For some kids going to the doctor is no big deal. They get on the scale, they open wide for a throat culture, and willingly let the doctor look up their noses. Some kids respond completely differently. They refuse to stand on the scale or even take off their shoes, they hold their breath or scream when the doctor tries to listen to their lungs. Both these types of kids are normal. However, how you or the doctor respond can make all the difference. Providing children even those who appear to be willing participants need appropriate information, step by step instructions, and ways to manage their own anxiety about what may happen next. The following are some helpful strategies parents and health care providers can implement to ease the anxiety for children potentially helping them to cope more effectively with a doctor visit.
Explain the reason for the visit: If the upcoming appointment is a routine "check-up" explain that is something all kids go to. Children go to the doctor to make sure everything in their body is working the way it should be and growing as it should be. Explain that the doctor will ask questions to make sure your body is healthy. This is also a time for your child to ask questions he may have about his body and his health.
If the reason for the visit is for a diagnosis or treatment of illness or other condition explain in simple terms that the doctor needs to examine you to figure out the best way to fix or get you back to what is important...(school, sports, friends)
Tell Children What to Expect During a Routine Exam: Using a doll or teddy bear show your child how the bear gets on and off and scale, standing tall and practicing being still. Try to make it a game. For example, Simon says stand tall like a tree. Purchase a toy medical kit and allow your child to examine her teddy bear or doll. Listening to the heart and lungs, checking ears, nose, and throat, or tapping on the bear's belly are all ways for your child to play doctor. Offering to read a story while the doctor examines the belly or sitting on mommy's lap when the doctor looks in her ears, nose, and throat are ways to support your child and build her comfort and self-esteem.
Discuss with your child the doctor will look at her "private parts" and although it is true that she has been taught about the privacy of her own body, doctors nurses, and parents must sometimes examine all parts of her body. Emphasize these are the only exceptions.
Need More Help?: If your child is still really anxious, kicks, screams, or has been diagnosed with an illness or condition and/or needs further tests and procedures. You may need the assistance of a Certified Child Life Specialist. (CCLS)
A CCLS has a strong background in child development, working with parents and children on developing positive coping strategies for managing emotions during a health care experience. Regardless of an exam, immunization, blood draw or surgery a CCLS can help a family through the use of age-appropriate explanations, activities, distraction, and coping techniques that support and empower the child.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
When A Loved One Dies...What to tell the children
Genevieve Lowry M.Ed, CCLS
Certified Child Life Specialist
Practical Parenting Solutions
www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
Recently, a good friend of my sister's daughter died in a car accident. My niece is 16 years old and still of the mind set that she is immortal, needless to say she took it hard. My sister called me, as much for sisterly love, as for advice and reassurance that she was doing the right things to best support her daughter. As parents we want to help our children but if we are struggling with our own grief, it is difficult for parents to see through the haze of our own emotions as we struggle with the loss of a parent, spouse or child. Regardless of if a loved one dies due to illness, trauma, or accident, most people need some guidance to find the right words, timing, and approach to help children and teens understand their own grief and begin the healing process.
All children grieve regardless of age. Supporting your children throughout the grieving process fosters normal growth and development by helping them to recognize that all things die and that death is a part of life. The following is a developmental approach to understanding children's grief, and some suggestions to use as guidelines for supporting your children or teens through their grieving process.
Infants/Toddlers: Infants and toddlers may not understand what has happened but they can sense a change in schedules or the caregivers anxiety. Try to continue with routines and consistency of caregivers, limiting the number of changes and people coming and going from the baby's life will provide normalcy and decrease the stress on the baby and those caring for him.
Preschoolers: Preschool age children need simple honest explanations. Try to stay away from euphemisms like "went to sleep." It confuses them and may lead to a belief that they can wake the person up or they may become afraid to go to sleep at night thinking they may die as well. Keep your explanations limited to facts, "Grandpa's heart stopped working, the doctor's tried to fix it but they couldn't" Reassure preschool age children that mommy and daddy are healthy (or whoever is the primary caregiver) and that their hearts are working fine. This age group will also need to have information repeated often before they are able to understand the death as final.
