, and expectations throughout the day. Sensory input flows constantly into our brain from our body and from the environment at a very rapid rate. The brain takes in information from our sensory systems and forms a combined picture of this information so that the body can make sense of its surroundings and react to them appropriately. This sensory information needs to be processed, organized and co-coordinated, and acted upon if a person is to behave appropriately and learn efficiently. If these sensations can be well managed, the brain can form perceptions, then concepts, and then derive meanings which results in acquiring skills and learning. Sensory integration provides a crucial foundation for more complex learning and behavior to develop.

While the process of SI occurs automatically and without effort for most of us, for some, the process is inefficient and is called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). SPD is a neurological problem, which affects behavior, learning, and Read more

BULLYING AND SUICIDE. WHO’S FAULT IS IT AND HOW CAN YOU HELP?

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According to a recent USA TODAY survey, one third of Americans are bullies or bullied at some point in school.  In addition bullying these days is most often done in groups and  through the Internet, which makes looking away much harder.

Why would a child bully?  Why would a child get bullied?  Behaviors are learned, which means parents and teachers have to teach intolerance.  We have to have ZERO TOLERANCE for mean behavior toward other children, or anyone for that matter, from a very early age.  I remember when I brought home my baby girl and my 2 year old daughter said, “I don’t like the baby”.   I answered, “yes you do, you love her”, and I made room on the other knee for the two of them to fit.    It’s easy for a child to bully out of jealousy.  As parents and teachers, we have to look out for those cues.  Stop the bullying and understand the reasoning to prevent it again in the future.  ZERO TOLERANCE.  It starts at home and shows up at school starting in the early grades.    Kids will fight, but they have to fight fairly and appropriately.   No demeaning behaviors.   Too many children are committing SUICIDE as a result of this bullying!  Children are now getting taunted on the “virtual playground” to such a harsh extreme that they are choosing to end their life.  We have to step in!

What about teaching protection of those being bullied? Yes, we have to teach that too!   That can start at home.  Teach your child to stand up for the one being bullied.  Explain to your kids that if they see bullying in school, on the playground or even on Facebook, to tell an adult.   As professionals (parents, teachers, principals), we also have to diagnose the bullies or bullied kids, and make sure they are getting the appropriate intervention they need that is causing them to aggressively taunt someone or to get teased themselves.  Maybe that “nerd” has Asperger’s syndrome or depression?  Maybe that “bully” has Oppositional Defiant Disorder or is being abused at home?    Taking care of our youth is not an easy task but someone has to do it!

If your child is being bullied or is possibly a bully him/herself, it may not be your fault, but it is your duty to step in and intervene!

What types of Behavior do you consider Bullying ones?

What actions are you going to take to help our youth?  We look forward to hearing your solutions!