Thursday, August 23, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Helping Your Baby Sleep Well
Helping Your Baby Sleep Well
by: Linda Davis
Should you let sleeping babies lie? Babies spend most of their day sleeping. It is during sleep that their body grows and gets stronger. Regardless of whether your baby is a heavy sleeper or a light one, it is important to take steps to enhance their sleeping patterns by recreating the environment of the womb.
First create a cozy sleeping area. Although cribs are the first sleeping space that most parents think of for their newborn babies, the space may be too large for your baby sleep in comfortably. Why? You have to keep in mind that for nine month his or her little body was snug inside the uterus. Having such a large space between their body and the walls of a crib can make them feel uncomfortable and scared. It's best to let your baby sleep in a bassinet or a baby carriage for the first few months after his or her birth.
Second, help your baby relax with soothing sounds. Inside the womb, your baby experienced the sounds of his or her mothers body. For many months your baby was comforted by the sounds of a heartbeat or the gurgling sounds of a stomach. These internal sounds helped to keep the baby happy and relaxed. When putting your baby to sleep the sound of a humming fan or the soft sound of a music box will help them sleep better.
Don't undermine your baby's sleeping habit by not letting them sleep too much in the day. If your baby has problems sleeping at night and this is interrupting your sleep, you may try fix this problem by keeping the baby up during the day. While this may work with small children by causing them to be more tired at night, it is not recommend for a newborn baby. This will only cause your baby to become sleep deprived, which in turn will cause the baby to sleep more restlessly. A well rested baby has healthier sleeping patterns than one that's tired due to being kept awake during the day, when they really wanted to be sleeping.
For the parents of a newborn child, a good night's sleep can seem elusive. It does get better as the child gets older, but in the mean time, you can take these few steps to encourage your baby to sleep well.
by: Linda Davis
Should you let sleeping babies lie? Babies spend most of their day sleeping. It is during sleep that their body grows and gets stronger. Regardless of whether your baby is a heavy sleeper or a light one, it is important to take steps to enhance their sleeping patterns by recreating the environment of the womb.
First create a cozy sleeping area. Although cribs are the first sleeping space that most parents think of for their newborn babies, the space may be too large for your baby sleep in comfortably. Why? You have to keep in mind that for nine month his or her little body was snug inside the uterus. Having such a large space between their body and the walls of a crib can make them feel uncomfortable and scared. It's best to let your baby sleep in a bassinet or a baby carriage for the first few months after his or her birth.
Second, help your baby relax with soothing sounds. Inside the womb, your baby experienced the sounds of his or her mothers body. For many months your baby was comforted by the sounds of a heartbeat or the gurgling sounds of a stomach. These internal sounds helped to keep the baby happy and relaxed. When putting your baby to sleep the sound of a humming fan or the soft sound of a music box will help them sleep better.
Don't undermine your baby's sleeping habit by not letting them sleep too much in the day. If your baby has problems sleeping at night and this is interrupting your sleep, you may try fix this problem by keeping the baby up during the day. While this may work with small children by causing them to be more tired at night, it is not recommend for a newborn baby. This will only cause your baby to become sleep deprived, which in turn will cause the baby to sleep more restlessly. A well rested baby has healthier sleeping patterns than one that's tired due to being kept awake during the day, when they really wanted to be sleeping.
For the parents of a newborn child, a good night's sleep can seem elusive. It does get better as the child gets older, but in the mean time, you can take these few steps to encourage your baby to sleep well.
Motivation To Succeed Develops In Early Childhood
Motivation To Succeed Develops In Early Childhood
by: Madina Bakhitova
Disclaimer: None of the content of this article should be considered medical or psychological advice. You should consult with your health care professional for specific advice relating to your medical and psychological questions or conditions.
Have you ever heard about a child whom parents or teachers describe as lazy, unenthusiastic, and non-interested in any school subject or social activity? If yes, have you ever thought why this child is so low motivated, when he or she needs to do something demanding assiduity, diligence, patience, attention, tenacity, self-control and other important personal qualities?
While growing up these children meet obstacles in real life and do not find enough will power, strength of mind to overcome life difficulties and achieve goals. This happens because in childhood and during adolescent period, when important aspects of self-regulation and self-control build up, these children did not learn to be patient, assiduous and purposeful.
That is the reason why it is very important to make the basis of your child’s motivation to success, self-control, and self-regulation in early childhood. Sometimes it is much easier for parents just to close their eyes to many things thus allowing their child to do anything he or she wants and have “peace” without listening to the child crying or demanding anything. But this is not a way out of the situation, because now your child is having only a small problem, but while the child is growing up problems will be becoming more complicated and solving them will be much more difficult.
How can you help your child be more motivated?
1. Be sure that you are ready and have enough patience to talk and explain your child many things even there could be some misunderstandings and communication difficulties.
2. Do not be afraid to be strict sometimes, but at the same time try to explain all your actions, be reasonable and appeal to consciousness of your child. (For example, if your child does not want to make homework in math, explain your him or her, that now the most important thing is not the homework, but how strong and self-controlled he or she is, and the ability of doing important things, which children do not want to do.)
3. Teach your child to avoid words such as “I want to do…” and “I don’t want to do…” substitute these word-combinations with “I need to do…” and “I don’t need to do…”Also do not tell your child, that he or she is “the smartest, most clever…” or “the best person” in any field. Because when a person says: “I am the best…” it is the signal for unconscious mechanisms to stop accept new information. “The best” person does not need to learn or know anything. Isn’t he or she “the best” already? Instead of that, say: “I’m good in this today, and I will even be better tomorrow!”
4. Do not demand from your child fast results and improvements. Remember, you should begin with small tasks, like homework or house work help.
5. Teach your child to be enthusiastic and open to new knowledge and experience. Explain and show him or her that, for example, every subject in school can be much more interesting if they try to learn more about it.
Invest your time, efforts and teach your child to be motivated to achieve their goals with the help of patience, diligence, strength of mind, will power, and hard work. This will be one of the most important investments in your life, because in the future you will be very glad to see that your son or daughter is able to achieve their goals and become a successful person.
by: Madina Bakhitova
Disclaimer: None of the content of this article should be considered medical or psychological advice. You should consult with your health care professional for specific advice relating to your medical and psychological questions or conditions.
Have you ever heard about a child whom parents or teachers describe as lazy, unenthusiastic, and non-interested in any school subject or social activity? If yes, have you ever thought why this child is so low motivated, when he or she needs to do something demanding assiduity, diligence, patience, attention, tenacity, self-control and other important personal qualities?
