Early Intervention for Learning Challenges
It is estimated that between 15 and 18 percent of children have mental health problems and other brain-based challenges that interfere with learning. The most common of these are Attention [...]
Avoiding Power Struggles
“You can’t make me!” screams your expressive child. Your breath quickens, heart rate elevates, blood pressure rises and a throb starts at the temples. At times you may feel [...]
Helping your Child Deal with Grief
While it is common for children to grieve the death of a loved one, children might also grieve following a divorce or separation, a loved one moving away or [...]
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder? Oppositional Defiant Disorder is characterized by a set of behaviors that are often negative, disrespectful, disobedient or hostile. These sets of behavior traits often [...]
Instilling Good Behavior for Children with Down Syndrome
Your child with special needs is 36 months old and you are preparing to transition from Birth-to-Three services into an early childhood program. When researching early childhood settings (home, [...]
Finding a “Normal Day” with a Special Needs Child
If you would ask parents what their greatest challenges are, many of them will mention managing the family’s time, energy, and resources. This becomes an even greater challenge in [...]
Why We Play
A child’s play zone, whether it is in the home or classroom, can look like a free for all at times. A world full of movement and noise, of [...]
Asthma in Children
Mel Hendrickson and Kelsey Rinzel Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the airways. In children, it is the leading cause of emergency room visits, hospitalizations and missed [...]
Understanding Your Child’s Behavior
Dealing with challenging behavior can be frustrating and exhausting for parents. Using a combination of positive reinforcement and the appropriate discipline strategy based on the type of the behavior [...]
Lessons Learned: What to do When Your Child has a Special Need
As a mother of a child with a rare genetic condition, there are lessons I’ve learned over the years that have helped me become a better parent and effectively [...]