A.S.K for essential skills

A.S.K for essential skills Mindful Manoeuvres
Positive Parenting
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21/08/2023

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“What is autism?”

Autistic people process information differently. Some things feel really intense, taking up a lot of our attention. Because of that, we pay less attention to other things.

This can affect our social interactions, communication style, relationships, physical movements, habits, interests, and sensory experiences. Autism is called a “spectrum” because of its unique effect on each person.

neurobeautiful.com/book

(Originally posted on 8/12/17.)

❤️❤️ Someone ASKed me how how they could respond to a child who constantly interrupts conversations. Balancing the needs...
19/06/2023

❤️❤️ Someone ASKed me how how they could respond to a child who constantly interrupts conversations.

Balancing the needs of your child and maintaining a conversation with another person can be challenging. Here are a few strategies you can use to address the situation when your child continuously seeks your attention:

❤️ Acknowledge their needs:
Start by acknowledging your toddler's desire for attention. Let them know that you see them and understand that they want your attention. Use a calm and reassuring tone to validate their feelings.

❤️ Set clear boundaries:
Explain to your child that you need some uninterrupted time to talk, but reassure them that you will give them attention afterward. Use simple language that they can understand, such as saying, "Mammy/Daddy is having a conversation right now. I will be with you in a few minutes."

❤️ Offer alternative activities:
Suggest engaging activities that can keep your child occupied for a short period. Provide a toy, a coloring book, or involve them in a quiet activity nearby. This can divert their attention while allowing you to have your conversation.

❤️ Plan in advance: Whenever possible, plan your work conversations or important phone calls during your child's nap time or when they are engaged in independent play. This can help minimise disruptions and allow you to focus better on your conversation.

❤️ Time-sharing approach:
If the conversation allows, consider involving your child in a limited capacity. You can briefly introduce your child to the person you're speaking with and let them say a quick hello. This way, your child feels included, and it helps set expectations that they will have a turn to speak or interact later.

❤️ Practice patience and empathy: Remember that toddlers are still developing their communication skills and understanding of social situations. Be patient and understanding when they seek your attention. Showing empathy and compassion can help foster a secure attachment and create a positive environment for your child.

❤️❤️ Remember, each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It's important to experiment with different strategies and adapt them to your child's personality and needs.

❤️❤️❤️ Consistency, clear communication, and maintaining a loving connection with your child will go a long way in managing these situations effectively.

Like or share this post if you resinate or reach out if you’d like support ❤️❤️

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19/06/2023

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I want you to imagine that you are a kid once again, maybe ten or eleven years old. You are sitting down in the evening with your family for dinner. The table is set, and your parents bring out wha…

I love this 🙌
18/06/2023

I love this 🙌

A Dozen Ways To Co-Regulate With Your Child:
- Lower your body position
- Lower your voice
- Soften your facial expression
- Model deep breathing
- Do heavy work together
- Walk outside
- Offer deep pressure
- Model a preferred sensory activity
- Move your body together
- Dim the lights
- Stop talking
- Change your proximity

Credit: Coastal Connections OT

Someone ASKed me how they could get their child to sleep through the night 🙌 We all know sleep deprivation is nobodies f...
18/06/2023

Someone ASKed me how they could get their child to sleep through the night 🙌

We all know sleep deprivation is nobodies friend!!
However, helping your child develop healthy sleep habits and eventually sleep through the night can be a hard task.

Although every child is different, here are some general strategies and tips to promote better sleep:

❤️ Firstly, help them to differentiate between day and night:
To help your child understand the difference between daytime and nighttime. During the day, expose them to natural light, engage in stimulating activities, and keep the environment lively. At night, dim the lights, minimise noise, and encourage calm activities.

❤️ Daytime Naps;
Make sure they get enough rest during the day. Keeping consistent nap times is important for rest. An overtired child finds it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.

❤️ Establish a consistent bedtime routine:
Starting bedtimes routines at the same time every night helps signal to your child that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Establishing a regular wake-up time for your child is also really important to help regulate their internal body clock. Create a consistent, soothing bedtime routine that includes activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, reading a book, or soft music. Predictability is key! When you decide on the time and routine that suits your unit, stick to it!

❤️ Create a calm sleep environment:
Make sure your child's bedroom is conducive to good rest. Keep the bedroom quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature. Consider using a night light if it helps alleviate any fear of the dark and have this on when entering instead of having the main light on.

❤️ Teach self-settling skills:
Encourage your child to learn how to self-settle and fall asleep independently. This can be done by putting them down sleepy but not asleep, so they learn to settle themselves. Avoid creating associations that rely on external aids like rocking or feeding, this will make it harder for them to fall back to sleep on their own during nighttime awakenings. Use this approach for nap times too!

