Parent Talk Magazine | November 2014

1November 2014

Shaping & Inspiring:

MusicA look into music

education- 7

parenttalk

HappyPlates

Turkey Time - 5

November 2014

2 Parent Talk Magazine

985.447.4783www.clementdental.com

Start healthy habits early

Have Healthy Teeth and Gums

3November 2014

The Toy BoxHappy PlatesDevelop & Thrive

Knowledge Is PowerPrincipal's List: Jimi Encalade

Let's Get Fit

Shaping & Inspiring: Music

Diary of a Dad

4

5

ON THE COVER:

PHOTO: CRYSTAL SANDERSON

PublishersBen Jones Jr

Cody J. Blanchard

MANAGING EDITORKara Domangue

CONTRIBUTING WRITERMichelle Gautreaux

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTSJasmine Richard, Joni Bascle, Anne Marie Naquin,

Kim Thompson, Katherine Toups, Rob Bower,

Michele Bower

TO ADVERTISEKara Domangue

985.209.4933

[email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHYCrystal Sanderson, Brian Waitz

November 2014VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2

Copyright © 2014 by Fathom Media, LLC.All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part withoutpermission is strictly prohibited.

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Parent Talk Magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material such as manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed.

The opinions expressed in Parent Talk Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Fathom Media, our employees or any of our advertisers.

Thanksgiving is approaching fast, and what better holiday is there to explain the importance of being thankful for friends, family, and good health. Please express thankfulness to your child(ren) this holiday season.

In this issue of Parent Talk you will also read about the importance of music in your child’s life. Music enriches the soul and sparks creativity and knowledge in all of our lives. Read about the many benefits of practicing and playing a musical instrument, no matter what age.

Dear ParentsWe hope you enjoy this issue of Parent

Talk. We have wonderful columnists full of insight and knowledge into raising kids in the 21st century.

May you and your family have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! We’ll be seeing you again for the Christmas holidays!

Keep talking, parents!

Kara Domangue, Managing Editor

In This Issue

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7

9

10

12

13

Cover face painting and artwork by Re' Howse of The Purple Penguin Art Company.

parenttalk

Insights From The Inside14


The

Toy BoxJasmine RichardSocial Media Librarian

Free; iPhone and iPad; Ages 4+KidQuest offers hours of hands-on or simulated learning doing crafts, science experiments, story creation, and more. It features illustrated directions, badges for completing activities, and a scrapbook record of the fun. In-app photo, video and note-taking capabilities and optional narration of instructions are available. Over 20 free activities included with the option to purchase more.

App of the MonthKidQuest by LiveHive Systems Inc.

Cost 19.99; Ages: 8+; Available from major retailersIncludes microscope with LED light to attach to a smart phone camera, polarizing and colored filters, specimen slide, plastic carrying case, and a booklet with 20 experiments to teach kids about microscopic viewing, pixels, light waves, satellites, sound, and more. Kids can turn a smart phone into a science adventure.

Toy of the MonthSmartLab Toys Smartphone Science Lab

Preschool- 2nd gradePoetic picture book with fantastic mixed media art takes children on a journey from stardust to atoms to other parts of the living world around them. Illustrating a connection to nature, intertwined with science and altogether enjoyable, this book will surely capture kids’ attention and cause them to think about some big ideas. Get it at your Lafourche Library.

Book of the MonthYou Are Stardust by Elin Kelsey

5November 2014

Ingredients:

— 1 banana

— 1 clementine

— Grapes

— Berries – blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries

— Half of a pear

— Dried fruit mix

— Lollipop sticks

You Are Stardust by Elin Kelsey

Preparation:

1. Start with the tail by laying out 9 pieces of banana, sliced on the diagonal. Top each slice with a clementine segment.

2. Next, make 8 grape and berry skewers. You can use lollipop sticks instead of the sharp skewers.

3. The body of the turkey is half of a pear, with eyes and a beak cut from a slice of dried mango (or other dried fruit). You can also use dried fruit for the waddle and the feet. pt

Source: www.thehappyrawkitchen.com

Happy PlatesTurkey Time!

