Mental preparation, with these five tips, for the transition back to school is as important as getting the right school supplies: Be aware of school related stress It’s important to be aware of kids’ worries and know how to respond. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in helping children understand, manage, and overcome these …
What are executive functioning skills? Executive function refers to a cognitive process that helps with planning, initiation of tasks, organizing, managing time, problem solving, and self-regulation. Many adults and teens with ADHD have difficulty with executive dysfunction. This translates into weak prioritization skills, time blindness, and an inability to orchestrate concurrent tasks. Chores that Develop Executive Functioning …
When a parent asks me how to get their kids to organize and maintain their bedrooms, I always lob this question right back at them: Is your child’s bedroom set up to make it easy for them to create and maintain an organizing system? And if they can’t answer that? It’s time to go on a tour of …
Q: “How Can I Tackle ‘The Great Bedroom Clean-Up’ with My Teen?” Read More »
For some children , boredom can feel uncomfortable and result in feeling anxious. Boredom is disengagement, and disengagement from your environment feels vulnerable and dysregulating. Chronic boredom can even lead to depression and anxiety. Chronic boredom, however, is very different from the initial, superficial level of boredom experienced when standing in line or waiting …
Kids in the Syndrome Mix is a concise, scientifically up-to-date, all-in-one guide to the whole range of often co-existing neuro-behavioral disorders in children-from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder, to autistic spectrum disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities, sensory integration problems, and executive dysfunction. Dr. Kutscher provides accessible information on causes, symptoms, interactions …
There comes a time when every person must learn how to swallow medication or vitamins. Medications, vitamins, and supplements can be crucial when helping those with developmental and/or emotional disabilities. The task of swallowing a pill can feel incredibly daunting to a person, especially a child and even some teens. A child may not understand how to swallow …
Why routines matter Research shows that routines support healthy social emotional development in early childhood. In particular, children with regular routines at home have self-regulation skills, the building blocks of good mental health. When children learn to regulate feelings and behaviors, it means they are able to identify their feelings and have skills to manage …
The EFT Tapping technique is an extraordinary way to focus on and release negative emotions because it is simple, accessible, and effective. EFT can help reduce fears, worries, or any unresolved problems without the use of psychiatric medication and just about anyone can do it. To use this technique, simply tap in rounds of three …
These 17 games practice impulse control, paying attention, listening and following directions. Students focus on having to pay close attention to expectations, and override urges in order to make the most appropriate choice about their actions. Games can be conducted with small or large groups, require NO materials or preparation, and most can be played …
Games that Practice Self-Regulation of Body And Actions Read More »
Understanding what type of therapy is best for your child can be overwhelming. This comprehensible infographic breaks down 6 common modalities used by child therapists: play therapy, family therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Once you understand what might be the best …
