Growing Up
Stockton August 2018
Get Kids Back on a Sleep Schedule Page 2
Fight the Fear of School Page 3
How Kids Develop Empathy Page 4
S2 ❘ August 2018
Growing Up Stockton
Get kids back on a sleep schedule
By Melissa Erickson More Content Now
O
ver the summer kids tend to get into bad sleep habits. With the start of school just around the corner, it’s time to get back to a healthy sleep schedule. But first, something parents already know: The school system has it backward, sending older kids to school earlier and letting little ones start later, said Dr. Cheryl Tierney, associate professor of pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine and chief of behavior and developmental pediatrics at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. “Parents, have some empathy. If they’re pushing back and saying they can’t fall asleep and then they have trouble waking, it’s not their fault. Their natural biology is to stay up later,” Tierney said. “Regardless of any bad habits accumulated over the summer, gradually start to change sleep habits about two weeks before the start of the school year.” How to do it Slowly push bedtime forward in anticipation of the school year, said Chris Brantner, founder and certified sleep science coach at SleepZoo.com. “Trying to switch from a 10 p.m. bedtime to an 8 p.m. bedtime in one night simply won’t work. Your child will wind up fighting you at bedtime and being groggy and grumpy the first day of school, which isn’t exactly a great way to start the year,” Brantner said.
The seasonal change is on your side, as the days get shorter and darker earlier, Tierney said. Push bedtime and wake-up times forward 15 to 30 minutes every few days. “Yes, it may prove painful at first, but if you wake them up earlier, they’ll have an easier time going to bed on time,” Brantner said. To help kids get to sleep, cut out caffeine after noon or 1 p.m., Tierney said.
Set the mood Simply setting a bedtime isn’t always enough. Make sure your child’s bedroom is set up for sleep with curtains that can block out the light, Brantner said. “I also recommend dimming the lights about 30 minutes before bed and starting your bedtime routine early. This will help your child wind down a bit earlier,” he said.
Once the day starts, help your child wake up by getting him or her out in the sunlight as quickly as possible. “The sunlight will actually help reset their circadian rhythm, which can help their body start feeling more tired once the sun goes down,” Brantner said.
“We’re all a little more lax over the summer with parties and barbecues, soda and chocolate. Parents may not even be aware their children are having so much caffeine,” she said. A healthy cardiovascular workout will also encourage sleep as long as kids have 30 minutes to an hour to relax and shower before bed, Tierney said. “Being more active and outside in the summer is good for helping kids get to bed,” she said. Avoid electronics for one hour before bed because the light frequency decreases natural melatonin production, Tierney said. For high school kids really having trouble getting to sleep, a temporary, two-week program of low-dose (1 to 3 mg) melatonin an hour or so before bedtime can be used, she said. Just be sure to purchase it at a reputable grocery or pharmacy because melatonin, like other supplements, is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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August 2018 ❘ S3
Growing Up Stockton
Fight the Fear of School For first-timers and more sensitive students, heading to school can be a tumultuous time; follow these tips to get your kids ready, set, excited to learn By Anna T. Hirsh CTW Features
S
tarting school is a very exciting time for young children – they are learning new skills such as reading, writing and math, meeting new friends and getting the keys to a whole new world that, until now, only belonged to older siblings or bigger kids from the neighborhood. This big change in a child’s day-to-day life, however, can also produce a lot of anxiety. “Any change or transition, including good ones, can also be scary, and some kids are naturally more apprehensive than others,” says Jeff Q. Bostic, M.D., Ed.D., director of school psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. “We’re all on a spectrum in terms of how anxious we get, and some kids are overwhelmed by the transition.” But preparation can do a lot to allay apprehensions. Bostic advises parents to begin by getting a handle on their child’s initial perceptions of the upcoming experience by asking questions such as, “What are you looking forward to in kindergarten?”, “What sounds like it will be fun?” and “Anything you’re concerned about or not looking forward to?” In addition, Shyrelle Eubanks, policy analyst for school readiness in the National Education Association’s Department of Education Policy and Programs, Washington, D.C., suggests that before school begins, parents should read books to their children about starting school, talk enthusiastically about starting school, and explain to the child the kind of work he or she will be doing in the classroom. Lawrence Balter, Ph.D., a professor of applied psychology at New York University, New York City, recommends that you have
your child talk to other, older children, particularly those who really like school and will talk about it in favorable terms. Once any concerns are clarified and parents have reinforced a positive point of view about school, most experts agree that it’s a good idea to show children their new school in advance of the first day. “Usually a child’s main concern is with leaving what’s familiar, separating from a secure base such as the home and parents,” says Balter, author of Parenthood in America: An Encyclopedia (Library Binding, 2000). “The unfamiliar raises their anxiety.” If it is at all possible, Bostic recommends that you help your child to feel at home in the new environment by going to the building before the summer ends, establishing the layout of classrooms, bathrooms and play areas, meeting teachers ahead of time, figuring out what the daily schedule will be, tracing bus routes, etc. Then, once the big day arrives, adds Balter, “The parent can also reassure the child that they will be home and waiting for them when the school day is over – let them know that they’re not going anywhere.” Parents should also not be afraid to enlist the support and expertise of their child’s teacher. “Teachers expect children to have some difficulty and usually plan several weeks of activities that are geared towards helping children adjust to school,” says Eubanks. “Good teachers have an arsenal of strategies that they use to support children, and they can usually figure out what each child needs. “However, if parents believe their child will have extreme difficulty,” says Eubanks, “they should communicate this to the child’s teacher before school starts so that he or she can be prepared to give that child special attention on the first day.”
