What Does Temperament Mean for You and Your Infant or Toddler?

Temperament describes the way any individual — regardless of age — approaches and reacts to the world. It is a personal “style” that is present from birth, and an important feature of social and emotional health.

The compatibility between a parent and his or her child’s temperament can impact the quality of their relationship. This compatibility is often referred to as “goodness of fit.” A goodness of fit happens when an adult’s expectations and methods of caregiving adapt to the child’s personal style and abilities.

It’s important to understand that goodness of fit does not require that adults and children have matching temperaments. Parents don’t have to change who they are naturally — they can simply alter or adjust their caregiving methods to be a positive support to their child’s natural way of responding to the world.

The Georgetown University Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation has developed an online Infant Toddler Temperament Tool (IT³) — funded by the Office of Head Start — that can help parents of infants and toddlers recognize and explore their own temperament traits and those of their child. This interactive tool evaluates the temperament of both the parent and the child, and then generates simple best-practice tips to help parents learn how to interact effectively, even with the youngest of children.

To learn more about this useful tool, visit https://www.ecmhc.org/temperament/index.html

Treating Teens’ Depression May Have a Ripple Effect on Their Families

Excerpted from The Atlantic, August 11, 2018

Preliminary new research, presented at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association on Saturday, suggests that when depressed teens go through some version of mental-health treatment, symptoms of depression in their parents lessen.

The finding, based on a study of 325 American teens and their parents, points to what might seem obvious in hindsight: Happier kids make for happier parents. It builds upon earlier research showing how mental health can be relational, hinting that mental-health care benefits not just individuals and their family members, but their entire communities.

Read the full story here: www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/08/teens-depression-parents-mental-health/567308/

The Benefits of Outside Play

by Sarah E. Macovitz, LSW

Growing up, I was always told by my parents, grandparents, teachers and neighbors that playing outside was “good for you.” Of course, this was long before cell phones, video games or other electronic devices that keep our attention nowadays.

I have been working on loads of research explaining why it is so important to be outside physically and mentally. Here is some of what I’ve found:

Children who play outside are typically more active, reducing the likelihood of developing diabetes, obesity or heart disease.
Children who play outside sleep better at night! (That’s a double plus, right?)
Playing outside gives children the opportunity to be more creative and imaginative, as well as interact more with others. It also enhances socialization.
Children who play outside have higher levels of Vitamin D. It helps boost their immune system, strengthens bones and reduces some symptoms of depression.
Being outside can help reduce anxiety and stress. For example, taking a walk, jogging or just sitting in a lounger can be relaxing, as well as healing.
Children who learn to garden eat more fruit and vegetables and are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle later in life.
Playing regularly outside increases knowledge of the natural environment, reasoning skills, and independence — leading to increased academic performance at school.
Playing outside increases happiness!

We’re often so preoccupied with our children’s extracurricular activities, play dates and on-the- go busy lifestyles that we forget to encourage them to take time to just play. Think back to the days when you were young — how much time you spent outside, all the memories you have and what they taught you.

So here are some suggestions for things you can do with your children outside:

Run through the sprinkler
Do some chalk art
Hunt for bugs or dinosaur bones
Ride a bike
Play with the hose
Plant flowers or veggies
Climb a tree
Have a meal outside
Read under a tree
Paint Rocks
Find shapes in the clouds
Dance in the rain (when not thunder or lightening)
Watch the sunrise or sunset
Dig in the dirt, look for worms
Go to the park
Take a walk in the neighborhood
Go on a nice hike

Or just let them go outside and run! Best of all, encourage your kids to explore their environment.

Resources

Johnson, J., Christie, J., Wardle, F. (2010). The Importance of Outdoor Play for Children. Retrieved from: http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2010/outdoor-play

Tandon, P., Zhou, C., Christakis, D. (2012). Jama Pediatrics: Frequency of Parent-Supervised Outdoor Play of US Preschool-Aged Children. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012;166(8):707-712. doi:10.1001/archpediatrics.2011.1835.

The Silent Tragedy Affecting Today’s Children

by Victoria Prooday

NOTE: The following article appeared in a blog written by Victoria Prooday for the website Faithit. Ms. Prooday is a registered Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist, and founder and clinical director of a multidisciplinary clinic for children and parents. The views expressed in this article are her own, and do not originate with Alta Care Group or any of its employees.

There is a silent tragedy developing right now, in our homes, and it concerns our most precious jewels — our children. Through my work with hundreds of children and families as an occupational therapist, I have witnessed this tragedy unfolding right in front of my eyes.

