Transitioning from one activity to another can be challenging for adults and children. Being told “it’s time to go” out of nowhere can make adults scramble to finish up last-minute items we forgot to do. For a child, it’s no different. We might not see it from their perspective, especially when the activity is fun …
My second child was diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) when she was 8 years old. We knew something was different long before that. When she went to kindergarten her teacher would give her a worksheet. She would crumple it up, throw it on the ground, fold her arms, and refuse to do it. Most children have …
What I am Learning from (trying to) Parent a Child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder Read More »
Have you ever noticed how life has a tendency to throw all sorts of unexpected twists and turns, especially at the least convenient times? I’ve heard enough experiences to know that this doesn’t just happen to me; everyone has their own story. It’s often hard for me (but really, most adults as well) to deal …
As a parent support specialist with Help Me Grow Utah, I sometimes get asked questions regarding receiving an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Frequent questions often sound like Does Help Me Grow screen for autism? My pediatrician administered the M-CHAT to my child and it said he is at high risk– doesn’t that count as …
The Ins and Outs of an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis Read More »
I love training in martial arts. There’s something really fulfilling for me to be able to master a new technique while getting a really great workout in. One aspect of martial arts that I really connect with is the need to breathe. We all struggle with different challenges. We are all more capable of handling …
One of the most inspiring ideas I learned about in college was the idea of “emotional coaching.” I remember feeling overwhelmed with this practice and asking myself “How am I supposed to emotionally coach a child when I struggle to understand and navigate through my own emotions?” Perhaps, you may feel similar thoughts and fears …
Around 6.1 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, also known as ADD). That means that 9.4% of children between the ages of 2-17 have been faced with the challenges associated with an ADHD diagnosis. So if your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you are not alone. ADHD is …
If your child’s bedtime is a struggle, you’re not alone. Whether it’s asking for a drink of water every 5 minutes, hearing “I’m not tired”, or a meltdown in general, bedtime can be chaos. We all know that sleep is important, but for children, getting enough sleep helps with things like behavior and learning. Studies show …
Feeding a child can cause the most anxiety-inducing moments of the day… OR it can be an enjoyable experience that brings parent and child closer together. The following guidelines can empower your family to start out on the right foot when feeding your baby, or if you have a picky eater, to take steps toward positive feeding moments. …
Nearly all children could benefit from social/emotional coaching. The purpose of social and emotional coaching is to help children learn social skills, emotional intelligence, and behaviors. These abilities can help children relate to their peers and regulate their own emotions. It might sound like a daunting task for parents and caregivers to teach children how …
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