10 minute read
Kids Say the Wisest Things
by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA
Control What You Can
My husband and I recently watched Summer Rental, a 1985 movie about a family on vacation. We noticed a stark difference between the behavior of the children in this older movie and the behavior of children in more recent productions. The children in “Summer Rental” were more realistic. They talked too much but could entertain themselves without electronics, complained, and argued with one another. Children in current family movies are often depicted as quiet, rational, and glued to devices. The difference between the parents was also drastic. The parents from the 80s movie were in control and demanded respect. Unfortunately, modern media often displays weak parents who care more about making their children happy than about raising productive, healthy adults. It was shocking to see what I observe in my practice daily displayed on the screen.
I often speak with pediatricians, their nurses, and other mental health professionals about the pattern we are all seeing of parents looking for a medical diagnosis instead of simply accepting their responsibility and the reality of parenting. Unfortunately, many factors play into the epidemic that Leonard Sax, MD refers to as “The Collapse of Parenting.”
One factor you may not be aware of is that drug companies are profiting from misrepresenting typical childlike behavior as a medical problem. For example, when I was in graduate school, a bipolar disorder diagnosis required episodes of depression and mania to last for days (at least). In the mid-1990s, a group of Harvard researchers successfully argued that bipolar disorder in children was different because the cycles lasted only minutes. According to their research, children who were sad one minute and happy the next were “abnormal,” which led to a fortyfold increase in the prescriptions of Resperdal and Seroquel. When the research team was investigated, it was determined they were paid $4 million by the companies that produced these drugs.
There is an epidemic of parents not owning up to the responsibility of raising children well. Instead of learning how to parent effectively and creating environments that set children up for success, some are looking for excuses, explanations, and accommodations. How do we fix this? We empower parents to control what they can. The research consistently reveals that food, sleep, and media significantly impact behavior. You have control of these things. Your children may not like the limits you set, but this is YOUR responsibility.
1. Feed them healthy foods. I always ask interns to notice any commonalities between problem behaviors and nutrition. After only a day or two of doing intakes, every intern has reported that children with the most significant behavior problems only eat highly processed foods full of carbohydrates. These foods spike blood sugar, causing irritability.
2. Ensure they get 10 to 12 hours of
sleep each night. A lack of sleep creates symptoms consistent with ADHD and several other diagnoses. Keep bedrooms free of toys and electronics, create consistent bedtime routines, and use sound machines. If you have done everything you can to help your child sleep and nothing works, discuss it with your pediatrician.
3. Place strong limits on video games
and handheld media. A growing body of evidence reveals how detrimental these devices are to brain development. Also, these devices limit social interactions and learning experiences. It is important for children to be bored, observe their environments, and communicate constantly with the people around them.
Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.
Annual Holiday Light Festival at The Montgomery Zoo
December 3-25 @ Montgomery Zoo 5:30 to 9 p.m. each night. See the Montgomery Zoo transformed into a Winter Wonderland displaying thousands of sparkling and twinkling lights and festive decorations at Christmas Lights Festival. Take a leisurely stroll, a brisk train ride, or see the lights from atop the Zoofari Skylift Adventure Ride. Visit www.montgomeryzoo.com for details.
Biscuits with Santa
December 3 * 11 am to 1 pm
Santa is once again making a special stop at Riverwalk this holiday season for Biscuits with Santa! Bring the kids to get their pictures with Santa and stick around to enjoy biscuits and hot cocoa, craft stations, watch a movie on the videoboard, and browse the Biscuit Basket team store to get a few Christmas gifts! This event is free to attend.
5-9 pm * December 9-11 and 16-31 (closed Christmas Day) @ Alabama Safari Park, Hope Hull
Enjoy the beauty of the Safari Park at night as you drive through thousands of sparkling lights! After your drive, enjoy an illuminated walk through our Candy Cane Forest and visit with all of your favorite farm animals in the petting area. Santa will be in attendance on select days. Tickets are $11 per person. Visit www.alabamasafaripark.com for tickets.
YMCA’s Wetumpka Candy Cane 5K
Saturday December 10 * 8 am
This is a race for all fitness levels and all proceeds benefit the Wetumpka
YMCA
Annual Campaign. Because our mission is to serve ALL people, financial assistance is made available to any individual or family who wants to participate in a YMCA program or activity, but cannot afford the fee. Annual Support Campaign helps our Y live its mission every day. Race begins at Wetumpka Middle School.