Our children are in a devastating emotional state! Talk to teachers and professionals who have been working in the field for the last 15 years. You will hear concerns similar to mine. Moreover, in the past 15 years, researchers have been releasing alarming statistics on a sharp and steady increase in kids’ mental illness, which is now reaching epidemic proportions:

No, “increased diagnostics” alone is not the answer!

No, “they all are just born like this” is not the answer!

No, “it is all the school system’s fault” is not the answer!

Yes, as painful as it can be to admit — in many cases, we, parents, are the answer to many of our kids’ struggles!

It is scientifically proven that the brain has the capacity to rewire itself through the environment. Unfortunately, with the environment and parenting styles that we are providing to our children, we are rewiring their brains in a wrong direction and contributing to their challenges in everyday life.

Yes, there are and always have been children who are born with disabilities and despite their parents’ best efforts to provide them with a well-balanced environment and parenting, their children continue to struggle. These are NOT the children I am talking about here.

I am talking about many others whose challenges are greatly shaped by the environmental factors that parents, with their greatest intentions, provide to their children. As I have seen in my practice, the moment parents change their perspective on parenting, these children change.

What is wrong?

Today’s children are being deprived of the fundamentals of a healthy childhood, such as:

Emotionally available parents
Clearly defined limits and guidance
Responsibilities
Balanced nutrition and adequate sleep
Movement and outdoors
Creative play, social interaction, opportunities for unstructured times and boredom

Instead, children are being served with:

Digitally distracted parents
Indulgent parents who let kids “Rule the world”
Sense of entitlement rather than responsibility
Inadequate sleep and unbalanced nutrition
Sedentary indoor lifestyle
Endless stimulation, technological babysitters, instant gratification, and absence of dull moments

Could anyone imagine that it is possible to raise a healthy generation in such an unhealthy environment? Of course not! There are no shortcuts to parenting, and we can’t trick human nature. As we see, the outcomes are devastating. Our children pay for the loss of well-balanced childhood with their emotional well-being.

How to fix it?

If we want our children to grow into happy and healthy individuals, we have to wake up and go back to the basics. It is still possible! I know this because hundreds of my clients see positive changes in their kids’ emotional state within weeks (and in some cases, even days) of implementing these recommendations:

Set limits, and remember that you are your child’s PARENT, not a friend
Offer kids well-balanced lifestyle filled with what kids NEED, not just what they WANT. Don’t be afraid to say “No!” to your kids if what they want is not what they need.

Provide nutritious food and limit snacks.
Spend one hour a day in green space: biking, hiking, fishing, watching birds/insects.
Have a daily technology-free family dinner.
Play one board game a day. (List of family games)
Involve your child in one chore a day (folding laundry, tidying up toys, hanging clothes, unpacking groceries, setting the table, etc.).
Implement a consistent sleep routine to ensure that your child gets lots of sleep in a technology-free bedroom.

Teach responsibility and independence
Don’t over-protect them from small failures. It trains them the skills needed to overcome greater life’s challenges.

Don’t pack your child’s backpack, don’t carry her backpack, don’t bring to school his forgotten lunch box/agenda, and don’t peel a banana for a 5-year-old child. Teach them the skills rather than do it for them.

Teach delayed gratification and provide opportunities for “boredom”
Boredom is the time when creativity awakens.

Don’t feel responsible for being your child’s entertainment crew.
Do not use technology as a cure for boredom.
Avoid using technology during meals, in cars, restaurants, malls. Use these moments as opportunities to train their brains to function under “boredom.”
Help them create a “boredom first aid kit” with activity ideas for “I am bored” times.

Be emotionally available to connect with kids
Teach them self-regulation and social skills.

Turn off your phones until kids are in bed to avoid digital distraction.
Become your child’s emotional coach. Teach them to recognize and deal with frustration and anger.
Teach greeting, turn-taking, sharing, empathy, table manners, conversation skills.
Connect emotionally – smile, hug, kiss, tickle, read, dance, jump or crawl with your child.

Suicide Is Preventable – Get Help

The well-publicized recent suicides of two celebrities has resulted in a surge of calls to suicide hotlines nationwide.

It’s a good time to remind everyone that help is available for those who are in despair.

