Your Child's Journey

wisdom for the big steps little children take

Autism Awareness and New Facts

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For those of you who have not read much about autism, this is Autism Awareness Month. As such, I want to do my part to help make you aware of the condition and the progress being made to help children on the Autism Spectrum.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. It appears to have its roots in very early brain development, however, the most obvious signs and symptoms tend to emerge between 2-3 years of age. ASD is associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention, sleep disruption and gastrointestinal disturbances. The incidence of autism in all its forms is approximately 1 in 88 children, affecting boys much more than girls. Currently, research has identified some rare gene changes associated with autism. But it appears to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.

This month I took a look at some research and want to give you some up-dated findings about Autism.
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Teaching Math Concepts to Your Preschooler

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Great Schools.com has a great article on what your child should be learning about math in preschool.

For this post I will just extract the things you, as a parent, can do at home to reinforce math learning in preschool. Have fun and teach at the same time!

  1. Show how math relates to daily life. Involve them in measuring ingredients when you cook or in figuring out if a container is big enough to hold their toy cars and trucks.
  2. Play board games using dice or play money. Help your child count out the spaces to move his piece on the board. Play simple card games like Go Fish.
  3. Count things at home and on the street: cars, books, toys, silverware. Count objects in book illustrations.
  4. Call attention to different patterns and shapes: plaids, polka dots, paisleys, and triangular and rectangular shapes in the sidewalk.
  5. Use terms such as above, beneath, level, larger, smaller, and equal, and words such as horizontal, vertical, perpendicular, and parallel, to describe things you see. You might ask your child to bring you the smallest cookie or to find the book beneath the large table in the living room.
  6. Take your child to the supermarket with you and involve her in comparing prices.
  7. When you balance your checkbook or pay bills, explain to your child what you are doing.
  8. Take your child to the bank with you and let him watch you count money from the ATM.
  9. Weigh and measure your child and make a chart to record her growth.
  10. Buy a set of hardwood blocks for your children to build with (look for a secondhand one if new ones are too pricey). The educational benefits of blocks are unlimited; they will be one of the best investments you make.
 Read the entire article at: GreatSchools.com

 

Temper Tantrums

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Here are some notes from a class I taught to moms in  Hanoi. It is a good quick review of Temper Tantrums—Why and What Helps. Each child and each tantrum is a bit different. But there is some general information that will reduce the number and intensity of the tantrums.

Causes of Temper Tantrums:

  • 9 months to 2 1/2 years – inability to communicate their needs is the most common cause.
  • 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years- power struggles with adults is the most common cause.
  • Toddlers are easily overwhelmed leading to tantrums.
  • Toddlers want to do more than they are capable of doing.
  • Toddlers do not understand delayed gratification.
  • Toddlers think they are the center of the universe and everyone should do as they want.

Preventing Temper Tantrums:

  • Keep predictable routines. Toddlers love to know what to expect next.
  • Have reasonable expectations for your toddler. Know what he is capable of doing.
  • When you see your child beginning to get frustrated, change tactics before meltdowns start.
  • Avoid known temper tantrum triggers
  • Offer two choices, but ONLY two. They feel like they have more control when they get choices. But you like what they choose because they are both things you want for them.
  • Give enough warning before coming changes. Some children need more lead time than others.
  • Teach baby sign language to use at least until they learn to speak
  • Give more frequent, smaller meals to keep blood sugar and moods level.
  • For older toddlers begin saying yes first, then the limitation (yes you can ______, but first you must _____.)

Defusing Temper Tantrums:

  • Distract them. This works best with younger toddlers.
  • Act Silly – if you can get them to laugh, they may forget what upset them.
  • Ignore it and go on with that you were doing. If it was just for attention, that will reduce the number and length of tantrums
  • Bear hug- holding them until they are calmed down. They feel secure and loved even though frustrated.
  • Remove them from the scene until they calm down.
  • Acknowledge the child was frustrated and demonstrate a better way.
  • Keep your voice soft and stay as calm as possible. As you get agitated, your child gets more upset.

If you have some techniques that have worked well for you and your child, why not share them with others. Email me and I’ll add them to the site for others.

New Kid by Friday- part 3

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Over the last two months I’ve been sharing some insights form Dr. Kevin Leman’s book, Have a New Kid by Friday. In February I reviewed the three pillars of a child’s self worth: Acceptance, Belonging, and Competence. Then in March I reviewed the first of the top 3 long-term concerns of parents, Attitude. I planned to talk about Behavior this month, but since I’d like to expand on that topic over several months, I’m going to skip forward and cover Character this month.

  • Here are some things Dr. Leman says about character: Character is “who you are when no one is looking.”
  • “Character is not only everything, it’s the only thing in the long run. It is the foundation for your attitude and behavior.”
  • “Character doesn’t mean you are perfect. It means you have an inner standard that cares about others more than yourself.”

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Healthy Gender Development

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There is growing concern among parents about raising our children with strong gender identification in a world where homosexuality on the increase. These are a few resources on the major issues having to do with gender development and the contributing factors in homosexuality. More articles will be written on this topic in the future.

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