Cost: $40; $5 discount for military & first responders (in-house registration only). Call or email with questions:
Register at www.ymcamontgomery.org.
Storytime with Santa & Mrs. Clause
December 10 * 10 am or 2 pm River Region CommUNITY of H.O.P.E. will host this event at Woodland United Methodist Church, 4428 Wallahatchie Road, in Pike Road. Enjoy storytime, a Christmas sing-a-long, craft time, plus cookies and milk. Tickets are $10 and available at acsmontg.ejoinme.org/storytimewithsanta. Limited tickets at door/ purchase tickets in advance.
50th Christmas on the Coosa Celebration
Saturday, December 10 * All Day
The 50th Christmas on the Coosa Celebration will begin in the morning with the annual Character Breakfast. The first session is at 7:30 am and the second at 9:30 am. Food and arts and crafts vendors will be an all day setup starting at 12 noon. The Antique Car Show will also begin at 12 noon and end at 3 pm. The night parade will start at 6 pm. At last, Santa will ski across the Coosa River at 7pm and we will end our night with the fireworks show. www.cityofwetumpka.com
Harlem Globetrotters at Garrett Coliseum
December 13 * 7 pm
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming with game like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team! Get tickets at https://www. harlemglobetrotters.com/world-tour/schedule/garrett-coliseum/.
December 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12-16 * 8:45am-12pm OR 10:45am-2pm
Alabama Nature Center
Christmas is just around the corner, and Santa is coming to the Alabama Nature Center! Enjoy a sleigh ride, create a holiday craft, go on a nature hike, participate in story time, and a take a photo with Santa after telling him about your holiday wishes! This day was inspired by the book A Warm Winter Tail by Carrie Pearson. Enjoy 2.5 hours of program time plus half an hour for lunch. Find prices and register online at www.alabamawildlife.org.
Pike Road Theatre Co. presents Elf the Musical
Select Nights in December Based on the cherished 2003
New Line Cinema hit. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Visit www.pikeroadtheatrecompany.org for times and tickets.
It’s a Wonderful Life
December 1-31 * 7 pm
Alabama Shakespeare Festival
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds This production is perfect for all ages. Visit asf.net.
A Main Street Christmas in Prattville
Tuesday, December 13 * 5-7:30 p.m.
Horse-drawn carriage rides, Carolers,
Kids
Projects, Visits with
Santa and more. Giveaways from Chamber and Downtown Merchants. For more info, visit www.prattvillechamber. com or call (334) 595-0850.
Katherine Ward
Redland Middle School
For more than two decades, Katherine Ward has taught English Language Arts in the Elmore County school system. In 2009, she assisted with the opening of Redland Elementary school. Mrs. Ward knew fifth and sixth grades would be relocating to the new middle school, so when the selection process for faculty took place for RMS, she entered her name into the teaching transfer portal. Katherine’s former principal at RES, currently the principal at RMS, offered her the opportunity to teach English Language Arts for fifth grade. Mrs. Ward says, “I love the Redland community, and I’m thrilled to continue working in the Elmore County school district.”
Katherine obtained an undergraduate degree in Family and Child Development and a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University. During graduate school, she participated in lab assignments with all grade levels and all subjects. Her internship was with a departmentalized 6th grade class at the former Head Elementary School with Mrs. Cathy Murphy, who taught reading. Mrs. Ward has taught every subject throughout her teaching tenure, but English Language Arts and Social Studies are her favorites.
Katherine shares,” Being a teacher means advocating for my students. They need someone to believe in them, fight for them, encourage them, support them, love them, and teach them. I had wonderful teachers who did those things for me, so becoming a teacher provided a means for me to pay it forward.”
When it comes to ensuring her students are successful, Katherine goes above and beyond. She understands teaching is not a 7 AM - 3 PM or Monday through Friday profession. Instead, it requires extended time and dedication. “I work on weekends, holidays, and during the summer because I care about my students and want the absolute best for them,” Mrs. Ward shares.
She is passionate about her students and wants every student to experience success. However, she also wants them to know it’s okay to make mistakes. She believes when students experience failure, they learn what needs to be changed or improved to make the next attempt better and become problem solvers.
