Transition strategies
The need to move quickly between activities can cause meltdown madness. Experts suggest using a visual schedule. Visit Do2Learn.com for a guide. Here are some of their ideas/rec.
- Make a “stay at home” chart and an “at school” chart for your wall to help with planning.
- Use simple pictures on movable cards.
- Have vague timeslots—one for play, one for a simple craft, one for television time, one for mealtime.
- Be ready to adjust and add new images as needed.
- To show that a task has finished, simply flip the card over.
- Try “first, then” charts to get children to do essential tasks: First, eat lunch—then play.
Rock-a-bye baby
If you’re having a hard time getting your baby to sleep, these tips may help:
- Keep the room cooler.
- Check to make sure your routine is consistent.
- Make sure they’ve got a full tummy, which will help them sleep more soundly.
- Babies are used to a constant hum of noise. Consider using a white noise machine.
- Your smell is comforting. Try giving them something of yours.
Living with a fussy eater?
Irregular or problem eating can arise for an assortment of reasons, including: sensory processing, food intolerances, medications and gastrointestinal complications. Improving mealtimes at home and school can be done by:
- Creating a quiet, distraction-free environment that consistently models proper eating habits.
- Offering healthy edible reinforcers such as dried fruit, rather than candy or sweets.
- Engaging in eating as a dynamic process by asking questions about the food and letting kids eat with their hands.
- Using reward schedules to encourage children to eat meals or try new foods.
- Expanding your child’s food repertoire by adding new items of the same colour as the ones they like.
- Adding extra veg such as mashed cauliflower to familiar mashed potato.
Source: Connie MacIntosh
How to end a power struggle
- Create a game out of it: “Let’s see who can put their toys away the fastest!”
- Use humour: “Here comes the tickle monster for all the children in the house!”
- Use 10 words: Less is more when giving kids instructions for expected behaviour and activities.
- Hug it out: Hugs create closeness and trust which often leads to cooperation.
12 Hugs a day
Strengthening your relationship for better connections with your child can be done through regular physical connections. Take time to slow down and:
- Look them in the eye and smile.
- Tell them the silliest part of your day.
- Go to the park and read a book with them.
- Hold hands and say, “I love you.”
- Ask them to teach you how to do something.
- Make time for one on one togetherness.