Children with ADHD: Health, self-esteem, and a playful sense of enthusiasm

As parents, we want our children to be happy — and to grow into happy, successful adults with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD).

So we do our best to provide them with comfortable homes, fun toys, good clothes, memorable vacations, and other nice things. And we balance that by signing them up for lots of ADD-friendly sports like swimming and other extracurricular activities, hoping to instill an appreciation of discipline and hard work.
There's nothing wrong with nice things or with hard work in the classroom or on the playing field. Indeed, exercise is vital for kids.

But when we try to set the stage for lifelong happiness, we should remember what research has shown: that what matters most in encouraging good ADHD health is helping children develop happiness-promoting traits, such as optimism, self-esteem, and a playful sense of enthusiasm.

How do we do this? It's easier than you might imagine. First and foremost, children need something I call "connection," which they get in the form of unconditional love from adults.

Connection gives children the confidence to try new things and to seek out new experiences. Once a child feels connected to important adults in his life, it is a short step to developing a can-do attitude, which, as we all know, is a defense against depression and despair at any age. Good ADHD Health emerges.
Play and practice are two other ingredients of lifelong happiness. It's been said that "the work of childhood is play" — and that is true. I'm not just talking about structured games and events. Children need time to engage in unstructured play, with others and on their own. Play hones the imagination and teaches problem-solving skills. It teaches children to tolerate frustration. And, of course, it is fun. Your keenest childhood memories probably involve playing. I know mine do. (When it comes to electronic play, however, it's best to set limits. An hour or less a day of TV or computer games means there's more time for experiences that are richer in imagination - and exercise.)
Children who play learn that doing something repeatedly helps them get better at it; in other words, that practice leads to mastery. (Did you learn to ride a bike on the first try?) Practice lets children learn to accept help and to benefit from good teachers and coaches. Mastering a skill begets confidence, leadership, initiative, and an enduring admiration for hard work.
Mastery usually leads to recognition from a larger group (friends and family), which, in turn, reinforces the sense of connection. We all know what happens when a child masters something new after long practice. We hear his cries of "I did it!" and "Wow." Few feelings are better — for a child or his parent.

Let me close by saying something about self-esteem. Some well-meaning parents seem to think that the way to boost our children's self-esteem is to shower them with praise. Not so. Self-esteem is rooted in mastery. If you want your child to have high self-regard, do not go out of your way to offer praise. Instead, make sure your child has opportunities to develop mastery. If your child displays an aptitude for cooking, for example, invite him to plan a special family dinner and then help you in the kitchen.

Next time you find yourself wondering whether to sign your child up for yet another activity, take a deep breath. Some free time might be exactly what she needs to be happy - both now and after she grows up and leaves home.

 

By  Edward Hallowell, M.D.

 

Avoid Homework Wars-How to improve your child's after-school routine

Does your child have a problem finishing homework within a reasonable amount of time? Do you have to survive a battle each night? If your child has learning or attention problems, it's likely you have faced such challenges. Adopting these strategies for managing homework effectively can help.

The purpose of homework

Homework gives your child a chance to practice what she's learned in school. It's not supposed to teach new concepts or skills. But often, it's the kids most in need of practice who find homework hard to do.

First, make sure your child understands the assignment and the directions for completing it. If she's having problems with this, schedule a teacher conference to develop a communication system. It might be a homework sheet that the teacher reviews with your child, then sends home for you to sign.

Where is it done - and when?

 For some kids, a small desk where supplies can be stored is best. For others, the kitchen table is perfect. Wherever your child works, check to see that she's sticking to the task, especially if she has problems with concentration.

 Right after school is a good time for some kids to start homework, because the assignment is fresh in their minds. Others need a break before they can tackle more schoolwork. Sports or a parent's work schedule can interfere with a routine. With your child's input, develop two plans: one for the typical day, and one for unusual events. Write the plans down.

 If your child usually resists homework, make sure it doesn't follow an interesting activity, such as playing a computer game. Instead, transition from fun activities to activities that are less enjoyable, and also less difficult, than homework. For example, ask your child to bring in the mail, then ask her to set the table. This is called "behavioral momentum": getting your child to do relatively easy tasks before asking her to do something challenging. Resistance is less likely if the momentum of compliance is built first.

