Personality -Observation-1019-13

Personality disorder 0-3 years old
All the issues that a person can have begins during the infant/toddler years. My grand son has several DVDs including Barney on the Farm. I observed that he only wanted to watch Barney. When he wakes up he went to the T.V and begins to point Baarney  sometimes he  wakes up in the night and he begins to call for Barney, when he gets home before he takes his shoes off he begins to ask for Barney. He would cry if we did not put the video in and when we do put it in he would watch it over and over.
We had to have a TV block out .Which went on for a week. We played puzzles, music, among other things. We also have a Barney block out. We introduced other DVDS   and other activities when he is home.
This kid of behavior can lead to personality disorder if you allow your infant/toddler to become addictive to anyone item/ activity. You have to teach your infant/toddler to be open minded and help her to balance her choices. Life is made up of a series of different activities and choices . You are also teaching your infant/toddler how transition for activities. The ability to make transitions from one activity to the next when she gets to school is critical. I have observed many young children who are not able to handle transitions and sometimes need therapy . Many of these things can be avoided it you are in tune with your infant/toddler and help them along the developmental stage.
 You do not want your infant/toddler to develop an addictive personality.
Like us on face book at Kindersuccess.

The First 2000 Days Campaign

Good morning,

We would like all our readers to  visit this link and read it and then share it. It is very important for  everyone to have this  conversation. Soft academic skills  alone will not help you need soft skills. Please expand the conversation. Please share the blog with your contacts . Remember that the blog can be read in different languages.

http://www.first2000days.org/take-action

Self-regulation

Your toddler will cry if you take an object away or if a family member is leaving or if you want to transition  from one activity to the next. This behavior is normal for this age because your toddler is not able to process some information as yet. What is not normal is when your toddler stays crying for a long time and is very difficult to calm herself down. This can be the beginning of emotional problems for  her if you are not in tune with her and help her to learn how to calm herself down. This is one of the skills that are needed for school. Research shows that children who are able to calm them self down  is easier to work with in school and will grow up to become emotionally stable children as they grow.
I have seen many children who are not able to make transitions and needed special services to help them through the process. Emotional stability is the first  skill that is needed before learning can take place. Children who gets upset in childcare programs and begins to throw objects are usually the ones who are not able to calm themselves down.
You need to help your infant/toddler to  master these skills during the infant/toddler years to avoid later problems.

Observation- impulsive behavior

When your toddler leans a new skill she love to practice it and she usually does when it comes to mind. My grand son has learned to throw a ball. He now throws items when he gets the feeling to throw. He has to be guided toward the correct behavior as he is learning what is acceptable behavior in our society. If we do not guide infants/toddlers towards positive behavior they will not be able  learn that certain behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable.  if these behaviors are not guided during the infant/toddler years it can lead to anti-social behaviors.
This is called socialization.

Problem-observation-10-22-13

Ajani's mom was playing with him. She is on her knees and he began crawling through them with his head towards her feet. She then began going backward and Ajani began backing up so he would be still going through her legs but with his feet going in the direction of her feet. That is what we call thinking on your feet. His ability to problem solve is on point. As he gets older  he will be able to build his skills.
You must give your infant/toddler the opportunity to think.

A few days ago I was searching for some information and stumbled on a DNAInfo article about President Obama visiting a Brooklyn H.S. on Friday 10/25/13. After clicking on that article I then saw another DNAInfo article on Hilary Clinton.

This is a Must read she is advocating to early education campaign and giving parents more of a voice and opportunity within the workplace to be able to spend time with their children.

This speaks to the heart of why my mother and I created a parent blog and conduct classes for parents and their babies and started the First 2000 Days New York Campaign.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the article.

www.SabreeEducationServices.com * Follow us on Twitter @KinderSuccess * Join us on Facebook KindergartenSuccess * Instagram KindergartenSuccess


Be well

Interactions with Adults continued 36 to 60 months old

The indicators continue.

1. Separates with assistance from significant adults and transitions to program.
I am sure there are times you want her to move from one activity to another but may have a hard time, if you start teaching her early to say "bye bye" to an activity she will learn to transition easier. I started doing that with Ajani when he began to walk, though he could not articulate it as time when on he began to transition a little easier.