If you or someone you know is hurting, please seek out the support you need. Visit these resources, call or text today:

http://www.helpnetworkneo.org ( 330-747-2696 )

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

https://www.crisistextline.org/referrals/

Using Verbal Reinforcement with Your Child

by Louise Kotel, LSW

Kids tend to have good days and bad. As parents, it’s easy to focus on the bad moments, times and days. We’re quick to redirect, consequent, and become frustrated with behaviors our children are displaying. We tend to get the negative reports from school, daycare and/or the caretaker, as opposed to the positive.

Despite the worst days a child may have, it’s important to also praise the positive — even the smallest of positives that happened in his or her day.

Reinforcement can be as small as a smile, thumbs-up, high-five or a thank you when a child does something positive — e.g. responds right away to a request; does something on his/her own without being asked; brings home an improved grade; completes class work; puts his/her shoes, coat or clothes away, etc.

Reinforcement can also be verbal (“I’m so proud of you,” “You’re the best,” “I saw how hard you worked and I admire that about you,” “Thank you for being you,” “That-a-boy/girl!” “Thank you for listening,” “Great job!”).

Reinforcement can also take form in tangibles — stickers, prize boxes, earning extra snacks or game/TV/outside time, getting to do a one-on-one activity with a parent/friend, etc.

Look at the child’s behaviors throughout the day. Try to “catch” them being good (“I love the way you’re sitting quietly, great job!” “Thank you for being patient while I was on the phone; now that I’m off, what do you need?”) It’s important to try to give the praise as soon as the behavior has been displayed, to reinforce the idea/behavior so it occurs again.

Bedtime is another great time to reinforce positive behaviors. Ask the child about their day, to name positives or things that they want to work on. Encouragement goes a long way!

Expert Recommends Ways to Talk to Your Children About School Shootings

Source: CNYCcentral.com

The horrific images coming out of Texas and Florida following recent school shootings are difficult for adults to process, so how can we help our children make sense of the something so awful?

“As adults it’s so easy for us to want to put our own worries or our own anxieties [forward] to talk about; [but we also recommend asking] open-ended questions to be able to answer the child’s worries and the child’s concerns,” Dr. Anne Reagan, pediatric psychologist at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, said.

Dr. Reagan said, for young children, parents should limit their access to television and social media.

However, for older students who will most likely see some news coverage, Dr. Reagan said start a conversation. She encourages parents to ask what concerns their kids might have about safety and security in the classroom.

“We encourage parents to bring it up and for example say ‘I don’t know if you heard about the shooting in Texas today. Have your friends and you talked about it? What worries do you have?’” Dr. Reagan said.

She encourages parents to listen and validate their children’s concerns.

“We really find that the parents validating children’s concerns tend to get a better outcome compared to parents who say ‘Oh, don’t worry about it. The school will figure it out.’ That doesn’t really answer the child’s questions,” Dr. Reagan said.

Also, to prevent tragedies similar to the ones in Texas and Florida from happening again, make sure you are keeping an eye on your own children’s mental health.

“[Warning signs include] becoming more withdrawn or isolated. Maybe spending more time in their bedroom. Losing interest in activities that they previously enjoyed doing,” Dr. Reagan said.

At that point, Dr. Reagan said, a parent might want to reach out to a mental health professional for help.

Yikes…I mean yay! It’s summer!!

Do you dream about and anticipate the warm, lazy days of summer…until they’re actually here? Do you then start to loathe the thought of kids having too much time on their hands?

Within minutes of school being out for the summer, we start hearing the all-too-familiar words “I’m bored!” — and the parent-child conflict begins.

Summer Bucket List to the rescue!

Sit down with your family and make a list of all the things they’d like to do during the summer months. Sprinkle this list with community freebies and splurge days. Mark them on a realistic calendar and vow to follow the list throughout the summer. Pinky swear with your family to commit to the list, if needed!

Ideas for summer activities can include:

Visiting local art museums
Taking a walk through the park
Volunteering to walk a neighbor’s dog
Cooking a special meal together
Planting an “above the ground” garden
Going to a baseball game
Volunteering at a local charity
No-screen Sundays — removing all screens for the day (TV, computer, etc.)
Learning a new skill together — crocheting, sewing, drawing
Making your own “Sip-‘n’-Paint” using homemade lemonade and a fun picture to draw
Redecorating a favorite room in the house
Going to a matinee

In your search for ideas, look for free and fun family activities and have a conversation with your family and/or other families to generate more interest and feedback.

Most important is to make time to share with your family, get to know each other in a healthy manner and remember that there are only 18 summers together before the kids go off into adulthood.

Make this summer a special one!