Beyond the first day or year, returning to school after the summer break is also difficult for some returning students. This anxiety is often a sign of issues with schoolwork. “Oftentimes, when a kid says, ‘I hate school’ or ‘I don’t want to go to school,’ what the child is really saying is that some aspect of learning, be it reading, math skills, etc., is daunting,” explains Blythe Duffield, a seventh and eighth-grade humanities teacher at Eastside College Preparatory School, East Palo Alto, Calif. “At the core, the majority of children really love learning, and so a child voicing concerns and fears about school can be a wonderful opportunity to address his or her individual learning needs with the child and his or her teacher.” This approach is also helpful when a student is having problems with classmates. “Another cause of school fears is peer relationships,” says Duffield, “especially in the middle school or high school years.” Most schools nowadays have a zero-tolerance policy on bullying. If your child is being bullied, Duffield suggests reading up on the school’s student behavior expectations/policies, talking to the school’s administration about your child’s concerns and contacting a teacher to discuss the problems and possible solutions. Whether it’s the first day of school or back-to-school, the best way to fight the fear of school is through preparation and communication. And who knows? After that first traumatic day, you may have to fight to get your child to come home. “Frankly, I think children do better than adults think they will,” says Eubanks. “Once children see all the wonderful materials and are engaged in learning, they are usually fine.” © CTW Features
S4 ❘ August 2018
Growing Up Stockton
How kids develop empathy By Melissa Erickson More Content Now
S
iblings may be best friends or bitter rivals, but a new study finds that having a brother or sister makes a person kinder and more empathetic. Older siblings are role models and teachers and help younger ones learn about the world in the same way that parents and teachers do, according to a study done by researchers at the University of Calgary, Universite Laval,
Tel Aviv University and the University of Toronto. It appears in the journal Child Development. The ethnically diverse participants came from a range of socio-economic backgrounds, and the siblings were between 18 months and 4 years old at the start of the 18-month study. Children’s empathy was measured by observing each sibling’s behavior and facial responses when an observer pretended to be hurt or distressed. Some examples
included when a finger was caught in a briefcase or after hitting a knee. The interactions were filmed and families answered questionnaires. “Although it’s assumed that older siblings and parents are the primary socializing influences on younger siblings’ development (but not viceversa), we found that both younger and older siblings positively contributed to each other’s empathy over time,” said Marc Jambon, postdoctoral fellow at the University of
Toronto, who was at the University of Calgary when he led the study. “These findings stayed the same, even after taking into consideration each child’s earlier levels of empathy and factors that siblings in a family share – such as parenting practices or the family’s socioeconomic status – that could explain similarities between them.” All ages and both genders positively influenced the other’s development of empathy with one exception.
“Younger brothers didn’t contribute to significant changes in older sisters’ empathy,” Jambon said. The strongest influence was seen when the age difference between siblings was greater. All members of the family – not just parents and older siblings – contribute to a child’s development, said study coauthor Sheri Madigan, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Calgary.