2. Expresses affection for significant adults.
When you show her affection she will return it.

3. Approaches adults for assistance and offers to assist adults.
If she wants to help you with a task encourage it (especially if it does not cause harm to them) it helps to build their self esteem and self confidence because they are able to accomplish something. Once they are done celebrate with them.

4. Carries out actions to please adults at times.
There may be times when she does not do what you ask, then there are times she does. When she does you should say something like this " I like when you cooperate".

5. Expresses feelings about adults (i.e. "I love you Auntie"). If you express your feelings to her she will also begin to express her feelings to you. This sets the stage for her being comfortable to share her feelings as she gets older. Remember the foundation you set now helps build the house later that will last a lifetime. The brain is still developing.

www.SabreeEducationServices.com * Follow us on Twitter @KinderSuccess * Join us on Facebook Kindergarten Success * Instagram KindergartenSuccess

Be well

 

Share your observations

We would love to hear some of your observations of your infant/toddler.

If you have a google account you may comment here or you can post within our facebook page KindergartenSuccess


We look forward to reading what your little one is up to.

Visit Us on facebook KindergartenSuccess
Follow Us on Twitter @KinderSuccess
Instagram KindergarenSuccess

Be well

Observations--problem solving

Ajani who is now 24 months old constantly demonstrates to me how his brain is developing. A few days ago we were playing on the floor and he crawled between my legs. I began to move in one direction and he followed in the same direction, then I quickly when the opposite direction trying to get away and he followed.

These are the little observations that allow you to notice how your toddler's brain is developing demonstration problem solving skills.


Follow us on Twitter KinderSuccess
Friend us on Facebook KindergartenSuccess
Instagram KindergartenSuccess

www.SabreeEducationServices.com


Be well

Things to look for 18 to 36 months

Your baby is developing nicely. Here are a few things to keep in mind between 18 to 36 months old.

1. Establishes an attachment or bond with a consistent adult other than a primary caregiver.
Ok she sees her uncle, cousin or your closest friend and has a bond with that person.

2. Demonstrates feeling safe with significant adults by seeking them when uncomfortable or when sick, tired, or in a dangerous situation.
Sometimes she doesn't want to come to you but seeks comfort with someone else she has bonded with, it's ok.

3. Imitates adult activities (i.e. pretends to cook, "reads" next to an adult who is reading).
That is normal and a form of creativity. Encourage it don't say, "stop that". Another level of brain development.

4. Initiates interactions and play with adults.
 An example of socialization; when your toddler begins school they will have to interact with other adults within the classroom.

5. Responds to adults' verbal greetings.
When you see her and say hi, she says hi also and you may just smile as they always warm your heart.

6. Communicates with adults about recent activities.
She tells you what she did today.

7. Labels feelings.
She tells you when she is happy.

8. Shows awareness of others' feelings.
She has empathy; a very important characteristic when she gets older--build on that.

9. May show extreme discomfort with separation or new situations when familiar caregiver is not present--by protesting loudly, crying, or by withdrawing completely by refusing to participate.
Consistency is so critical, by switching caregivers or other aspects of their life that is familiar (part of their routine) will cause some level of discomfort. It is important to introduce something new gradually. When you take her to school for the first time she will not stay the entire day, the Director will have her stay in the classroom for a few hours day 1; a few more hours day 2 and the full day; day 3 (depending on how she is adjusting to the new environment).

For those of you who are not up to 18 months please keep these tips in mind.

36 to 60 months old tips are coming.

Be well

www.SabreeEducationServices.com *

Follow us on Twitter: @KinderSuccess

KindergartenSuccess

 

A few good books- brain development

It is very important that you  give your baby the right experiences that will make her successful . Books must be age appropriate ,board books are the correct books for infants/toddler. The thick pages allow their small, undeveloped muscles in their fingers and wrist the ability to manage to turn the pages in the book. The babies are not able to tear the books either. This avoid you yelling "why did you tear the book". When items are appropriate for the baby it eliminates fear, and allows the baby to explore freely, it builds self-esteem and confidence. These books should be on the floor in a bin this allows the baby access. You should have a few different here is a link . I will be sharing more books.www.notimeforflashcards.com/.../great-board-books-for-babies-...