How much time should it take?

If your child has problems focusing, writes slowly, or needs extra time to understand concepts, homework can take a lot longer. No wonder she protests or tries to delay! Be sure the time she devotes to homework is appropriate. Some schools expect 30 to 45 minutes per night in the early grades, one hour in late elementary school, and two hours by middle school. If your child takes longer than the school expects, speak with her teacher about accommodations.

How can parents help?

•Reassure your child that everyone makes mistakes; they are an important part of learning. Ask your child what she finds hard or confusing, and listen to her ideas for making homework easier.

•Break assignments into smaller parts so your child won't feel overwhelmed. For a young child, fold worksheets in half. Have older students highlight sections of the assignment in different colors.

•Communicate progress with a chart. Draw a star when each portion of the homework is finished. When it's all completed, give a high five or a hug.

•Let her choose a fun activity when she's finished.

Breakfast May Prevent Childhood Obesity

The advice we all got from our moms is true  breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, especially for kids

Breakfast gives kids the energy to start their day, and it improves learning and behavior as well. And now new research shows that it can also help keep them at a healthy weight.

“When your kids skip breakfast, they tend to be so hungry by snack or lunch time that they overeat,” says Cleveland Clinic registered dietitian Kate Patton.

Obesity linked with skipping breakfast

A new study followed 625 kids as they progressed from the fourth to sixth grades to find out how often they ate cereal in the morning. They were all children who lived in a low-income minority community, where American kids are at the greatest risk of obesity.

Children who said they ate cereal every morning averaged in the 65th percentile for Body Mass Index (BMI), which is considered a healthy weight. Children who ate cereal only half the time ranked in the 95th percentile for BMI, putting them in the overweight category. They also had lower intakes of essential nutrients.

“This is a problem that only gets worse as kids get older,” says Ms. Patton. “The number of kids who eat breakfast declines with age, putting teens and pre-teens at a greater risk of obesity as they enter adulthood.”

Good breakfast ideas for kids

Sure, cereals are easy and quick in the mornings, but Ms. Patton warns that not all cereals are created equal

“Look for cereals with whole grains and at least 3 grams of fiber per serving,” says Ms. Patton. “Read the labels for sugar and salt content too, and pick ones with no more than 10 grams of sugar and no more than 140 milligrams of sodium per serving.”

Some other ideas for a healthy breakfast:

•Fruit and yogurt (low-fat) parfaits topped with a whole grain cereal

•Whole grain waffles with fruit or nut butter spreads

•A breakfast burrito stuffed with egg, cheese, beans and salsa, or one made with peanut butter and banana

•Oatmeal with toppings like raisins, fruit (dried or fresh) or nuts

“Make sure your kids eat something every morning to start their day right and to help support a healthy weight,” Ms. Patton says.

Men Should Not Share Their Wife's Breasts With Their Kids- Expert

According to an expert, having the mouth of a man as well as that of an infant on the breasts of a nursing mother could prove detrimental.This is why men have been told to desist from sharing their wives' breasts with infants as the act could lead to injury for the mother and also expose the baby to infection.

This piece of advice was given out by Professor Angela Oyo Ita, the Commissioner for Health of Cross River State, at the opening ceremony for the 2013 Breast Feeding Week at Akpabuyo local Government Area of the state. Prof. Ita stated that men sharing their wives' breasts while they are breast feeding could inflict wound on the breasts and if the woman is HIV positive, the child could be exposed to the infection.

Professor Oyo Ita who was represented by the Director Nutrition of the Ministry of Health, Mrs Regina Adie called on the women to practice exclusive breast feeding because it has been proven that beast milk contains 80% water and 20% minerals that are essential for the child's growth." The World Health Organisation, the United Nation International Children Educational Fund, and other renowned world agencies have carried out studies and it has proven that breast milk is the best in keeping the child healthy, strong and happy".

