Sometimes we don't realize the impact that one part of a child's life has on the other parts. Sometimes we don't realize how much healthy things like good nutrition, quality sleep, and time spent playing outdoors can affect other things, like behavior and mood. But it's all interconnected! If you have a concern about your child, consider all aspects of their lifestyle and habits. For example, if you are noticing irritability or a bad temper in your child, don't focus on just that behavior. Instead, take a look at your child's whole day! Are they eating a health diet? Are they getting enough exercise? Is there a healthy balance between screen-based play and real-life play? Are they spending quality time and play time with loved ones? Are they getting enough rest at night? Sleep - that's a big one! Many parents will tell you that kids can manage their day just fine - until they are too tired!
Most young children need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep per day, including night time sleep and naps. If your child does not get enough sleep, there are some simple changes you can make to their daily routines. Try some of the following to improve your child's sleep habits: *Avoid screens during the last couple of hours leading up to bedtime. The light emitted by screens can be overstimulating, especially for young brains. *Try to make your home a calm, quiet environment before bedtime. Add quiet play, reading, dimmed lighting, and maybe some music. *Make sure your child gets enough active play during the day. If he or she still seems to be energetic in the evening, you can add a walk or some other light exercise to your child's evening. Try a family walk right after dinner! *Follow a regular schedule. It is best if children have the same bedtime each night, and it is best if they have a similar bedtime routine each night. You might choose a routine such as jammies, brush teeth, book, then bed, and try to stick with it. *Add visuals to your routine if needed. A simple picture schedule showing the steps of the routine (for example, a picture of pjs, a toothbrush, a book, and a bed) may help your child understand and follow the bedtime routine. This may also help reduce resistance to bedtime or power struggles at the end of a long day! *Make sure your child feels safe and connected throughout his or her day. This will help them to feel at ease at bedtime! Avoid exposure to scary movies or games. And when your child feels worries or fears, make sure they know they can talk to you and that you will help them to feel safe. *If you have real concerns about your child's quantity or quality of sleep, talk to an expert. Your child's pediatrician may be able to help! Things such as restless sleep, snoring, or inability to fall asleep or stay asleep may all be addressed with expert help.
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It's almost Valentine's Day, and we all want to show our loved ones how much we care. For young children (and older children, too), one of the best ways to show our love is through playful, connected moments. It is very important to have moments of connectedness throughout the day, every day. Connection doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming, and it doesn't cost a thing, but it must include playfulness, eye contact, touch, and presence (being in the moment). Try adding moments of connection into your existing daily routines. While your morning coffee is brewing, have your child put their feet on top of your feet and walk around the house like a two-headed monster. When you are helping your child put on a warm hat, cover their eyes with the hat and playfully ask "Where did you go? You were just here!" Find a game that the whole family loves to play after dinner, such as a few minutes of hide-and-seek. Add a tickle, a cuddle, or a silly song to your bedtime routine. Any of these little moments can give your child's brain a boost of "joy juice", which all brains need and which can only come from social connection. When you increase moments of connection between you and your child, you will also see increased behavioral cooperation, increased happiness for both parent and child, increased social and emotional well being, and a closer, stronger parent-child relationship. Never underestimate the power of play and connection! Also, visit the Conscious Discipline website at www.consciousdiscipline.com for more ideas on I Love You rituals and the elements of connection.
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AuthorHi, I'm Brie Krentz, and I'm the School Psychologist at HGECC. I care about the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health of all of our children, and I believe in Conscious Discipline as a way to minimize behavior problems and to help children connect meaningfully with others. Archives
October 2021
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