Parenting Today September 2015 by Nation Publishing Co. Limited

complimentary ISSUE #4 SEPTEMBER 2015

Health Benefits of Animal Companionship for

Autistic Children

ing ds r a p Pre al Nee r o i Specildren F Ch

Nail Biting Habit

{Pitfalls of Parenting}

Parenting today â&#x20AC;˘ sept 2015

CREDITS Publisher VIVIAN-ANNE GITTENS Editor TYSON HENRY Advertising Manager PAULETTE JONES Editorial Team LYLE JONES, TYSON HENRY, NICK NUNES Photography INSIGHT DIGITAL Contributing Writers KRYSTAL PENNY BOWEN, ROSEMARIE LAYNE,

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Contents

DANIELLE BECKFORD TEL: (246) 430-5495 Email: daniellebeckford@nationnews.com

4 Nail Biting Habit 6 Pitfalls Of Parenting 8 The Importance of Good Nutrition For Healthy Children 10 Preparing Special Needs Children For School 12 The Health Benefits Of Animals For Autistic Children

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EDITOR’S NOTE Summer was a wonderful time for the young ones, but as with all good things, it had to come to an end. The end of summer brings a period of transition for many parents and children: the first day of nursery, kindergarten, primary and secondary school. The period of adjustment can be a trying time but as you read the pages of this issue of Parenting Today, you will find valuable advice from experts presented in an informative and entertaining manner. At school I’m sure you picked up several habits, much to your parents’ horror, and now your child is doing the same. One of the easiest to ignore but quite destructive habits is nail biting. On page four, we address the health effects of the practice and ways to stop it. One of the testiest stages of your parenting journey will be the

adolescence stage, and that’s why we’ve addressed the keys to successfully building self-esteem in your adolescent. See page six for more. Finally, to ensure they have a balanced, healthy diet, review our suggestions on page eight for making vegetables more fun and appealing for children. Here you will also learn about the importance of good nutrition for your child’s academic performance and concentration capabilities. It is with special thanks that we acknowledge our valued contributors and advertisers, without whom compiling a package such as this would have been impossible. As our readers, your opinion is important and we welcome your suggestions on what you’d like to see in future editions of Parenting Today, as we seek to inform, educate and entertain you.

Parenting Today is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media Limited (OCM) group of companies. For general info email: parentingtoday@nationnews.com Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate, however, The Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequences that may arise from any errors or omissions. This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the Publisher. ©2015 NATION PUBLISHING CO. LIMITED

Parenting today • sept 2015

The Nail Biting Habit by Krystal Penny Bowen

e do it when we are anxious or scared; for some of us, it is a way of passing the time. But the truth is, it is a nasty habit that we should make every effort to break. Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is just as common as thumb sucking. It can occur in all age groups and it is a habit which usually starts in childhood. Many people do it subconsciously and when asked about it, some individuals may feel embarrassed or they may be ridiculed by family members or their peers about it. According to Dr Joseph M. Mercola, it is estimated that the “majority of people who bite their nails are mostly teenagers and children and it is not as popular with young and older adults”. Aside from the obvious poor appearance of their nails due to nail biting, there are other harmful reasons why those who practise this habit should stop. In addition to anxiety and stress, there is research which indicates that some nail biters are dealing with other psychological issues such as “obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or in some extreme cases use nail biting as a form of self-mutilation”.

Nail biting and your health Despite how clean you think your hands are, the reality is that they are not. Human use their hands to do a number of daily tasks (bathing, eating, changing soiled diapers, preparing meals, et cetera) as well as touching surfaces which may be infested with various fungi, Parenting today • sept 2015

People who have infected nails may show signs of “swelling, redness and inflammation” due to the bacteria going into the small “cuts around the tips of the finger” from excessive nail biting. germs, and other harmful substances. Your fingernails tend to trap bacteria which take residence under the fingernail bed. Although there is no long-term damage caused by nail biting, Dr Lawrence E. Gibson of the Mayo Clinic argues that it is “unsanitary” and has “several health risks”. Nail biting can cause the following complications:

