Phonics: The Foundation of Reading

February 4th, 2012 § permalink

Mayan stairsWhat if your child appears to have missed the seemingly magic ability to read?

Reading seems like a naturally occurring event, but your child may struggle to sound out words, or read slowly and choppy. The ability to read requires the ability to create sounds from letters (phonics), to do so fluently, and to access meaning from those sounds (comprehension). In a two-part series, I will discuss many possible causes for reading difficulties.

In order to learn to read, a child must be able to distinguish one letter from another. Many young children experience reversals (especially the letters b, d, p). If this continues after the age of 7 or so, there may be a problem. » Read the rest of this entry «

Overweight Kids

January 1st, 2012 § permalink

Those extra pounds might not be what you think.

When there are weight issues in the family, it may be helpful to look at the situation from a nutritional, psychological and energetic perspective. » Read the rest of this entry «

The Digital Age: Social Media and Electronic Games

December 1st, 2011 § permalink

keyboardMany of this column’s readers are digital natives, growing up in the age of digital technology -unlike digital immigrants like me. Natives have always known the computer, games and the Internet. Today’s youth have always had social media.

Social media, which includes Facebook and Twitter, is neither good nor bad. It’s a means for people to communicate instantly and across vast distances. Time zones and location no longer determine connectedness. Information is immediate and available, real-time. This means that one can write or post without thinking of the ramifications. » Read the rest of this entry «

Manners

November 1st, 2011 § permalink

Our children don’t sit quietly, hands folded silently in their lap, seen but not heard.

In recent months, the news carried the story of a restaurant that no longer allows children. There was resounding support by adults who have become tired of sharing a meal with noisy children scampering through the restaurant.

A prominent parenting style assumes children learn the rules of life by observing adults and other children. Unfortunately, from a developmental standpoint, this doesn’t work. Young children cannot infer proper behavior and etiquette from watching others. They need to be explicitly taught. Their ability to infer comes at a later age, and only if the foundation has been set in the earlier years.

I’ve also heard parents express the concern that they will squelch their child’s spirit and self-esteem by overly disciplining them. Interestingly, when parents » Read the rest of this entry «

Writing

October 2nd, 2011 § permalink

Bongo HandsAre you frustrated because your child avoids writing or writes poorly?

Your child is not lazy! Children (and adults) who are poor writers may have difficulty with fine motor control or processing and organization. The following will give you tips on how to identify the potential source(s) of the writing difficulties and provide strategies for improvement. » Read the rest of this entry «

Successful Studying

September 15th, 2011 § permalink

Is your child a “cheerful consumer”? This child does everything requested from the school, and usually more. If your child does not have this trait, there is still hope. The following strategies will help your child develop effective studying habits.

Have your child complete daily study time. Many of today’s children live in the “now / not now” philosophy. If the teacher gives an assignment that is due next Friday, then the child files it in not now, and does not think about it until the day before it’s due (if it is remembered at all). » Read the rest of this entry «

Prepare For School

August 1st, 2011 § permalink

A new school year is nearly upon us. And the excitement that you see on your child’s face is real – even for the student who finished last year with a deep scowl and resignation, or who struggled academically, or completely lost motivation and gave up. This year offers a new opportunity, which is filled with possibility. Boost your child’s positive thoughts, hopes, dreams, and exuberance (or at least hopeful tolerance) to create a successful outcome for this new school year.

The beginning of each new school year (as well as each card marking or semester) is a new beginning for your child and students. All of us like fresh beginnings; this is why we create New Year Resolutions in December/January. The following is a list of ideas to help your child to have a positive year. » Read the rest of this entry «

Independent Children

July 2nd, 2011 § permalink

flamingosChildren don’t come with instruction manuals! Though this statement is usually spoken as a joke, it’s true; and even this article is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

It’s important to look at your child: emotionally, developmentally, intellectually and chronologically, before creating expectations.

For instance, bright children tend to be very verbal and you may forget that they are “only ___ years old”. There’s a tendency to treat them as if they’re older. This may not be right when deciding what responsibilities they should have. If you assume that your child can handle more than they are emotionally and developmentally capable, the situation is prime for tears and failure.

Children with ADHD tend to have a maturity that’s equal to about 70% of their age. » Read the rest of this entry «

Effective Communication

May 31st, 2011 § permalink

leafy tree viewed from groundCommunication is a vital aspect of children’s development and it may be necessary for parents to teach. Below are techniques for how to teach your child effective communication and a unique method to use when your child is resistant to listening. (This is especially helpful for parents of adolescents.)

It’s never too early or too late to teach your child how to communicate and to provide opportunities for your child to practice. Here are some suggestions: » Read the rest of this entry «

Sensitive Children

May 3rd, 2011 § permalink

Lush mountain range“I don’t like this shirt; it picks me.”

“I don’t want to wear socks.”

“That is tooooo loud.”

“I won’t eat THAT.”

These comments can be humorous or exasperating, but I no longer view them as the problem behavior of a picky child. These children are sensitive. And while many of these sensitive children acquire labels – anxious, ADHD, Aspergers, or autistic – these are only labels. I don’t believe your child has a problem, though at times the behaviors can be challenging.

If you are wondering if your child’s behaviors are indicators of being highly sensitive and want to understand your child better, you can examine the five senses. » Read the rest of this entry «

« Older Entries