Raising Awareness During Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness month and since 1 in 88 children (1 in 54 among boys) are diagnosed on the spectrum, it is an issue that touches many parents today. Sadly, most doctors paint a very bleak picture when telling parents that their child falls on the spectrum.  Filling the parent's heads will all the thinks that their child will not be able to do.  Having been at a school that had to self contained autistic units (most of the children were sever), I will tell you that each year that I was there I saw progress in each and every one of the children in those classrooms.  Don't let the doctors tell you that your child will not be able to do many things.  I believe in the power of faith and self-fulfilling prophecies.  If you think they can do it, they stand a much better chance of achieving the goal than if you think that they can't do it. 

The family of Holly Robinson Peeta, an actress of 21 Jump Street and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper fame, has written two books that are worth a read if you are part of a family that has an autistic child.  Holly has a teenage son who is on the spectrum.  He was diagnosed at the age of three.  Her husband wrote a book called Not My Boy which provides us with a father's perspective.  Holly and her daughter Ryan Elizabeth wrote a children's book called My Brother Charlie to help children understand this disorder.  She is a great advocate for her son and all the children who are on the autistic spectrum.  If you have a child with autism, the most important thing that you can do for them is advocate for them in the schools, with the medical community and with your friends. 

What is potty training coming to?

Children Distilling Hand Sanitizer, What's Next?

The latest craze for children getting high: distilling hand sanitizer and drinking the liquid.  The problem with this is that the liquid is a highly concentrated alcohol that is sending many children to the emergency with alcohol poisoning or worse causing their death.  Being aware of this craze is not enough because every news program  is providing our children with a road map of how to distill this easily available product using salt. 

What should do to prevent your child from falling victim to this latest fad?  First, talk to your children about the dangers of this phenomenon.  In addition, consider replacing your home sanitizers with foam sanitizer, alcohol wipes or alcohol free sanitizers.  Contact your schools to make sure that they are aware of this trend and encourage the school to change over to these other forms of sanitizers.

Is Hair Chalking a Form of Rebellion in Children?

Hair Chalking is a new form of rebellion among children, but one that I would recommend that you allow.  Children are born to rebel and hair chalking is  a harmless, non-permanent form of rebellion that may just fulfill your child's need for rebellion without them participating in a dangerous activities.  This is definitely a case where you should consider choosing your battles carefully.

Check with your school to see if hair chalking is permitted.  Many schools do not allow it because it poses a distraction to learning.  If your school doesn't allow it, suggest to your children that that was what weekends, breaks and summer were made for.

Be careful not to go overboard with your excitement about your child participating in hair chalking.  If you are too supportive, they will not consider this as rebellion.

Today has Been Declared World Meningitis Day

Today is World Meningitis Day and health officials around the world are urging parents to be aware of the dangers of this disease and that many forms of this disease are vaccine preventable.  Statistics suggest that 12,000 people develop this disease, 4000 of these individuals suffer some amount brain damage and 200 die each year.

There is lots of research available on the internet to review regarding having your child and yourself vaccinated for meningitis.  Do the research.  Make sure to pick reputable sites.  Do it today.

International Pillow Fight Day: You and Your Child Relieving Stress

Even though I missed out on International Pillow Fight Day, this year as it was held on April 7th, it reminds me that having a pillow fight with your children can be a great stress reliever for all.  Make sure to set down a few ground rules like only using soft pillows and no hits to the face or head.  They laughter and fun that will ensue will be remembered for years to come.  Consider making it a monthly family event.  Be sure to get the teens involved.  It may help to eleviate some tension that many parents experience between themselves and their teens.

A Quote to Share with Your Child about Being Happy Now Rather than Later

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored. -Earl Nightingale