The Extended Family Dinner

Research shows that sitting down to dinner is an important protective factor in maintaining the health and well-being of your children. Establishing a set dinner time is the first step. Engaging your children in activities that extend the dinner hour is the second step.

Children love doing homework with you at the dinner table, they love playing card games, testing themselves at math facts and bringing new, sometimes even made-up vocabulary words to the table. Take your time, talk, laugh and talk for hours.

After dinner extend the fun by labeling each night a different family activity.

Monday Night is Discovery Night

Bring the "Discovery Box" to the dinner table. Place unique, familiar or fascinating objects in a box and allow each child to pull an object and talk about it. After dinner go on-line or take a trip to your local library to learn more about topics related to the things in your discovery box.


Tuesday Night is Reading Night

Prepare early readers, by bringing everyday objects to the table that have words or print on them, such as cereal boxes and other items in your cupboard. Play reading and guessing games using the printed materials. Play games with the words, making silly sentences, tongue twisters and fun stories.

Wednesday Night "You are a STAR"

Play find your "Star Word." Assign one word to each child. That is the word that makes them A STAR at this meal. Frequently occurring words such as "The, and, it, him, her, she, he" are good beginning words. Then have each child bring a book to the table, choose a page, and name how many times their STAR word appears. That number becomes the child's "Magic Number" for the night and every time he encounters that number for the rest of the evening he gets to make a wish or discuss his current life dreams and aspirations.

Thursday Night it's Show and Tell

Play show and tell at your family table. Have your children bring an object, a piece of art, a song or something to share. Shine the "spot-light" on one child at a time and allow only him or her to share.

Friday Night is Family History Night

Bring family photos, heirlooms or pieces of family history to the table and talk about your family ancestry and historical family member's life experiences.

Saturday Night is Game Night

Play board games, cards, chess or checkers at the table after dinner to enhance your family experience.

Sunday Night You're on Broadway!

Put on a show, dance, sing, do a skit Laugh and "lift each other up" with genuine compliments, enthusiasm and joy.

You will enhance family relationships and help your children develop self-esteem when you extend your family dinner with family fun!

Sensory Kids: Teach Calm

What is a sensory diet?

A sensory diet is a series of activities designed to help children manage sensory input better. Many children lack the ability to modulate their energy and behavior when they are overstimulated with sensory input, sound, sight, touch, noise and highly stimulating people or environments. It’s as though every child has an outer sieve, for some children the holes are big and sensory input floods them. When this happens we need to help the child re-organize the brain by stream-lining the sensory input.

Have a sensory kit handy with a hair brush for back brushing, a blanket for gentle wrapping and rocking (blanket is always placed across chest not over face so child can breathe), soft music, nature sounds, sand tray, water table, sensory weighted-vest etc http://www.therapyshoppe.com/ so that the child can choose a calming activity. Use your sensory kit before child gets stuck on energy mountain, cause it can be hard to re-contain the child once he is so disorganized.

Imagine that a child climbs an energy mountain throughout the day. Many children can walk down the mountain without letting their energy become uncontrolled. Some children hang at the top of energy mountain, feeling frazzled, silly, angry, agitated or anxious. Help your child “Climb down energy mountain” by drawing a large mountain on a large sheet of white paper or poster board.

Talk with your child about activities we do at different stages of the mountain. Let your child draw activities on different levels of energy mountain. Use different colors to denote different levels of energy. Calm = blue, Having fun = yellow, Getting excited = Orange Over the top = Red. Have your child mark where he is on energy mountain several times a day, you do it as well!

At the base we feel calm, we play quietly, we talk quietly and we are at peace. Up the mountain a bit we get excited, we play games, we play with friends, we play at the playground or at the swimming pool. Toward the top of energy mountain we are getting extremely silly, unresponsive, uncontrollable, angry or annoyed, it’s time to “Climb down energy mountain.” Have your child mark where he is on energy mountain several times a day, you do it as well!

Use your water table, sensory kit, sand tray and outdoor activities to help your child re-set his energy. Labeling “I’m climbing too high on energy mountain” “I need a peaceful moment” “Will you scratch my back” “Let’s have a Mommy meditation moment,” a sensory kit, and planned physical activities throughout the day will help your child modulate his energy better. It will help you stay calm as well. Sometimes a calm movie or soft music and a moment to lay on a soft body pillow will do the trick.

Peaceful moments to you!