While growing up these children meet obstacles in real life and do not find enough will power, strength of mind to overcome life difficulties and achieve goals. This happens because in childhood and during adolescent period, when important aspects of self-regulation and self-control build up, these children did not learn to be patient, assiduous and purposeful.
That is the reason why it is very important to make the basis of your child’s motivation to success, self-control, and self-regulation in early childhood. Sometimes it is much easier for parents just to close their eyes to many things thus allowing their child to do anything he or she wants and have “peace” without listening to the child crying or demanding anything. But this is not a way out of the situation, because now your child is having only a small problem, but while the child is growing up problems will be becoming more complicated and solving them will be much more difficult.
How can you help your child be more motivated?
1. Be sure that you are ready and have enough patience to talk and explain your child many things even there could be some misunderstandings and communication difficulties.
2. Do not be afraid to be strict sometimes, but at the same time try to explain all your actions, be reasonable and appeal to consciousness of your child. (For example, if your child does not want to make homework in math, explain your him or her, that now the most important thing is not the homework, but how strong and self-controlled he or she is, and the ability of doing important things, which children do not want to do.)
3. Teach your child to avoid words such as “I want to do…” and “I don’t want to do…” substitute these word-combinations with “I need to do…” and “I don’t need to do…”Also do not tell your child, that he or she is “the smartest, most clever…” or “the best person” in any field. Because when a person says: “I am the best…” it is the signal for unconscious mechanisms to stop accept new information. “The best” person does not need to learn or know anything. Isn’t he or she “the best” already? Instead of that, say: “I’m good in this today, and I will even be better tomorrow!”
4. Do not demand from your child fast results and improvements. Remember, you should begin with small tasks, like homework or house work help.
5. Teach your child to be enthusiastic and open to new knowledge and experience. Explain and show him or her that, for example, every subject in school can be much more interesting if they try to learn more about it.
Invest your time, efforts and teach your child to be motivated to achieve their goals with the help of patience, diligence, strength of mind, will power, and hard work. This will be one of the most important investments in your life, because in the future you will be very glad to see that your son or daughter is able to achieve their goals and become a successful person.
21 Reasons To Send A Child A Greeting Card
21 Reasons To Send A Child A Greeting Card
by: Nicole Bandes
When was the last time you saw the face of a child light up and glow because they got a piece of mail with their name on it? Children love to get mail. My children, even at 10 years of age, run to the door and ask if they got any mail today. It doesn’t even matter if it is junk mail. They just like to get anything with their names on it. Of course, it means that much more if there is a special reason for the mail.
Sending letters or greeting cards is a good way to foster a love of communication and writing in children. In our society, instant messaging, text messaging, and short emails have all but killed the art of good communication. Studies indicate that the more a child reads, the smarter they are. However, it can often be difficult to get some children to read due to lack of interest. I bet there isn’t a child around that wouldn’t be interested in reading a card or letter addressed to them from someone they care about. And, of course, if a child is raised to expect that letters and greeting cards are a regular occurrence, they are more likely to become better communicators themselves.
So take some time and send a greeting card to a child in your life. Here are just a handful of reasons you can use to send a greeting card to a child you know and help to make their day that much brighter.
1. They got an A on a test or report card. Make the joy of doing well last just a little longer.
2. They said, “Please”.
3. It’s their birthday, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, etc…
4. They were well-behaved.
5. They did something special for someone (even if it wasn’t you). It helps to foster the trait of good will when they get some feedback for what they have done.
6. They helped with dinner.
7. Just to say, “I appreciate you”. Do they really know how valuable they are to you?
8. They said, “Thank you”.
9. Just to say, “You’re Special”.
10. They did a great job on their chores. Rewards for a job well done encourage more of the same.
11. Because you haven’t seen them and want them to know you miss them.
12. Say thanks for being my ...(son, daughter, grandchild, niece, nephew, friend, etc…).
13. They made the honor roll.
14. They helped in the yard.
15. Remind them of an exciting event that is coming up.
16. Remind them of a neat experience you had together.
17. Tell them something special about yourself.
18. Tell them something special about someone you both know.
19. Share a joke you just heard.
20. They brought home a warm fuzzy note from the teacher.
21. Just to say you love them. Do you really need any more of a reason than that?
Will you be taking just a few minutes out of your busy schedule today to foster the emotional and mental development of a child in your life? I know I will.
by: Nicole Bandes
When was the last time you saw the face of a child light up and glow because they got a piece of mail with their name on it? Children love to get mail. My children, even at 10 years of age, run to the door and ask if they got any mail today. It doesn’t even matter if it is junk mail. They just like to get anything with their names on it. Of course, it means that much more if there is a special reason for the mail.
Sending letters or greeting cards is a good way to foster a love of communication and writing in children. In our society, instant messaging, text messaging, and short emails have all but killed the art of good communication. Studies indicate that the more a child reads, the smarter they are. However, it can often be difficult to get some children to read due to lack of interest. I bet there isn’t a child around that wouldn’t be interested in reading a card or letter addressed to them from someone they care about. And, of course, if a child is raised to expect that letters and greeting cards are a regular occurrence, they are more likely to become better communicators themselves.
So take some time and send a greeting card to a child in your life. Here are just a handful of reasons you can use to send a greeting card to a child you know and help to make their day that much brighter.
1. They got an A on a test or report card. Make the joy of doing well last just a little longer.
2. They said, “Please”.
3. It’s their birthday, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, etc…
4. They were well-behaved.
5. They did something special for someone (even if it wasn’t you). It helps to foster the trait of good will when they get some feedback for what they have done.
6. They helped with dinner.
7. Just to say, “I appreciate you”. Do they really know how valuable they are to you?
8. They said, “Thank you”.
9. Just to say, “You’re Special”.
10. They did a great job on their chores. Rewards for a job well done encourage more of the same.
11. Because you haven’t seen them and want them to know you miss them.
12. Say thanks for being my ...(son, daughter, grandchild, niece, nephew, friend, etc…).
13. They made the honor roll.
14. They helped in the yard.
15. Remind them of an exciting event that is coming up.
16. Remind them of a neat experience you had together.
17. Tell them something special about yourself.
18. Tell them something special about someone you both know.
19. Share a joke you just heard.
20. They brought home a warm fuzzy note from the teacher.
21. Just to say you love them. Do you really need any more of a reason than that?
Will you be taking just a few minutes out of your busy schedule today to foster the emotional and mental development of a child in your life? I know I will.
Your Children are on Their Own Soul's Journey
Your Children are on Their Own Soul's Journey
by: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.