Skin infection – Due to the constant eroding of the tissue around the tips of the fingers, this can result in skin infection. A condition like “paronychia which is an infection which occurs around the nails” is commonplace in chronic nail biters. People who have infected nails may show signs of “swelling, redness and inflammation” due to the bacteria going into the small “cuts around the tips of the finger” from excessive nail biting. Damage to teeth – Some people may be surprised to learn that nail biting can cause more damage to your teeth than to your fingernails. From the shifting of your teeth to dental occlusion, “the alignment of teeth and the way that the upper and lower teeth fit together (bite)”, nail biting may lead to possible expensive dental procedures to correct the weakening or wear and tear of your teeth. Elevated exposure to other infections – When you place your fingernails in your mouth, you are giving easy access to bacteria and other viruses to enter the body and do harm. So the common cold, gastroenteritis, and other contagious illnesses can infect the body quicker due to this direct contact. Deprived mental health – Excluding general boredom, anxiety and stress, some nail biters may be struggling with psychological disorders like OCD. Doctors advise behavioural therapy if this habit is disrupting daily life or an alternative coping mechanism.

Stopping the habit There are a number of methods which can be used by nail biters to stop this habit. These include but are limited to • Keeping fingernails short and manicured • Journaling triggers, that is, the times that they are most likely to bite their nails • Placing unpleasant substances on the fingers to prevent biting nails • Habit reversal training – According to author Charles Duhigg, who wrote The Power Of Habit, in any habit there is always a “cue, routine and reward”. Like smoking, eating, and drinking alcohol, there is some satisfaction (reward) from biting our nails. Duhigg explained that it was not about “eliminating the habit but replacing it with positive behaviours”. Parenting today • sept 2015

“In case you’re worried about what’s going to become of the younger generation, it’s going to grow up and start worrying about the younger generation.” – Roger Allen

Pitfalls of Parenting Building self-esteem key in adolescence by Rosemarie Layne

nlike other periods in a child’s life, adolescence can be a particularly trying time for parents and their charges alike. It’s a time for charting new horizons on the physical, intellectual, and psychosocial planes. How well adolescents cope with these changes will determine how smooth a transition they will make into adulthood and become productive citizens. That’s why it’s important that parents do all they can to assist in surmounting this hurdle. After all, they travelled this road themselves. Self-esteem is paramount as this is a particularly sensitive time in development when your teenager will be seeking reinforcement Parenting today • sept 2015

more from peers. Depending on his or her standing with them, a sense of superiority or inferiority may develop. Expectedly, there will be conflict as the adolescent becomes progressively more independent and the parent tries to keep the reins of control. Being a domineering parent can do untold harm by stifling a teenager’s self-expression and attempts at independence. Parenting style In this enlightened age, with all the parental advice and tips out there (and readily available from PAREDOS), ignorance is not a

