April 2020

Page 43

what could happen. Put objects in the same place every time and take advantage of routines. Ask your child to repeat directions. Cognitive Flexibility: Provide cues before or during the task. Forewarn and develop strategies for changes in schedules or information. Play familiar games using different rules and teach flexible thinking with alternative ways to do a task. Planning and Organization: Teach your child how to make and use a checklist. Use color coding for assignments or due dates and teach how to break a project down into manageable parts. Make a step-by-step plan for a task or activity, providing visual and verbal prompts as needed. Explore using time managers such as age-appropriate organizers or watches with alarms to stay on track or finish on time. Teach your child how to stop and check the progress of the activity. Schedule time to organize the workspace or have different workspaces for different tasks. Provide additional time for planning, organizing, and execution of the task. Try not to rush your child. Model and practice how to start a new task and take the first step. Self-Regulation: Teach awareness if the child’s activity level matches the task or setting, and if not, how to change the activity level. Explore using hand fidgets, alternative seating, and quiet spaces when overwhelmed by noise. Try noise canceling headphones to block out distractions. Use first/then statements such as first use the toilet, then get in the shower. Provide quiet time during the day for emotional recovery where the child can read, color, or play with toys. Encourage movement opportunities before sit-down time. Inhibition: Help your child learn how to stop an activity without stress or behaviors. Play “freeze” games to take a deep breath or mentally shift before moving to a different challenge. You can practice waiting before acting or reacting. Practice ‘go with the flow’ on calm days. l

kids jokes & giggles

Want to be published in ‘Hood? Watch our Facebook page for the next callout for jokes!

Complete this sentence: “I’m sorry you think I’m the worst mom ever because…”

Giggle from Everly C. I won’t let her play in the cat box with your bare hands and told her she couldn’t play outside with no diaper on!

Submitted by mom, Amber Giggle from Stella Z. I won’t let you eat an entire tub of frosting for snack.

Submitted by mom, London Giggle from Tait U. I wouldn’t let you finish eating the sucker you just peed on.

Submitted by mom, Tiffany Special kids section brought to you by:

Life’s Good Here voyagefcu.org • 605-338-2533


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