School age children: School age children also need honest answers however, they will want to know a little more of the details. Ask open ended questions in order to gauge how much and what information they are really asking for. This age group may want to go to the funeral or wake, talk to them about what they will see and hear when there. Assign a trusted adult to take them home when they are ready to leave.
Adolescents: Teenagers may experience extreme emotions and want to spend time with their friends rather than family. Be prepared for the roller coaster ride as one day they are leaning on mom and dad and the next day blaming them. Parents and caregivers should offer open and honest communication, by letting the teen know you are available to talk whenever they need to.
Encourage your children to create memorials: Collages of pictures, write a letter, or running a race in someone's honor are all ways to say good-bye as well as remember the loved one positively.
Saying Good-bye: It is important to say good-bye. If children want to attend the funeral or wake, explain what they may see or hear. If they decide to not attend, discuss alternate ways to say good-bye.
Visit the Funeral Home: Most funeral homes will allow families to bring children in before family and friends arrive. A certified child life specialist can assist you and your children with this visit by helping parents to find the right words to explain wake or funeral, as well as, providing children the opportunity to say good-bye, express their emotions privately, ask questions and dispel fears and misconceptions.
Suggested Resource for Bereaved Parents, Children, and Teens
Bibliography for Healthcare Professionals
Certified Child Life Specialist
Practical Parenting Solutions
www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
Recently, a good friend of my sister's daughter died in a car accident. My niece is 16 years old and still of the mind set that she is immortal, needless to say she took it hard. My sister called me, as much for sisterly love, as for advice and reassurance that she was doing the right things to best support her daughter. As parents we want to help our children but if we are struggling with our own grief, it is difficult for parents to see through the haze of our own emotions as we struggle with the loss of a parent, spouse or child. Regardless of if a loved one dies due to illness, trauma, or accident, most people need some guidance to find the right words, timing, and approach to help children and teens understand their own grief and begin the healing process.
All children grieve regardless of age. Supporting your children throughout the grieving process fosters normal growth and development by helping them to recognize that all things die and that death is a part of life. The following is a developmental approach to understanding children's grief, and some suggestions to use as guidelines for supporting your children or teens through their grieving process.
Infants/Toddlers: Infants and toddlers may not understand what has happened but they can sense a change in schedules or the caregivers anxiety. Try to continue with routines and consistency of caregivers, limiting the number of changes and people coming and going from the baby's life will provide normalcy and decrease the stress on the baby and those caring for him.
Preschoolers: Preschool age children need simple honest explanations. Try to stay away from euphemisms like "went to sleep." It confuses them and may lead to a belief that they can wake the person up or they may become afraid to go to sleep at night thinking they may die as well. Keep your explanations limited to facts, "Grandpa's heart stopped working, the doctor's tried to fix it but they couldn't" Reassure preschool age children that mommy and daddy are healthy (or whoever is the primary caregiver) and that their hearts are working fine. This age group will also need to have information repeated often before they are able to understand the death as final.
School age children: School age children also need honest answers however, they will want to know a little more of the details. Ask open ended questions in order to gauge how much and what information they are really asking for. This age group may want to go to the funeral or wake, talk to them about what they will see and hear when there. Assign a trusted adult to take them home when they are ready to leave.
Adolescents: Teenagers may experience extreme emotions and want to spend time with their friends rather than family. Be prepared for the roller coaster ride as one day they are leaning on mom and dad and the next day blaming them. Parents and caregivers should offer open and honest communication, by letting the teen know you are available to talk whenever they need to.
Encourage your children to create memorials: Collages of pictures, write a letter, or running a race in someone's honor are all ways to say good-bye as well as remember the loved one positively.
Saying Good-bye: It is important to say good-bye. If children want to attend the funeral or wake, explain what they may see or hear. If they decide to not attend, discuss alternate ways to say good-bye.