Sensory Resources

Boy and a Bear: The Children's Relaxation Book
Lori Lite, Meg Hartigan (Illustrator), Meg Hartigan (Illustrator), M. Hartigan (Illustrator), M. Hartigan
Cool Cats, Calm Kids: Relaxation and Stress Management for Young People
Mary L. Williams, Dianne O. Burke (Illustrator)
The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them
Elaine N. Aron, Elaine N. Aron
Raising Your Spirited Child: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic
Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Sensational Kids: Hope and Help For Children With Sensory Processing Disorder
Lucy Jane Miller, Doris A. Fuller, Doris A. Fuller
Sensory Connection: An OT and SLP Team Approach
Nancy Kashman, Janet Mora
Batter Up Kids Sensational Snacks: Healthy Eats from the Premier Children's Cooking School
Barbara Beery, Marty Snortum (Illustrator)

The Mailbox Yearbook: A Summer tool you do not want to live without

The Mailbox is the most popular teacher's idea reference resource.

You can order the magazine throughout the year or do as I do and buy the annual Year Books. They are full of beautiful activity ideas, planning sheets and worksheets for preschool-elementary aged children.

If you think you aren't "crafty" or "creative" these year books will change your life. They many sections of learning, math, science, reading, language, arts, music etc. When was the last time you made a water rocket or put on a George Washington play.

I could not live without them in the SummerTime, we play, make, create and learn as a familly all Summer long.

Just look for The Mailbox Year Books in the Shop at www.theeducationcenter.com (it's on the red toolbar). Tell your friends, they'll love you for it.

Spirit Menders

Children are born with an incredible spirit. Everything is new, fascinating and thought provoking. As parents, it should be our goal to keep this spirit alive and fresh for as long as possible. Unfortunately, we often unwittingly do things that squash the spirit in our children. Here are some common spirit breakers and some spirit menders. See if you’re guilty of doing things that can break the spirit. Then try some of these spirit menders to help get you back on track.

Spirit Breakers

• Squashing Dreams – Your little boy tells you that when he grows up he wants to be an astronaut and fly to outer space. Trying to instill some reason in him, you inform him of how difficult it is to be an astronaut; how smart he’ll have to be, how much education it requires, etc.

• Belittling Talent – Your daughter is great at soccer, but her grades are not as good as you’d like them to be. When she acts proud of scoring the winning goal, you say, “it would be far more impressive if you got an A in math”.

• Humiliation – Parents sometimes resort to embarrassing their child in order to get them to change behavior. “See, son, little Johnny doesn’t have accidents in his pants, and he’s your age.” Not only is this tactic ineffective; it breaks the spirit.

• Brushing off what your child thinks is fascinating – Children have a tendency to get somewhat obsessed with things. Maybe it annoys you that your son spends hours watching the stars through his telescope. However, if you give him the impression that being fascinated with the stars is silly, he may become ashamed of his interests and be afraid to pursue the things that really matter to him.

Spirit Menders

• Having a curious mind – If you show interest in how things work, and share this interest with your child, you fuel their natural curiosity and interest.

• Being involved in what they like – Your children have activities that bring them joy, join in those activities with them! Get off the couch and participate!

• Show that you’re proud – Be proud of whatever they accomplish – and let them know it. You can never love them too much and you can never tell them too many times that you’re proud of their accomplishments.

• Listen to them - Your children have fascinating original voices listen to their likes, dislikes, stories and experiences.

Take a deep breath and begin to be present, loving and compassionate today. It's not too late to mend your child's spirit.

Tips on Separation Anxiety from Kid's Health

Unfortunately, teary and tantrum-filled goodbyes are a very common part of a child's earliest years. Around the first birthday, it is common for kids to develop separation anxiety, getting upset when a parent tries to leave them with someone else. Though separation anxiety is a perfectly normal part of childhood development, it can be unsettling. Understanding what your child is going through and having a few coping strategies in mind can go a long way toward helping both of you get through it.

How Separation Anxiety Develops

When your baby was first born, you likely noticed that he or she adapted pretty well to other caregivers. This is typical for most infants. You probably felt more anxiety about being separated than your child did when you first left him or her with a relative, babysitter, or a day care provider! As long as their needs are being met, babies younger than 6 months typically adjust well to other people.

Sometime between 4-7 months, a baby typically develops a sense of object permanence, and begins to learn that things and people exist even when they're out of sight. This is when babies typically start to play the "dropsy" game, when they drop things over the side of the high chair, look for them, and expect the adult to retrieve what they've dropped (which, once retrieved, get dropped again!).

The same thing occurs with their parents. Babies realize that there's only one of you, and when he or she can't see you, that means you've gone away. However, at this point, your child doesn't yet understand the concept of time and doesn't know if or when you'll come back. So whether you're in the kitchen, in the next bedroom, or at the office, it's all the same to your toddler. You've disappeared. Your child will do whatever he or she can to prevent this from happening.