Upcoming event Saturday, October 26, 2013

Come join us for a conversation as we

discuss building a healthy community 10/26/13

click to register

Cultural differences - Communication

It is very important to discuss your  parenting style  with your child's care giver as there is not book on parenting that fits everyone. Your parenting style is shaped based on your child's temperament, your child's behavior . Communication is very important. I recommend that you keep a note book and indicate anything that you would like the caregiver to know especially if you do not see the caregiver each day, or you have a baby sitter and when  comes you are going through the door. This also helps you to know what is happening with the baby while you are away. When you have your  family conferences you can refer to your notes in your book. You can use the information for a number of reasons.
Communication is very important .

Your two year old - brain development

Should shake his head to indicate no
Should be able to name common objects
Should be able to speak in two word phases
Should be pointing to objects or people  to express wants/needs
Should be able to follow simple directions.

You can find a wealth of information on the site below . When you get on type your state in the search feature. The more informed your are the better care giver you will become.

www.dds.ca.gov/rc/rclist.cfm

Being in tune with your infant/toddler- brain development

Early warning signs that your infant/toddler may have some challenges
How does your infant/toddler handle problems when they arise(eg retrieving a dropped  toy, get around obstacles)

You should no the following with your child
Is your infant/toddler able to focus on an activity or pay attention for as long as other children the same age?
Does she avoid making eye contact with others?
Does she gets really frustrated when trying to do simple tasks ?
Does she usually acts out?
Does she acts extremely shy or withdrawn?
Does she displays violent behavior(eg tantrums, screaming, fighting, or hitting other children ) on a regular  basis ?
Often bangs head against an object, floor or wall?


Understanding how the brain develops and being able to help your infant/toddler through the different stages will help her to socialize in a positive way.
(California Department of Education 1999a)

Quality early education- Brain development

A good early start is very important . A recent  bipartisan research team recently completed a survey of 800 voters  around the country and the 86% of them stated that ensuring children get a good start is important. 68% of them feel that less than half of children begin kindergarten with the skills and knowledge that they need.
You can see the rest of the report at www.ffyf.org

Cooperation-brain development

Your baby is now 24months  old she is a toddler. Her favorite word is "NO" . The is a  word that is easy to say. It appears that the letter N and O are easy to pronounce . Your toddler does not understand the meaning as you will notice that NO also means yes for your toddler. You need to be patient and talk through the challenges that your toddler is experiencing at this stage of development.
She will also begin to scream and through herself on the floor if she is not able to get things when she wants it or if she is in danger and you have to take an item away from her . The cerebral cortex is one of the major sections of the brain and it is develops last and it is responsible for conscious ,voluntary actions. As your toddler puts on a show just keep the developmental stage in mind. When she is on the floor screaming you just need to remind her that is not the way we get things done in the real world. If the space is safe like at home just allow her to cry one she is calm  you should ask ,are you finish now. This is not the best way to get what you need. If it was a dangerous situation explain that also. You are teaching negotiation skills and need to be consistent and be patient. This is also helping the child to learn how to  manage their emotions and to do transitions. Once you do this by the time your child is three years old they would have learned how to control their emotion and how to negotiate. This is a skill that is needed for school and life.
If you would like to comment on any of our post go to www.sabreeeducationservices.com and send us an email.

Observations- brain development

Observations are  a great way for you to keep track of your baby's growth. You should purchase a note book and record the  behaviors of the baby  and her growth and  development. You will also observe the wonder that is made possible   by  a power that is greater than  us.


Remember that you are responsible for giving the baby life skills; social., emotional, cognitive.
You and your baby can  read these  observations as she gets older . Many times when you take your baby to be enrolled in a childcare program they have an enrollment package and many of the questions that they ask you need to scratch your head and said "wow I don't remember that". The will ask  when did your baby begin to sit up by her self, or when did she begin to feed herself with a spoon etc. These observations will also help you to  be in tune with your baby's developmental mile stones. This is also serves a talking points when you make you doctor's visits.