Visit the Funeral Home: Most funeral homes will allow families to bring children in before family and friends arrive. A certified child life specialist can assist you and your children with this visit by helping parents to find the right words to explain wake or funeral, as well as, providing children the opportunity to say good-bye, express their emotions privately, ask questions and dispel fears and misconceptions.
Suggested Resource for Bereaved Parents, Children, and Teens
Bibliography for Healthcare Professionals
Monday, February 1, 2010
Dr Oz wants everyone to learn Reiki!
Reiki is a gentle hands on healing therapy that promotes relaxation, eases, pain, and anxiety. It is a great tool for health care workers, educators, and parents who are looking for natural ways to support their patients and families.
Dr. Oz and Reiki on You Tube
For more information on Reiki scroll down to Using Reiki for Self-Care and Reiki and the Family.
Upcoming Reiki I class Saturday February 6, 2010
10-4pm
River Edge, NJ
easily accessible by train or 20 minutes from the GWB
A few blocks from the Riverside Square Mall
To register: www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
A portion of the proceeds from this class will go to the Presbyterian Disaster Relief Fund
a non-denominational organization supporting the relief efforts in Haiti.
Dr. Oz and Reiki on You Tube
For more information on Reiki scroll down to Using Reiki for Self-Care and Reiki and the Family.
Upcoming Reiki I class Saturday February 6, 2010
10-4pm
River Edge, NJ
easily accessible by train or 20 minutes from the GWB
A few blocks from the Riverside Square Mall
To register: www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
A portion of the proceeds from this class will go to the Presbyterian Disaster Relief Fund
a non-denominational organization supporting the relief efforts in Haiti.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Communication is the Key
Genevieve Lowry M.Ed, CCLS
Certified Child Life Specialist/Reiki Master
Practical Parenting Solutions
for families facing extraordinary circumstances
www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
My two year son throws things when he doesn't get his way, my six year old daughter bursts into tears, and my sister's teenager pierces her nose; what are they trying to tell us?
The mystery of communicating with kids is an art form or a study in foreign language. We let our children know how we feel through our facial expressions, body language and tone. Our children, well sometimes it just doesn't seem so obvious. I can remember the doctor telling me you will know your babies cries... What the?
It's true though, even little babies let us know their thoughts and feelings with their cries, whines, and eventually words althought that doesn't mean we understand any of it. We usually just get lucky after changing a dry diaper, offering water, milk or juice that he finally settles on the fourth box of cookies you offered. However, as parents we can help our children feel more secure understanding and identifying emotions, communicating their thoughts and feelings as well as understanding the way others communicate.
Teach your children there are a variety of ways to communicate: Crying, laughing, hugging or giving the thumbs up or down sign are all ways to "talk" without using words. As well as some people speak in another language or use sign language to communicate thoughts and feelings.
Game: Try to "talk" without using words. Spend a meal time or play a game together where everyone uses gestures to explain something that happened that day.
Telling how you feel: Chidren need to understand that by communicating they learn, share thier feelings, and can make friends. By sharing how they feel children learn to also identify the names of emotions which helps them learn to manage them better.
Activity: Do a body tracing, have each child pick a feeling out of a hat and draw where or how they feel that emotion on the body drawing.
Sharing with a trusted adult: Talk with your children about sharing their feelings. Help them identify who are trusted adults they can talk to about their feelings.
Listening is part of communicating: Talk with your children about listening to others. That talking with a friend, sibling or family member is a lot like sharing toys; everybody gets a turn.
Book: Read the book, Listen to the Rain by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault as a way to reinforce how important it is to listen.
Its okay to disagree: Explain to your children that arguing is another way to resolve conflict. People can think differently, disagree and yet still care for each other. Explain to your children also how mom and dad worked it out or model apologizing to each other.
However, fighting among parents can be upsetting to some children. Below are a few helpful hints to help avoid children blaming themselves or feeling insecure
Never involve children in arguments: Do not argue about or involve your children in your arguments. If they try to "take sides" or get involved, that is your sign to stop.
Don't argue about adult issues in front of the children: When the argument is about money, sex, or in-laws wait until your kids are asleep or go behind closed doors to discuss these topics.
