Sometimes excitable and hyper children actually have other things contributing to this. One, is anxiety. It as not apparent to us when our son was younger, but once he began verbalizing how things were affecting him, especially school-related, such as doing well on tests, news reports, going to local events, etc. it became clear that there was more beneath the surface. At first, this was very troubling. My mind raced on as to how a child so young could worry about things so much.
It became clear that learning to relax had to become priority. Sadly, in today's society, not much attention really is given to the ability to relax. I know that some schools now have yoga classes and some even have meditation but I think even in health class, they could discuss how anxiety is a valid condition and how kids should think about treating it the same as "not smoking" or "not taking drugs" - ways to avoid these and ways to avoid too much anxiety. Smoking is bad for your lungs. Anxiety is bad for everything.
If your child has anxiety, you may not want to wait to find out how it will affect them when they are older. The longer you live with that way of reacting, the more it becomes part of you. Therapy and relaxation techniques can be built into your schedule as much as brushing your teeth and hanging up your coat.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Friday, September 23, 2011
Mix it up
A few other great ways to teach your busy bodies:
1. Charades - ask them to act out their answers to your questions or act out what you are trying to teach them
2. Singing - ask them to sing the spelling of their spelling words. Making up songs with the words will also really help them remember.
3. Dance/Sports Bargaining - if you do need them to sit and write, such as sentences for example, tell them to do 2-3, then they can get up and dance to the radio for 2-3 minutes or bounce a ball on the back porch for 2-3. Then they have to run back inside or back to their chair and do another 2-3 sentence and so on. It will take less time overall, if you don't have to haggle with them or spend any time yelling and screaming to sit still.
1. Charades - ask them to act out their answers to your questions or act out what you are trying to teach them
2. Singing - ask them to sing the spelling of their spelling words. Making up songs with the words will also really help them remember.
3. Dance/Sports Bargaining - if you do need them to sit and write, such as sentences for example, tell them to do 2-3, then they can get up and dance to the radio for 2-3 minutes or bounce a ball on the back porch for 2-3. Then they have to run back inside or back to their chair and do another 2-3 sentence and so on. It will take less time overall, if you don't have to haggle with them or spend any time yelling and screaming to sit still.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Learning on the run
Energetic kids can be quite difficult to teach... at least in the conventional way of expecting them to sit down, and listen. Just like the hyperbole, the ants start crawling, distracting them from paying good attention and really processing anything, but that need to get up and move.
I have decided if I want my son to learn and pay attention to what I am saying, I just take that "ants in your pants" feeling out of the equation. How do I do this?
Easy... I teach him while he's moving.
We practice our spelling with jumping jacks. "Spell gift"... and he goes "G" - "I"...and so on as he is doing jumping jacks. We laugh when he has to start over.
We add while we jog around the block. I say "45 + 90?" and he jogs and bam, answers!
An alternative is to simply teach while doing things. Take the math homework, go to a store, a park, a bank, somewhere... and make it real life. Try to apply the concepts on the worksheet with something tangible. They will have to stop periodically to write their answers, but it is way easier than asking them to sit for a half hour without moving and expecting it to be done.
Make learning interACTIVE! If your child can do any physical movements while practicing, the homework/learning experience will be a whole lot smoother and they will get so much more out of it!
I have decided if I want my son to learn and pay attention to what I am saying, I just take that "ants in your pants" feeling out of the equation. How do I do this?
Easy... I teach him while he's moving.
We practice our spelling with jumping jacks. "Spell gift"... and he goes "G" - "I"...and so on as he is doing jumping jacks. We laugh when he has to start over.
We add while we jog around the block. I say "45 + 90?" and he jogs and bam, answers!
An alternative is to simply teach while doing things. Take the math homework, go to a store, a park, a bank, somewhere... and make it real life. Try to apply the concepts on the worksheet with something tangible. They will have to stop periodically to write their answers, but it is way easier than asking them to sit for a half hour without moving and expecting it to be done.
Make learning interACTIVE! If your child can do any physical movements while practicing, the homework/learning experience will be a whole lot smoother and they will get so much more out of it!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Energy Releasing Activity: Water Fun
It's summertime... that's high energy kid season people!
What that means is get those kids outside and playing! Go ahead, let them make it fun.
So how do I do it sometimes? Well, we do not have pool passes this year so the hose is going to have to do, but why not spruce up the boring old stuff with some fun things! Let the kids be creative too... buckets, pails, tupperware, floats, umbrellas, balls, squirt bottles... go nuts!
What that means is get those kids outside and playing! Go ahead, let them make it fun.
So how do I do it sometimes? Well, we do not have pool passes this year so the hose is going to have to do, but why not spruce up the boring old stuff with some fun things! Let the kids be creative too... buckets, pails, tupperware, floats, umbrellas, balls, squirt bottles... go nuts!
