Tag: parenting

Kids, Parenting

July 4th Tips for Sensory Issues

Erin Sluka

The Early Learning Center at Meeting Street in Providence is prepared for the 4th of July with these tips for sensory issues from Emily Lennon, Registered Occupational Therapist.

If your child is sensitive to noise:
Stay further away from the fireworks display so that you can see them with less noise from the booms and the crowd. Wear noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs, if your child tolerates them.Let them listen to their own music with earbuds while watching the fireworks.
If your child is sensitive to visual input:
Wear sunglasses to watch the fireworks.Stay further away from the crowd so there is less visual stimulation.
If your child is sensitive to touch:
Bring a chair or blanket (such as a weighted blanket) to sit on so they are not touching the sand or grass.Sit away from the crowd so they are not bumped unexpectedly by people in the crowd.
To calm your child:
Engage another sense
Your goal may be for the child to attend and tolerate the event rather than pay attention to the ceremony and use of a fidget spinner, stress ball, or clay/playdough during the firework display will provide a distraction.
Give deep pressure
Before the fireworks begin, do wheelbarrow walking, tug of war, wear a weighted backpack or another activity that is resistive to calm and organize.  Following these types of tasks, the child is more likely to handle stress/excitement.Have the child sit between 2 people to “squish” themWrap a blanket tightly around the child
Prepare your child:
Have the child watch a video about fireworks ahead of time so they know there is loud noise and sudden flashing lights.Write a social story about the sequence of the day and what happens during a firework display.
Give them some control:
Have them watch for a particular color and count how many there are during the displayHave them say what color they see i.e. red is for firetruck.  With the delay of sound from the flash of color to the boom, they might be talking and not hear the sound as much.
Be prepared:
Have some calm/relaxing time prior to firework display.  If the day was busy and chaotic, the child will be less able to handle the noise, late bedtime, etc.Have snacks, drinks, jackets, etc.  If your child is comfortable, they will be able to handle the stress better.Have an escape plan.  Be at the edge of the crowd for an easier get away.  Know the signs of overstimulation and meltdown and interfere/leave before it happens.  If possible, have enough adults so that one can go to the car with the distressed child and distract/play music until the event is complete.

These tips offered by Emily Lennon, Registered Occupational Therapist, who has 30 years of experience working within the pediatrics field, specializing in early intervention, outpatient, and school based settings. In addition, she is certified in Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests.

Parenting, Summer, Travel

Preventing Summer Kidnappings

Erin Sluka
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Summer is supposed to be a carefree time, especially for children who are out of school and can spend the majority of their time outside enjoying the beautiful weather and doing fun activities. But according to the National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway and Thrown away Children (NISMART), 41% of kidnappings occur during the summer months of June, July and August. So before sending your child to the park or pool with friends make sure they know what to do if a stranger approaches them.

Below are a few tips from Krav Maga Worldwide on how to help lessen your child’s risk of being a victim of kidnapping this summer.

  • It starts with open conversations. It’s important to teach children while they are young about what do if a stranger approaches them or makes them feel uncomfortable in anyway. Young children may be confused about the concept of a stranger in general and who is or isn’t one. Parents should emphasize that a stranger is just someone the child doesn’t know and not necessarily a good or bad person. It can also be helpful if parents ask their child about their day on a daily basis to help ensure that nothing suspicious occurred. Even if a child does not directly say a stranger approached them, parents should be able to pick up on body language and verbal cues that something is off base.
  • Fight Back. Sign children up for intro self-defense classes specifically for kids and dealing with situations that can arise for their age group. These classes often teach children body language and verbal skills that can help deter potential attackers as well physical skills. Unfortunately, there is a very real possibility that a child may be in a situation that they can’t defuse or walk away from. Having a foundation of physical skills is vital for the child to be able to protect themselves when push literally comes to shove.
  • Emergency planning. If a child will be left alone during the day, create and practice an emergency plan with them so they are aware of what to do in case someone comes to the door or tries to break in. Leave written instructions and important phone numbers on the fridge or counter and continuously practice safety skills with the child, which can help them become second nature and the child will know what to do on the spot.
  • Make a plan and keep kids busy. Parents can set up a schedule with their child so that they know where they are supposed to be at what time and with who. If parents are friendly with neighbors, touch base with them and ask if they can keep an eye out on the child if they play outside often. Inform your child that they are trusted adults that they can go to if an uncomfortable situation arises. Parents can also tap into what the child’s interests are and sign them up for classes or programs that involve something that they love to do, such as art classes or sports programs. These programs and activities tend to be supervised by trained adults that can help keep the child safe.

For more information check out kravmaga.com see the Facebook page (KravMagaWorldwide), follow on Instagram @krav_maga_worldwide or call 800.572.8624.

Parenting, Tips and Tricks

5 Tips to Capture the Perfect Family Holiday Card

Erin Sluka

5 Tips to Capture the Perfect Family Holiday Card

Chances are that in the next few weeks you will be planning that perfect family photo for your annual Christmas card. I have not done a family photo card in years. We have 3 boys and 2 are grown and on their own or in college. When we all happen to be together I always forget to snap a photo and then months can go by until our schedules meet up again in a moment to grab a photo.

