Monday, March 28, 2016

Thoughts on Parenting Hurting Children

Forward by Pam Gregorski, MSW  Social Worker with the  Ionia ISD Early Intervention program.      
                              

Motherhood.  Never a dull moment.  This is especially true for those special mothers who choose to be foster moms.  As a clinical therapist, I appreciate the article “Why Consequences and Rewards Don’t Work for Hurting Children” by TRACY DEE WHITT.  It touches the heart of every foster parent who has thought, “Yes, I have tried (insert advice), and since it did not work, what does that say about me?”  Foster children have had different experiences than other children.  These children feel repeatedly abandoned, isolated, powerless or uncared for.  They will learn that they can’t depend on others and the world is a dangerous and frightening place.  
Typical interventions for behavior will not work for these children.  They are in constant survival mode.  The only need they desire to fill is the need to feel safe.  Typical interventions, such as “Love and Logic” are wonderful, but “Love and Logic” will only work with children in a loving environment and who are bonded and attached to their caregivers.  Does this sound like children placed in the foster care system?  Sadly, this is what most foster parents are trained to use in those tough situations.
So what does it say about you when everything you have tried to deal with your foster child’s behavior has not worked?   It says you are normal.  Do not be afraid of your foster child’s behavior.  Stick with it. Our society needs you, and most of all, the children in your care need you.  Read on to see why your foster child’s behavior is typical and also get some ideas as to why typical interventions do not work, and what may work instead.


Monday, March 21, 2016

W-SITTING: WHAT IS IT AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?


W-sitting is a position we see many child choose to sit in. Children sit in a way that their legs go out on either side of them to provide a wide base of support and it looks like a W.   It seems like a perfectly fine to parents and other adults.  However, if physical therapists walked into a preschool classroom and saw children at group or play time sitting like this she would address this as a concern with the teacher.  
So, what is the big deal? It’s just a comfortable position for them right? Unfortunately, it is more than that. Many children sit in this position because it is easier since it provides more support for their upper body. The only problem is that it can lead to poor coordination, hip and knee problems, and low muscle tone when they get older.  It is a direct reflection of their core strength and impacts how they will be able to sit in a chair and write for example when they get to kindergarten.  Once this form of sitting becomes a habit it is a difficult one to break.  Being aware and trying to prevent it from the start is the best approach.  
If your child prefers this method of sitting, give them other options; criss-cross, legs straight, or even sitting with both legs to one side.
If you want to learn more about W-Sitting please read the article below.


This blog post was contributed by Linda Weaver, GSRP teacher for Ionia ISD.


Monday, March 14, 2016

Play Dough has Many Benefits for Learning!



If you have a home with young children there is a chance you may or may not have play dough in it too!  Many parents have a love or hate relationship with play dough.  If you are a hater, you might have expounded, "It is messy", "It gets stuck in my carpet"," It dries out, gets hard and HURTS when I step on it"," The kids mix up the colors and now we have a blob of grey!"  
Play dough is not just a messy kid activity, it can be very important in developing critical skills for school readiness.  This is most obvious in the fine motor area with improving strength, dexterity and eye-hand coordination necessary for writing.  Beyond that, play dough activities support language, literacy, math and creativity in your child.  
There are many different kinds of play dough that you can make at home with your child; adding in scents and textures and objects to play serve to enhance your child's learning experience 
Check out the link below to learn specific play dough activities and their benefits.