Energy Releasing Activity: Nature Walk
Many of the energetic kids I have met seem to have a special thing for nature. We happen to live near a really nice canal that runs along the river so taking the kids for a walk there is pretty convenient, especially since they are now old enough to stay on the path. I'd say for a kid under 3 you might have a little trouble with this unless it is a nice large path enclosed in a park. This path we took today happens to be in between a canal and a river.
Since the kids are now almost 5 and 8, they were just fine on not toppling over into either body of water, thank gawd! Anywho, we gave them brown paper bags and asked them to pick up little things along the way. They collected leaves, pieces of bark, wildflowers and rocks. They thought it was the best treasure hunt ever. Plus, the adults got to stroll along and actually have a conversation. Talk about win-win.
On the way back for about a half a mile, I jogged with the kids to the parking lot. Yes, it was a nice long run for them, but completely worth it. All in all, we spent approximately an hour and half today on that path... the kids got so much fresh air and exercise and the rest of the day was smooth sailing! I should do this everyday!
Since the kids are now almost 5 and 8, they were just fine on not toppling over into either body of water, thank gawd! Anywho, we gave them brown paper bags and asked them to pick up little things along the way. They collected leaves, pieces of bark, wildflowers and rocks. They thought it was the best treasure hunt ever. Plus, the adults got to stroll along and actually have a conversation. Talk about win-win.
On the way back for about a half a mile, I jogged with the kids to the parking lot. Yes, it was a nice long run for them, but completely worth it. All in all, we spent approximately an hour and half today on that path... the kids got so much fresh air and exercise and the rest of the day was smooth sailing! I should do this everyday!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Where to take those high energy kids
All right, now that I've mentioned a list of places that are not so cool for taking your energetic child, here... my friends is a list of places I'd definitely recommend taking them.
- Parks (bring frisbees, balls, bubbles, bikes, kites, a friend's dog if you don't have one, anything that keeps them moving!)
- Playgrounds (an obvious choice, but remember to mix it up, don't always go to the same place...kids get bored of the same equipment)
- Kids concerts (many townships have local shows at parks or recreations centers for free!)
- Indoor sports centers (ice skating, roller skating, indoor soccer centers, skate boarding, gymnastics places...many have "open or free play" days)
- Bounce Around places (inflatables...jumping, no BRAINER)
- Nature centers (take a hike, bird watch, do a scavenger hunt, throw rocks on the lake, go fishing, take photos)
- Indoor pool at the local school or YMCA (swimming burns off a ton of excess energy)
- Sporting events (hockey and soccer are great very fast moving games...baseball not so much)
- Horseback riding (high energy kids will use a lot of concentration to ride a horse and many love animals... it is a novelty activity as well)
- Races (car racing, horse racing, even 5K running activities...many have a 1 mile run run for the kids)
- Local animal shelters - do they need a kid to give the animals some extra love, or maybe some walks around the building, ask about volunteering with your child every other week
Monday, April 18, 2011
Places to go & Expectations
In addition to evaluating the enormous expectations you probably have of yourself to be a super parent to your super energetic child, evaluate your expectations of your child as well.
Don’t set your child up for the impossible, particularly in social situations. Many of us have experienced embarrassment and humiliation upon taking their child to an venue or event that is just not suitable for our high energy children... which in turn, often lends to penalizing the child and leading then to parental heartache and guilt over the whole circumstance. So, from my own humiliating and embarrassing experiences, here’s my take on places that are NO GO:
Restaurants – particularly those not specifically geared to kids! This is a big fat NO for children with excess energy. Sometimes we think, “oh maybe this time it will be different.” That mentality is just not fair to do to your child. That expectation that our child will sit still in a restaurant is completely unreasonable. I am not just referring to fancy restaurants with nice linens and candlelight…it could be any restaurant aside from one that is located in a Chuck E Cheese or one is totally geared to kids. Even going to a TGIF can be a nightmare if your child has excess energy.
Religious Services – Not recommended! For the most part, most places have a religious education program or daycare available. Take advantage of this. Asking a high-energy child to sit without squirming and making noise during a religious service is just not gonna happen. If there is a special family occasion where services are required, consider sitting in the back, on the end of a row and consider bringing etch a sketch or a draw and erase board, crayons, etc. to keep your child busy. Give them a short spiel before it starts, but don't go over lecturing... it will waste your time. Also, try to plan ahead that you will take you child out for a break so they can talk or move if the service is longer than 15 minutes.
Theatre/Shows – For the most part, no. The last thing you want to do is pay a lot of money for anything from Broadway show to a movie and walk out after 10 minutes because you child is jumping in the seat or lingering down the aisles. If the show is very animated, loud and completely kid appropriate, this may be an exception.
