Video: Dyslexia Insights from a Young Man and a Psychologist

Last updated on January 27th, 2016 at 11:23 am

Dyslexia is a common type of learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in the reading and spelling of words. In this video, Daniel tells his story and an expert gives advice on symptoms, causes and treatment approaches.

https://youtu.be/IUbXyOjV1Cg

Editor’s Note: Video Highlights

Daniel’s perspective:  Daniel is a college student and was recently diagnosed with dyslexia

• Daniel’s dyslexia issue is processing speed and short term memory
• He found math hard in school and it was difficult to first learn new things – so he was often left behind
• Once he was diagnosed, some advice and support helped him:
  • He was given a keyboard to take into lectures, since he could type faster than writing by hand
  • For reading, he got advice to read several words at once – rather than each individual word – it was tiring him out to read before
• Daniel says he has a terrible short term member but a great long-term memory – if he learns something very carefully, he will always remember it – so he can build off this strength
• It was easier after he was diagnosed: “I felt like, actually there Is something that is causing it, so I could find ways to help myself then.”
• “It was far more useful knowing I had dyslexia rather than just struggling and not knowing why.”

Expert perspective:    Dr. David McLoughlin is a psychologist who treats children with dyslexia in his practice

• Dyslexia is a problem with the language-processing area of the brain which impacts on reading and spelling
• However, it also impacts a broader range of tasks – such as time management, organization and planning – so rather than just a memory or processing issue, it’s a much bigger syndrome
• Dyslexia runs in families – we know this from twin studies, research and clinical practice
• The standard diagnosis process includes measurement of the general ability – and then looking at whether achievements in reading, writing, spelling or math are inconsistent with the child’s general level of functioning
  • They then look at factors in the testing – like memory or processing skills – that might explain any differences
• General advice for parents of a child with dyslexia:
  • Get them to read – but don’t over-correct them
  • Expect them to forget – reward them for remembering
  • As they get older self-understanding becomes very important
• The reassuring thing is that if children are properly understood and have the opportunity to develop skills and alternative techniques – they can pursue whatever  they are capable of
  • They just have to do things differently

Keep Active with Ultimate Summer Family Adventures

Last updated on July 21st, 2015 at 12:27 pm

Summer is a great time to increase physical activity for you and your family. There are lots of opportunities not available in winter (depending on where you live) and the longer days give ample time to get outside. However, it can also be a time when boredom sets in as kids lose their usual school-driven routine…and the temptation of sedentary video games is usually close at hand.

This summer, my family is doing better at being active and keeping boredom at bay – thanks to an idea from my thirteen year-old son (Thanks Elliott!).  He calls it “Ultimate AdventurouSummer” (yes, the words are supposed to run together – he thinks it’s so clever!).  Basically it involves a hat (or jar) full of fun family activities that you pull from randomly on a weekly basis. We have already engaged in mountain biking, a local ropes course (Go Ape), and a family badminton tournament.  In addition to the physical activity benefits, we’ve also had a lot of fun together as a family, so it’s been great for bonding. Below is my son’s recipe for ultimate summer adventures.

Developing Ideas

• Everyone in the family should come up with at least 5 ideas (oh, and they can’t just be the everyday activities like walking the dog or going for a family bike ride)
• Most should be active ideas – but you can include projects too
• Each should be feasible to do in one day or a weekend with not too much prep (we usually pick the week’s idea on Monday to do on the weekend)
• It helps to do a little research on the ideas and activities in your area – it can be a great excuse to finally visit some local parks or activity centers
• HOLD A FAMILY MEETING – review all the ideas and make any changes that are needed – discard any that are not appropriate (e.g. that mom and dad are not willing or able to do…bungie jumping?? – or that won’t work for the whole family)
• Get the kids to write each approved activity on a slip of paper and pop them into the official summer fun jar or hat!

Doing the Adventures

• Pick an idea several days ahead – you may need to do some preparation or get materials (we had to patch a tire for mountain biking) – plus this gives time for everyone to discuss and plan the adventure…which is part of the fun
• Plan the activities – AND CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST – you may only have a few windows for some activities depending on rain/etc.
• Do a checklist of things you need to take with you….we’ve had to go back home a couple of times
• Build in some flexibility – we kept an idea for just my son and husband aside for a weekend when I was going to be away
• Go out and have fun – and get active!