Depression Through the Eyes of a Teenager

Recently one of our Alta Behavioral HealthCare clients created a poem about Depression and shared it with us. We feel this poem and accompanying illustration gives a powerful insight into what it can be like to suffer from this condition.

With the permission of the client and the client’s parents, we’re publishing this poem. We want you to know that there is hope for children and teens suffering from Depression. Alta Behavioral Healthcare has certified counselors with years of experience dealing with Depression. We encourage those who are struggling with Depression or their loved ones to contact us at (330) 793-2487.

How Well Does Your Child Sleep at Night?

by Rochelle R. Perrotta, LPCC-S

One of the main concerns I have heard from parents over the years is difficulty getting their children to sleep throughout the night. Many times, children struggle to fall asleep or wake up frequently. Sometimes children have restless sleep patterns or even nightmares. Problems with sleep can be stressful for not only the child, but also parents!

According to Web MD, children and adolescents need at least nine hours of sleep per night. When children fail to get enough sleep, parents may notice the following changes:

Trouble concentrating and paying attention
Poor memory skills
Irritability or increased frustration
Behavioral issues
Learning problems or a decline in grades
Changes in eating patterns
Feeling excessively tired

Fortunately, there are many things that parents can do to help improve their child’s sleep patterns. These simple changes can make a big difference in the quality of your child’s sleep:

Establish a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it!
This may consist of all the things your child needs to do before bed (brush teeth, put pajamas on, etc.). It is also important to have a set bedtime every night. Having a routine for your child will help promote good sleep habits.

Help your child relax and unwind before bedtime.
This may include reading a book or listening to calming music. Avoid electronics at least an hour before bedtime, as this may worsen your child’s sleep patterns.

Avoid giving your child any food or drink that contains caffeine before bedtime.
Caffeine can make it harder for your child to relax and sleep at night.

Make sure your child is comfortable in their room.
This may mean regulating the temperature and lighting. Keep noise levels within the house as low as possible, so your child is not disturbed or awakened.

Use a calming item.
Giving your child a special item to keep with him or her at night can help promote relaxation and improve sleep. The calming item may be a favorite stuffed animal or toy.

Please remember that it’s not uncommon for a child to have a restless night now and again. If a parent begins to notice a significant pattern with sleep problems, it’s always a good idea to have your child checked by the family doctor to rule out any medical conditions.

For more information or questions, please contact Alta Behavioral Healthcare at (330) 793-2487.

Infant Mortality Program Helps Pregnant Moms

Are you or is someone you know pregnant? We’re here to help!

The Infant Mortality Program at Alta Behavioral Healthcare provides services to pregnant women in order to assist them in establishing healthy lifestyles for healthy pregnancies. Our certified Community Health Workers are trained to identify women who are at most risk for having problems during pregnancy and linking them to resources to overcome barriers.

Community Health Workers provide education on issues most associated with high rates of infant mortality — such as access to care providers, smoking cessation, safe sleep habits, car seat safety and much more.

In addition to educational resources, Alta’s Community Health Workers offer comforting support to pregnant women of all ages and who have experienced varying numbers of pregnancies. They assist in reducing client stress by accessing diapers, food and other supportive necessities during this special time.

If you or someone you know is pregnant, please feel free to reach out to the Community Health Workers at Alta Behavioral Healthcare at 330-793-2487.

To Hear Someone Say “I’ve Been There,” and Know They Mean It!

So many times as a transition-aged youth or as a parent, it is common to feel…uncommon. Individuals often keep thoughts, feelings or difficulties to themselves, fearing they will not be understood.

What a relief it would be to talk to someone who has already lived through your experience, and found hope on the other side!

Here at Alta, we couldn’t agree more with the thought that transition-aged youth in mental health treatment could benefit from partnering with peers who have lived the same experiences. Additionally, parents of children in mental health treatment often feel the need to be understood by parents who have navigated the path before them.

We are pleased to offer the opportunity for people to hear the words, “I’ve been there,” and know it’s for real! We offer a team of Peer Recovery Support Staff, composed of both young adults and parents, who have diverse lived experiences. These Peer Recovery Supporters and Parent Supporters are matched with individuals who are going through some of the same experiences they themselves have already lived.

What are some of the benefits to connecting with a Peer Supporter?