She said myths that a child that is exclusively fed on breast milk for six months would at some point die out of thirst is not true because beast milk contains enough water to keep the child happy and satisfied. "Some time ago, we came here and had a meeting with the men and called on them to support their wives to carry out exclusive breast feeding for their children and the men said no because the children would die from the thirst for water, but that is not true".

The Health Commissioner said the theme for this year's breast feeding week. 'Breast Feeding, Close to Mother", was apt because the relationship between the mother and the child becomes stronger when the mother breast feeds the baby exclusively for six months. "If you look at the face of your baby during breast feeding, you would see joy and satisfaction on the face and that brings the child closer to the mother".Mrs Rosemary Effiong, the Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area said breast feeding keeps children strong and free of health challenges and "We in Akpabuyo do not want to have children who would put unnecessary pressure on our health facilities, so let every mother listen and obey the instruction of the focal person on breast feeding".

Mrs Effiong who was represented by the Secretary of Council, Mr Edem Okon said the council would continue to offer the needed support to mothers through financial empowerment to enable them feed well to breast feed their children.

Furnitures for Kids

        

Whether you're looking to furnish your girls, boys, teens or little kids bedroom, at Rooms To Go Kids it's easy to find unique kids furniture themed with a look that fits your child's personality. For a more mature unique kids furniture option, consider timeless mission furniture inspired by the popular, versatile adult favorite. Or, make a unique kids furniture statement with sports inspired themes for your son, including pieces with sporting equipment detail. Or, for the princess in every little girl, choose a unique kids furniture theme for your daughter that is magical, enchanting and even integrates the unique details like crystal balls.

  

Kids show us their unique and special personalities in everything they do. Thus, creating a bedroom with unique kids furniture for your child is key to their growth. For a truly unique kids furniture idea, utilize truly unique kids furniture pieces. Give them what they've always dreamed up with a bedroom themed by a tree house with unique kids bedroom furniture that makes them feel like they're sleeping every night outside. Or, create dreamy surrounds with unique kids furniture with a magical castle or even a covered wagon theme.

 
 

Set an exciting tone of your child's bedroom with unique kids furniture that is versatile and useful such as bunk beds or space saving captain beds with storage below. Furnish a playroom or the corner of a bedroom with unique kids furniture that is anything from funky retro to classic farmhouse style.

  bedroom

More than anything, translate your unique kids personality into their a very special space for them with unique children's furniture. Give them a space that's unique to them where your child is free to invent, create and grow with their unique kids furniture. Decorating your child's bedroom with unique kids furniture is just another way of letting your little one's individuality and exceptional personality shine.

 

Kenyan West Gate Mall on fire as terrorists reportedly "Blow themselves up(Photos)

terriots group

Kenyan Special Forces were today locked in a fight to the death with Islamic terrorists who have been barricaded inside a Nairobi mall with up to 40 hostages since Saturday.

Witnesses described hearing four large explosions at the Westgate Shopping Centre followed by fierce gun fire after the military tried to break the three day siege by gaining access from the roof..

It is feared that some of the gunmen inside may have blown themselves up, though a Kenyan government minister said that militants had set fire to some mattresses in a supermarket as a decoy.

Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku said that two of the terrorists had been killed and that most hostages were now free. All of the militants were men, he added, although some were dressed as women. So far, 69 people have been confirmed dead including four Britons. At least 175 were injured, including children

The names of the terrorists as published by Al Shabaab HSM twitter account which has taken responsibility for the attack are

Names of alleged terrorists

 Ahmed Nasir Shirdoon, 24, from London, UK;

Gen Mustafe Noorduiin, 27, from Kansas City, U.S.,

Abdifatah Osman Keenadiid, 24, from Minneapolis, U.S.,

 Ahmed Mohamad Isse, 22, from Saint Paul, U.S;

Ismael Guled, 23, from Finland;

Abdirizak Mouled, 24, from Ontario, Canada;

Zaki Jama Caraale, 20, and Sayid Nuh, 25, both from Somalia.