In a phone session with Gerald, one of my clients, he expressed to me that he was feeling very sad about his son, Luc. Luc, 29 years old, was not doing much with his life, and Gerald was berating himself for how he had parented Luc.
“I should have spent more time with him. I should have motivated him more. I should have been a better role model. I should have been more firm with him.” On and on he went, judging himself for how he had been as a parent.
“Gerald,” I said, “Luc is on his own soul’s journey. Even if you had been a perfect parent – and none of us really knows what that means – Luc might still be having the challenges he is having.”
“Really? Wow! That makes me feel much better! I never thought of it that way. Tell me more about what you mean by his own soul’s journey.”
“I mean that each of us comes here to learn certain soul lessons. Regardless of how good or bad your parenting was, Luc is on his own journey, making his own choices. You can take responsibility for how you were as a parent, but you cannot take responsibility for the choices he is making for his life.”
“But I keep feeling that if I had been a better parent, he would not be struggling the way he is.”
“Maybe and maybe not. You have no way of knowing this. Your self-judgment is your attempt to have control over something you have no control over – Luc’s choices. You are trying to avoid your feelings of helplessness regarding Luc. But you are helpless over him. You cannot make him be different.
“Each child is different and each child will respond differently to our parenting. We do the best we can for our children. Most parents want the very best for their children and feel deep pain when their children go through pain. Yet we cannot prevent them from their own soul’s journey.”
“So what can I do to help him?”
“The very best thing you can do is to continue doing your own inner work, while praying for him. Even though he is 29, you are still a role model for him. Certainly judging yourself is not good role modeling. Luc needs to see you doing all you can to take loving care of yourself. When he sees you feeling really good about yourself and happy with your life, he might decide to make some changes. Aside from becoming a loving role model and praying for him, there is really nothing you can do about his choices. You need to accept your helplessness over him instead of trying to have control over him. Any attempts to control him will likely result in resistance.”
“Yes, he seems to be very resistant to anything I say. This is part of my frustration and sadness.”
“Right. That’s why you need to let go of trying to control him. You need to let go of being invested in the outcome regarding his choices and just keep on your own journey. The more you let go of him, the better chance you have of him making loving choices for himself, especially when he sees you making loving choices for yourself.”
Most parents want to think that they have more control over their children than they do. We want to think that if we “do it right” we can control the outcome we want for our children. It will make it much easier to let go of trying to control our children and just be the very best parents we can, when we understand and accept that they are on their own soul’s journey.
by: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.
In a phone session with Gerald, one of my clients, he expressed to me that he was feeling very sad about his son, Luc. Luc, 29 years old, was not doing much with his life, and Gerald was berating himself for how he had parented Luc.
“I should have spent more time with him. I should have motivated him more. I should have been a better role model. I should have been more firm with him.” On and on he went, judging himself for how he had been as a parent.
“Gerald,” I said, “Luc is on his own soul’s journey. Even if you had been a perfect parent – and none of us really knows what that means – Luc might still be having the challenges he is having.”
“Really? Wow! That makes me feel much better! I never thought of it that way. Tell me more about what you mean by his own soul’s journey.”
“I mean that each of us comes here to learn certain soul lessons. Regardless of how good or bad your parenting was, Luc is on his own journey, making his own choices. You can take responsibility for how you were as a parent, but you cannot take responsibility for the choices he is making for his life.”
“But I keep feeling that if I had been a better parent, he would not be struggling the way he is.”
“Maybe and maybe not. You have no way of knowing this. Your self-judgment is your attempt to have control over something you have no control over – Luc’s choices. You are trying to avoid your feelings of helplessness regarding Luc. But you are helpless over him. You cannot make him be different.
“Each child is different and each child will respond differently to our parenting. We do the best we can for our children. Most parents want the very best for their children and feel deep pain when their children go through pain. Yet we cannot prevent them from their own soul’s journey.”
“So what can I do to help him?”
“The very best thing you can do is to continue doing your own inner work, while praying for him. Even though he is 29, you are still a role model for him. Certainly judging yourself is not good role modeling. Luc needs to see you doing all you can to take loving care of yourself. When he sees you feeling really good about yourself and happy with your life, he might decide to make some changes. Aside from becoming a loving role model and praying for him, there is really nothing you can do about his choices. You need to accept your helplessness over him instead of trying to have control over him. Any attempts to control him will likely result in resistance.”
“Yes, he seems to be very resistant to anything I say. This is part of my frustration and sadness.”
“Right. That’s why you need to let go of trying to control him. You need to let go of being invested in the outcome regarding his choices and just keep on your own journey. The more you let go of him, the better chance you have of him making loving choices for himself, especially when he sees you making loving choices for yourself.”
Most parents want to think that they have more control over their children than they do. We want to think that if we “do it right” we can control the outcome we want for our children. It will make it much easier to let go of trying to control our children and just be the very best parents we can, when we understand and accept that they are on their own soul’s journey.
Should I Monitor my Son or Daughter's Online Activity?
Should I Monitor my Son or Daughter's Online Activity?
by: Wendy McLellan
This has become an increasingly sensitive question with parents. Some parents believe that they should not infringe on their child's privacy under any circumstance, some parents believe that they can infringe on their child's privacy at any time, and other parents are somewhere in between. Finding the balance of what a parent should do is often times very tricky. In my experience, if you believe that your child is going to harm themselves or another person, or if your child has been harmed by someone, then the answer is very simply, yes.
Let's explore what I mean by a child harming themselves. This means that your child is in POTENTIAL Danger of becoming hurt, harmed or killed. Some of the things that would fall into this category, but not limited to, is: drug use and abuse, thoughts of committing suicide, gang related activity, unprotected sex with multiple partners, running away from home, prostitution, drunk driving, increased depression, poor/lack of attendance at school, having possession of a firearm or weapon, cutting behavior and the list could go on. All of these behaviors should be addressed promptly either with family counseling, individual counseling or group counseling. In the event that your child has made threats to commit suicide, this requires Immediate Treatment. No threat should be considered an idle threat. Girls are more likely to attempt suicide and boys are more likely to complete suicide, due to the ways they attempt suicide. Girls are more likely to attempt to overdose on drugs and boys are more likely to use firearms or hanging.
Let's explore what I mean by a child harming another person. If your child has been making threats that they are going to hurt, bully, fight, terrorize, frighten, stalk or harm someone, then counseling would be advised. Anger management counseling would be most appropriate. Again, if your child threatens they have homicidal thoughts and would like to kill someone or has fantasies of killing someone, then Immediate Treatment is required.
