What to do when our children disrespect and lie...

Check out this latest article from Work and Family Life.
It touches on Respect and that children are displaying disrespect for grown-ups at earlier ages now.  It says Children "need to see the adults around them as valuable sources of wisdom and fun, of understanding and acceptance, of support and comfort."
It goes on to explain "The problem is that in some ways we have become more distant and in others we over-manage our kids' lives."
Other problems contributing to respect problems include decrease in family time.  They suggest spending time "hanging-out" as a family and with extended family with older relatives as well.  Lots of great info is in this article, so go check it out!

become more distant and in others we over-manage our

kids’ lives.

them as valuable sources of wisdom and fun, of understand-

ing and acceptance, of support and comfort.

them as valuable sources of wisdom and fun, of understand-

ing and acceptance, of support and comfort.

Effects of Media

Hi everyone,

In my field of teaching children and their parents I am always learning new things (that I wish I knew when my kids were little!) Following is a very powerful TEDXRainier on the effect of media on children and brain development. It is a MUST see in my opinion.

Dr. Dimitri Christakis is a pediatrician, researcher and parent that shares:

"There are certain things we can do early on in our children's lives that enhance their ability to pay attention and certain things that we can do early on that actually impede them." "The more television children watch before age of 3 the more likely they were to actually have attention problems at school age. For each hour per day a child watches before age 3 it increases the potential by 10%, 2 hours equals 20%. Compared to a child who watches none. Cognitive stimulation reduced the chances by 30% " (like reading to them, taking them to a museum or singing to them.)

Television is not the only culprit. Recent studies are referring to it as any screen time ie; computers, games, etc., (yes, even educational games and music videos)

see: http://youtu.be/BoT7qH_uVNo

While some of our children are over the age of 3, brain development is on going and needs positive HUMAN interaction.

These statistics are worrisome, especially for young children, says Dr. JoAnn Deak, author of The Fantastic Elastic Brain. In the first 10 years of a child’s life, the brain is designed to learn by doing—by interacting directly with people and things. In terms of language development, brain growth is only impacted by in-person talking. Brain scans show that young kids do not learn at all from a screen. “Language-acquisition centers show no change when language is being received by video or audio,” says Dr. Deak. They do show a change when another person is in the room speaking with the child.

 

At HO4K we spend lots of time reading, playing, and singing with the students. (the 3 main things that reduce the chance of impeding attention span in children.

 

The following is from Work and Family Life...

No matter how old we are, we want to keep our brains sharp, right? When you read the front page article in this issue, you'll catch up on the latest brain research and find out what to do to keep your brain (and heart) going strong for as long as possible.

http://www.workandfamilylife.com/os/apr2013

Third Annual Screen-Free Week: April 29–May 5

What can we do about the excessive media trend? One thing is to take the third annual Screen-Free Week challenge from April 29 to May 5. It’s a national campaign to encourage families to turn off their TVs, computers and video games for seven days and to explore other ways to enjoy family time together. For more information, visit www.eyi.org/screenfree.

The "screen smart" message reminds us that there is indeed a life away from screens. Screen-Free Week is coordinated by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. See www.commercialfreechildhood.org.

 

I extend the challenge for the screen free week starting April 29 !!!! 

The benefits are worth the challenge....I see it everyday!

Ms. JoAnn

What To Do When Disaster Strikes

Hi Everyone,

I am forwarding an email regarding how to handle the bombings in Boston. While it is geared for children with autism, the information is nearly identical and appropriate for all young children and pre-teens.

I wish you well,

Ms. JoAnn

By now most of you have probably heard about the explosions that killed and injured people at the Boston marathon today. What can we do as parents to shield our children on the autism spectrum from this awful news?
Those on the autism spectrum often take news of disasters (whether man-made or natural disasters like earthquakes) very hard. Remember, those on the autism spectrum thrive on routine. Now, due to a terrible event like a bombing, it is possible that folks with autism will be more adversely affected than others who do not have autism. This disaster, seemingly coming out of nowhere, can create a state of anxiety and worry that can last a long time.
How to handle this situation:
1. Try to keep your children away from the TV, especially. They do not need to see dozens of ours of details of bleeding people. Also, keep newspapers and radio broadcasts away and don't forget that the internet will be full of videos and gory accounts of the mayhem.
2. Explain to your loved ones that this is an isolated incident that that they do not have to worry. You are keeping them safe. Explain that the police have the situation under control. Reassure your loved one that their routine will remain the same.
3. Control your reactions when around your children. Ideally, do NOT discuss this situation in front of young children. Your children do not need to see their parents stressed, angry or fearful. Even teenagers will get extremely anxious if they see their parents very concerned, angry and fearful. Remember, they are relying on YOU to keep them safe. Do not let them see you worried, anxious and angry. While I realize this may be upsetting, consciously try to keep your emotions in check around your autistic loved ones.
4. Ask your children how they are feeling. It is important for them to be able to express their fears and emotions. Be reassuring. Be loving. They need you to provide the safety, security and routine in order to feel safe.
Evil exists in the world. But it is isolated. Do not let your children see killings, bombings and terrible events endlessly on the TV. They will begin to think this is all around them. Remember, folks on the autism spectrum often lack the emotional maturity of others their age. When in doubt shield your children as much as possible from any negative news.

Craig Kendall

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!

The students have each made envelopes to put valentines in.  Your child is welcome to bring Valentine cards any time between now and February 15.  (NO gum or candy please.)
We will be putting them in the class mail box, then delivering them throughout the day.  This is a "hands-on" experience of our mail system as well as a wonderful reading/language experience as the valentines are read throughout the week.
Thanks! 
Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!

LIVING LOVE AND LOGIC TIP #26

Make Them Part of the FamilyWeekly Tip from the Love and Logic^® Experts

One of our basic human needs is to be needed and to be a part of a family. When children live their lives as guests in a four star hotel instead of as a contributing member of a family, this basic need is denied. The usual result is for them to feel increasingly resentful without knowing why. 

One way to help a child feel needed, important, and valued in the family is to put him/her in charge of one family meal per week. See how you can successfully help your child feel a part of the family HERE!