plausible defence. Some of you may still rely on the “do as I say and not as I do” approach, but this can cause feelings of inferiority. If a parent is too demanding and overly critical, this can erode a child’s self-esteem. It may be one parent or both, but either way it can have a negative effect. Some young people are constantly insulted and ridiculed for their perceived incompetence in everyday tasks. Calling a teenager “idiot”, “clumsy”, or making comments such as “what are you doing that for?” and “any fool can do that” can impact your child and cause an inferiority complex to develop and prevent him or her from forming a balanced character. In the transition to full independence and cultivation of selfworth, special care must be taken not to make the young person feel incompetent or useless, for example if school grades are not the best or a poor conduct report is given. Don’t make the mistake of comparing that child’s abilities to that of a sibling or schoolmate, if you do you’re on a sure-fire path to shutting down your child emotionally and erecting a communication barrier. Conversely, any talents and interests exhibited should be encouraged. And remember, your child should not be bullied into pursuing a career that you prefer over the one which he or she is naturally inclined towards. Other factors An adolescent’s particular life circumstances can also contribute to a lack of self-esteem. If the family is facing financial hardship or budget constraints, the adolescent may feel embarrassed in relation to more affluent peers since he or she may not be able to have the latest clothes or gadgets and be able to go to popular events. Some adolescents resort to stealing or other negative behaviours, such as substance abuse or more serious crimes, to fit in or get the attention of peers or parents. It’s the same when an adolescent has a heath condition or physical defect. Teenagers can be terribly cruel to someone they see as the odd one out, especially since they are also trying to assert themselves and build self-esteem. In such circumstances, parents need to give as much support as they can to stem the surge of negative influences. Adolescence is a time of awkwardness and self-consciousness with the pressing need to fit in with the popular group and be accepted by peers. A big concern at this delicate stage is physical appearance, so a small acne problem on the face may seem like a huge catastrophe. The wise parent, though, will handle this and other crises with sensitivity. Parents also need to be careful not to shame their teenager socially, particularly with the opposite sex and dating. As this is a time of immense curiosity, sexual matters should be discussed openly and not covered up. It’s better that parents give the facts and advice rather than children seeking them out from friends or the Internet, which may present a distorted view of human sexuality. Your response in these situations will determine just how much trust is bestowed on you as children move into adulthood. Remember, the ties you forge in infancy, childhood and adolescence will determine the quality of the relationship you have with your offspring as adults. You don’t want to suffer their resentment or apathy in your later years because of hurts inflicted in earlier life. So as challenging as all of this is, you have a responsibility to help mould your teenager’s development and steer him or her in a positive direction – one that will produce a confident and well adjusted adult. Then you can look back with satisfaction and pride on those trying years and know it was all worth it.

Imart-CraftAD-ParentingToday-2.pdf 2 8/14/15 PM • Rosemarie Layne, who is certified in second degree4:49 reiki, is a dance instructor and holistic health advocate.

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Parenting today • sept 2015

The importance of good nutrition for healthy children and happy mums by Mariana Lopez-Cepero Montes

hen it comes to our children’s nutrition, mums want to establish good eating habits and provide healthy nutrition for their kids. That is why it is so important for parents to keep in mind their children get the proper nutrition they need, whether it is because they might pick the right nutritious food or maybe because they are picky or have unpredictable eating habits. Do you think that you are choosing the best alternative food choices for your children? Talk to your children about the importance of a balanced and healthy diet plan to maintain a healthy weight, improve school performance, and feel more energetic. Children learn quickly by following their parents’ example. Teach your children habits to help them eat better and be healthy for the rest of their lives. Start with small changes and modifications. Be patient, changes can take time and sometimes changes in the feeding pattern can be difficult. Help your children to understand that it is possible, what is perfect or ideal for us is not necessarily ideal for them. Remember that the main goal is to maintain healthy nutrition for your children to prevent health problems in the future. Why is it important that children eat breakfast? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Statistics state that 12 to 34 per cent of children and adolescents skip breakfast. If your children start the day with a healthy breakfast, they will have more energy and better concentration at school. Parenting today • sept 2015

Reasons why your children should eat breakfast: • Provides energy: As important as the hours of sleep, resting and exercise your children get, breakfast is one of the best ways to start the day. It is an injection of energy, especially if we choose healthy choices such as bread, fruit, and oatmeal. It is recommended to combine a carbohydrate source with a protein source. For example, fruit with low-fat Greek yogurt, wholegrain waffles with peanut butter, bread and cheese, and cereal with low-fat milk. • Better concentration: Studies have shown that a good breakfast helps achieve better concentration and performance at school and sports. • Better academic performance: Studies have shown the relationship of a complete breakfast and improvement in grades. The exact reason why this happens is unknown, but scientists state that this is due to the dense nutritional value and because their stomachs are not empty, and may help the self-esteem and concentration of the child. • Maintain a healthy weight: Many children begin their battle with their body weight and stop eating because they think that skipping a meal will help them lose weight or maintain a body weight which is the opposite. Those who eat breakfast tend to have a healthy weight versus those who skip the most important meal of the day. Furthermore, those kids who eat breakfast tend to choose healthier food choices during the day than those who skip it.