What happens when a family member is having a special dinner out? Again, don’t set you or your child up for failure. If your family insists your child be there and you know Joey will not sit for a 2-hour dinner at an Italian bistro for Uncle Carl’s birthday, speak up… suggest a kid-friendly alternative or possibly celebrating at someone’s house instead. If this is not an option, consider getting a babysitter for Joey and explain to the family that as much as he’d like to be there, you felt it was prudent to have him stay home.
This all doesn’t mean you will be banned from these types of activities FOREVER or that your child will be either. Just like when a child is sick and you have to re-introduce foods slowly…re-introduce activities as you feel you child is beginning to attain more self-control. Start out slow. See if they can keep their energy level at bay to suit the venue or occasion. Take each even as a step-by-step process. Have a back up plan and go in to it with the idea that you may only try to stay at the even for an hour or that you will have to take breaks or turns with your spouse letting the child go to another room or work on a different activity throughout the event.
Don’t set your child up for the impossible, particularly in social situations. Many of us have experienced embarrassment and humiliation upon taking their child to an venue or event that is just not suitable for our high energy children... which in turn, often lends to penalizing the child and leading then to parental heartache and guilt over the whole circumstance. So, from my own humiliating and embarrassing experiences, here’s my take on places that are NO GO:
Restaurants – particularly those not specifically geared to kids! This is a big fat NO for children with excess energy. Sometimes we think, “oh maybe this time it will be different.” That mentality is just not fair to do to your child. That expectation that our child will sit still in a restaurant is completely unreasonable. I am not just referring to fancy restaurants with nice linens and candlelight…it could be any restaurant aside from one that is located in a Chuck E Cheese or one is totally geared to kids. Even going to a TGIF can be a nightmare if your child has excess energy.
Religious Services – Not recommended! For the most part, most places have a religious education program or daycare available. Take advantage of this. Asking a high-energy child to sit without squirming and making noise during a religious service is just not gonna happen. If there is a special family occasion where services are required, consider sitting in the back, on the end of a row and consider bringing etch a sketch or a draw and erase board, crayons, etc. to keep your child busy. Give them a short spiel before it starts, but don't go over lecturing... it will waste your time. Also, try to plan ahead that you will take you child out for a break so they can talk or move if the service is longer than 15 minutes.
Theatre/Shows – For the most part, no. The last thing you want to do is pay a lot of money for anything from Broadway show to a movie and walk out after 10 minutes because you child is jumping in the seat or lingering down the aisles. If the show is very animated, loud and completely kid appropriate, this may be an exception.
What happens when a family member is having a special dinner out? Again, don’t set you or your child up for failure. If your family insists your child be there and you know Joey will not sit for a 2-hour dinner at an Italian bistro for Uncle Carl’s birthday, speak up… suggest a kid-friendly alternative or possibly celebrating at someone’s house instead. If this is not an option, consider getting a babysitter for Joey and explain to the family that as much as he’d like to be there, you felt it was prudent to have him stay home.
This all doesn’t mean you will be banned from these types of activities FOREVER or that your child will be either. Just like when a child is sick and you have to re-introduce foods slowly…re-introduce activities as you feel you child is beginning to attain more self-control. Start out slow. See if they can keep their energy level at bay to suit the venue or occasion. Take each even as a step-by-step process. Have a back up plan and go in to it with the idea that you may only try to stay at the even for an hour or that you will have to take breaks or turns with your spouse letting the child go to another room or work on a different activity throughout the event.
Calling in reinforcements
Sometimes keeping up the stamina required to deal with a high-energy child is tough. We all need to know our limits. No doubt, there is a time when we need to call in reinforcements.
As parents, we should take no shame in the fact that we, too, have needs and emotions. So many of the books I have read seem to gloss over the fact that parents get frustrated, parents get tired... parents are human too. Most of the time, they focus all the attention on what the parent can do to help the child, but what about what the parent can do to help the parent?
Sometimes, we parents, simply need to take a break. As they used to say, “it takes a village…[to raise a child]. And worst off, believing you can handle everything, all the time, may lead you into a state of stress that will take years off your life. Why do that to ourselves? We need those years so we can see our children graduate college and have their own children…and those whom we may also want to see graduate college.
So finding ways to decrease your stress level is paramount. High-energy children are even moreso a reason to know your limits and take better care of yourself. That may mean that you and your spouse or partners work out arrangements to step in when the other needs that break. Sit down and talk this through on a day when things are not that hectic. You want to ensure that the tone of the conversation is positive and doesn’t turn into a blame game or “why can’t you handle this?” type of conversation. Simply discuss a game plan to help each other out when the time is needed. Empathize with one another. You are the team and the child's energy is the ball. It's not the child...it's the energy.
Enlist other family members, either older siblings, grandparents or close friends to take your high energy child’s attention for a couple hours. Try to make it routine so that your child doesn’t get even more hyper at the notion of being with new people different nights of the week.