(Dailymail Uk)

Bedroom Design for Children with Special Needs

Bedroom design for children with special needs requires some additional care and consideration to make the room as functional as possible. Whether you child has a physical disability or suffers from asthma or allergies, some relatively minor adjustments can make their bedroom a special place where they get a break from the strains they may face in their daily lives.

Physical Disabilities

 If your child is in a wheelchair, make sure you lay out the room in a way that lets them maneuver easily.

When designing a bedroom for a special needs child with a physical disability, your foremost concern should be accessibility. Your child should be able to easily reach their shelves, open their drawers and closets, and maneuver within the room. First, start with some common sense adjustments:

•Invest in long, horizontal shelves instead of tall, vertical ones for storing books and toys. You can either buy horizontal shelves, or simply place vertical shelves you already have on their side.

•If your child has a problem turning door knobs, replace traditional knobs with door levers. If the levers are too hard to use, consider placing the door on swing hinges so you child only has to push the door to open it, or a pocket door that slides into the wall.

•Move light switches down to a level your child can reach. A motion sensor light will help a child who cannot operate a standard light switch.

If your child is in a wheelchair, you need to be sure they can easily move around in their room in their chair, and get in and out of the room by themselves. Consider this when you layout the room - a 36 inch aisle is usually required for a wheelchair to pass easily. The doorway should be at least 32 inches wide for a wheelchair or walker to get through. Make sure the door does not block access to the room when it swing open - you can swap a right swinging door for a left one, or vice versa, if this is the case.

Make sure the tables and desks in your child's room are tall enough and deep enough to accommodate a wheelchair, and that your child can sit there comfortably. Investing in a table with adjustable legs may be worthwhile, so it can grow with your child.

Asthma and Allergies

If your child suffers from asthma or has severe allergies, protecting them from environmental concerns is of more concern than accessibility. To keep their rooms allergen free, consider the following steps:

•Pull up carpeting and stick with a hardwood floor. Carpets trap an enormous amount of dust that vacuuming cannot adequately remove.

•Use a dehumidifier to keep the moisture in the air low, so mold and fungus cannot grow. Keep the heat down as low as possible in the winter.

•Seal your child's mattress in a plastic cover.

•Keep furniture and decorations minimal - anything with fabric will hold onto dust, and the more surfaces there are, the more surfaces to breed allergens.

•Keep family pets out of your child's bedroom.

•Install an air purifier in the room.

Visual Impairments

If your child has a visual impairment, keep the room as clutter free and organized as possible to help your child navigate the space. Set the bed in a direct path to the door so your child has easy access day or night. Stick to wall-to-wall floor coverings to avoid corners that could curl and catch at feet from an area rug and hang hooks on the backs of doors at shoulder height so your child can easily keep things up off the floor.

Try to lay the room out so that there is a natural place for everything that your child can learn to navigate in time. Don't be afraid to add in some tactile elements as well, such as furry throw pillows or velvet drapes that will allow your child to enjoy the decor in her own way.

Autism

Design your autistic child's bedroom with his special needs in mind. Children can fall all over the spectrum and be bothered by different colors, lights, sounds or stimuli. Some design tips that may work for many children include:

•Using heavy, immovable furniture that is bolted to walls.

•Using lots of low shelves for toy storage that will minimize climbing or frustration.

•Use easy-to-access bins for sorting and grouping toys.

•Consider a platform bed that is low to the ground in case of falls.

•Use blackout curtains to help control the level of light in the room.

Purchasing Decor for Children with Special Needs

While many items may be easily adapted to your child's needs, there are several resources available that may cater to exactly what you need, including:

•eSpecial Needs

•Sweet Dream Bed

•Jenx

•Adaptive Mall

•Able Play

Things to Keep in Mind

Aside from the additional considerations that you need to keep in mind, there is no need to approach bedroom design for children with special needs differently that you would designing any child's bedroom. As soon as your child is old enough, involve them in the process of decorating their bedrooms. For a special needs child, this takes on special significance for two reasons. First, your child can communicate to you the needs they have, the problems they face within the room design, and the things that could make their lives easier. Second, your special needs child's bedroom should be a place where they can escape their problems and truly be comfortable - giving them a hand in the design process will ensure they get the haven they deserve.