The highest incidence of childhood obesity is associated with lifestyle, including physical inactivity and poor intake of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and a high intake of processed foods. Also keep in mind: Make easy and nutritional snacks and meals. Try to integrate different healthy and fun alternatives in your family meals. Often, due to lack of time and daily stress, you don’t give your children the best nutritional foods (junk food). But you can plan ahead simple and nutritional meals involving all the family members and plan according to their favourite foods. • Make fun trips to the supermarket. Set with your children a day trip to the supermarket where they will pick their favourite foods that should include vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, dairy, cereals, grains, et cetera. It is important to prepare a grocery list of what you really need to make healthy choices. Teach your children to read labels to make the best decisions about the nutritional value of products. Choose healthy snacks for your children. Unfortunately, we see kids choose French fries, donuts with sugar, beverages high in sugar, biscuits and many foods with low nutrient density value. Choose fruits and snacks such as mini wholewheat bagels with low-fat cream cheese. Another alternative is to prepare recipes at home with dried fruits and nuts. • Children are more visual. Try to give your children fun and different snacks. They love food presented in colourful and creative ways. Some nutritional alternatives you can prepare with your children are: – Wholewheat tortilla wraps with one tablespoon of peanut butter, and slices of strawberries, bananas or peaches – ½ cup of hummus and sliced carrot in a wholewheat flatbread – Low-fat plain yogurt with fruits (such as strawberries, banana or peaches) – Healthy snacks, you’re providing the food and nutrients your children need for good health and well-being. Perhaps more importantly, you’re teaching them what a balanced diet looks like and how to eat well.

• Add fibre to their diet. Fibre intake is relatively poor in children and adults as established by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. This nutrient is necessary to help prevent obesity, some cancers, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, and proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. As outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults and kids aren’t getting enough of the four key nutrients – calcium, vitamins, potassium and fibre. Guidelines also recommend at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and promote the development of bones, muscles, and good health. Encourage and participate with your children in outdoor activities such as playing in the park, riding bicycles, and doing sports. Use the video games that involve dancing and movement. The highest incidence of childhood obesity is associated with lifestyle, including physical inactivity and poor intake of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and a high intake of processed foods. That is why obesity represents a complication associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Parenting today • sept 2015

Preparing special needs children for school by Femi Mascoll

One of the most important steps that must be taken is ensuring that the child is well aware of the changes that occur within his or her body.

Parenting today • sept 2015

arents and children both looked forward to the start of the new school year, but probably for different reasons though. However, there is a small group of parents who were filled with extreme dread and anxiety at the thought of their special needs children having to adjust to a new environment. The average child, who is part of the mainstream education system here in Barbados, may have a few challenges during his or her first days, but for students with special needs this transition can be even more traumatic and may take a longer time. Janice Gibbs, special needs education officer in the Ministry of Education, said that it was essential that parents of children with learning difficulties do all in their power to make certain that the child was well adjusted, especially because this transition usually coincides with the onset of puberty. One of the most important steps that must be taken is ensuring that the child is well aware of the changes that occur within his or her body. Gibbs said that special needs students, like all others, would develop natural curiosities which must be addressed from as early as possible. “Information given to children must be targeted toward an understanding of their body and an understanding of relationships,” she said. “Take the time to read passages with the child and point out the pictures. Then have the children point it out on their own bodies. In other words, bring it home to them because they learn by experiential exposure. They learn by doing.” This knowledge is then supplemented by specially trained teachers through the use of stories written specifically for children with learning challenges. “We tell them stories . . . we call them social stories. The character in the story will either be a young lady or a young man and they’re set up in a situation where they have to make a decision about an encounter mainly of a sexual nature or somebody touching you inappropriately,” Gibbs explained. These stories are usually read to children above 11 years.