Take a time out: If a conversation becomes too "heated" decide to take a "time out" and discuss it later. This will model for your children that sometimes its okay to step away, regroup and come back together later when everyone has calmed down.
Genevieve M. Lowry M. Ed, CCLS
Certified Child Life Specialist/Reiki Master
Practical Parenting Solutions
For families facing extraordinary circumstances
www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
genevievelowry@practicalparentingsolutions.com
Certified Child Life Specialist/Reiki Master
Practical Parenting Solutions
for families facing extraordinary circumstances
www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
My two year son throws things when he doesn't get his way, my six year old daughter bursts into tears, and my sister's teenager pierces her nose; what are they trying to tell us?
The mystery of communicating with kids is an art form or a study in foreign language. We let our children know how we feel through our facial expressions, body language and tone. Our children, well sometimes it just doesn't seem so obvious. I can remember the doctor telling me you will know your babies cries... What the?
It's true though, even little babies let us know their thoughts and feelings with their cries, whines, and eventually words althought that doesn't mean we understand any of it. We usually just get lucky after changing a dry diaper, offering water, milk or juice that he finally settles on the fourth box of cookies you offered. However, as parents we can help our children feel more secure understanding and identifying emotions, communicating their thoughts and feelings as well as understanding the way others communicate.
Teach your children there are a variety of ways to communicate: Crying, laughing, hugging or giving the thumbs up or down sign are all ways to "talk" without using words. As well as some people speak in another language or use sign language to communicate thoughts and feelings.
Game: Try to "talk" without using words. Spend a meal time or play a game together where everyone uses gestures to explain something that happened that day.
Telling how you feel: Chidren need to understand that by communicating they learn, share thier feelings, and can make friends. By sharing how they feel children learn to also identify the names of emotions which helps them learn to manage them better.
Activity: Do a body tracing, have each child pick a feeling out of a hat and draw where or how they feel that emotion on the body drawing.
Sharing with a trusted adult: Talk with your children about sharing their feelings. Help them identify who are trusted adults they can talk to about their feelings.
Listening is part of communicating: Talk with your children about listening to others. That talking with a friend, sibling or family member is a lot like sharing toys; everybody gets a turn.
Book: Read the book, Listen to the Rain by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault as a way to reinforce how important it is to listen.
Its okay to disagree: Explain to your children that arguing is another way to resolve conflict. People can think differently, disagree and yet still care for each other. Explain to your children also how mom and dad worked it out or model apologizing to each other.
However, fighting among parents can be upsetting to some children. Below are a few helpful hints to help avoid children blaming themselves or feeling insecure
Never involve children in arguments: Do not argue about or involve your children in your arguments. If they try to "take sides" or get involved, that is your sign to stop.
Don't argue about adult issues in front of the children: When the argument is about money, sex, or in-laws wait until your kids are asleep or go behind closed doors to discuss these topics.
Take a time out: If a conversation becomes too "heated" decide to take a "time out" and discuss it later. This will model for your children that sometimes its okay to step away, regroup and come back together later when everyone has calmed down.
Genevieve M. Lowry M. Ed, CCLS
Certified Child Life Specialist/Reiki Master
Practical Parenting Solutions
For families facing extraordinary circumstances
www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
genevievelowry@practicalparentingsolutions.com
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Dr. Oz Talks About Reiki
Next Reiki I class is February 6, 2010
Register early to guarantee your space www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
Exciting News: Dr. Mehmet Oz, who Oprah made "famous", highlights Reiki in the conclusion of his alternative medicine show on The Dr. Oz Show this Wednesday, January 6th.
Register early to guarantee your space www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
Exciting News: Dr. Mehmet Oz, who Oprah made "famous", highlights Reiki in the conclusion of his alternative medicine show on The Dr. Oz Show this Wednesday, January 6th.
When focusing on Reiki on his show, Dr. Oz says: "The next alternative remedy I'm going to talk about is one of my favorites. We've been using it in the Oz family for years...."
Even though Reiki's appearance is brief, it significantly adds to its credibility since Dr. Oz would not include anything risky or without merit.