BY KATHERINE TOUPS, THIBODAUX


Shaping Inspiring

internet homeschooling

home-based or onsite

customized education plan

elearningk12.com | 985-223-9077220 civic center blvd, houma la806 North Acadia Road, Thibodaux la

our After School Program assists students with homework completion

individualized instruction

self-paced learning

one to one tutoring

This article originally began as part of a speech that my good friend Kim Thompson, LCSW (and also contributing writer to this magazine – see her column for her side of the topic) and I presented to the local chapter of social workers in our area. They were interested in learning some ideas about how therapists and physical activity affect children with ADD/ADHD. These diagnoses do affect almost 5% of our population so I felt that you might be interested in the same information.

Why do children with ADHD/ASD have trouble keeping their bodies physically calm? (in addition to the fact that they are simply hyper in personality)— Decreased core strength— Decreased sensory integration and reflexes— Decreased body awareness and proprioception— Increased anxiety when a skill is not comfortable or “up to par” (IE, they get fidget-ty when they don’t know something or get upset that they can’t accomplish something)— Decreased attention, motor planning and reading of cues while learning new skills that build muscle strength and

Develop and ThriveFinding Extracurricular Activities

BY MICHELE R. BOWER, PT, PCS, THIBODAUX

coordinationWhat do therapists do to help children

with ADD/ADHD achieve their fine motor, gross motor and oromotor milestones?

Make it interesting and exciting and include a variety of sensory experiences, of course! — Write letters in a variety of materials including shaving cream, yogurt, on a friend’s back, with a cinnamon stick on a piece of sandpaper— Jump/throw a ball back and forth while reciting numbers, letters, math problems, spelling words— Computer games and supplements that have a quick response and various colors to encourage attention to the task.— Fidgets like stress balls, mobile seats, therapy balls to sit on, theraband on the desk, weights

We hear the same thing over and over from parents when they come to the clinic for OT, PT, or ST.

“My child is terrible at sports!” “My child will not sit still in dancing or music lessons!” “There is no way that I can safely leave them at art class…they would run down the road in a minute!”

The sports and activities that we have

found to be most beneficial and least controversial for the children with ADD/ADHD in our practice are gymnastics, art, dancing (with a teacher who understands their differences), drama activities, Lego groups and classes, music lessons, track activities, swimming, and martial arts. We are fortunate in our community that we have a variety of these activities available. The teacher is just as important as the activity. Talk to them about how they handle children with hyperactivity. Find someone who has the same philosophy that you have found works with your child. Just because a child does not handle tee ball well doesn’t mean that you should give up on team sports all together.

Finding an extracurricular outlet for your child with different learning or behavioral needs is important for so much more than just the motor skills they will gain. Hopefully, they will run into some new friends that share the same interests and maybe even challenges that they face every day. This peer support in the community can be the thing that makes them want to focus to enjoy learning a new skill. pt

7November 2014

Music influences one to be inspired to make a decision, take a stand, fulfill their dreams, or just get up and dance.

Though, music could also influence destruction, bad decision-making, and negative actions. As parents, we worry constantly of the dangers both outside and in our home. We worry about the exposure they are receiving at school, in their neighborhood, on TV, on the Internet, and over the radio. We make decisions every day to determine what is good and not good for our children.

As the music blares from the speakers of your minivan to what seems to be a good jam, it is interrupted by vulgarity and you then meltdown – exclaiming like a toddler WHY, WHY, WHY! Why do they have to add another lesson to the never-ending job of parenting? Now I have to stop the van explain they should never use those words, say that phrase or perform any of those actions. It is kind of like the kid in the coffee shop walking out at 4 years old with an iPhone 6 and my 11 year old looking at me questionably thinking ‘hmmm why does that little kid have one and I don’t even have a phone.’ Why must society complicate our job even further?

BY MICHELLE GAUTREAUX, LOCKPORT

Shaping Inspiring&

Yet, as I wonder what station to turn my radio to, I am bombarded with thoughts of what music has done for my life. As I sit to write this I am listening to I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) by The Proclaimers. It was released in 1988 and I still remember the impact the words had on me then. Though I might have been too young to realize what love truly was, I knew that I wanted my husband to be the man in that song. I was in the fourth grade when I decided to be in band. I played the clarinet and quite well for many years. Music has always been a large part of my life. It has inspired me in many ways, but mostly in writing. Band was not just another class I could get an easy A in. It was my release of sadness, my moment to shine and my time to be with friends – a place I found to fit in.

