Parenting a Child with Special Needs

Pediatric polysomnography patient, Children's ...

Image via Wikipedia

There are some important things to keep in mind if you are the parent of a child with special needs.

  • Diet plays an important role in mood and behavior. Ensuring that your child with special needs eat a diverse diet full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lots of lean protein will give him or her a strong immune system. Doing this also teaches your child how to choose the right foods to eat.
  • Teach your child with special needs the importance of maintaining a regular sleeping pattern. As with diet, sleep plays an important role with our mood, behavior and everyday functioning. A lack of regenerative sleep will only be detrimental for your child if they are already struggling.
  • Exercise is also important for children with special needs. Depending on the level of need your child has, you can get them involved in a number of different physical activities. If your child has a high level of need, then you are probably already aware of the various physical activities and therapies that are available. Try to get your child involved in a form of group physical activity. It will not only help them to stay healthy, but it will help to boost their self-esteem and confidence because they are able to socialize with other children.

Diet, sleep and exercise and three very important aspects of any child’s life. For a child with special needs they are equally, if not more, important to ensure that the child if ready to take on the world and the challenges it may present them with.

 

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Child Behavior, Parenting Tagged With: , ,

Starting a Doll Collection for Your Daughter

So, your daughter is growing up. She is beginning to show interest in dolls, and you would love to help her begin a collection. Now, where do you go from here? If you have previous experience collecting dolls with your mother or by yourself, it will be much easier. However, most of us will be starting from scratch.

You need to know that there are many different types of dolls that one might collect. You can collect Barbie dolls, or American Girl dolls, just to name a few.

It’s always a great idea to purchase a book that will explain to you the older types of dolls, which are known as vintage. The book should show you the history of the doll you choose to collect. If you are consider collecting Barbie dolls, and then you might want to find the Barbie fashion catalogues. This will show you what doll came with what outfit to be assured that the doll you want to collect has all the clothing and accessories included. Look for American girl doll clothes, as well, as they offer a large selection.

More often than not, you can find a doll collection online. When shopping online for dolls, pay attention to the clothes. Look at the quality of the clothes. You always want the original tags and for it to be in pretty decent shape. If you find that the original tags have been removed, it’s probably best to assume that this isn’t the original item that came with the doll.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Child Behavior, Child Development Tagged With: , ,

Baby Sign Language

An infant

Image via Wikipedia

Parents of babies can probably tell you they already have gestures and facial expression which they use to communicate non-verbally with their little one. Well, there is actually a legitimate form of sign language called baby sign language which you can use to communicate successfully with your baby.

Baby sign language incorporates basic gestures and movements to enable communication between a parent and a child before he or she begins talking. The gestures incorporate natural movements which are easily recognized by the infant.

So how did it all Start?

The concept of baby sign language was first brought to the attention of child psychologists and indeed the general public in the book “How to Talk to Your Baby Before Your Baby can Talk”. The book was written by Dr. Linda Acredolo & Dr. Susan Goodwyn after two decades of research they conducted into the field of symbolic gesturing. Their research showed that babies who learnt sign language were talking on average 3-4 months earlier than infants who had not been taught sign language by their parents.

What a great way for your baby to get ahead!

The Benefits of Using Baby Sign Language

By using baby sign language you can;

  • know why your child is crying
  • know how your child is feeling
  • communicate to your child when they are going to eat, or have a bath
  • teach your child food items, such as cookie or water
  • know if your child is comfortable or not, whether they are hot or cold
  • teach your child how to recognize their toys

Baby sign language opens up the doorway of communication between parent and child.

 

 

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Child Behavior, General Tagged With: , ,