For more information read my posts on Reiki and the Family or Reiki and Self-care. Information regarding upcoming classes go to my website
www.practicalparentingsolutions.com or email me at genevievelowry@practicalparentingsolutions.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Read it Again Mommy!
I love to read with my children. I love the way their bodies fit perfectly against mine as we cuddle together a the end of a long day to read a story before bed. When one of my children is sick a good book often chases away the feelings of confinement as one's imagination soars. Settling in together to share a story allows previous tensions to evaporate with each turn of page. Reading together with your children can ease your mind and recharge the spirit as hearts and minds are focused only each other. Stories can be fun or can teach a lesson, and if you are lucky a good book does both with subtlety, wit, and illustration.
Unfortunately, sometimes it takes all my energy to read the same story over and over again, Some stories just weren't that good the first time and I have found myself cringing when my child says "read this one mommy." Thankfully though there are those that have earned their worn out bindings, chewed corners, and tattered (and taped back together) pages. below is a list of a few of my children's (ages 6 and 3) favorite stories that any parent will enjoy reading again and again and again....
(these are not in any particular order)
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems www.mowillems.com
This deceivingly simple plot with even more deceivingly simple drawings has become a family favorite. This is the story of a pigeon, who you guessed it, wants to drive a bus. As the bus driver steps away he asks the reader to watch his bus with the caveat to "Please don't let the pigeon drive the bus"
Both my children laugh out loud starting with "vroomy vroom vroom" to the offer of five bucks or to be your best friend. This pigeon will try anything. He may not be able to fulfill his dream of driving the bus but don't be sad, he discovers bigger and better dreams. www.pigeonpresents.com
Chugga Chugga Choo Choo by Kevin Lewis illustrated by Daniel Kirk www.danielkirk.com
I often give this book as a gift for a new baby as it also come as a board book. My daughter's hardcover is worn from reading it and my son's board version has been chewed. He loved it so much he ate it. (we have since replaced it). The train takes various journeys in rhyme over the bridge, through the tunnel to the city to unload the freight. Final destination, the roundhouse for some deserved rest. A perfect bedtime story.
Fancy Nancy (any one of them) by Jane O'Connor illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser www.harpercollinschildrens.com/kids/gamesandcontests/features/fancynancybooks/
This series of books is sublime, that's a fancy way of saying great. A must read for the child who loves princess stories and dressing-up, as well as for the parent who would prefer not to continue promoting the damsel in distress story. Fancy Nancy is an extravaganza in organza as children learn new words and ways to wear accessories. Each story ends with Nancy learning a little more than just a new vocabulary word.
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont www.karenbeaumont.com illustrated by David Catrow
www.catrow.com
This book (like another of hers I Ain't Gonna Paint No More) is just fun! Through whimsical rhyme about liking yourself regardless of a pig nose or polka dotted toes, Karen Beaumont with the talents of David Catrow's illustrations bring to life the important message of this book. The silliness appeals to children and adults alike as it is as much fun to read as it is to imagine oneself with hair like a porcupine. Beaumont/ Catrow combination (they team in other books as well) highlight the inherent good time you and your children will have reading this book with a message that doesn't hit you over the head but makes you appreciate the exuberance of a child's imagination and open heart.
Mousepaint by Ellen Stoll Walsh: My son loves this book and its not about trucks! This simple "tail" is about three white mice who find some colored paint and jump right in.They discover by dancing in the colors they can make new colors! In the end they wash off the paint to a nice soft white "because of the cat." My son loves to point to the colors as we say them. What I thought was just a clever way to learn colors turns out to also be a unexpectedly playful book. ( I love the larger board book version.)
Alphabetter by Dan Bar-el and Graham Ross: www.danbar-el.com/book-alphabetter.html
Alphabet book are probably one of the most commonly written books as well as the most purchased by parents. How many different ways can you say the alphabet? Well, in Alphabetter (and my next favorite kids book), they have come up with a unique and creative way for kids to learn their letters. Their is a child for each letter who has something that the next child needs and on and on throughout the alphabet until the end when they finally get it all figured out and go for a swim. Besides the the unique introduction of letters this book also has a twist on multiculturalism using names like Joo-Pyo and Khalil. I appreciate the subtlety of bringing in a variety of cultures without hitting the reader over the head with it.