Here is a sample of some of our ideas:

• Mountain biking
• Ropes course (ropes climbing and zipline course)
• Badminton tournament
• Kayaking
• Hiking at a local state park with our dogs
• Parcour (at a local course)
• Frisbee golf (who knew??)
• We also included some less active, but fun projects:
  • Science project, from our son’s Backyard Ballistics book
  • Cooking a completely new meal, including a trip to a Farmer’s Market

We’ve already seen a lot of benefits from our Ultimate Adventurous Summer. It’s actually been a lot of fun, and since it’s kid-directed to a large extent, our son has been really engaged in the activities – including the preparations. Plus we’ve all been getting active…the ropes course required a good amount of exertion, but was a lot more fun than I expected.  And we’ve created a lot of good family memories!

CPR Training Required for High School Graduation

Last updated on February 28th, 2018 at 11:40 am

I know it is summer and the last thing any of us want to think about is school and all the work our kids have to put in to graduate.   If you are the parent of a high school student that is trying to figure out what courses will be best to take and what will be needed to ensure graduation then looking ahead to this upcoming school year and the growing movement of required CPR training in schools for graduation is a must.  Currently 24 states have legislation that require high school students take the CPR training in the school to be eligible to graduate and many more states have pending legislation on the way.

The American Heart Association statistics tell us that every hour in the United States 48 people will suffer an out of hospital cardiac arrest and that 9 out of 10 of those people will not survive, however if proper CPR measure are begun by a trained bystander then the odds of that person surviving can double or even triple; and since these people are suffering a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital this means they will be having them in every day situation like being at work, home, school, and places where care would normally take too long.   Having many more trained people in these everyday places can have an immediate impact and help save lives now.     The program that is teaching the CPR program in the schools is called “CPR IN SCHOOLS” and is monitored by the American Heart Association and can be found online at www.heart.org/cprinschool.

The bottom line is that there is never a bad time to learn CPR because you have no idea when you will need to use it and whether or not your children are required to take it in school, it is always a worthy investment that can pay dividends long after your children have graduated and who knows, the life they save may be yours.

Thank you and Have a Great and Safe Summer.

Photo credit: Northern Ireland Executive; CC license

Physical Activity Guide for Children and Youth to Keep Healthy

Last updated on March 2nd, 2018 at 12:54 pm

A Simple Mommy Secret: 4 Steps to Stop Your Little Biter

Last updated on May 30th, 2017 at 09:42 pm

Do you have a biter on your hands? Biting is among the most bothersome and embarrassing kid behaviors. I remember the horror the first time I saw one child in our playgroup bite – I quickly learned that biting is usually temporary, and much more common than I had thought. The other moms and I read up on biting behavior, and shared what we’d learned with one another. We learned that infants and toddlers often bite to relieve teething or gum soreness, or think it’s just a game. Preschoolers typically bite because they haven’t yet developed the coping skills to deal with stress appropriately or the verbal skills to express their needs. Whatever the reason, we knew that this behavior is clearly upsetting to all involved. And has been known to continue as kids get older if not dealt with. Our job was to nip this behavior before it becomes a habit.

Here are a few steps you can take to help you handle this annoying (but common) behavior:

Step 1. Confront the Biter A.S.A.P.
Step in the very minute your child bites and call it what it is: “That’s biting!” Then in a very stern voice say: “You may not bite people!” Firmly express your disapproval, and quickly remove your child from the situation. Remember Mom: No matter what you hear from other parents, do not bite your kid back! It is not helpful, and in fact, you’re only sending him the messages that kids can’t bite, but adults can.

If your kid has developed a history of biting, you’ll need to take emergency action. Arrange a private meeting amongst your child and other caregivers (such as his teacher, coach, daycare worker, babysitter) with whom he’s displaying the behavior. Create a consequence everyone understands: this could be the loss of a privilege, time out, or going home. You’ll want to all be on the same page and consistently enforced whatever consequence you all agreed upon. All the moms in our playground, for instance, decided to get on the same page together. Because we all responded the same way (yes, there was one mom who was a bit too laid-back, but we knew we couldn’t change her behavior), we were more successful in stopping our four-year-old Vampire Wannabees.

