Raising a resilient, caring, and well balanced child
If only we had a golden formula for this we would not be pediatricians, but rich somebodies enjoying life on a pristine Carribean coast. But until then, here are some tried and true ideas backed by research and therapists we know and trust.
If only we had a golden formula for this we would not be pediatricians, but rich somebodies enjoying life on a pristine Carribean coast. But until then, here are some tried and true ideas backed by research and therapists we know and trust.
- Have an A, B, C basket. A is for the non-negotiables (faith, education, money). C is for the things that your child can choose (what outfit to wear, PG13 movie choice or TV show to watch). B is for everything in between on what can be negotiated (curfew for a once a year activity, what time to go to sleep on New Years). Some parents put everything in their A basket, others put everything in their C basket. Be balanced and practical when choosing. Thinking about it this way can help put all parents, step parents, grandparents, and other caretakers on the same page.
- Children who misbehave and are oppositional do a lot better in life when they have parents who give plenty of hugs and kisses and praise them for specific good deeds. Seems obvious but difficult to do when you have a child who constantly tests your limits and sanity.
Discipline
Understand your child's developmental stage and set realistic expectations.
1-2-3 Magic
The Happiest Toddler on the Block
Understand your child's developmental stage and set realistic expectations.
- In the battle of wills, let the child lead. Don't tell your child to try this or that, or play with this toy or that toy. Instead, let your child lead the play and describe what your child is doing. For example "good job putting the blocks on top of each other", "thanks for bringing the blue block to mommy", "wow, you are racing the red and yellow cars and they are going so fast!"
- Praise your child for specific good deeds
- Good places for time out:
- Bad places for time out:
1-2-3 Magic
- Synopsis coming soon
The Happiest Toddler on the Block
- Synopsis coming soon
Anxiety and Depression
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Cutting and other self-injurious behaviors
Local development/behavioral resources
- Do you think your child might have anxiety or depression? Make an appointment with your child's doctor for an exam and screening.
- A combination of Vitamin D 400-800 international units per day and Omega 3 FA 1000mg per day has been shown in small studies to stabilize mild mood disorders. Discuss with your child's pediatrician.
- More information coming soon.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Children under 4 normally are hyper and have low attention spans, doctors usually do not diagnose ADD until after 5.
- It is okay to have ADD and NOT be on medication if the person is doing well in school and gets along with peers and family (well, within reason for teens). If this is not the case and you think your child is having trouble at home or in school, then make an appointment for your child to see the doctor for an evaluation.
- If you are on a medication, you should be followed up by your doctor every 3-6 months to check on your weight, blood pressure, heart, and other issues relating to the disorder. Call the doctor's office to schedule an appointment.
- Assessment forms: initial parent, initial teacher, parent follow-up, teacher follow-up
Autism Spectrum Disorder
- We screen for autism at 18 months and 24 months. However, some kids are diagnosed at later ages. Some key features include lack of eye contact and social awareness, repetitive and rigid behaviors, and sensory issues. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
- Check out these books recommended by the AAP on autism. You can purchase them but many public libraries also have them available to borrow for free.
- Get a free 100-day kit for families with children newly diagnosed with autism
- Assessment form for children 18-24 months. You can fill out page three and bring to the office for the pediatrician to review.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Coming soon
Cutting and other self-injurious behaviors
- Coming soon
Local development/behavioral resources
- Delaware County Professional Services: 610-892-3800
- Springfield Psychological: 610-544-2110
- Elwyn Behavioral Health: 610-891-2000
- Early Intervention Pennsylvania (800-692-7288), Delaware, New Jersey
- Child Guidance Resource Center: (mouse over the services button for a full list of how they can help your child), 484-454-7800
- Project REACH, a 24 hour mobile crisis intervention service: 610-352-4703
- Main Line Health Addictive Services for teenagers 14+: 484-476-6543