Health education:
What teachers want kids to know about mental health, dangerous behavior
By Melissa Erickson More Content Now
H
ealth education in schools matters because healthy students have a better chance of making the most of their educational opportunities, said Kimberly Ohara-Borowski, health teacher at Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach, California, and SHAPE America’s 2018 National Teacher of the Year in Health Education. Health educators tackle myriad topics with their students, covering risky behaviors including the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, and actions that can result in unintentional injuries and violence. It’s not all focused on the
negative, though. Health educators promote healthy habits like embracing a wellbalanced diet and the benefits of exercise, and find time to talk about mental health, OharaBorowski said. Childhood is the right time to talk to kids about these serious issues because bad behaviors established while young are difficult to shake later in life, she said, and contribute markedly to the leading causes of death, disability and social problems among youth and adults in the United States. No consistency Inconsistency in the way health is taught to children from state to state is one of the biggest challenges facing health education, OharaBorowski said. Often students are exposed to just a single
semester of health education in middle school and another in high school. “What we’re teaching are the most important things they need to learn in their lifetimes, but it’s very limited at only a semester,” Ohara-Borowski said. Health educators not only talk about dangers but also what messages kids are getting from their parents, online and on social media. “E-cigarettes and terms like ‘vaping’ or ‘juuling’ are trending,” Ohara-Borowski said. Health education is currently undergoing changes in how it’s taught, however, with educators focusing on a more skills-based approach, she said. The goal is to give kids functional knowledge and good decision-making skills so that when they are offered
an e-cigarette, for example, they will understand why they should refuse and have the confidence to do so. “Skills-based health education teaches kids to make healthy choices, to set goals and achieve goals, and to reset goals if needed,” she said. Mental health awareness Concerns over the mental health of children and teens is also a huge topic for health educators. “People downplay the warning signs of mental health” issues, Ohara-Borowski said. Adults who say “It’s just a phase” or “She’s just acting like a teenager” may be missing that a child is struggling with a mental illness. One in five children ages 13 to 18 have or will have a serious mental
illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. For 50 percent of kids, the signs or symptoms of mental illness show up by age 14. Some of the most common are mood, conduct and anxiety disorders. Suicide is the thirdleading cause of death for ages 10 to 24. “Recognize the warning signs and let them know if they’re struggling, you can help,” Ohara-Borowski said. Warning signs include feeling sad or withdrawn, changes in diet, intense worries or fears, use of drugs or alcohol, and changes in behavior including difficulty concentrating or staying still.
August 2018 ❘ S5
Growing Up Stockton
Mark Yo r Calendars
AUGUST 4–OCTOBER 21
PIXIE WOODS AMUSEMENT PARK
Pixie Woods Amusement Park is Stockton’s own fairyland for the “young in age and the young at heart.” A family favorite for more than 55 years, this beautiful and well-manicured park offers hours of fun for everyone. Take a ride on the vintage merry-go-round, or board the Pixie Express Train traveling through Indian territory – but be on the lookout for pirates! 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Pixie Woods Amusement Park 3121 Monte Diablo Avenue, Stockton For more information: (209) 937-8206 / (800) 526-1555
AUGUST 4–26
CRITTER CORRAL
Visit and pet a variety of live farm animals at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum! The 18-acre Museum reveals the rich history of San Joaquin County in eight exhibition buildings, four historic buildings, the renovated Sunshine Trail (a living exhibition of native plants and habitats) and the new Delta Water Path. Adults (18-64): $5 Seniors (65+): $4 Teens (13-17): $4 Children (6-12): $2 SJC Historical Society members: Free Wednesday through Sunday San Joaquin County Historical Museum 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi For more information: (209) 331-2055
AUGUST 18 & 19
STOCKTONCON
The mission of StocktonCon is to raise awareness of outstanding artists in the San Joaquin Valley area and to give attendees the chance to experience popular culture (comics, card games, video games, anime, manga, science fiction, toys, television and movies). It is also StocktonCon’s intention to raise awareness and funds in conjunction with the United Way and St. Mary’s Dining Room. Pre-sale: One-day pass: $13 Two-day pass: $18 At the door: One-day pass: $16 Two-day pass: $22 Kids 12 and under are FREE (with paying adult) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Stockton Arena 248 W. Fremont Street, Stockton For more information: (209) 373-1400
SEPTEMBER 15
FAMILY DAY AT THE PARK
It’s FREE! It’s FUN! And it’s all about literacy and education. A wonderful day you won’t want to miss! Interactive projects in every booth LIVE music Face painting Clowns Something for everyone in the family 9:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. University Park 612 E. Magnolia Street, Stockton For more information: (209) 957-7277
SEPTEMBER 29
STOCKTON AUTO SHOW & FAMILY FESTIVAL There is something for everyone at the 3rd Annual Stockton Auto Show & Family Festival: Special Celebrity Guest Dave Kindig of Velocity Channel’s Bitchin’ Rides, new vehicle exhibits, classic and custom cars and trucks, live DJ, contests, prizes and vacation giveaways, eats, treats and spirits, dozens of exhibitors and vendors, FREE Kids Zone and more! Advance ticket prices: Adults: $10 Seniors $8 Children (13-17) $8 Children 12 and under FREE Group 4-pack $32 Senior 4-pack $24 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday San Joaquin County Fairgrounds 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton For more information: (209) 546-8200
n o t k c o St
SEPT 29
2018
L A V I T S E F Y L I & FAM Celebrit y Guest
G I D N I K E V DA nelʼs
Star of Velocity Chan
ides Bitchinʼ R dig-it Design
and owner of Kin
Sat., Sept. 29th
•
SJ County Fairgrounds
Advanced tickets online or pre-register your classic car entry at:
StocktonAutoShow.com
Exhibitor & sponsorship opportunities available @ 209.546.8210 or 546-8218