Between 8 months old 1 year old, your child is growing into a more independent toddler - yet he or she is even more uncertain about being separated from you. This is when separation anxiety typically develops, and your child may become agitated and upset whenever you try to leave him or her. Whether you need to go into the next room for just a few seconds, leave your child with a sitter for the evening, or drop off your child at day care, you may find that your child cries, clings to you, and resists attention from others.

The timing of separation anxiety can vary widely from child to child. Some kids may experience it later, between 18 months and 2-1/2 years of age. Some may never experience it. And for others, there are certain life stresses that can trigger feelings of anxiety about being separated from a parent: a new child care situation or caregiver, a new sibling, moving to a new place, or tension at home.

How long does separation anxiety last? It varies from child to child. And it also depends on the child and how the parent responds. In some cases, depending on a child's temperament, separation anxiety can be persistent from infancy and last through the elementary school years. In cases where the separation anxiety interferes with an older child's normal activities, it can be the sign of a deeper anxiety disorder. In cases where the separation anxiety appears out of the blue in an older child, it can be an indication of another problem that the child may be dealing with, like bullying or abuse.

Keep in mind that separation anxiety is usually different from the normal feelings an older child has when he or she doesn't want a parent to leave. In those cases, the distress can usually be overcome if the child is distracted enough, and those feelings will not re-emerge until the parent returns and the child remembers that the parent left.

And your child does understand the effect his or her behavior has on you. If you come running back into the room every time your child cries and then stay with your child longer or cancel your plans completely, your child will continue to use this strategy to avoid separation.

What You May Be Feeling

During this stage, you're likely to experience a host of different emotions. It may be gratifying to feel that your child is finally as attached to you as you are to him or her. At the same time, you're likely to feel guilty about taking time out for yourself, leaving your child with a caregiver, or going to work. And you may start to feel overwhelmed by the amount of attention your child seems to need from you.

Try to keep in mind that your child's unwillingness to leave you is a good sign that healthy attachments have developed between the two of you. Eventually your child will be able to remember that you always return after you leave, and these memories will be enough to comfort him or her while you are gone. This also gives your child a chance to develop his or her own coping skills and a little independence.

Making Goodbyes Easier

There are a number of strategies you can use to help ease your child (and yourself) through this difficult period.

* Timing is everything. Try not to start day care or child care with an unfamiliar person between the ages of 8 months and 1 year, when separation anxiety is first likely to present itself. Also, try not to leave your child when he or she is likely to be tired, hungry, or restless. If at all possible, schedule your departures for after naps and mealtimes.
* Practice. Practice being apart from each other, and introduce new people and places gradually. If you're planning to leave your child with a relative or a new babysitter, then invite that person over in advance so they can spend time together while you're in the room. If your child is starting at a new day care center or preschool, make a few visits there together before a full-time schedule begins. Practice leaving your child with a caregiver for short periods of time so that he or she can get used to being away from you.
* Be calm and consistent. Create a goodbye ritual during which you say a pleasant, loving, and firm goodbye. Stay calm and show confidence in your child. Reassure him or her that you'll be back - and explain how long it will be until you return using concepts your child will understand (such as after lunch) because your child can't yet understand time. Give him or her your full attention when you say goodbye, and when you say you're leaving, mean it; coming back will only make things worse.
* Follow through on promises. It's important to make sure that you return when you have promised to return. This is critical, and there can be no exceptions. This is the only way your child will develop the confidence that he or she can make it through this time.

Kids with separation anxiety disorder fear being lost from their family members and are often convinced that something bad will happen when they're apart. It's a good idea to talk with your child's doctor if your child is showing signs of this, which include:

* panic symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath) or panic attacks before a parent leaves
* nightmares about separation
* fear of sleeping alone
* excessive worry about being lost or kidnapped or going places without a parent

For most kids, the anxiety of being separated from a parent passes without any need for medical attention. But if you have concerns, talk to your child's doctor.

Updated and reviewed by: Michael J. Harkness, MD www.kidshealth.com

What shall we do today - Activity Board

Help your children to learn daily rhythm and routines with activity boards. Two that we love to post for My Very Own School are the "What shall we do today board" and "The daily schedule". When your children have an image of the order of their daily activities they experience mastery and growing independence.

Your children will delight in telling you "What's Next" in their day.

Search www.lakeshorelearning.com and see what boards are best for your family. Get organized with graphics and help your children thrive.

Teach your 2, 3 and 4 year olds the rhythm and routine of school this summer!

The summer is a great time to practice the rhythm and routine of school in your home with your children. By 18-24 months children are ready to learn rhythms and routines. Make your family a My Very Own School Schedule two or three days a week and implement story time, outdoor play time and group activity time. Wait until you see how well your home runs when there is some order and routine. Not only will your children love it but you will too!