Take your break time someplace away from your child; go to a bookstore a coffee shop, a library, a spa…somewhere peaceful and quiet and remind yourself while you are there that you deserve this. Remind yourself that this is your time to cleanse yourself of all the stress, noise, commotion and excitement.
Secondly, evaluate your lifestyle and commitments. Are you overloaded with work, volunteering, housework and other activities? Think about how you spend your energy every day. Do wake up on the go, running from the time you get up until the time you get home? Do you go to a gym, then hustle to the office, then to meetings and activities?
We may not know it, but we may be adding to a situation that is already a challenge. Our children need our energy first and foremost. Our children need our patience first foremost. If you are using up all this energy on other things in life, there is no wonder you have nothing left when you have to deal with them.
Re-evaluate your priorities and think about, what can I change to make this easier? Keep in mind this is all temporary. Again, our children will grow up, our time to do all the other things will be there. This is not to say we should sacrifice everything, some of these activities may be helpful for when we need that break…like being part of a scrap booking club that meets weekly or volunteering at a local greenhouse. These may help us recollect our thoughts. Just think of those activities that may be over the top or require more stress than needed. Remember, don’t expect yourself to do it all.
As parents, we should take no shame in the fact that we, too, have needs and emotions. So many of the books I have read seem to gloss over the fact that parents get frustrated, parents get tired... parents are human too. Most of the time, they focus all the attention on what the parent can do to help the child, but what about what the parent can do to help the parent?
Sometimes, we parents, simply need to take a break. As they used to say, “it takes a village…[to raise a child]. And worst off, believing you can handle everything, all the time, may lead you into a state of stress that will take years off your life. Why do that to ourselves? We need those years so we can see our children graduate college and have their own children…and those whom we may also want to see graduate college.
So finding ways to decrease your stress level is paramount. High-energy children are even moreso a reason to know your limits and take better care of yourself. That may mean that you and your spouse or partners work out arrangements to step in when the other needs that break. Sit down and talk this through on a day when things are not that hectic. You want to ensure that the tone of the conversation is positive and doesn’t turn into a blame game or “why can’t you handle this?” type of conversation. Simply discuss a game plan to help each other out when the time is needed. Empathize with one another. You are the team and the child's energy is the ball. It's not the child...it's the energy.
Enlist other family members, either older siblings, grandparents or close friends to take your high energy child’s attention for a couple hours. Try to make it routine so that your child doesn’t get even more hyper at the notion of being with new people different nights of the week.
Take your break time someplace away from your child; go to a bookstore a coffee shop, a library, a spa…somewhere peaceful and quiet and remind yourself while you are there that you deserve this. Remind yourself that this is your time to cleanse yourself of all the stress, noise, commotion and excitement.
Secondly, evaluate your lifestyle and commitments. Are you overloaded with work, volunteering, housework and other activities? Think about how you spend your energy every day. Do wake up on the go, running from the time you get up until the time you get home? Do you go to a gym, then hustle to the office, then to meetings and activities?
We may not know it, but we may be adding to a situation that is already a challenge. Our children need our energy first and foremost. Our children need our patience first foremost. If you are using up all this energy on other things in life, there is no wonder you have nothing left when you have to deal with them.
Re-evaluate your priorities and think about, what can I change to make this easier? Keep in mind this is all temporary. Again, our children will grow up, our time to do all the other things will be there. This is not to say we should sacrifice everything, some of these activities may be helpful for when we need that break…like being part of a scrap booking club that meets weekly or volunteering at a local greenhouse. These may help us recollect our thoughts. Just think of those activities that may be over the top or require more stress than needed. Remember, don’t expect yourself to do it all.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Positive Solutions: Helping Hands
A truly wonderful way to keep your child busy as well as bring a positive influence to their life is to encourage them to do charity events such as helping with hosting a bake sale or running/jogging for a cause. There are so many organizations and children can learn at an early age that they can make difference.
My son recently ran two local "fun runs" for charity and he did so well. It was a bonus that he came in 2nd in one of the races but at the end of the day the event was wonderful and he felt good about himself for doing it.
To find a list of local runs in your area, check out active.com.
Also, there is a wonderful organization that encourages children to have a Cupcake Sale in their local neighborhood to benefit children in Africa. Here is the link. Children can help make the cupcakes, decorate posters, spread the word and help sell them of course!
My son recently ran two local "fun runs" for charity and he did so well. It was a bonus that he came in 2nd in one of the races but at the end of the day the event was wonderful and he felt good about himself for doing it.
To find a list of local runs in your area, check out active.com.
Also, there is a wonderful organization that encourages children to have a Cupcake Sale in their local neighborhood to benefit children in Africa. Here is the link. Children can help make the cupcakes, decorate posters, spread the word and help sell them of course!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Take a new perspective
Take a minute...
Take a step back...
