PAGE 26A | THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE
KIDS!
MARCH 10, 2017
Rivertowns Parent’s Guide: HOW TO’s & WHAT’S NEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25A
with multi-sensory processing, situations in which she has to concurrently interpret and respond to touch, sound, sight and movement. Jake’s comfort level with most sensory-based experiences is very low, but he is able to handle the demands of school and home life with lots of encouragement and adaptations. Sensitive children are not seeking attention or avoiding responsibility. Telling them to stop their irrational behavior simply doesn’t work. Current researchers theorize that certain forms of sensitivity are based in the brain’s unique structural arrangement and wiring. Although the structure of the brain is permanent, targeted therapeutic experiences and interactions can create new connections and alter a child’s perception and behavior. Regardless of the reason for increased sensitivity, every child can expand their comfort zone when the underlying issues are recognized and they receive effective treatment. Without it, children can interpret comments like, “There’s nothing to cry about,” as a denial of their experience, or worse, as criticism and rejection. Helping sensitive children thrive Understanding a child’s situation often begins with a structured parent interview and observation of the child’s reactions to everyday events and experiences.
There may be specific situations that are priorities for the family, such as sleep or aggressive behavior at school. It is important to look at other issues that can influence behavior, such as ADHD, dermatological or digestive problems and allergies. Parents (and children, based on their level of comprehension) need to learn about the ways that sensitivity manifests as challenges in daily life. Receiving an explanation for behavior can be enough to shift the family dynamic away from blame and toward engagement. The child’s home and school environment may be arranged to reduce sensitivity. These can be simple changes, such as altering the ambient lighting and sound or different mealtime or morning routines. These minor differences will not inconvenience their peers or family members, but they can make an immediate difference in a child’s behavior. When sensitive children are young, they are still learning how to tolerate limits on their behavior and express their emotions. These skills are important for all children; they are building blocks for self-calming and developing trusting connections to others. Sensitive children may need direct training in social and emotional communication, delivered with more warmth and compassion than typical children require. Choosing the
The Rivertown Pre-School A unique FULL-DAY creative-arts based childcare program designed to stimulate the growing mind of the pre-school aged child.
right tone and approach for sensitive children is essential. Failure to take their sensitivity into account can result in a child interpreting instruction as criticism. Finally, children can benefit from therapy that provides targeted play experiences that change a child’s ability to handle input and alter their understanding of themselves in the world. As children reach a cognitive age of approximately 7-8 years old (the gifted child will achieve this level sooner) they will be capable of learning how to manage their sensitivity in daily life without adult intervention. Therapy then becomes more like a coaching experience, with the child as an active partner. Addressing sensitivity Alex knows that if he uses his “rescue breathing” he can calm down when he is frustrated at school or when plans change without notice. A weighted blanket helps him sleep more deeply. When he becomes upset, he wraps himself in his blanket while reading. His parents realize that Alex needs daily solitude to process his complex thoughts and feelings, so they are no longer worried that he is antisocial or depressed. Sophia’s mother has learned to use both consistent routines and targeted sensory input when she is helping Sophia get dressed and change her diapers. She uses specific activities in the morning
to start the day on a positive note. She now brings Sophia to family gatherings early to avoid overwhelming her. Sophia is more calm and focused, which has resulted in faster progress with speech. Her therapists are thrilled. Jake is now able to wear new clothes without a struggle and he can handle short car rides easily. His teachers report that he is enjoying messy art classes. His mother can offer Jake a new food occasionally without a meltdown. Jake has more strategies to calm down without automatically running outside to his trampoline. Compassion and warmth Intense sensitivity has a positive side as well. Sensitive children may grow up to fight for social justice and they often show immense kindness to their friends or to strangers. The unique challenges they face in childhood aren’t insurmountable obstacles to a happier life. They can become more tolerant of their world and move through it with more enjoyment when they receive the support they deserve. Cathy Collyer, OTR, LMT is a pediatric occupational therapist in private practice. Visit tranquilbabies.com
HASTINGS CENTER
Restaurant
Specializing in...FRESH SEAFOOD • STEAKS CHOPS • GOURMET DINNERS
Daily Activities Include: Pottery • Music and Movement • Theater Arts Science & Nature • Hands-on (and in!) Modern Art Cooking and Baking Imaginative Costumed-Fantasy Play
Program Hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Located in the Parish Hall of Grace Episcopal Church 78 Main Street, Hastings-on-Hudson For more information about this “Nanny alternative” childcare program please call 914- 478-6181
Director Maria Monteiro • NYS Certified www.rivertownpreschool.com
Bring the kids in for daily breakfast, lunch and dinner specials 540 Warburton Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson 478-3610