As the kids grow you almost have to plan all year. To keep in the back of our brain to snap that photo when you get the chance. Maybe it will be with the restaurant tables in the background, but you were all together. Better yet, getting everyone all together is easier the younger they are and you can take some steps to make that posed photo fantastic.

Tim McCabe, creative director and cofounder of CardFool, has put together his five tips to capturing the best photo.

1.       Magic Time. If you have grade-school kids, be prepared to get in and get out. Kids typically can sit and participate for about 20 minutes. But with a game plan, you can utilize those 20 minutes efficiently.

2.       Get Lit. Make sure the background is properly lit. With cameras these days, you can review a photo before you go ahead and print it to ensure everyone’s faces forward and clearly visible.

3.       Skip The Props – if you are having more than eight people in the frame, skip the props and instead focus on your location. You don’t need any extras like bales of hay or a gigantic Christmas tree taking up precious restate. Think simple and clean, regardless of how many people are in the photo. This applies to everything, clothing, background, poses, etc.

4.       Smartphone – if you don’t have a fancy camera, or know someone who does, don’t worry. Today’s smart phones are equipped with a great camera. The key to making the photo professional are three simple tips. First, have someone else snap the photo. You don’t want your holiday photo to be a selfie. Second, capture the photo both horizonal and vertical, making sure that the legs and head are not chopped off. That way when it comes time to choosing the card layout, you have some options. Third, have fun with the filters. Your phone comes with several color options and lighting, play around with it, but don’t choose more than two different filters to prevent the photo looking over-processed.

5.       Have fun – with today’s busy life, treasure the moment that your family is all together and you’re spending some quality time capturing a great moment. Reflect on the past year, your family’s accomplishment, and don’t forget to say “cheese.”

Books Reviews, Education, Healthy Living, Kids, Parenting, Tips and Tricks, Wellness Wednesday

Fun Ways To Teach Hygiene To Your Children

Erin Sluka

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A few nights ago I sent my son in for his pre-bedtime potty and to wash his hands. He is the child that at age 4 ALWAYS washes his hands after using the restroom as Daycare and myself have installed that method into his head. I noticed he came out of the restroom way too fast. “Hold on, Mister…did you wash those hands?” I got a “Huh?” look and he shoved his hands in my face and I smelled soap.  It then hit me….we tell him to wash his hands and he knows to put his hands under running water, use soap and rinse but I have never actually given him any concept of why or how long. At 4 1/2 he is perfectly capable at comprehending the concept so I thought fast about all those books and articles I have come across on creative ways to help him learn and to not just wash his hands or brush his teeth, but to CORRECTLY wash and brush! Here is what I found and will use from now on with my own son……

Click for photo source
Click for photo source

Washing Hands

Facts

  • 80% of germs are transmitted by hands
  • CDC protocol is to wash hands in warm, clean & soapy water for 20 seconds.
  • The proper sneeze etiquette is to sneeze into your sleeve, NOT your hands.

Fun Ways to Encourage Hand Washing

  • Have your child sing Happy Birthday twice or the Alphabet song..any song, really. It needs to be a minimum of 20 seconds of their hands under water rinsing with soap!
  • Glitter! It is great for teaching hand washing for 2 reasons. First, you can put glitter on your hands. The glitter resembles GERMS. Have them see how easily the “GERMS” spread as you shake there hand, open a door, touch the flusher, etc… Second, glitter is a challenge to wash off. Give your child a paper towel and see them struggle removing the GERMS. Then have them rinse under cool water without soap-better, but still doesn’t get the GERMS. Finally, have them rinse with soap and warm water. The GERMS go away!
  • Buy the fun and colorful soaps for them
Brushing Teeth
Facts
  • It takes 3 years for toddlers to grow their 20 primary teeth
  • 40% of kids will have a cavity by Kindergarten
  • 2-3 years old is when self-dental care should begin-supervising them until about age 6-8
  • Use soft Bristle Brush with Flouride paste
Fun Ways to Encourage Teeth Brushing
  • Mix 3-4 drops of red food coloring in about 2-3 tbsp of water. Have your child rinse and spit out carefully into the sink or another cup. Let them look into a magnifying mirror and see their plaque and germs.
  • Put Tempura paint between your fingers and give them a piece of string. Demonstrate flossing. The paint is a bit challenging to remove resembling the work it takes to floss well.
  • Don’t forget the eyeball catching toothbrushes and toothpaste. Let them be Germ superheros. I did this with my son as I started him brushing his teeth (he brushes after I do it first as he is only 4). We went to the store and he picked out his own toothbrush and paste then he had his “weapons” for fighting the germ monsters that invade his teeth morning and night!
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A great book to use is ‘Germs Are Not For Sharing’. I highly recommend it!
Whatever you do, have fun with it and educate them!

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. The link to the recommended book is that of my Amazon affiliate page. Book suggestion is my own.