Yes, your kid is sometimes talks too much, runs too much, climbs on everything, eats loudly, rushes into every activity, gets bored too fast... maybe exhausts you mentally and physically.
But wait, your child can walk...
Talk...
Think...
and is health-wise is essentially ok.
I take this minute and I hope you all do too, to remember that we are lucky. We could have much harder things to cope with. We could have a child who has cancer, or is handicapped. My niece was just diagnosed with lissencephaly. She is 6 months old. The doctors have already told my sister that her daughter may never walk, talk and will likely be profoundly mentally disabled, and sadly if you read the literature, the life span for children with lissencephaly is also very short. Some don't even make it to 2 years old...others live on for years but in a wheelchair and only make sounds but no real words.
Would my sister like a child who talked too much, ran too fast or climbed on everything over this potential future for her daughter? Of course!... So once in a while, not matter how bad it gets when you feel your child is too active, too much to deal with... stop, wait...
and be thankful for what you have...
Take a step back...
Yes, your kid is sometimes talks too much, runs too much, climbs on everything, eats loudly, rushes into every activity, gets bored too fast... maybe exhausts you mentally and physically.
But wait, your child can walk...
Talk...
Think...
and is health-wise is essentially ok.
I take this minute and I hope you all do too, to remember that we are lucky. We could have much harder things to cope with. We could have a child who has cancer, or is handicapped. My niece was just diagnosed with lissencephaly. She is 6 months old. The doctors have already told my sister that her daughter may never walk, talk and will likely be profoundly mentally disabled, and sadly if you read the literature, the life span for children with lissencephaly is also very short. Some don't even make it to 2 years old...others live on for years but in a wheelchair and only make sounds but no real words.
Would my sister like a child who talked too much, ran too fast or climbed on everything over this potential future for her daughter? Of course!... So once in a while, not matter how bad it gets when you feel your child is too active, too much to deal with... stop, wait...
and be thankful for what you have...
Calming Activities: Chalk - Ages 3+
Along with molding clay, my son also settles down wonderfully with sidewalk chalk. He can use his imagination for quite a long time out there. I literally now stock up on big quantities since I know anytime I am outside now and I need him to stop running around and do something less crazy, I offer up chalk.
Sometimes you just need to find something tactile for their hands to stay busy... your child may not care for clay or beads, but might find something fascinating about creating their own games or drawings outside.
Sometimes you just need to find something tactile for their hands to stay busy... your child may not care for clay or beads, but might find something fascinating about creating their own games or drawings outside.
Great Web Resources
When I find material on other sites that is very useful, I am going to continue to update them on this link list below
The Attention Deficit Disorders Association (Southern Region) has a wonderful list of Tips for Parents for Behavior Management. Easy to read/quick references!
The Attention Deficit Disorders Association (Southern Region) has a wonderful list of Tips for Parents for Behavior Management. Easy to read/quick references!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Now it's our turn
Our energetic kids can sometimes really make us crazy! Sometimes they can suck every little ounce of energy out of us...and yes, it makes us grumpy. We should not be ashamed of this. We are, of course, humans too.
So I feel like there is no shame is reminding ourselves to do something nice and special for ourselves once in a while. We do deserve it.
If we have had a long day, week, month whatever with our energetic kid(s), then heck, go out and treat yourself. Call a babysitter and take time to go out alone or with your significant other and do something you like to do...whether it be shopping, having a salon day, or just taking a walk.
We should really try to do something nice for ourselves every day. Why? Because it makes us better moms, dads, spouses... and don't feel guilty about even sending your child to school one day while you stay home and just take a "mental health day." It might not always be in the budget, but where there is a will, there's a way! Ask another parent do to a share playdate where take turns with the kids and the other gets to go out. This will make the difference in your stress level, heart rate, and overall health!
Be good to yourself and the rest will follow...you will be more patient, more relaxed, and all around set a better example.
So I feel like there is no shame is reminding ourselves to do something nice and special for ourselves once in a while. We do deserve it.
If we have had a long day, week, month whatever with our energetic kid(s), then heck, go out and treat yourself. Call a babysitter and take time to go out alone or with your significant other and do something you like to do...whether it be shopping, having a salon day, or just taking a walk.
We should really try to do something nice for ourselves every day. Why? Because it makes us better moms, dads, spouses... and don't feel guilty about even sending your child to school one day while you stay home and just take a "mental health day." It might not always be in the budget, but where there is a will, there's a way! Ask another parent do to a share playdate where take turns with the kids and the other gets to go out. This will make the difference in your stress level, heart rate, and overall health!
Be good to yourself and the rest will follow...you will be more patient, more relaxed, and all around set a better example.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Energy Releasing Activity: Music
The need to move and make noise is inbred in highly active kids. My son was born to live at a rock concert. He loves to scream, shriek, and get pumped up. He is literally a natural-born star.