Finally, if your child has been harmed by someone. This would include your child being the victim of bullying, cyber bullying, molestation, rape, mental or physical torture, stalking etc. Counseling for all types of victimization is necessary. The need to rebuild self esteem in victims is important. Identifying feelings, processing past trauma and coping with the past and present are critical factors in this counseling process.
In recent years, all of these events are on the rise. We are seeing more violence, and completed suicides then ever before. Children usually tell others what they are thinking. They may tell a friend over the phone, at school or on the computer. They may write it down in a journal or a diary. Finding these pieces of information are important in being able to prevent further loss and damage.
by: Wendy McLellan
This has become an increasingly sensitive question with parents. Some parents believe that they should not infringe on their child's privacy under any circumstance, some parents believe that they can infringe on their child's privacy at any time, and other parents are somewhere in between. Finding the balance of what a parent should do is often times very tricky. In my experience, if you believe that your child is going to harm themselves or another person, or if your child has been harmed by someone, then the answer is very simply, yes.
Let's explore what I mean by a child harming themselves. This means that your child is in POTENTIAL Danger of becoming hurt, harmed or killed. Some of the things that would fall into this category, but not limited to, is: drug use and abuse, thoughts of committing suicide, gang related activity, unprotected sex with multiple partners, running away from home, prostitution, drunk driving, increased depression, poor/lack of attendance at school, having possession of a firearm or weapon, cutting behavior and the list could go on. All of these behaviors should be addressed promptly either with family counseling, individual counseling or group counseling. In the event that your child has made threats to commit suicide, this requires Immediate Treatment. No threat should be considered an idle threat. Girls are more likely to attempt suicide and boys are more likely to complete suicide, due to the ways they attempt suicide. Girls are more likely to attempt to overdose on drugs and boys are more likely to use firearms or hanging.
Let's explore what I mean by a child harming another person. If your child has been making threats that they are going to hurt, bully, fight, terrorize, frighten, stalk or harm someone, then counseling would be advised. Anger management counseling would be most appropriate. Again, if your child threatens they have homicidal thoughts and would like to kill someone or has fantasies of killing someone, then Immediate Treatment is required.
Finally, if your child has been harmed by someone. This would include your child being the victim of bullying, cyber bullying, molestation, rape, mental or physical torture, stalking etc. Counseling for all types of victimization is necessary. The need to rebuild self esteem in victims is important. Identifying feelings, processing past trauma and coping with the past and present are critical factors in this counseling process.
In recent years, all of these events are on the rise. We are seeing more violence, and completed suicides then ever before. Children usually tell others what they are thinking. They may tell a friend over the phone, at school or on the computer. They may write it down in a journal or a diary. Finding these pieces of information are important in being able to prevent further loss and damage.
Teach Your Child Grammar Early
Teach Your Child Grammar Early
by: Don Dewsnap
For some reason, grammar is the “forgotten cousin” of reading programs. Back in the good old days, second- and third-graders would learn what a noun is, and the difference between present and past tense verbs. Now the educational system waits until middle school, which is long past the best learning age. Kids then wonder why they need to learn rules about talking and writing, and get no good answers.
As the parent, you have the power to bring language to life for your children.
If you haven’t already noticed, children love to group similar things together. They collect stones of a certain color, or put all their marbles in one place when you make them clean their room. When you show children that words have similar characteristics, they grasp the concept very quickly. Grammar is second nature to children.
The best way I found to introduce grammar to my children was to make a game of it. Several games, actually: the Noun Game, the Verb Game, the Helping Words Game. The rules are very easy: “Nouns are words that name something. I am going to say a noun, then it is your turn.” Play for a very short time, until the child is very happy with some noun that he thought of, then tell him he won and end the game. He will beg you to play it again.
Do play it again, later that day or the next. Then do the same thing with Verbs. Then Helping Words (adjectives and adverbs) which get attached to nouns or verbs. When he starts getting bored with these games, add the Preposition game.
Fairly soon, you can introduce him to Advanced games, that include proper nouns and common nouns, different tenses of verbs, etc. Before long he will know all the elements of grammar.
What you will see, as your child learns to read, is that he will recognize all these word forms, and identify them to you. You, of course, will praise him to high heavens for being so clever.
By the time he is in second grade, he will be so far ahead of his classmates in understanding and appreciating how sentences are put together (grammar) that he will gravitate into a leadership position. From there it is a short step to Class President, then a full scholarship to Harvard Law, then being drafted as a Congressional candidate, and finally winning the Presidency.
All from knowing what a noun is.
by: Don Dewsnap
For some reason, grammar is the “forgotten cousin” of reading programs. Back in the good old days, second- and third-graders would learn what a noun is, and the difference between present and past tense verbs. Now the educational system waits until middle school, which is long past the best learning age. Kids then wonder why they need to learn rules about talking and writing, and get no good answers.
As the parent, you have the power to bring language to life for your children.
If you haven’t already noticed, children love to group similar things together. They collect stones of a certain color, or put all their marbles in one place when you make them clean their room. When you show children that words have similar characteristics, they grasp the concept very quickly. Grammar is second nature to children.
The best way I found to introduce grammar to my children was to make a game of it. Several games, actually: the Noun Game, the Verb Game, the Helping Words Game. The rules are very easy: “Nouns are words that name something. I am going to say a noun, then it is your turn.” Play for a very short time, until the child is very happy with some noun that he thought of, then tell him he won and end the game. He will beg you to play it again.
Do play it again, later that day or the next. Then do the same thing with Verbs. Then Helping Words (adjectives and adverbs) which get attached to nouns or verbs. When he starts getting bored with these games, add the Preposition game.
Fairly soon, you can introduce him to Advanced games, that include proper nouns and common nouns, different tenses of verbs, etc. Before long he will know all the elements of grammar.
What you will see, as your child learns to read, is that he will recognize all these word forms, and identify them to you. You, of course, will praise him to high heavens for being so clever.
By the time he is in second grade, he will be so far ahead of his classmates in understanding and appreciating how sentences are put together (grammar) that he will gravitate into a leadership position. From there it is a short step to Class President, then a full scholarship to Harvard Law, then being drafted as a Congressional candidate, and finally winning the Presidency.
All from knowing what a noun is.
Asperger Syndrome Children and Tantrums
Asperger Syndrome Children and Tantrums
by: Nelle Frances
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome the world over share a common trait – meltdown – otherwise known as a tantrum, a “birko”, a “go-off” or “spack-attack”.
The visible symptoms of meltdown are as varied as the Asperger children themselves, but every parent is able to describe their child’s meltdown behaviour in intricate detail.