In spite of whichever developmental delays a child manifests, there is no need to fear the start of the new school term. Even though for some this may seem a bit young, it is important to note that children with certain developmental challenges tend to be highly sexualised. Further, as a result of their difficulty in processing social norms, they may display inappropriate sexual behaviours at inopportune times. Through explaining and showing what is acceptable behaviour, it is hoped that the children will learn how to control any feelings they may have. Another fear, which some parents have in sending their special needs children to school, is based on concern about whether the child will learn skills which will help him or her to be selfsufficient one day. Many children with challenges, such as autism spectrum disorders, are often sheltered; as a result, their employment opportunities become limited. Gibbs said that parents should not think that it was beyond their child to achieve certain successes. “Your vision for this child is that the child will grow into a young man or young lady and will need to be as self-sufficient as possible, in keeping with his or her level of function.” For this reason, the Derrick Smith School and Vocational Centre was established and it gives focus to equipping special needs students with entrepreneurial skills. The school, which is located in Jackmans, St Michael, will teach students cooking techniques, carpentry, as well as expertise in other agricultural areas and also educate them on how to benefit financially from the acquired skill. Emphasising the point that these children learn through repeating the action, Gibbs said: “Once you teach them how to do it, they will do it and do it well.” For those parents whose children have not yet met the age for entering a new school, there are still important factors that must be addressed from an early age. It is essential that both parents and teachers pay close attention to a child’s developmental progress before deciding whether or not the child should be categorised as special needs and, if so, the type of treatment which is required. A basic milestone, which gives an indication of a child’s development, is the stage at which they begin to speak and move. According to Gibbs, “if the child is having a language problem, more often than not, the child will have a learning problem”. Issues like this may seem trivial at first, but as the child progresses through the school system other delays may become more evident such as the child’s social interaction skills. Gibbs continued: “if the child does not have the skills, competencies and the ability to face the national curriculum, that child may be left behind”. “Parents do not know. Many do not have the information. They need information on how to move with the child. In a lot of regards, many of the parents, even if they know, cannot do anything about it because they themselves are challenged.” In spite of whichever developmental delays a child manifests, there is no need to fear the start of the new school term. Once the correct methods are consistently taken over time, a child with special needs is fully capable of succeeding in the education system.

Parenting today • sept 2015

fits e n e or f B p h i t l h a s The He l Companion a m i n A f o

c i t s i t Au ren d l i Ch A

by Dr Alanna Myers

s a veterinarian, it is my responsibility to know about the latest news and advances in not just my field but the medical field as a whole, especially (but not limited to) certain advances in the medical field as it relates to human-animal interactions. There have been many studies demonstrating the benefits of interactions between animals and autistic people, particularly autistic children as the onset of autism is typically in childhood. One Health has to do with the human-animal relationship and the importance of the recognition and respecting of that bond in what we do for one another as species. One Health is based on the concept that all health-related fields should be in better contact and collaboration with one another, especially the veterinary and human medical fields as the advances in one field could very well enrich, enhance, and speed up the advances of the other. Therapy animals, as it relates to people with autism, highlight the importance of this concept, because as you could very well imagine, close cooperation between an autistic person’s doctor and their veterinarian is of paramount importance for both the person and the animal in getting the most out of that relationship. Most people are somewhat familiar with what autism is, but for those of us who would prefer a refresher, and for those of us hearing about it for the first time, autism or autism spectrum disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic, “is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It also includes restricted repetitive behaviours, interests and activities. These issues cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning”. It has no known cause but “intensive, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children”. College professor Dr Temple Grandin is probably best known for both her knowledge on autism and the betterment of human-animal interactions through the development of more

