Computer screens, ipad screens, television screens, mobile screens – children these days have access to so many types of screens these days! Technology can be educational and fun; however, it is concerning when kids are using technology excessively. it’s important that kids learn how to form healthy and helpful relationships with technology. How should we be thinking about screen time as parents? Here are a few things to ponder.
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Unlike what many think, learning how to talk is not innate – meaning that we will not just wake up one day with a big vocabulary. Like any other skill, children must learn words and learn how to use them.
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I have heard things like ‘I can’t change the environment just because one child is having trouble’ and ‘this is what kindy/pre-primary classrooms are like’…….
AND I WANT TO KNOW WHY? WHY ARE NOT ALL YOUR STUDENTS IMPORTANT? WHY DO YOU FEEL THE CHANGES WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE OTHER STUDENTS? WHY HAS VISUAL CHAOS BECOME THE NORM?
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Following on from our Teacher Tip Tuesday about Vocal Hygiene; here are some more tips to protect and look after your voice throughout the school term.
Read MoreAs a parent I am always hearing concerns from other parents in regards to their child’s social skills. This may be worries before they start school; as well as concerns that their children are displaying or picking up difficult social behaviours from other children once they commence kindy or school. So here are 4 ways to help develop your child’s social skills and ensure they will cope better in social situations:
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As a parent I am always hearing concerns from other parents in regards to their child’s social skills. This may be worries before they start school; as well as concerns that their children are displaying or picking up difficult social behaviours from other children once they commence kindy or school. So here are 4 ways to help develop your child’s social skills and ensure they will cope better in social situations:
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When we are expecting our first baby, there are many things on the wish list to buy or be gifted; however here is the best piece or advice I have for any new mum. To give your baby the best physical start to life, all you need is your arms and a safe space on the floor.
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Whilst children are encouraged and often expected to be able to write their name in kindergarten, many are not developmentally ready to do so.
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Ah, that age old saying ‘Every child develops differently and at different rates’…. If you’re reading this… you’ve heard it!
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Physical activity is not only great for our health, but also for our brain! I have no doubt that we have all experienced the cognitive benefits of exercises – such as clarity of thought after going for a walk? Research shows that these benefits are also true for children.
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Whilst it is in our caring nature (as parent, teachers, carers of children) to reassure the child that there is nothing to worry about ‘Don’t worry, you’ll be right’ phrases and attitude; this is often unhelpful.
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Fine Motor skills are important as our hands are important tools. We use them in almost everything we do. If we are unable to use them effectively it can cause significant struggles in everyday tasks.
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Many times during my career I’m asked this question by concerned parents. Their child lines up their toys, or likes to sort them into colours. So… how do you know if this is something to be concerned about?
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As a mum; I am always worrying about my child’s social and emotional skills. We all want the best for our children, and hope for them to be able to adapt when they start school, show grit and determination through the troubling teens, and become a successful and valuable member of society one day (man the things mums think and worry about!). But life is busy and the days are short and so despite our best efforts to build our children up; sometimes we unknowingly cut them down and hinder their development of resilience.
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A large amount of clients in my career have come through referrals from a speech pathologist. Parents and teachers have picked up on the obvious speech concerns and hence they have traipsed off to the local speech pathologist to get some assistance; only to be referred on. So, how can Occupational Therapy assist in the development of speech?
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If a child is registering sensory input more intensely than others it can cause ‘sensory overwhelm’. There is too much information entering the brain and therefore it is difficulty for the child to process this. And depending on the child’s personality, they will respond with a fright, flight or fight response.
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