Meltdowns can be short lived, or last as long as two hours. They can be as infrequent as once a month (often coinciding with the lunar cycle/full moon) or occur as frequently as 4-6 times a day.
Whatever the frequency and duration, an Asperger child having a meltdown is difficult for parents/carers/teachers to deal with.
Meltdown in Asperger children is triggered by a response to their environment. These responses can be caused by avoidance desire, anxiety or sensory overload. Triggers need to be recognised and identified.
So how do we deal with a meltdown? What should you do when meltdown occurs?
An adults’ (parents/carers/teachers) behaviour can influence a meltdown’s duration, so always check your response first.
1. Calm down
2. Quiet down
3. Slow down
4. Prioritise safety
5. Re-establish self-control in the child, then deal with the issue
1. Take 3 slow, deep breaths, and rather than dreading the meltdown that’s about to take place, assure yourself that you’ve survived meltdowns 1000 times before and will do so this time too.
2. Keep your speaking voice quiet and your tone neutrally pleasant. Don’t speak unnecessarily. Less is best. Don’t be “baited” into an argument. (Often Asperger children seem to “want” to fight. They know how to “push your buttons”, so don’t be side-tracked from the meltdown issue).
3. Slow down. Meltdown often occurs at the most inconvenient time e.g. rushing out the door to school. The extra pressure the fear of being late creates, adds to the stress of the situation. (Asperger children respond to referred mood and will pick up on your stress. This stress is then added to their own.) So forget the clock and focus on the situation. Make sure the significant people in your life know your priorities here. Let your boss know that your Asperger child has meltdowns that have the capacity to bring life to a standstill, and you may be late. Let your child’s teacher know that if your child is late due to a meltdown that it’s unavoidable, and your child shouldn’t be reprimanded for it.
4. Prioritise safety when your Asperger child is having a meltdown. Understand that they can be extremely impulsive and irrational at this time. Don’t presume that the safety rules they know will be utilized while they’re melting down. Just because your Asperger child knows not to go near the street when they are calm doesn’t mean they won’t run straight into 4 lanes of traffic when they are having a meltdown. If your Asperger child starts melting down when you’re driving in the car, pull over and stop. If your child tends to “flee” when melting down, don’t chase them. This just adds more danger to the situation. Tail them at a safe distance (maintain visual contact) if necessary.
5. When your Asperger child is calm and has regained self-control, he will often be exhausted. Keep that in mind as you work through the meltdown issue. Reinforce to your child the appropriate way to express their needs/requests.
Remember that all behaviour is a form of communication, so try to work out the ‘message’ your Asperger child is trying to convey with their meltdown, rather than responding and reacting to the behaviour displayed.
by: Nelle Frances
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome the world over share a common trait – meltdown – otherwise known as a tantrum, a “birko”, a “go-off” or “spack-attack”.
The visible symptoms of meltdown are as varied as the Asperger children themselves, but every parent is able to describe their child’s meltdown behaviour in intricate detail.
Meltdowns can be short lived, or last as long as two hours. They can be as infrequent as once a month (often coinciding with the lunar cycle/full moon) or occur as frequently as 4-6 times a day.
Whatever the frequency and duration, an Asperger child having a meltdown is difficult for parents/carers/teachers to deal with.
Meltdown in Asperger children is triggered by a response to their environment. These responses can be caused by avoidance desire, anxiety or sensory overload. Triggers need to be recognised and identified.
So how do we deal with a meltdown? What should you do when meltdown occurs?
An adults’ (parents/carers/teachers) behaviour can influence a meltdown’s duration, so always check your response first.
1. Calm down
2. Quiet down
3. Slow down
4. Prioritise safety
5. Re-establish self-control in the child, then deal with the issue
1. Take 3 slow, deep breaths, and rather than dreading the meltdown that’s about to take place, assure yourself that you’ve survived meltdowns 1000 times before and will do so this time too.
2. Keep your speaking voice quiet and your tone neutrally pleasant. Don’t speak unnecessarily. Less is best. Don’t be “baited” into an argument. (Often Asperger children seem to “want” to fight. They know how to “push your buttons”, so don’t be side-tracked from the meltdown issue).
3. Slow down. Meltdown often occurs at the most inconvenient time e.g. rushing out the door to school. The extra pressure the fear of being late creates, adds to the stress of the situation. (Asperger children respond to referred mood and will pick up on your stress. This stress is then added to their own.) So forget the clock and focus on the situation. Make sure the significant people in your life know your priorities here. Let your boss know that your Asperger child has meltdowns that have the capacity to bring life to a standstill, and you may be late. Let your child’s teacher know that if your child is late due to a meltdown that it’s unavoidable, and your child shouldn’t be reprimanded for it.
4. Prioritise safety when your Asperger child is having a meltdown. Understand that they can be extremely impulsive and irrational at this time. Don’t presume that the safety rules they know will be utilized while they’re melting down. Just because your Asperger child knows not to go near the street when they are calm doesn’t mean they won’t run straight into 4 lanes of traffic when they are having a meltdown. If your Asperger child starts melting down when you’re driving in the car, pull over and stop. If your child tends to “flee” when melting down, don’t chase them. This just adds more danger to the situation. Tail them at a safe distance (maintain visual contact) if necessary.
5. When your Asperger child is calm and has regained self-control, he will often be exhausted. Keep that in mind as you work through the meltdown issue. Reinforce to your child the appropriate way to express their needs/requests.
Remember that all behaviour is a form of communication, so try to work out the ‘message’ your Asperger child is trying to convey with their meltdown, rather than responding and reacting to the behaviour displayed.
Transforming Your Kids Free Time
Transforming Your Kids Free Time
by: Kadence Buchanan
Kids' free time usually leads to parents' busier periods. But this does not have to be the case. When your kids come home from school or their extracurricular activities, you can continue giving the choice of doing something fun and educative at the same time. If homework and reading for next day's classes is already completed, you can let them choose another type of leisure activity and add a lot of great kid-oriented fun to their daily routine.
If you are wondering how to choose a daily or weekend activity, you should better ask your kids first what they prefer doing. You can prepare beforehand a list of choices and let them choose the ones that they prefer doing alone or along your side and guidance. Visiting a kid's venue, crafting a photo album, painting a huge board to hang it in their bedroom wall, going out to play sports, or meet friends and enjoy a movie or a theatrical presentation, can lead you to experience another type of productive time along with your kids and them to adore you for offering them the chance of doing something different and testing their abilities.