My daughter thinks she is Miley Cyrus and takes the microphone like it is her own. Get them both in front of set of drums and watch out! They each also have matching play guitars and have had jam sessions well over an hour long. Music is to these kids what books are to a librarian...so grab as many musical instruments as you can, a set of earplugs for yourself and let them at it!
My daughter thinks she is Miley Cyrus and takes the microphone like it is her own. Get them both in front of set of drums and watch out! They each also have matching play guitars and have had jam sessions well over an hour long. Music is to these kids what books are to a librarian...so grab as many musical instruments as you can, a set of earplugs for yourself and let them at it!
Discussion: Labels
Having a highly active child often leads to labels...from friends, family, even teachers. Remind yourself that labeling a child negatively can lead to poor self-image and esteem.
Replace things like these:
Hyper/Hyperactive
Noisy
Busy body
Loud
Obnoxious
Antsy
Bossy
Wild child
Annoying
Spazz
Pushy
With more positive descriptors like these:
Energetic
Active
Spirited
Happy
Ambitious
Playful
Silly/Funny (in positive way)
Social
Leader
Gregarious
Boistrous
Alert
Lively
Zippy!!!
Replace things like these:
Hyper/Hyperactive
Noisy
Busy body
Loud
Obnoxious
Antsy
Bossy
Wild child
Annoying
Spazz
Pushy
With more positive descriptors like these:
Energetic
Active
Spirited
Happy
Ambitious
Playful
Silly/Funny (in positive way)
Social
Leader
Gregarious
Boistrous
Alert
Lively
Zippy!!!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Calming Activities: Recyclable Candy Art - Ages 3+
Do you have some old Halloween or Easter candy laying around?
We decided to sit and concentrate on making fabulous art with our old Skittles and Starbursts. Now, this is a tough one if your kids love to eat candy so if that's the case, I wouldn't choose this activity to calm them down! These candies have a lot of red dyes in them and there is some controversy over the idea that red dyes can cause kids to become hyperactive...whether it's the sugar or the dyes we have pretty much stopped eating them in this household.
So, to put that stuff to good use some other way, I let them use them to make art! Tip: You may want to reward them with a healthier snack while they are doing this activity so they are not so tempted to eat the candy. I laid out some graham crackers, milk and grapes for them to snack on instead.
We decided to sit and concentrate on making fabulous art with our old Skittles and Starbursts. Now, this is a tough one if your kids love to eat candy so if that's the case, I wouldn't choose this activity to calm them down! These candies have a lot of red dyes in them and there is some controversy over the idea that red dyes can cause kids to become hyperactive...whether it's the sugar or the dyes we have pretty much stopped eating them in this household.
So, to put that stuff to good use some other way, I let them use them to make art! Tip: You may want to reward them with a healthier snack while they are doing this activity so they are not so tempted to eat the candy. I laid out some graham crackers, milk and grapes for them to snack on instead.
Cleaning with crazy kids...yes, you can!
People always tell me how amazed they are at how clean my house is...and yes, I have 3 kids...and yes, I clean it myself, meaning there is no magic fairy or Genie stopping by to wave her wand or wiggle her nose to help. It is just me, little old me.
Well, I have to admit, now that the kids are getting older, I do expect them to start helping out. I have learned to become very creative when it comes to setting up chores for them. When they were younger though, it was more about keeping them occupied while I clean. Goodness knows, having a 2 year old scrub something is not only completely unsafe, but likely a waste of time in having to redo it anyway.
Still, I have learned that kids can help out...even if it means handing them a spray bottle with plain water and a clean cloth. It's as basic as that. While a 2 year old needs occupying so that the parent can get something done, a 4 and 7 year old; however, can really help out. Here are some tips and tricks to how I get the job done.
1. Have multiple locations for your supplies. No kidding, while I am in the upstairs bathroom while they are bathing...I can at least clean and wash down the sinks, toilets and dust shelves. They are happily splashing in the tub while I am charging down the bacteria in the other areas. So at all times I leave a bottle of Windex, paper towels, clean rags and a basic bleach cleaner on the top shelf in the linen closet. It's just always there as a double set of supplies. Easy access, easy to put away.
2. If I do need to have a kid helping me in the bathroom...they get tub or shower duty. I let them take all the shampoo bottles and soaps out (which actually I always leave in a plastic basket with a handle anyway so it is easy to remove). I never ask them to move razors though. I give them a spray bottle with a little liquid soap (like hand soap) and a clean rag and they get started washing down basins. It at least keeps them busy while do the heavy duty stuff. Again, be cautious of the chemicals you use if your kids are in there, open windows if necessary.
3. Cleaning other rooms is pretty basic. Laundry baskets are king in my house. I have 3 extra laundry baskets...those simple plastic round ones. Plop these babies down in the middle of a crazy messed up room and let the kids help sort. One basket is for things that go back upstairs, one for things that get put away in other places and then one for the rest.