Step 2. Comfort the Victim and Boost Empathy
Kids always need to know that biting hurts! So in the presence of your kid focus your concern on the victim. “I’m so sorry! That must hurt. What can I do to help?” Doing so shows your child not only that his action caused pain but also how to convey sympathy. If possible, find a way to help your child to make amends. He might offer the victim a Kleenex or band-aid, draw a picture to apologize, say he’s sorry, or give the other child a toy. Do also apologize to the child’s parents on the spot or with a phone call. (Word to the wise: I learned the hard way that it is far better that I make the call then having the parent hear the story from someone else).

Step 3. Teach a New Behavior to Replace the Biting
If your toddler is teething, she’s probably biting because of sore gums. In that case, offer something appropriate to bite on: such as a frozen juice bar, a hard plastic teething ring, or toy to relieve the discomfort.

Kids often bite because they haven’t developed the verbal skills to communicate their needs or frustrations. Identify what skill your child lacks, and then teach a more appropriate way to respond that will replace the urge to bite. Practice the new skill together, until he can successfully use it on his own. One youngster bit because he didn’t know how to say he wanted a turn. Once his dad recognized the problem, he taught his son to say: “It’s your turn, then it’s my turn.” The biting quickly stopped. If your child has trouble verbalizing feelings or needs, teach him to say: “I’m getting mad.” Or: “I want to play.” Remember to let him know how proud you are when he uses good control.

Step 4. Anticipate Biting Behavior as the Best Prevention
If your child has developed a pattern of biting, then supervise those play times closely. You can then immediately step in and stop your biter before it happens. Put your hand gently over his mouth firmly saying: “You may not bite. Use your words to tell what you need.” Then show how: “I want a turn.” Sometimes you can distract your child from the situation: “Would you like to play with the clay or blocks?” You may have step in a few times before the biting is stopped, so watch closely then intervene pronto.

The most important part of this Mommy Secret to learn is that kids usually bite because they lack the ability to handle their frustrations. It’s up to us to help find better ways to get their point across.

Photo credit: Sabine 75; CC license

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Dr Borba’s book The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries, is one of the most comprehensive parenting book for kids 3 to 13. This down-to-earth guide offers advice for dealing with children’s difficult behavior and hot button issues including biting, tantrums, cheating, bad friends, inappropriate clothing, sex, drugs, peer pressure and much more. Each of the 101 challenging parenting issues includes specific step-by-step solutions and practical advice that is age appropriate based on the latest research. The Big Book of Parenting Solutions is available at amazon.com

The Kurbo Program: Healthy Weight Mgmt for Kids and Teens

Last updated on August 31st, 2015 at 12:42 am

The growth of childhood obesity in the United States is staggering.  We have now reached a point where 1 out of 3 kids are overweight or obese.

My name is Joanna Strober and my son was one of those kids struggling with weight. As a mother, concerned about my child’s health and well being, I set out on a mission to find help. I was searching for a tool, something that could easily fit into my son’s life and effectively help him manage his weight. However, after multiple doctor visits and endless hours on the Internet, I found nothing beyond “eat less and exercise more.”

I knew of some weight loss apps for adults, but, like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig, they were all either unsafe or ineffective for children. Then I discovered the nationally recognized Stanford Pediatric Weight Control Program at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, where I finally found the effective tools and practical guidance I was looking for. University based weight loss programs for kids are highly effective for local families – but what about children and families that do not live near a University based program? How can they receive help, guidance and support to control and manage their weight?

I wanted to find a way for the program’s proven weight management tools to reach more kids.  Recognizing this gap in the marketplace, I came up with a plan: to adapt Stanford’s program to a scalable, mobile platform for kids and teens. Thus, the idea for Kurbo was born.

To carry out my plan, I needed an expert in the field of pediatric weight control, so I teamed up with Thea Runyan. Thea is the Lead Behavior Coach for the Stanford program and for over 12 years, has successfully helped over 600 families manage weight and lead healthier lifestyles. With her experience and dedication to taming the childhood obesity epidemic, Thea connected to my vision and recognized its potential to positively change the lives of kids, teens and their families.

With the help of $5.8 million in venture capital funding, we launched Kurbo Health. Kurbo Health licensed the program from Stanford University’s acclaimed pediatric weight control program and incorporated the programs’ tools and principles into a fun, engaging mobile app and weekly live-coaching sessions. It’s the first safe, effective and accessible mobile weight management program for kids, teens and their families.