Share the First 2000 Days New York Campaign

We had an opportunity to speak with Sandra Bookman on 10/6 on her program Here and Now. We spoke about the First 2000 Days New York campaign click here to watch the program.

Please spread the word about the campaign.

׀Twitter @KinderSuccess ׀ Facebook: Kindergarten Success׀ Instagram: Kindergarten Success

www.SabreeEducationServices.com

Be well

Interactions with your infant/toddler begins from day 1

This is a fascinating video. For those of you that do not interact with your infant/toddler please remember this video. When you see some of your friends and family or your clients please share this video with them.

Let me know your thoughts.

Follow us on twitter Kindersuccess and join our facebook page kindergarten success.

Be well

Brain development and the long term effects on the body

On Friday, October 4 my mother and I attended a wonderful conference on brain development, poverty and toxic stress. The keynote speaker was Dr. Jack Shonkoff a neuroscientist. We use some of his material for our presentations.

He said several fascinating things as did the other panelists, 1 thing he said that really stood out was about stress.

He said as an infant/toddler if you are in a stressful environment the c-reactors (a chemical produced in your body) are elevated and the likelihood of you getting high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol later in life is greater (that was a study conducted in New Zealand and then in a few other places). He also stated, even if you come out of that environment and your mind forgets it your body does not forget.

This is another reason why it is so important to try and stay away from extremely stressful situations with your infant/toddler.

Also, it interrupts the synapses of the brain in the infant/toddler.

Be well

Brain development-- baby brain mapping

Brain mapping

School readiness-Abstract thinking

Observation
On 01.2.13 my grandson who turned two on 9/28 woke up at 6:30 am . He walked to the living room and began pointing to the do-a-dot art . Ma -paint, do you want to paint I asked him.(extending his language). He nodded his head  indicating  yes. I gave him the paint and a  piece of copy paper. He sat on the floor and began stamping the dots on the paper. He was not doing it randomly as he is accustomed to . He was putting them certain places, he was deliberate in placing them. Then he called ,Ma pointing to his work "Mickey " with a big smile on his face.

Confidence is one so the social emotional skills that your baby needs before they get to school.
Your baby should also be able to be creative and use her schema , this word has several meanings however we will use   psychological  meaning for this context :
In psychology, a schema is a cognitive framework that helps organize and interpret information in the world around us. In other words  a baby needs to have a general body of knowledge that will help her to interpret  new knowledge and use it to represent  particular objects. Simple put you need  give the brain a number of experiences in order for  the wires in   baby's brain   to connect.

This baby is developing abstract thinking skills because he has been provided with  opportunities to experience and explore freely in a safe and stimulating environment. When you make the environment safe the word  No  will be avoided because  using No  too often with infants/toddlers reduces their self-confidence and their ability to take risk.

Pre-writing skills- brain development

Ajani is now able to identify a circle he also calls O a circle .He is now able to do a five piece puzzle with knobs . He got a three piece knob puzzle when he was nine months old, it had a circle, triangle and a square. He was able to just play with the pieces for a while tying to put them in place this took him nine months before he was able to put the pieces in with his had (wrist muscles being steady).It takes a while to develop and strengthen those muscles in the wrist and fingers. Notice when a baby learns to say wave bye-bye they have not control of the wrist it flops about and as time goes on it gets steadier. that is the same thing with putting in puzzle pieces, use of fine motor . Your baby eye muscles are also developing and  learning how to identify shapes not only on the puzzle piece but on the board. This is why it is important to give  provide  tools  that will allow  these fine muscles to develop. Many babies get pre-school  and  needs occupational therapy when it could have been avoided. You must provide a variety of experiences that will allow these fine muscles to develop. If your baby wrist muscles are not developed they will not be able to write.
Any activity that your baby is experiencing she is learning a variety of skills and developing the brain
Puzzles(the cerebellum )
Cognitive(
Problem solving(frontal lobe -responsible for planning, motivation, logical thinking  a portion of the cortex)
Reasoning(Broca,s area)
Persistence
Frustration
Self-discipline(learning how to sit)
How to ask for help
Self -esteem
Self-confidence
Vocabulary(you may say let's put the red circle in )
Sentence structure
Language development(The broca's  area)
Do not allow your baby to experience too much frustration you should know when to jump in. The objective is to build self-confidence and self-esteem .