Once you get the sorting done, blast the music...tell the kids to start dancing and grab your duster and vacuum. Did you know you could dust while dancing? Yes, I have learned to dance my way around my family room dusting as fast as possible. The kids think I am dancing with them. It's fun...good workout too.
Next, I tell the kids it is time to play freeze vacuum. They are to dance around, but have to freeze as soon as the sounds of the vacuum stops. I change up the tempo of my stopping and starting so that they get confused. It is definitely one way to keep the kids focused and not running all over while you are vacuuming. Of course it takes longer, but so what, you are keeping them busy so they are not making another mess in the room you already cleaned. It is much easier to keep an eye on them when you can make it fun.
Well, I have to admit, now that the kids are getting older, I do expect them to start helping out. I have learned to become very creative when it comes to setting up chores for them. When they were younger though, it was more about keeping them occupied while I clean. Goodness knows, having a 2 year old scrub something is not only completely unsafe, but likely a waste of time in having to redo it anyway.
Still, I have learned that kids can help out...even if it means handing them a spray bottle with plain water and a clean cloth. It's as basic as that. While a 2 year old needs occupying so that the parent can get something done, a 4 and 7 year old; however, can really help out. Here are some tips and tricks to how I get the job done.
1. Have multiple locations for your supplies. No kidding, while I am in the upstairs bathroom while they are bathing...I can at least clean and wash down the sinks, toilets and dust shelves. They are happily splashing in the tub while I am charging down the bacteria in the other areas. So at all times I leave a bottle of Windex, paper towels, clean rags and a basic bleach cleaner on the top shelf in the linen closet. It's just always there as a double set of supplies. Easy access, easy to put away.
2. If I do need to have a kid helping me in the bathroom...they get tub or shower duty. I let them take all the shampoo bottles and soaps out (which actually I always leave in a plastic basket with a handle anyway so it is easy to remove). I never ask them to move razors though. I give them a spray bottle with a little liquid soap (like hand soap) and a clean rag and they get started washing down basins. It at least keeps them busy while do the heavy duty stuff. Again, be cautious of the chemicals you use if your kids are in there, open windows if necessary.
3. Cleaning other rooms is pretty basic. Laundry baskets are king in my house. I have 3 extra laundry baskets...those simple plastic round ones. Plop these babies down in the middle of a crazy messed up room and let the kids help sort. One basket is for things that go back upstairs, one for things that get put away in other places and then one for the rest.
Once you get the sorting done, blast the music...tell the kids to start dancing and grab your duster and vacuum. Did you know you could dust while dancing? Yes, I have learned to dance my way around my family room dusting as fast as possible. The kids think I am dancing with them. It's fun...good workout too.
Next, I tell the kids it is time to play freeze vacuum. They are to dance around, but have to freeze as soon as the sounds of the vacuum stops. I change up the tempo of my stopping and starting so that they get confused. It is definitely one way to keep the kids focused and not running all over while you are vacuuming. Of course it takes longer, but so what, you are keeping them busy so they are not making another mess in the room you already cleaned. It is much easier to keep an eye on them when you can make it fun.
Recyclables Rock
Saving items in your house is not only good for your environment, but good for you child. Stop throwing away things and get a big box just for special recyclables to give to your child. Of course, even after your child has used them, they are still recyclable, so nothing is lost!
Providing your child even a handful of mixed recyclables, such as plastic containers, caps, bubble wrap, etc. can be a joy to a child that just likes to create whatever…a thing-a-majig, or robot...or anything their creative mind can make.
So what are some good items to save:
• Yogurt/applesauce/fruit cups
• Plastic bottle and jar lids
• Cereal boxes (pre-cut shapes)
• Old Magazines (picture find)
• Magnets, Dentist offices are notorious for sending their business cards on magnets...save them!
• Twisty ties from bread bags, garbage bags
• Old shirts and buttons-don't even think about throwing out an old button down without first snipping off those buttons...
• Cardboard from packaging
• Packing peanuts
• Old candy or candy wrappers
Providing your child even a handful of mixed recyclables, such as plastic containers, caps, bubble wrap, etc. can be a joy to a child that just likes to create whatever…a thing-a-majig, or robot...or anything their creative mind can make.
So what are some good items to save:
• Yogurt/applesauce/fruit cups
• Plastic bottle and jar lids
• Cereal boxes (pre-cut shapes)
• Old Magazines (picture find)
• Magnets, Dentist offices are notorious for sending their business cards on magnets...save them!
• Twisty ties from bread bags, garbage bags
• Old shirts and buttons-don't even think about throwing out an old button down without first snipping off those buttons...