A tremendous amount of research has been done on the effects of music on our brains. “Studies have shown that learning to play an instrument can bring significant improvements to your brain,” says Diane Cole of National Geographic. In her article, she states that as we age, we experience memory loss, cognitive decline, and a

:Music

PHOTO: CRYSTAL SANDERSON


diminished ability to distinguish consonants and spoken words. It is said that children receiving music lessons are provided a defense against the impacts of age on our brains. “Music adds additional neural connections that last a lifetime,” says Brenda Hanna-Pladdy, a neuropsychologist of Emory University in Atlanta. Research has found that it also facilitates learning in other subjects. Learning and playing taps into many skills sets, using their ears and eyes simultaneously. It helps to develop language with decoding of sounds and words and increases IQ’s. There is plenty of neuroscience research on children’s involvement in music. They have found that they have a larger growth of neural activity than people not in music training. These children are not only using their minds to play the instrument, but they might also be singing, keeping time etc. With these skill sets, they are able to notably use this skill during test taking. Schools with superior music education programs scored higher on standardized tests than those without.

The beautiful impact that music has on the brain described here makes you want to jump up and enroll your children in a music class. (Note: I am not encouraging or discouraging, talk to your child about it first). Before you do that though, Mary Luehrisen, executive director of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation says something profound you should think about, “Schools that have rigorous programs and high-quality music and arts teachers probably have high-quality teachers in other areas. If you have an environment where there are a lot of people doing creative, smart, great things, joyful things, even people who aren’t doing that have a tendency to go up and do better.” Therefore we are products of

our environment. Surrounding our children with the joy of music and those who are enrolled in turn lifts our own children.

At this moment, you might have been thinking about enrolling your children in some form of musical training. But even with the statements of increased cognitive development, the primary reason you should encourage your child to pursue musical training should be to help them become more musical, to appreciate all aspects of music, and to respect the process of learning an instrument or learning to sing.

Studies show that regardless of race, gender, or environment, everyone is born with inherent musical potential. Babies are born into this world with natural musical ability and an intense interest in learning music. Even deaf children are found to be humming

overcoming their physical disability. Students who play music can perform better in school and in life and teenagers can benefit socially building acceptance and tolerance of people of all ages and cultures. Expressing themselves artistically or just to release some stress or aggression, whatever the purpose it can truly be a positive outlet.

Each person will express many ways musical education has influenced them. For some, it was to further themselves in the music world, some pursued it for scholarships, and others just to pass the time. As for me, my music education gave me a clearer understanding of not only myself, but others. Music inspired me to reach out, it inspired me to write, it inspired me to express myself and it shaped me into who I am today. So whether you are listening to rock, rap, oldies, country, indie, Christian or Taylor Swift’s Shake it Off be inspired to reach out to your children and teach them what music can do for them. pt

"Studies show that regardless of race, gender, or environment, everyone is born

with inherent musical potential."

9November 2014

Approximately 20 to 45 percent of school-aged children do not reach their full potential because they suffer from low

self-esteem. Self-esteem refers to how you feel about yourself. It includes self-confidence, self-respect, pride in oneself, independence and self-reliance. Success builds self-esteem. Because underachieving students do not experience as much success in the classroom, low self-esteem is often the result. Many parents assume that their underachiever may have a lower IQ. In fact, most underachievers have high or average IQs, but their low self-esteem prevents them from succeeding in the classroom.

Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offers the following communication tips to help build or restore your children’s self-esteem:

— Have easy-going conversations on topics that are of interest.— Ask questions that require in-depth responses.— Be optimistic.— Encourage children to express their true feelings.— Listen to how your children feel without making judgments about those feelings.— Be patient.

Positive self-esteem not only helps students in the classroom, but also contributes to success later in life. Self-esteem must be established at an early age and strengthened throughout every child’s life.

To build positive self-esteem, parents must strive to: — Help their children to set goals.— Remind their children to think positive thoughts.— Praise their children everyday.— Everyday, say “I love you” and mean it.— Allow their children to be free to succeed and to make mistakes.— Make time to talk to their children every day.