Understanding why treatment is important for you/your child
Decreasing feelings of isolation, or feeling as though you are alone in your experience
Learning that there is hope, despite the challenges
Developing skills for living
Gaining support at times when you need it most

The Peer Recovery Support staff and Parent Support staff at Alta are excited to speak with you! For more information, please contact Peer Support Program Coordinator Bethany Reed-Crouch at 330-793-2487 to be matched with one of our staff, who can truly say “I’ve been there.”

How to Help Your Children with Test Anxiety

by Bethany Koenig

State testing season is here and with standardized tests come anxiety — for teachers, children and their parents. The pressure is high and the children are feeling it!

All children experience anxiety, and anxiety is a normal response to something that is dangerous or stressful. The good news is that anxiety in kids is very treatable, and children are usually very responsive to treatment.

Test anxiety often comes from a fear of failure, lack of preparation, or a history of problems or bad experiences with test-taking. Parents should be aware of the signs of severe anxiety so they can get involved early and find their children the help they need.

Signs of anxiety may include headache; nausea or stomach issues; shortness of breath; feelings of anger, fear or helplessness; difficulty concentrating; or negative thinking.

Here are some tips for parents that can help children manage test anxiety:

Be involved — know what tests your child will be taking and on what days.
Talk to your children about their preparation for the tests and how the results may affect them.
Help your children in areas they may struggle in — many teachers would be happy to provide some extra practice worksheets.
Make the practice sessions short, and set small, manageable goals so that the extra practice will help enhance your child’s confidence.
On test day, make sure your children get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.
Then send them to school prepared with the needed school materials (such as a No. 2 pencil, calculator, etc.).
Keep a positive attitude and stay calm. Help give kids some strategies to relax if they become anxious during the test, such as taking deep breaths or counting back from 10.

In addition to these test-day strategies, here are some other ways that you can help with test anxiety throughout the school year:

Help your children with homework, and make sure they are completing homework assignments daily.
Help your child develop good study habits and have a positive attitude towards schools from a young age.
Ensure that your child has good attendance at school.
Stay in communication with your child’s teacher.
Encourage your children to read as much as possible and read to them daily.
Look for educational games and apps they can play in their free time.

For more information contact Alta Behavioral Healthcare at (330) 793-2487. Happy testing!

Screen Time and Its Impact on Your Child’s Well-Being

Screen time is defined as any time a child or teen spends in front of a television, computer, video game or mobile device.

The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends youth have less than two hours per day of screen time. However, most youth spend closer to eight hours each day. Increased screen time is associated with several physical health and mental health concerns, including:

Obesity
Reduced energy
Difficulty in school
Sleeping disorders
Aggressive behavior
Engaging in risky behavior
Lower empathy toward others

While studies do not imply that video games alone cause youth to be violent or aggressive, they certainly contribute to these areas — especially when combined with other factors such as negative peer groups, social isolation and a history of impulsive actions. And there is clear evidence that the younger the child, the greater the impression violent material has on brain development and future connections to aggressive behaviors in later years.

The Ohio Department of Education has several tips on how parents can minimize the effects of screen time on their children:

Designate screen-free zones in the home, especially at the dinner table and children’s bedrooms.
Set viewing times and take a break from the screen at least one hour before bed.
Use parental controls to ensure youth are only exposed to developmentally appropriate content.
Balance screen time with activities that require movement and exercise.
Log screen time versus active time on a chart or graph.
Encourage family movie nights and use content as “teachable moments.”
Provide other options for children and teens such as outdoor activities, board games, reading, hobbies, sports, art or engaging with nature.
Keep screen time a “non-event” — don’t use it as a reward or punishment.
Observe your child’s behavioral changes, especially if you sense increased aggression, agitation, selfishness or signs of depression. It could be a sign to take a break or seek additional support.

Expert Recommends Ways to Talk to Your Children About School Shootings

Source: CNYCcentral.com

The horrific images coming out of Florida following the school shooting are difficult for adults to process, so how can we help our children make sense of the something so awful?

Dr. Reagan said, for young children, parents should limit their access to television and social media.

“We encourage parents to bring it up and for example say ‘I don’t know if you heard about the shooting in Florida today. Have your friends and you talked about it? What worries do you have?’” Dr. Reagan said.

She encourages parents to listen and validate their children’s concerns.

Also, to prevent tragedies similar to the one in Florida from happening again, make sure you are keeping an eye on your own children’s mental health.

“[Warning signs include] becoming more withdrawn or isolated. Maybe spending more time in their bedroom. Losing interest in activities that they previously enjoyed doing,” Dr. Reagan said.

At that point, Dr. Reagan said, a parent might want to reach out to a mental health professional for help.