Parenting today • sept 2015

ethical practices with regard to animal welfare on farms. With a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and both a Master’s and a doctoral degree in animal science, Grandin is a prominent author and speaker on autism and animal welfare. Having been diagnosed with autism at the tender age of two years old, Grandin has helped people to understand the lives of both autistic people and animals alike through communication of first-hand experience about some of the difficulties that autistic people have. She has said that many autistic people, such as herself, and animals were similar in that they both thought primarily in pictures rather than words and that they were both much more sensitive to certain noise and light stimuli than most people would understand. Grandin’s accomplishments and work have gained interactions between animals and differently abled people more popularity and intrigue the world over, so has contributed significantly to the intrigue in the interactions between autistic people and animals increased, and also the research surrounding these interactions and the possible mutual benefits. There have since been many studies and thus advancement in the use of animals for therapeutic purposes of differently abled people, specifically those with autism. Many programmes have arisen as a result in countries such as the United States and Canada, and equine therapy programmes organised by the Autism Speaks organisation have had good results. The most recent studies and advancements having to do with the positive benefits of interactions between autistic people and animals include: A study published in August of 2012 was conducted by Marine Grandgeorge et al. in which they sought to determine whether significant differences between autistic children having a pet from birth and a pet introduced to the family at the age of five years

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Parenting today • sept 2015

All of the above results strongly suggest that human-animal interactions between animals and people with autism, specifically children, are overall beneficial in that they reduce stress and thus positively influence prosocial behaviour in these children.

14 old (as many scientists believe that treatments for autism are most beneficial when implemented in the four- to five-year-old age range) found the latter group, which had the pet introduced at age five, had an increase in prosocial behaviours such as “offering to share” and “offering comfort”. A study published last year in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing was conducted by Carlisle GK, in which families with autistic children were surveyed, two-thirds of families owned a dog, and 94 per cent had reported that their children shared a bond with the dogs. Parents also reported that their belief in the benefits of that interaction was a factor in the dog ownership decisionmaking process. A study documented in the Developmental Psychobiology journal was conducted by Marguerite O’Haire et al., first published online in April of this year was the most recent, in which 38 children with autism and 76 children without the disorder wore special wrist devices designed to detect anxiety and other responses to social situations. The children first read a book by themselves, they were then required to read a book to two other children, and this was then followed by ten minutes of group play. After that, the children were given ten minutes of supervised play with guinea pigs (which were chosen by researchers due to their small size and gentle nature). Those with autism had higher levels of anxiety when reading silently, reading aloud, and during

Parenting today • sept 2015

group play. The autistic children, however, had a significant drop in anxiety levels during the session with the guinea pigs. All of the above results strongly suggest that human-animal interactions between animals and people with autism, specifically children, are overall beneficial in that they reduce stress and thus positively influence prosocial behaviour in these children. So what does this mean for autistic people in the Caribbean? Well, as you can see, the results above are indeed promising. From the highly suggestive evidence that interaction between animals and autistic people can indeed be beneficial, I definitely see hope. Growing up, I took some horseback riding lessons. I remember once, when I was about 14 years old, meeting a girl about my age and introducing myself and her staring back at me almost like she was trying to communicate but was not quite sure what to say. She ended up saying nothing and I stared curiously as she rode away with someone guiding her horse. A compassionate riding instructor, who had noticed the interaction or lack thereof, came over and as I was mounting my horse, while she guided the horse in front by the reins, said that the girl was differently abled and that she did not communicate well and suffered from seizures and other stuff. With the knowledge that I have now, I could guess that the girl was autistic. I remember the warm reception that the first Seeing Eye dog to officially visit Barbados received during last year’s Animal Awareness Week, and while he was a guide dog for a blind person rather than a therapy dog for an autistic person, it demonstrated an openness to the idea of guide (and therapy) animals in Barbados that was not there before. In 2015, the level of awareness about the value of the human-animal interaction is definitely increasing on this rock of ours, and we at Better Health are proud to see it. One Health, One Love. Please note that this article is not meant to substitute for advice from a registered medical doctor or a veterinarian that has examined your animal personally. Getting an animal is a big decision and should not be entered into without much consideration. Individual results may vary. Research has also shown that while most children with autism are more content with animals around, others are the opposite. Therefore make sure to discuss with a medical health professional who is knowledgeable on the topic about whether a therapy animal would be the best fit for you and your family.

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