But remember to select the activities wisely. While there are a lot of great kid-oriented activities everywhere, going to one that leaves you sitting on the sidelines and rolling your eyes in boredom is no better than going to a totally "grown-up" event where the kids are climbing the walls. Focus on activities that everyone can participate in and enjoy and take advantage of changing seasons by teaching the kids to ski in winter and swim during summer time. You can always select to visit the children museum on a rainy afternoon and you can always enjoy a movie that "speaks" to both kids and adults, like "Toy Story," "The Incredibles," or "Shrek." These types of funny and interesting activities for all ages can alter your weekend feeling and make even you feel like a child again. In addition, special activities like puppet or magic shows, bowling and ice skating are all big draws for families. Just take yourself back in time and remember those activities you and your parents did while you were a kid and would love to experience now with your own kids as a parent.
Finally, the advice of many experts is to add educational activities into your free-time plans with your children. Bookstores and movie theaters have special child-oriented reading or screening times, which apart from being a fun and restful way to spend a weekend afternoon, can enhance your kids' knowledge background. Of course, you should not forget the "old time favorites," like zoos, aquariums, and children's amusement parks, since they can transform any kid's face by adding a huge happy smile. Even if you have done something similar in the past, special events or local festivities can you're your visits fresh and exciting. If you are convinced that it is time to spend some time doing something different with your kids, then check your local papers and online websites for new and upcoming plays, concerts and festivals. The published ideas for family activities can give you dozens of suggestions and reveal many possible destinations available in your area.
by: Kadence Buchanan
Kids' free time usually leads to parents' busier periods. But this does not have to be the case. When your kids come home from school or their extracurricular activities, you can continue giving the choice of doing something fun and educative at the same time. If homework and reading for next day's classes is already completed, you can let them choose another type of leisure activity and add a lot of great kid-oriented fun to their daily routine.
If you are wondering how to choose a daily or weekend activity, you should better ask your kids first what they prefer doing. You can prepare beforehand a list of choices and let them choose the ones that they prefer doing alone or along your side and guidance. Visiting a kid's venue, crafting a photo album, painting a huge board to hang it in their bedroom wall, going out to play sports, or meet friends and enjoy a movie or a theatrical presentation, can lead you to experience another type of productive time along with your kids and them to adore you for offering them the chance of doing something different and testing their abilities.
But remember to select the activities wisely. While there are a lot of great kid-oriented activities everywhere, going to one that leaves you sitting on the sidelines and rolling your eyes in boredom is no better than going to a totally "grown-up" event where the kids are climbing the walls. Focus on activities that everyone can participate in and enjoy and take advantage of changing seasons by teaching the kids to ski in winter and swim during summer time. You can always select to visit the children museum on a rainy afternoon and you can always enjoy a movie that "speaks" to both kids and adults, like "Toy Story," "The Incredibles," or "Shrek." These types of funny and interesting activities for all ages can alter your weekend feeling and make even you feel like a child again. In addition, special activities like puppet or magic shows, bowling and ice skating are all big draws for families. Just take yourself back in time and remember those activities you and your parents did while you were a kid and would love to experience now with your own kids as a parent.
Finally, the advice of many experts is to add educational activities into your free-time plans with your children. Bookstores and movie theaters have special child-oriented reading or screening times, which apart from being a fun and restful way to spend a weekend afternoon, can enhance your kids' knowledge background. Of course, you should not forget the "old time favorites," like zoos, aquariums, and children's amusement parks, since they can transform any kid's face by adding a huge happy smile. Even if you have done something similar in the past, special events or local festivities can you're your visits fresh and exciting. If you are convinced that it is time to spend some time doing something different with your kids, then check your local papers and online websites for new and upcoming plays, concerts and festivals. The published ideas for family activities can give you dozens of suggestions and reveal many possible destinations available in your area.
Ask The Adoption Agency
Ask The Adoption Agency
by: Matt Ryan
When making the decision to adopt an infant an adopting couple will come across a number of agencies willing to help them in their cause. Some adoption agencies deal only with International adoption, others only domestic and there are those that will work with all forms of adoption. Choosing the correct adoption agency for your situation is critical to a successful and speedy adoption process.
The scenarios that could affect whether an adoption ends successfully or with heartbreak are endless. It is key, when contacting and visiting adoption agencies, to ask important questions in order to logically select the right company to work with.
What are the costs?
Although, not important in the scheme of the emotions surrounding the adoption of an infant, different families have different resources and some agencies have different fees for different situations. The one caveat to be ware of is hidden fees; some adoption agencies tack on at the end or during the process of adoption.
Ask up front a detailed list of every possible fee the agency might charge or will charge. This way you are aware of what the final agency bill might be, or what adoption options you may want to or not want to choose. Also, obtain information from the agency representative as to when certain fees are expected to be paid. During the process of the adoption, many agencies expect funds at certain stages of the procedure.
It is also important to inquire about refunds. Some adoption agencies have a no refund policy; others will refund monies depending on what stage the adoption is at and others refund most or all of the costs paid.
What is their experience?
The number of adoptions they perform will also prove to be critical to the success of the adoption process. If the adoption agency handles a mind boggling number of adoptions each year they may not be able to provide the quality of support and service one would expect from an agency. Of course, if this is the case and they employ an equally high number of competent associates.
On the flip side of over extending themselves, some adoption agencies do not perform enough adoptions per annum to accrue the kind of experience needed to be able to offer the proper advisement when out of the ordinary circumstances occur. It should be realized, however, that some agencies pride themselves on the fact that even if they do not perform large numbers of adoptions, they provide a higher quality of support.
When discussing the experience of a particular agency, ask for references. Even though privacy is a major concern with most adoptions, there will be a handful of people willing to discuss their experiences with the agency.
What is the average wait time?
For most parents looking to adopt an infant, this is the most important question to ask. Adoptive parents have already made the decision to adopt and sometimes the wait can seem like the most difficult aspect of the entire process.
Most adoption agencies will have this information directly in hand and often take pride in the fact that their wait times are shorter than those of other agencies. However, simply because an agency purports a short waiting period does not mean they are the best adoption agency to deal with.
It is important to not solely base the decision of what adoption agency to choose simply because their wait period is shorter than their competitors. Take into account what steps and procedures each uses, it could be the one agency has a shorter wait time than another because they skip over valuable aspects of the adoption process.
by: Matt Ryan
When making the decision to adopt an infant an adopting couple will come across a number of agencies willing to help them in their cause. Some adoption agencies deal only with International adoption, others only domestic and there are those that will work with all forms of adoption. Choosing the correct adoption agency for your situation is critical to a successful and speedy adoption process.