What Pete Ate From A-Z by Maira Kalman: www.mairakalman.com This book is genius! It's funny, clever, and ridiculously believable all at the same time (at least for those of us who have pets we love in spite of their voracious appetites.) A must read. The illustrations are definitley a little strange; however, they seem to fit the story perfectly. Pete (apparently a real dog) eats everything and anything. Starting with "A" Pete eats cousin Rocky's accordian and after eating his way through the alphabet, the author finishes with what he won't eat "zug zug dog grub!" My daughter likes to point out the various types of shoes Pete enjoys when we get to letter S. She has also learned to "read" the various necessary egg items needed for the Egghead Club; eggslicer, eggbeater, and the common cuckoo egg. Pete ate those too.
Nighty Night Sleepy Sleeps by Brian Andersen www.dogeatdoug.com Every parent will be able to relate to this story of a little boy and his dog who try to dodge bedtime. Its' simple rhyme and colorful illustration are a sure hit with the toddler set, as the duo hide in the closet, laundry and then rethink their plan to hide in the basement. Its very reminiscent of what we call in our house the pre-bed crazies that last until he literally crashes. My son loves this story and asks for it often. I love reading it also, as I enjoy adding my own voice changes and intonation depending on the hiding spots.
All books are available through www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com
but I suggest checking out your local library to give them a test run first to see if your kids love these books as much as mine do.
Genevieve M. Lowry M.Ed, CCLS
Certified Child Life Specialist/Reiki Master
Practical Parenting Solutions
For families facing extraordinary circumstances
www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
genevievelowry@practicalparentingsolutions.com
Unfortunately, sometimes it takes all my energy to read the same story over and over again, Some stories just weren't that good the first time and I have found myself cringing when my child says "read this one mommy." Thankfully though there are those that have earned their worn out bindings, chewed corners, and tattered (and taped back together) pages. below is a list of a few of my children's (ages 6 and 3) favorite stories that any parent will enjoy reading again and again and again....
(these are not in any particular order)
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems www.mowillems.com
This deceivingly simple plot with even more deceivingly simple drawings has become a family favorite. This is the story of a pigeon, who you guessed it, wants to drive a bus. As the bus driver steps away he asks the reader to watch his bus with the caveat to "Please don't let the pigeon drive the bus"
Both my children laugh out loud starting with "vroomy vroom vroom" to the offer of five bucks or to be your best friend. This pigeon will try anything. He may not be able to fulfill his dream of driving the bus but don't be sad, he discovers bigger and better dreams. www.pigeonpresents.com
Chugga Chugga Choo Choo by Kevin Lewis illustrated by Daniel Kirk www.danielkirk.com
I often give this book as a gift for a new baby as it also come as a board book. My daughter's hardcover is worn from reading it and my son's board version has been chewed. He loved it so much he ate it. (we have since replaced it). The train takes various journeys in rhyme over the bridge, through the tunnel to the city to unload the freight. Final destination, the roundhouse for some deserved rest. A perfect bedtime story.
Fancy Nancy (any one of them) by Jane O'Connor illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser www.harpercollinschildrens.com/kids/gamesandcontests/features/fancynancybooks/
This series of books is sublime, that's a fancy way of saying great. A must read for the child who loves princess stories and dressing-up, as well as for the parent who would prefer not to continue promoting the damsel in distress story. Fancy Nancy is an extravaganza in organza as children learn new words and ways to wear accessories. Each story ends with Nancy learning a little more than just a new vocabulary word.