Here are some of the typical school experiences you can experiment with in your own home. Research online, talk with your fiends and go visit a preschool. For more ideas also go to www.mailbox.com, the very best resource for early childhood teachers and You! You can buy their annual activity book for a years worth of excellent activities.

Summer's Here and My Very Own School is IN!

Circle or group time: Children sit together and the coach initiates a conversation about topics such as the weather, the calendar, the seasons, a field trip, or an upcoming holiday. Sometimes she leads a discussion about a special theme or group project. The children learn concepts of time and space and gain new vocabulary words.

Free choice: Children choose from a variety of different activities available in the classroom: block building, puzzles, dress-up, water or sand play, drawing, or painting. They initiate their own play, either alone or with other children. They learn how to work independently, take turns, share, and play cooperatively with others.

Group activity: During this time, children may learn a song or dance. They may participate in making up a story, preparing a meal, planning a village, or working on a science or art project. They practice new skills, develop fine motor control, learn how to communicate their ideas and needs effectively, and how to work together as a team.

Snack: As they eat, preschoolers learn social and practical skills: how to set the table, to pass the juice and crackers, to carry on a conversation.

Outdoor play: Climbing, running, jumping, bouncing balls, and crawling through tunnels helps children develop large muscle control, motor coordination, and balance.

Clean-up: As they clear the table or put away the blocks, children learn how to plan, organize, and work with others.

Story time: Children gather together in a comfortable corner of the room to listen as the coach tells a story or reads from a book. They look at the illustrations and discuss them. The teacher asks questions about the story, helping children to learn to predict what will happen next. She encourages them to think about the characters and plot and to use new vocabulary from the story.

Toddler Autonomy

As you baby grows, he will most surely enter the realm of independence and desire a level of autonomy needed to continue to grow.

Your toddler has not yet acquired all the skills necessary to function independently, which creates a whole lotta frustration within this little being who believes he’s ready to take on the world.

While their favorite word may become “no”, yours should not. Using “no” excessively only takes away the power of the word and encourages your tot to use it as freely. Creating space in your home that is a 100% free zone enables them to have fun in a safe setting, while allowing you to relax knowing that you won’t need to intervene every moment. Allow your child to make some decisions, no matter how wacky.

If she really wants to wear her purple boots and old Halloween costume while going to the grocery store, setting the limit that it can be worn to the store but must be removed by dinner allows your child to taste independence without dominating you in the process.

Furthermore, allowing your child days to express her growing independence by wearing mommy’s shoes while helping set the table or holding the dog’s leash as you return your pet to the backyard satisfies some of their hunger to be big! Remember, you are doing a great job and their budding desire to become their own little person is a reflection of their growing maturity.

A great read is Michelle LaRowe's Nanny to the rescue! Enjoy.

Changing Newborn's Diaper: Essential Tips

You'd never guess that changing a baby's diaper could be a challenge until the day you change your first diaper. Baby wiggles and squiggles, you find the wipes are out of reach or you get a sweet shower from your newborn boy 'cause you didn't know to cover him up. Some babies do not like to be unclothed in the cool air and they cry with discomfort, others can't wait to get naked.

Here are a few essential tips if changing baby is a new skill for you.

To change your baby’s diaper:
• It’s best to wash your hands before changing your newborn’s diaper. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after each diaper change, too.
• Lay your baby on a clean surface. Take along a blanket or changing pad when you go out.
• Remove the dirty diaper.
• Use a washcloth dipped in clean, lukewarm water. Wash all the area on your baby that the diaper covers. Wipe from front to back to avoid infection.
• Every time you change a diaper, clean your baby’s umbilical cord. Use a cotton swab that you have dipped in rubbing alcohol. Squeeze it so that it is almost dry. Gently clean off the sticky stuff around the cord where it touches your baby’s tummy. The cord will fall off by itself in five to 10 days. Your baby may cry when you touch the wet swab to the cord. Be gentle.

Check with your doctor if your baby cries at other times when you touch the cord. Check with your doctor if the skin around the cord is red. If this advice is contrary to what your doctor has told you, do as your doctor says as every baby is different, your doctor knows you and your newborn best.

• When you put a clean diaper on your baby, fold the top to make the fit more secure. If you are using pins, put your hand between the pin and your baby’s skin. Do not let the diaper cover up the umbilical cord or belly button.

Newborns use about 10-12 diapers every day. Change them as soon as they are wet. This can prevent rashes. Have a place to put the soiled diapers and washcloths, best to wrap each soiled diaper separately in a baggie or plastic bag, this will control odor.

Remember, never take your hands off a newborn when changing them, safety first.