The scenarios that could affect whether an adoption ends successfully or with heartbreak are endless. It is key, when contacting and visiting adoption agencies, to ask important questions in order to logically select the right company to work with.
What are the costs?
Although, not important in the scheme of the emotions surrounding the adoption of an infant, different families have different resources and some agencies have different fees for different situations. The one caveat to be ware of is hidden fees; some adoption agencies tack on at the end or during the process of adoption.
Ask up front a detailed list of every possible fee the agency might charge or will charge. This way you are aware of what the final agency bill might be, or what adoption options you may want to or not want to choose. Also, obtain information from the agency representative as to when certain fees are expected to be paid. During the process of the adoption, many agencies expect funds at certain stages of the procedure.
It is also important to inquire about refunds. Some adoption agencies have a no refund policy; others will refund monies depending on what stage the adoption is at and others refund most or all of the costs paid.
What is their experience?
The number of adoptions they perform will also prove to be critical to the success of the adoption process. If the adoption agency handles a mind boggling number of adoptions each year they may not be able to provide the quality of support and service one would expect from an agency. Of course, if this is the case and they employ an equally high number of competent associates.
On the flip side of over extending themselves, some adoption agencies do not perform enough adoptions per annum to accrue the kind of experience needed to be able to offer the proper advisement when out of the ordinary circumstances occur. It should be realized, however, that some agencies pride themselves on the fact that even if they do not perform large numbers of adoptions, they provide a higher quality of support.
When discussing the experience of a particular agency, ask for references. Even though privacy is a major concern with most adoptions, there will be a handful of people willing to discuss their experiences with the agency.
What is the average wait time?
For most parents looking to adopt an infant, this is the most important question to ask. Adoptive parents have already made the decision to adopt and sometimes the wait can seem like the most difficult aspect of the entire process.
Most adoption agencies will have this information directly in hand and often take pride in the fact that their wait times are shorter than those of other agencies. However, simply because an agency purports a short waiting period does not mean they are the best adoption agency to deal with.
It is important to not solely base the decision of what adoption agency to choose simply because their wait period is shorter than their competitors. Take into account what steps and procedures each uses, it could be the one agency has a shorter wait time than another because they skip over valuable aspects of the adoption process.
Ask The Adoption Agency
Ask The Adoption Agency
by: Matt Ryan
When making the decision to adopt an infant an adopting couple will come across a number of agencies willing to help them in their cause. Some adoption agencies deal only with International adoption, others only domestic and there are those that will work with all forms of adoption. Choosing the correct adoption agency for your situation is critical to a successful and speedy adoption process.
The scenarios that could affect whether an adoption ends successfully or with heartbreak are endless. It is key, when contacting and visiting adoption agencies, to ask important questions in order to logically select the right company to work with.
What are the costs?
Although, not important in the scheme of the emotions surrounding the adoption of an infant, different families have different resources and some agencies have different fees for different situations. The one caveat to be ware of is hidden fees; some adoption agencies tack on at the end or during the process of adoption.
Ask up front a detailed list of every possible fee the agency might charge or will charge. This way you are aware of what the final agency bill might be, or what adoption options you may want to or not want to choose. Also, obtain information from the agency representative as to when certain fees are expected to be paid. During the process of the adoption, many agencies expect funds at certain stages of the procedure.
It is also important to inquire about refunds. Some adoption agencies have a no refund policy; others will refund monies depending on what stage the adoption is at and others refund most or all of the costs paid.
What is their experience?
The number of adoptions they perform will also prove to be critical to the success of the adoption process. If the adoption agency handles a mind boggling number of adoptions each year they may not be able to provide the quality of support and service one would expect from an agency. Of course, if this is the case and they employ an equally high number of competent associates.
On the flip side of over extending themselves, some adoption agencies do not perform enough adoptions per annum to accrue the kind of experience needed to be able to offer the proper advisement when out of the ordinary circumstances occur. It should be realized, however, that some agencies pride themselves on the fact that even if they do not perform large numbers of adoptions, they provide a higher quality of support.
When discussing the experience of a particular agency, ask for references. Even though privacy is a major concern with most adoptions, there will be a handful of people willing to discuss their experiences with the agency.
What is the average wait time?
For most parents looking to adopt an infant, this is the most important question to ask. Adoptive parents have already made the decision to adopt and sometimes the wait can seem like the most difficult aspect of the entire process.
Most adoption agencies will have this information directly in hand and often take pride in the fact that their wait times are shorter than those of other agencies. However, simply because an agency purports a short waiting period does not mean they are the best adoption agency to deal with.
It is important to not solely base the decision of what adoption agency to choose simply because their wait period is shorter than their competitors. Take into account what steps and procedures each uses, it could be the one agency has a shorter wait time than another because they skip over valuable aspects of the adoption process.
by: Matt Ryan
When making the decision to adopt an infant an adopting couple will come across a number of agencies willing to help them in their cause. Some adoption agencies deal only with International adoption, others only domestic and there are those that will work with all forms of adoption. Choosing the correct adoption agency for your situation is critical to a successful and speedy adoption process.
The scenarios that could affect whether an adoption ends successfully or with heartbreak are endless. It is key, when contacting and visiting adoption agencies, to ask important questions in order to logically select the right company to work with.
What are the costs?
Although, not important in the scheme of the emotions surrounding the adoption of an infant, different families have different resources and some agencies have different fees for different situations. The one caveat to be ware of is hidden fees; some adoption agencies tack on at the end or during the process of adoption.
Ask up front a detailed list of every possible fee the agency might charge or will charge. This way you are aware of what the final agency bill might be, or what adoption options you may want to or not want to choose. Also, obtain information from the agency representative as to when certain fees are expected to be paid. During the process of the adoption, many agencies expect funds at certain stages of the procedure.
It is also important to inquire about refunds. Some adoption agencies have a no refund policy; others will refund monies depending on what stage the adoption is at and others refund most or all of the costs paid.
What is their experience?
The number of adoptions they perform will also prove to be critical to the success of the adoption process. If the adoption agency handles a mind boggling number of adoptions each year they may not be able to provide the quality of support and service one would expect from an agency. Of course, if this is the case and they employ an equally high number of competent associates.
On the flip side of over extending themselves, some adoption agencies do not perform enough adoptions per annum to accrue the kind of experience needed to be able to offer the proper advisement when out of the ordinary circumstances occur. It should be realized, however, that some agencies pride themselves on the fact that even if they do not perform large numbers of adoptions, they provide a higher quality of support.