• Cardboard from packaging
• Packing peanuts
• Old candy or candy wrappers
Discussion: Ways to Help with Excessive Talking
Tips for Teaching Self control over Excessive Talking
• Talking Breaks: If you have a child that talks excessively, teach them about “talking breaks”- this is a period where it is time to stop and take a break. Get out a kitchen timer and set it for 1 minute, then 2 minutes… have them build up to learning how to control their talking for longer and longer periods. Don’t punish when they don’t succeed… instead reward when they do. Start short, with an amount of time that is achievable, and explain to them the process, “Joey, we are going to try a talking break for 1 minute and if you do not talk for the whole minute, you will receive…(a lollipop, a point, an extra story…)”
• Three Question Limit: If your child asks too many questions, especially impulsively without really listening to the answers, try the 3-question limit. This will help encourage them to stop and think about what they really want to ask. Set it up such as, “Mary, I will answer your questions, but we are only going to be allowed to ask 3 questions at a time so think of your questions carefully because when we get to 3, we have to stop.” Again, if they can manage to stop and think about their questions, reward. If they still want to keep going after 3, simply state, “our limit was 3 questions and you asked them already” and quickly re-direct them to an activity, especially the first few times you do this. Often these children get so focus and determined to keep going, so state your purpose and quickly change the topic or scenery.
• Talking Breaks: If you have a child that talks excessively, teach them about “talking breaks”- this is a period where it is time to stop and take a break. Get out a kitchen timer and set it for 1 minute, then 2 minutes… have them build up to learning how to control their talking for longer and longer periods. Don’t punish when they don’t succeed… instead reward when they do. Start short, with an amount of time that is achievable, and explain to them the process, “Joey, we are going to try a talking break for 1 minute and if you do not talk for the whole minute, you will receive…(a lollipop, a point, an extra story…)”
• Three Question Limit: If your child asks too many questions, especially impulsively without really listening to the answers, try the 3-question limit. This will help encourage them to stop and think about what they really want to ask. Set it up such as, “Mary, I will answer your questions, but we are only going to be allowed to ask 3 questions at a time so think of your questions carefully because when we get to 3, we have to stop.” Again, if they can manage to stop and think about their questions, reward. If they still want to keep going after 3, simply state, “our limit was 3 questions and you asked them already” and quickly re-direct them to an activity, especially the first few times you do this. Often these children get so focus and determined to keep going, so state your purpose and quickly change the topic or scenery.
Tips for working with schools
Numero Uno....Make a plan to work with their teacher. Stay in close contact. Regular updates are better than being out of the loop. If you child was talking non-stop that day and disturbing the class, you need to know. This can help you gear your evening into working with them for the next days.
Secondly, let them know you are trying different activities at home to work on their behavior. Inform them of your core values and goals you have for your child. Stress to them that it is a step-by-step process, a process that will take time and patience and that you are working on it. And of course wholeheartedly thank them in advance for their patience because they are spending a full day with your child...in addition to 10, 15, even 20 other kids.
Activities to suggest to the teacher for in the classroom:
- Having your child seated next to a quieter child — this will likely decrease their motivation to over-talk in the classroom and will also provide an example to them of how to behave. Two overactive children next to one another is a disaster waiting to happen.
- Allowing your child to roll a ball or play with some other tactile instrument at their desk – this keeps their hands busy when they need to move and is less of a distraction than fidgeting or getting out of seat.
- Giving your child more opportunities to physically get out of their chair such as run errands, help sharpen pencils, erase the chalkboard, pick up extra items...
- No recess restrictions. It makes absolutely no sense to penalize a overactive child by taking away their only opportunity to go outside and get fresh air. This is so desperately necessary that it should not be used as a punishment, especially for not sitting still in the first place. Work out an alternative in advance with the teacher for when any kind of penalty is necessary.
Secondly, let them know you are trying different activities at home to work on their behavior. Inform them of your core values and goals you have for your child. Stress to them that it is a step-by-step process, a process that will take time and patience and that you are working on it. And of course wholeheartedly thank them in advance for their patience because they are spending a full day with your child...in addition to 10, 15, even 20 other kids.
Activities to suggest to the teacher for in the classroom:
- Having your child seated next to a quieter child — this will likely decrease their motivation to over-talk in the classroom and will also provide an example to them of how to behave. Two overactive children next to one another is a disaster waiting to happen.
- Allowing your child to roll a ball or play with some other tactile instrument at their desk – this keeps their hands busy when they need to move and is less of a distraction than fidgeting or getting out of seat.
- Giving your child more opportunities to physically get out of their chair such as run errands, help sharpen pencils, erase the chalkboard, pick up extra items...
- No recess restrictions. It makes absolutely no sense to penalize a overactive child by taking away their only opportunity to go outside and get fresh air. This is so desperately necessary that it should not be used as a punishment, especially for not sitting still in the first place. Work out an alternative in advance with the teacher for when any kind of penalty is necessary.
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