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont www.karenbeaumont.com illustrated by David Catrow
www.catrow.com
This book (like another of hers I Ain't Gonna Paint No More) is just fun! Through whimsical rhyme about liking yourself regardless of a pig nose or polka dotted toes, Karen Beaumont with the talents of David Catrow's illustrations bring to life the important message of this book. The silliness appeals to children and adults alike as it is as much fun to read as it is to imagine oneself with hair like a porcupine. Beaumont/ Catrow combination (they team in other books as well) highlight the inherent good time you and your children will have reading this book with a message that doesn't hit you over the head but makes you appreciate the exuberance of a child's imagination and open heart.
Mousepaint by Ellen Stoll Walsh: My son loves this book and its not about trucks! This simple "tail" is about three white mice who find some colored paint and jump right in.They discover by dancing in the colors they can make new colors! In the end they wash off the paint to a nice soft white "because of the cat." My son loves to point to the colors as we say them. What I thought was just a clever way to learn colors turns out to also be a unexpectedly playful book. ( I love the larger board book version.)
Alphabetter by Dan Bar-el and Graham Ross: www.danbar-el.com/book-alphabetter.html
Alphabet book are probably one of the most commonly written books as well as the most purchased by parents. How many different ways can you say the alphabet? Well, in Alphabetter (and my next favorite kids book), they have come up with a unique and creative way for kids to learn their letters. Their is a child for each letter who has something that the next child needs and on and on throughout the alphabet until the end when they finally get it all figured out and go for a swim. Besides the the unique introduction of letters this book also has a twist on multiculturalism using names like Joo-Pyo and Khalil. I appreciate the subtlety of bringing in a variety of cultures without hitting the reader over the head with it.
What Pete Ate From A-Z by Maira Kalman: www.mairakalman.com This book is genius! It's funny, clever, and ridiculously believable all at the same time (at least for those of us who have pets we love in spite of their voracious appetites.) A must read. The illustrations are definitley a little strange; however, they seem to fit the story perfectly. Pete (apparently a real dog) eats everything and anything. Starting with "A" Pete eats cousin Rocky's accordian and after eating his way through the alphabet, the author finishes with what he won't eat "zug zug dog grub!" My daughter likes to point out the various types of shoes Pete enjoys when we get to letter S. She has also learned to "read" the various necessary egg items needed for the Egghead Club; eggslicer, eggbeater, and the common cuckoo egg. Pete ate those too.
Nighty Night Sleepy Sleeps by Brian Andersen www.dogeatdoug.com Every parent will be able to relate to this story of a little boy and his dog who try to dodge bedtime. Its' simple rhyme and colorful illustration are a sure hit with the toddler set, as the duo hide in the closet, laundry and then rethink their plan to hide in the basement. Its very reminiscent of what we call in our house the pre-bed crazies that last until he literally crashes. My son loves this story and asks for it often. I love reading it also, as I enjoy adding my own voice changes and intonation depending on the hiding spots.
All books are available through www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com
but I suggest checking out your local library to give them a test run first to see if your kids love these books as much as mine do.
Genevieve M. Lowry M.Ed, CCLS
Certified Child Life Specialist/Reiki Master
Practical Parenting Solutions
For families facing extraordinary circumstances
www.practicalparentingsolutions.com
genevievelowry@practicalparentingsolutions.com
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Reiki and the Family
As parents we reach out and hug, stroke, and caress our children. We do this when children fall and skin their knee, have first day of school jitters, or wake up from a nightmare. Instinctively we draw our children into or arms and hearts to let them know no matter what, we will be there with them.
As parents we often feel exhausted by the needs of our children, spouse, and work. What if there was a way to energize the body, mind, and spirit while also enhancing our ability to parent. Reiki a gentle hands on healing therapy, promotes relaxation, eases pain and reduces anxiety and stress. Reiki can be offered to anyone, infants to elderly, children with special needs and autism as well as those managing a chronic illness. No one is too sick, too old or too young to receive Reiki. It is ideal for parents looking for a natural way to soothe their children as well as manage their own stress leading to a peaceful, calmer, more balanced family life.
Reiki is easily integrated into daily routines: Bedtimes, homework, or just sitting on the couch, Reiki can be easily integrated into a busy schedule. When hugging a child/teen, parents are offering Reiki, with an encouraging pat on the shoulder, parents are offering Reiki, giving a child/teen that extra boost of loving energy.