The Kurbo Program teaches kids how to change their eating and exercise habits in order to reach and maintain a healthy weight. It is not about dieting, calorie counting or deprivation. These imply short-term results, create a negative stigma and hyper-focus around food and only magnify the issue at hand. Instead, Kurbo is about gradually gaining control of your health by making healthy lifestyle choices. Kids start seeing real signs of success after 3 to 4 weeks of the Kurbo Program.

A critical component of the Kurbo Program is the free, easy-to-use mobile app. Kids use the app to track their food and exercise using a version of the research-based Traffic Light system. Here’s how the system works: green light foods include fruits and veggies, yellow light foods include grains, lean protein and low fat dairy and red light foods are high in unhealthy fats, sugars and high calorie density foods. Once kids start tracking their red, yellow and green light foods, they become aware of their eating habits and start making healthier choices.  The goal is to eat a well-balanced diet by increasing green light foods, moderating yellow light foods and minimizing red light foods over time. This is a safe way for kids to eat healthier and manage their weight. The app also includes videos and games that introduce concepts like food classification and portion size and provides instant feedback, reminders and rewards to keep users on track.  Kurbo also encourages challenges, like having a red-free day or trying a totally new green light food, that keep kids engaged and motivated to achieve their goals.

The Kurbo Program provides weekly supportive coaching sessions with a trained Kurbo coach. These sessions can either be via text or email. Each week, your child’s Kurbo coach evaluates their progress by reviewing food and exercise choices, making actionable suggestions and working with your child to set reasonable goals for the next week. Coaches also teach your child how to plan ahead and budget their number of red light foods for the week. Say, for example, your family is going to a birthday party on a Friday. Your child’s Kurbo coach will help him or her use the app to rebudget reds, adding more reds on Friday (and fewer on other days of the week) to make sure he can eat pizza and cake and still meet his red-light goal for the week!

Not only is the Kurbo Program fun and affordable, it works. Kurbo’s beta test results showed that 88% of kids (ages 8 to 18) who met with Kurbo coaches for 10 weeks reduced their BMI (body mass index), lost an average of 5-10 pounds, exercised more frequently and felt healthier, happier and more confident.

While Kurbo kids gain tools to lead healthier lives, Kurbo parents get to take a break from being the “food police.” Kurbo reduces the tension and conflict around food and exercise that many parents face with their children. Coaches become a source of support, motivation and accountability. However, parents are still encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s Kurbo journey. Parents can participate in coaching sessions, receive a weekly email newsletter and have access to parent-focused experts who can answer their specific questions and concerns. Kurbo invites the whole family to use the Kurbo app, because kids are more successful when their families are tracking along with them. In fact, many parents lose weight too.

I created Kurbo Health as a solution for families, kids and teens who are struggling to lose weight. What started as a mission to help my son, has become a mission to help millions of kids and teens live healthier, lose weight, adopt better eating habits and feel really good about themselves.

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HEALTHFUL HINTS

Here is a Healthy Family Checklist  to help manage your family’s healthy habits:

• Do 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Incorporate exercise in a family routine like walking after dinner.
• Limit TV, computer and video game time to 2 hours/per day
• Eat dinner with your family at a regular time
• Eat a fruit and/or vegetable at every meal (at least!)
• Drink lots of water!
• Limit Red light Foods like candy, chips, and crackers by buying less!
• Switch to non-fat or 1% milk
• Don’t drink your calories! Avoid sugary drinks like soda, sports drink and juice.
• Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday. Don’t skip meals!
• Encourage your kids and teens to get least 8-9 hours of sleep a night

One feature about Kurbo that generates some concern is the weight tracker: kids are encouraged to weigh themselves once a week and record it in the Kurbo app. Thea Runyan, Kurbo co-founder, provides her advice for creating a healthy mindset around “stepping on the scale:”

• Don’t make the scale scary, it’s just a tool: It is important that parents don’t transfer their fears about the scale to their kids. At Kurbo weight measurement is simply another tool to assess progress, just like food and exercise tracking.
• Encourage kids and teens to weigh themselves NO MORE than once a week: Research shows that weighting yourself regularly (not obsessively) is very important for managing a healthy lifestyle.
• Success is not measured in pounds: At Kurbo, a child’s success is not defined by weight loss but instead, by learning and maintaining healthy behaviors and making smart choices about food and exercise.

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