Observation

On 9/23/13
7:40pm  I was feeding Ajani his dinner (he is able to feed himself). he was sitting on the couch watching a DVD Barney on the farm. There was a book beside him  and he took it up and began turning the flipping the pages, and naming the animals, as he name the animals out loud I had to pause the spoon in mid -air  as he said the names he glanced at the T.V.
He is now finish with the book and proceed to take the contents of the spoon. As I take the spoon to his mouth he opened it but with is eyes focused on the show.

The  DVD has Barney visiting a farm and feeding the animals and just doing activities on the farm.
This is also literacy as he is learning  new vocabulary for example ( wagon). He would not see a wagon in the city but watching the farm DVD he   will able to identify a wagon when he sees it in a different context. This is how you build your infant/toddler schema.

In This observation this two year old is  developing a number of skills
Multitasking
Language skills
Literacy skills
How to form a sentence
Identify animals
vocabulary
focusing
self-disciple (sitting and eating)
Routine
Sensory(using all your senses at once)
Brain development takes place silmutaneously . Remember that you are giving your infant/toddler life skills .

First 2000 Days.. supporter

Docs for Tots supports our campaign the First 2000 Days New York Click here for the full story

And the work continues

Be well

Mark your calendar-- Harlem Mommy & Me 10/12/13

The class will be on Saturday 10/12 10am- 11am and will be held at

Beulah Wesleyan Methodist Church
219 West 136 St (btwn Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd & Frederick Douglass Blvd) NY, NY 10030
 
 Cost: $25 per family
 



This class will teach parents how to work with their infants and toddlers to develop the cognitive, social and emotional skills before they start school. We will also give them tips on activities they can do at home with their baby. This will not be your ordinary parenting class. We answer the "why" these activities are being done, which  component  of  the brain is being developed also known as domain

Tune in to Here & Now on WABC Sunday 10/6/13

We will be featured on Here and Now with Sandra Bookman Sunday at noon. We will be discussing the work we've been doing with parents getting their infants/toddlers ready for school. I hope you can tune in.

Thank you for the support

Be well

Mark your calendar for the Health & Wellness Fair 10/5/13

We will be doing a mini Baby & Wee session throughout the day

You are invited!!”

Health & Wellness Expo

• Free Book Bags(while supplies last)

• Face Painting, Bouncy Castle, Music

• Free health screenings and information on Blood Pressure, Dental, and Glucose

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2013

Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building 163 West 125th Street/7th AvenueNew York, NY 10027Time: 11:30am - 5:00pm

Sponsors: Children’s Defense * Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce * Health First

A few remedies

This is a long overdue post.

Mucus and ear infection: To help minimize mucus build up don't give your baby cow's milk. Use almond, rice or soy. It will also help minimize the possibility of getting an ear infection.

Teething: take the shell (the outer portion) of an onion boil it in water and then give it to your teething baby until they stop teething. This will help to minimize the discomfort they feel. Once you see a little white nub break through the gum begin giving the onion shell tea to your baby. You will blink and all her teeth will be in.

You can also give her scallion tea (I believe it is also called green onion).

Mosquitoes: To keep mosquitoes away you can boil chamomile tea rub the tea on your skin that will keep away the mosquitos. You can also wash your floor with it.

Reminder: Harlem Mommy & Me session 10/12/13

The class on Saturday 10/12 10am- 11am and will be held at
Beulah Wesleyan Methodist Church
 219 West 136 St (btwn Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd & Frederick Douglass Blvd)
NY, NY 10030

 Cost: $25 per family


This class will teach parents how to work with their infants and toddlers to develop the cognitive, social and emotional skills before they start school. We will also give them tips on activities they can do at home with their baby. This will not be your ordinary parenting class. We answer the "why" these activities are being done, which  component  of  the brain is being developed also known as domain.

What Is Autism? - The First 2000 Days Campaign

October is Health Literacy Month

  What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome. With the May 2013 publication of the new DSM-5 diagnostic manual, these autism subtypes will be merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD.
ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes. Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which our families and volunteers play an invaluable role. Learn more …