Reiki helps children sleep well: A few minutes of Reiki at bedtime calms the mind and eases anxiety so a child can experience a more restful sleep. For the child who experiences nightmares, a few minutes of Reiki before bed often replaces the bad dreams with sweeter more peaceful ones.
Reiki connects parents to their child/teen: Whether snuggling on the couch watching television, an injury from a soccer game or the "hug" in passing, Reiki provides parents the opportunity to support their child/teen through gentle touch. Connecting with their child/teen by offering him Reiki as a therapy provides the "excuse" children sometimes need to still be "cool" receiving support from their parents.
Reiki increase parents' intuition: Using Reiki consistently increases' parents' energy therefore; the body is more sensitive to changes in children/teens' energy. So even though a teen may say everything is okay parents may sense otherwise.
Reiki transcends words: Sometimes children and teens are unable to express into words what they are thinking or feeling, Reiki provides parents with a subtle tool to support children and teens until they are ready to talk.
Reiki calms, soothes, and eases anxiety: The dentist office, an algebra test, or a skinned knee, Reiki calms, soothes, and eases anxiety simply by holding a child's hand, placing hands near an injury, or a supportive hand on the back while reviewing homework material together. Reiki offered to oneself can also alleviate parents' stress when coping with the daily struggles of raising a family.
Reiki helps the child with special needs, chronic illness, and autism: Research has shown that Reiki helps children stay on task, focus and manage pain, nausea, and anxiety more effectively. Reiki has no contra-indicators and can be combined easily with other complimentary and conventional therapies.
As parents we often feel exhausted by the needs of our children, spouse, and work. What if there was a way to energize the body, mind, and spirit while also enhancing our ability to parent. Reiki a gentle hands on healing therapy, promotes relaxation, eases pain and reduces anxiety and stress. Reiki can be offered to anyone, infants to elderly, children with special needs and autism as well as those managing a chronic illness. No one is too sick, too old or too young to receive Reiki. It is ideal for parents looking for a natural way to soothe their children as well as manage their own stress leading to a peaceful, calmer, more balanced family life.
Reiki is easily integrated into daily routines: Bedtimes, homework, or just sitting on the couch, Reiki can be easily integrated into a busy schedule. When hugging a child/teen, parents are offering Reiki, with an encouraging pat on the shoulder, parents are offering Reiki, giving a child/teen that extra boost of loving energy.
Reiki helps children sleep well: A few minutes of Reiki at bedtime calms the mind and eases anxiety so a child can experience a more restful sleep. For the child who experiences nightmares, a few minutes of Reiki before bed often replaces the bad dreams with sweeter more peaceful ones.
Reiki connects parents to their child/teen: Whether snuggling on the couch watching television, an injury from a soccer game or the "hug" in passing, Reiki provides parents the opportunity to support their child/teen through gentle touch. Connecting with their child/teen by offering him Reiki as a therapy provides the "excuse" children sometimes need to still be "cool" receiving support from their parents.
Reiki increase parents' intuition: Using Reiki consistently increases' parents' energy therefore; the body is more sensitive to changes in children/teens' energy. So even though a teen may say everything is okay parents may sense otherwise.
Reiki transcends words: Sometimes children and teens are unable to express into words what they are thinking or feeling, Reiki provides parents with a subtle tool to support children and teens until they are ready to talk.
Reiki calms, soothes, and eases anxiety: The dentist office, an algebra test, or a skinned knee, Reiki calms, soothes, and eases anxiety simply by holding a child's hand, placing hands near an injury, or a supportive hand on the back while reviewing homework material together. Reiki offered to oneself can also alleviate parents' stress when coping with the daily struggles of raising a family.
Reiki helps the child with special needs, chronic illness, and autism: Research has shown that Reiki helps children stay on task, focus and manage pain, nausea, and anxiety more effectively. Reiki has no contra-indicators and can be combined easily with other complimentary and conventional therapies.
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