In today’s society, there is a definite demand on students to succeed, and positive self-esteem is crucial. It may be beneficial to send your child to a supplemental education provider that reinforces positive self-esteem. Sylvan Learning has helped more than two million students develop the skills, habits and attitudes needed for lifelong success. Sylvan also helps bolster self-esteem by focusing on strategies for success and providing consistent positive reinforcement to demonstrate that learning is its own reward. pt

Knowledge is PowerDoes Your Child Need a Tutor?

BY ANNE MARIE NAQUIN, HOUMA


What is your educational background? I am a 2006 Master of Education graduate of Nicholls State

University. My continuing education includes membership to the National Association of Elementary School Principals, Louisiana Association of School Executives, Lafourche Parish Administrators Association, and Lafourche Parish Association of Principals.

What has been your greatest joy in being a part of an elementary school?

My greatest joy is making a difference in the world by enabling each of our students to fully maximize their talents, imagination, skills, and character. To our students we are a friend, a mentor, and a guide to the world. To be a part of their world (even for a short period) brings me the greatest joy.

What is your favorite subject in school and why?Leadership classes would be at the top of this list. I am always

challenged to learn more and to become more. The skills acquired

Principal s ListJimi Encalade, Thibodaux Elementary School

BY ANNE MARIE NAQUIN, HOUMA

in leadership classes inspired and motivated me to develop both personally and professionally. My goal is to inspire and motivate those around me to fulfill their dreams.

What is the #1 characteristic you hope to instill in your students before they move on?

Confidence - Always keep your dreams alive. Understand that to achieve anything requires vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember that all things are possible if you believe in yourself.

What’s one of your favorite memories as being principal of your school?

The first day of school this year was like Christmas morning! Our students were able to enjoy their brand new playground equipment! During the past couple of years, our entire school community has been raising money for playground equipment and during the summer we were able to install an eight-man swing set with a play maze. To see the looks on our students’ faces was priceless… pt

PHOTO: BRIAN WAITZ

,

11November 2014

PHOTO: BRIAN WAITZ


It happened yet again…a soccer, swimming, dancing, piano, birthday party

free weekend! That’s like two this year! Man, am I lucky! Since we cannot just lounge around and rest, we were loading the kids up in the family truckster and decided to do a small overnight trip to our lovely State Capital, Baton Rouge.

Our first stop of the day was to the awesome USS Kidd. Now as a Naval Veteran, I love bringing my kids aboard ships like the USS Alabama in Mobile and the Kidd in Baton Rouge. I was a submarine sailor but my father and grandfather spent most of their Naval years on “skimmers” just like these ships. Touring the ship was awesome but the attached museum is really cool, too. The

Diary of a DadWhat do you mean we have nothing to do this weekend?

BY ROBBIE BOWER, THIBODAUX

kids will get to learn a lot about Louisiana’s contribution to the defense of our great Nation. It’s well worth the visit!

From there, we zoomed down the street to the Old State Capital. This place is very interesting. It was designed by a New Yorker who thought a castle would look really cool in Louisiana. You know, cause we have a rich English influence over us here in Louisiana…not! Mark Twain once commented on how much he loathed its look as it was clearly out of place. If you can get past that, it really is stunning. Up next, we were off to the current State Capital! It was a rainy day and that kept the crowds down which I love! We toured both Houses of the Capital and even found the bullet holes from the assassination

attempt of Huey Long.Lastly, we thought we’d finish off the

day with something very intellectually stimulating for the kids and headed to the nearest…laser tag. There, they ran around for hours while mom and I sat at the nearest bench and rubbed our aching feet. We really enjoyed our trip to Baton Rouge and love introducing our children to all our State has to offer even the awesome laser tag. We need to all remember that our state and our neighboring states have so much to teach our children. It is not always necessary to head off to Europe or a ski lodge to find some quality family time. Keep it local and teach your kids a little about our culture at the same time. pt

