Education of Children

By Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. Kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ), a neurobiological disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, tend to have a harder time in school because of the disorder. “Research suggests that children with ADHD exhibit deficits in cognitive and achievement testing, lower grades, and an increased use of special education services in comparison with the general population,” said Jacqueline Iseman, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist with a private practice in Potomac, Maryland.  Kids with ADHD also are more likely to need tutoring, repeat a grade or have learning difficulties, she added. So how can you help them do well in school? They’re more easily distracted by outside noise and their own thoughts, said Terry Matlen, ACSW, a psychotherapist and coach who specializes in ADHD. They’re typically disorganized. For instance, they forget to bring assignments home or take completed homework to schoo...

    by Chelo Aestrid on September 29, 2013. For the spirit of upcoming October as ADHD Awareness Month, it is good to know a study has found that omega-3 fatty acids has worked in the treatment for ADHD in rats. Scientists have known that diet plays a major role in affecting children’s behavior. A lack of certain minerals and vitamins are present in children with ADHD, and multi-vitamin supplements have shown positive changes against ADHD. Having abundant and tasty foods containing omega-3 fatty acids in meals can be a great alternative to the “over-medication” of those suffering from ADHD in recent years. Omega-3 fatty acids generally need to be consumed because it is an essential fat that can not be produced in the body. Some sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and herring), plant-based foods (walnuts, olive-oil, flax and chia seeds), and supplements. Recently, a team from the University of...

Parents of adult kids with autism are creating jobs that play to their strengths — like starting a T-shirt silk-screening shop if they are artistic, or organic farms if they like to work outdoors.artistic, or organic farms if they like to work outdoors. (Photo: Dalynn Montgomery) Story Highlights Those with autism may struggle with communication but don't mind repetitive tasks Non-profit group is going on road with its message about employing those with autism Employment rate lower for those with autism than for those with other disabilities Lori Ireland and a handful of other parents in Chapel Hill, N.C., had a simple dream: They wanted their teenage children to be able to have jobs someday. Sitting around with nothing productive to do would be unsatisfying and frustrating for their kids, not to mention expensive. But they also knew the dismal truth: It's tough for someone with autism to get a job. So, like an increasing number of parents with children on the autism s...

Children may close their ears to advice, but they keep their eyes open to an example. What a child sees, he follows. If a child gets love, he becomes a loving person. If a child is cared for, he becomes caring. If a child is always condemned, he condemns others. If a child is berated, he learns to berate everyone. If a child gets appreciated, he learns to look at the bright side of life always. A child is just like wet clay. Elders are the potters , it is up to them what they make out of this wet clay… A pot to fill in water and replenish life or a pot to fill drugs and destroy life! Children learn from seeing and hearing, but often from overhearing. We are our children’s reality show:  we are their favorite channel and they watch us daily, especially at those moments when we yell, are frustrated, tired and under the stressors that cause all of us to, at times, “lose it”. It seems like when we tell them to do something we need them to do, they’re completely deaf.  But when w...

 As the first weeks of school for many districts draw to a close, we are eager to show teachers what we do -- and more importantly -- do not think about them. In that vein, we propose a list of belittling phrases -compiled by Rebecca Klein- that you should NEVER say to teachers. You see, it hasn’t been an easy go for teachers lately. In major cities of the USA  like Chicago and Philadelphia , thousands of teachers were laid off this past summer 2013. Meanwhile, the state of North Carolina recently ended teacher tenure and eliminated extra pay for teachers with masters degrees.Something similar happens also in the European countries. So, that's why we think it's important to show right now...

What are your memories of your school days? Do you remember school as fun, boring, exciting, a time to be with friends? Some children experience a great deal of stress associated with school.    What would you say might be some things that trigger school stress? Possible answers being bullied having work incomplete or turning work in late not knowing the answer being slow in sports not having fashionable clothes (having out-of-date clothes) losing papers and books having inadequate school supplies   What are some of the symptoms of stress in children? Possible answers irritability depression impulsive behavior fear, anxiety, worry sleep problems nervousness headaches   How can we help children deal with and overcome school related stress? Possible answers have realistic expectations for the child teach them some simple relaxation techniques help them identify their learning style and ways to learn information provide nutritious meals get plenty of sleep cut do...

by James Lehman, MSW   As a parent, if you aren’t the boss in your family, the lines of authority can become blurred very quickly. When your children are unsure about who's really in charge, they often act out, engage in risky behavior, or become extremely bossy and patronizing as a result. And eventually you start to resent them because you don't have a way to tell them what to do. You’ve effectively lost control. One of the ways you can lose your status as a parent very quickly is to act like a child. Many parents also want to be their child's friend—they don’t like the idea of being the boss at all. The major problem with this approach is that a friend is non-judgmental, and friendships are egalitarian. In my opinion, your child’s role simply isn’t equal to yours—as a parent, you have to make judgments and be in charge because otherwise, no one will be. By the way, I want to be clear about what I mean by the “boss.” I often define t...

By Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. Like adults, kids also struggle with stress. Too many commitments, conflict in their families and problems with peers are all stressors that overwhelm children. Of course, “a certain amount of stress is normal,” said Lynn Lyons , LICSW, a psychotherapist who specializes in treating anxious families and co-author of the book Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous and Independent Children with anxiety expert Reid Wilson, Ph.D. It’s normal to feel stressed about starting middle school or taking a big test, she said. The key to helping kids manage stress is teaching them to problem-solve, plan and know when to say yes and no to activities and commitments, she said. It isn’t to “make everything smooth and comfortable.” “If you don’t teach [your kids] how to manage stress, they will self-medicate with food, drugs and alcohol.” In other words, kids will reach for something to make them feel better right away,...