When discussing the experience of a particular agency, ask for references. Even though privacy is a major concern with most adoptions, there will be a handful of people willing to discuss their experiences with the agency.
What is the average wait time?
For most parents looking to adopt an infant, this is the most important question to ask. Adoptive parents have already made the decision to adopt and sometimes the wait can seem like the most difficult aspect of the entire process.
Most adoption agencies will have this information directly in hand and often take pride in the fact that their wait times are shorter than those of other agencies. However, simply because an agency purports a short waiting period does not mean they are the best adoption agency to deal with.
It is important to not solely base the decision of what adoption agency to choose simply because their wait period is shorter than their competitors. Take into account what steps and procedures each uses, it could be the one agency has a shorter wait time than another because they skip over valuable aspects of the adoption process.
Causes of Bed Wetting: Eat, Drink, and Wet the Bed
Causes of Bed Wetting: Eat, Drink, and Wet the Bed
by: Sue LaPointe
Well, we're on a roll with causes of bed wetting theories. Here's one that seems to make sense. I'm still pretty much sold on the idea that it's a hereditary issue - but it seems like if there are other causes of bed wetting, they may be more controllable. If it's just heredity, you kind of have to wait it out until your child reaches the pre-set magical age of dryness. By nature not especially patient, the idea of waiting it out doesn't appeal to me.
So, here's what I've learned about the food and drink leading to bedwetting theory.
Chocolate
Oh no! Say it isn't so! Well, actually it's not necessarily the chocolate; it's the caffeine in chocolate that may cause bed wetting. What does caffeine do? It stimulates the body, including the bladder. So that evening cup of cocoa or slice of chocolate cake may be a problem. (Gosh, now I'm craving chocolate!)
Soda
Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles. Carbonation is rumored to do strange things to immature bladders. Actually, for any adults who drink soda, you know first-hand that a can of Coke is a ticket to the restroom. It's an effect that's compounded by caffeine - and the sugar's probably not helping matters either.
Oranges and Grapefruits
OK, if you've actually got a child who will eat grapefruit, I'd like to hear about it! But oranges are another story. I get a strange reaction when I eat oranges (and raw cranberries for some reason) - my face gets hot and I feel kind of funky. So, I'm assuming it's possible to be allergic to citrus. The citric acid is the most likely culprit. Try cutting back on the orange juice and citrus in your child's diet to see what happens.
Spicy Stuff
There are some spices out there that could probably be rated pharmaceutical grade. Think of the effect Chinese mustard has on your nose! No doubt some of these spices have an equivalent effect on the bladder. Salsa, Asian food, and other hot, hot, hot foods may be contributing to the bedwetting problem.
Food Allergies
I've heard of people whose children are allergic to everything from eggs to wheat, and have to say that dealing with bedwetting is nothing compared to the trouble they have to go through just to feed their children. Couple a serious food allergy with bedwetting, and it's enough to make you want to retreat to the bath tub for the next ten years! Some allergies cause bladder spasms - which of course, means a bedwetting accident. It's not just food, either. Some people are really sensitive to preservatives, dyes, and other additives. It doesn't seem that the only effect of a food allergy would be bedwetting, though. So don't throw out all your groceries just yet. But if your child has multiple challenges, it's something to consider. You may have to shop around for an allergist - so be prepared.
So what do you do if you discover your child's bedwetting problem is caused by a food sensitivity? It's not like being allergic to a cat - get some shots or send Fluffy to live with Grandma. You'll have to enroll your child's compliance on this (so what else is new?). Get your child to see the value, the what's-in-it-for-me of staying away from what may be a favorite food. Dry nights are pretty valuable - and your child may come to see the tradeoff as worthwhile. The sensitivity may be temporary, too - and that should help.
After all, just the thought of never being able to eat chocolate is cruel and unusual punishment.
by: Sue LaPointe
Well, we're on a roll with causes of bed wetting theories. Here's one that seems to make sense. I'm still pretty much sold on the idea that it's a hereditary issue - but it seems like if there are other causes of bed wetting, they may be more controllable. If it's just heredity, you kind of have to wait it out until your child reaches the pre-set magical age of dryness. By nature not especially patient, the idea of waiting it out doesn't appeal to me.
So, here's what I've learned about the food and drink leading to bedwetting theory.
Chocolate
Oh no! Say it isn't so! Well, actually it's not necessarily the chocolate; it's the caffeine in chocolate that may cause bed wetting. What does caffeine do? It stimulates the body, including the bladder. So that evening cup of cocoa or slice of chocolate cake may be a problem. (Gosh, now I'm craving chocolate!)
Soda
Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles. Carbonation is rumored to do strange things to immature bladders. Actually, for any adults who drink soda, you know first-hand that a can of Coke is a ticket to the restroom. It's an effect that's compounded by caffeine - and the sugar's probably not helping matters either.
Oranges and Grapefruits
OK, if you've actually got a child who will eat grapefruit, I'd like to hear about it! But oranges are another story. I get a strange reaction when I eat oranges (and raw cranberries for some reason) - my face gets hot and I feel kind of funky. So, I'm assuming it's possible to be allergic to citrus. The citric acid is the most likely culprit. Try cutting back on the orange juice and citrus in your child's diet to see what happens.
Spicy Stuff
There are some spices out there that could probably be rated pharmaceutical grade. Think of the effect Chinese mustard has on your nose! No doubt some of these spices have an equivalent effect on the bladder. Salsa, Asian food, and other hot, hot, hot foods may be contributing to the bedwetting problem.
Food Allergies
I've heard of people whose children are allergic to everything from eggs to wheat, and have to say that dealing with bedwetting is nothing compared to the trouble they have to go through just to feed their children. Couple a serious food allergy with bedwetting, and it's enough to make you want to retreat to the bath tub for the next ten years! Some allergies cause bladder spasms - which of course, means a bedwetting accident. It's not just food, either. Some people are really sensitive to preservatives, dyes, and other additives. It doesn't seem that the only effect of a food allergy would be bedwetting, though. So don't throw out all your groceries just yet. But if your child has multiple challenges, it's something to consider. You may have to shop around for an allergist - so be prepared.
So what do you do if you discover your child's bedwetting problem is caused by a food sensitivity? It's not like being allergic to a cat - get some shots or send Fluffy to live with Grandma. You'll have to enroll your child's compliance on this (so what else is new?). Get your child to see the value, the what's-in-it-for-me of staying away from what may be a favorite food. Dry nights are pretty valuable - and your child may come to see the tradeoff as worthwhile. The sensitivity may be temporary, too - and that should help.
After all, just the thought of never being able to eat chocolate is cruel and unusual punishment.
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