13November 2014

This might just be my favorite month of the year! November means gorgeous Fall weather, taking time to be more grateful

than usual, and of course, great food and family gatherings! Unfortunately, it also means unhealthy and fattening foods, accompanied by weight gain and that leads to feeling pretty sluggish and a lack of energy. Great news! There are ways to enjoy the fun of the season and not fall into those seasonal ruts. For starters, keep your family active! There are lots of family friendly events coming up in our area and perfect weather to get out and participate. A few races coming up in our area are Kim's Playhouse's Mustache Dash on 11/15/14. There will be a 5k, a shorter fun run, as well as many other events for the whole family. The very next weekend, our one and only area half marathon will be held in Houma. The Houma Heart and Soles half marathon and 5k are great events to participate in even if you won't be running them. Lots of volunteers are needed to pull off these events and even the younger kids would love handing out water at the water stations! On Thanksgiving Day, start your holiday festivities with a Turkey Trot in Thibodaux! Not

Let s Get FitKeeping Active for the Holidays

BY JONI BASCLE, THIBODAUX

up for a 6.2 mile race? No problem! There's also a 1-mile fun run! Get the entire family out there and feel free to dress up as your favorite Thanksgiving characters! All of this activity is the perfect way to combat the sleepy turkey syndrome you'll feel later in the day! If running races and volunteering isn't quite what your family is into, no problem! Host your own family fun after dinner! Start a new tradition at your gathering with a game of football, volleyball, or whatever fun sport your family wants to play. There could even be a crazy trophy (the tackier the better) for the winning team that keeps them participating year after year.

Burning off calories is a great way to keep the family fit, but cutting back on calories is even better! There are many sneaky ways to cut calories in some of the greatest family recipes without anyone ever knowing! Substituting applesauce for oil or Greek yogurt for things like butter, sour cream, or heavy cream are great places to start. Check out this great kid-friendly recipe for a Thanksgiving side in place of a sugary cookie and let the kids help you make it! pt


Over the years, while working with children with physical, mental, and learning differences, I have had the privilege

of coordinating services with professionals from many other disciplines, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Oftentimes, a counselor may be assigned to a child to assess and treat a behavioral problem, yet it turns out to be a sensory issue or a developmental delay instead. Both my professional experience and evidence-based studies show that an interdisciplinary approach can be most effective when treating kids with neurodevelopmental diagnoses such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. While this article, written by a mental health therapist, focuses on calming the mind, the following piece, written by a physical therapist focuses on calming the body.

There are many differences between ADHD and autism spectrum disorders, including their origin, prevalence, and select identifying symptoms. However, children with either diagnosis do similarly experience high emotionality and intense behavioral characteristics, including:

Insight from the InsideKids with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD

BY KIM THOMPASON, THIBODAUX

— Social skills and interpersonal difficulties— Needs are imperative— Lower threshold for stimuli — Lack of focus or too intense focus — Hyperactivity and impulsivity — Irritability— Difficulty transitioning or accepting change

Focusing on strengths can help both caregivers and the child stay calm by recognizing and nurturing the many talents and positive qualities these children possess. They may be highly energetic, spontaneous, innovative, persistent, intelligent, humorous, sensitive, excellent negotiators, and most of all NOT boring!

Child TechniquesUltimately, all children must learn to take charge of their own

behavior. A child can learn to recognize first signs of intense

15November 2014

emotion: clinched fist or jaw, stomach tightness, headache, warm ears, etc. If the child intervenes at this first sign, he is more likely to be successful in choosing a controlled reaction.

Simple relaxation strategies can be used such as deep belly breaths, clearing negative thoughts, progressive muscle relaxation, and positive visualization.

Kids can co-create and monitor predictable routines and expectations, using charts, and choosing rewards and even consequences. The kid will be more likely to cooperate if it is “his/her” rules.

A menu of techniques can manage strong emotions. Appetizers - Prepare for success by avoiding or anticipating

situations that can lead to problems. For starters, adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and a sensory diet can limit emotional outbursts.

Main course - When an event does cause irritation, this section can help a child choose what to do other than acting out. Take deep belly breaths, go to his or her private happy place, listen to music, swing on a swing, pet a pet, or take a walk.

Dessert - Post-event reflection and planning for future challenges. When things have calmed down, the child can reflect on what led to the event, how it could have gone differently, and what went RIGHT! List may include an apology, prayer, writing a new action plan, or have a cup of hot cocoa with mom. pt

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Parent Talk Magazine | November 2014