❤️ Gradually adjust nighttime feeds:
If your child is still reliant on nighttime feeds and is developmentally ready to move on, you can gradually reduce the number of feeds and/or the amount given during the night. (If you’re concerned about weight or nutrition, consult with your gp or baby nurse to determine if your child's nutritional needs allow for this adjustment)

❤️ Address any discomfort or sleep disruptions promptly:
Ensure that your child is comfortable during sleep. If they wake and don’t self-settle, check for any potential discomfort like nappy changes, teething pain, or illness that may be disrupting their sleep. Address these issues promptly to minimise lasting disturbances.

❤️ Encourage healthy sleep associations:
Help your child develop positive associations with sleep. You can introduce a favourite teddy/cuddly toy, a cozy blanket, or a special bedtime toy that they can associate with comfort and sleep. This can replace sleep associations like feeding or rocking.

❤️ Be patient and consistent:
Changing sleep patterns can take time, but you can do it!!! Be patient and consistent with your approach. Avoid making sudden changes that may confuse your child. Stick to the routine and remain consistent in your expectations. Go for progress over perfection!!

Remember, every child is unique, and it may take some trial and error to find the right strategies that work for your child. If you have concerns about your child's sleep or are facing persistent difficulties, please reach out for guidance ❤️

Someone ASKed me “How can I get my children to listen to me?Please like or react to this post if it resonated with you ❤...
17/06/2023

Someone ASKed me “How can I get my children to listen to me?

Please like or react to this post if it resonated with you ❤️

As a parenting coach, I can give you my spin on it and some tips on how you could encourage your children to listen to you.

Here are a few strategies you can try:

1st, remember that your children also need to feel heard 🙌❤️

❤️ Lead by example:
Children often learn by observing their parents' actions. If you want your kids to listen to you, make sure you're modeling active listening and respectful communication yourself.

❤️ Establish clear expectations:
Clearly communicate your expectations and boundaries to your children. Make sure they understand what behaviour is acceptable and what is not. Consistency is key here.

❤️ Use positive reinforcement:
Recognise and praise your children when they do listen to you. Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator. It can be as simple as saying "Thank you for listening" or offering extra playtime because more cooperation meant more free time.

❤️ Give children responsibilities:
As much as possible, involve your children in decision-making and give them age-appropriate responsibilities. When they feel a sense of ownership and importance in the family, they are more likely to listen and cooperate.

❤️ Use effective communication techniques:
Use clear and concise language when giving instructions. Get down to their eye level and maintain connoted, emotionally and physically. Use a calm but assertive tone of voice to convey your message effectively.

❤️ Activly listen;
Again, encourage your children to express their thoughts and feelings, and actively listen to them. When they feel heard and understood, they are more likely to reciprocate and listen to you in return.

❤️ Set reasonable consequences:
When necessary, if your children consistently fail to listen, establish appropriate consequences for their actions. Make sure the consequences are fair, consistent, and related to the behaviour. However, it works better to focus more on positive reinforcement and praise rather than punishment.

❤️❤️ Remember, building a strong and respectful relationship with your children takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent in your approach. Make sure all adults take the same approach and adapt your strategies as your children grow and develop.

Someone asked me how I feel about “punishing” children. Iits a big question 🙌I believe relationships between children an...
13/06/2023

Someone asked me how I feel about “punishing” children.

Iits a big question 🙌

I believe relationships between children and their parents are built on trust, love, and respect. Frequent use of punishment can erode trust and connection. It’s important to prioritise open communication, empathy, and understanding to maintain a healthy bond with your child.

As a parenting coach, I feel consequences related to the negative behaviours are an important part of parenting.

Punishment however, focuses more on retribution and causing discomfort, rather than teaching and guiding children towards positive behaviour. It's essential to understand that punishment rarely promotes long-term positive change.
Instead, it may lead to fear, resentment, or rebellion in children.

Consequences on the other hand, are important because they help children understand the connection between their actions and the outcomes that follow. By experiencing consequences for their behaviour, children learn about accountability, responsibility, and the impact of their behaviour. Guiding children this way, helps them develop essential life skills!

Positive reinforcement is also often more effective than punishment. Recognising and acknowledging your child's efforts and positive choices can strengthen their motivation to continue displaying positive behaviour.

When consequences are necessary, it is important to ensure they are fair, proportionate, age appropriate, considerate of the child’s developmental stage and related to the behaviour at hand. Consequences should aim to teach rather than shame or blame. Remembering every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all or cookie cutter approach to parenting.

Remember, when implementing consequences, it's important to explain the reasoning behind them. The goal is to teach children about cause and effect, accountability, and making amends when necessary, rather than focusing on punitive measures.

Let me know your opinion on punishment when it comes to children ❤️

29/05/2023

Online Mindfulness retreat, 11-3pm 😍 Bliss 🥰

24/05/2023

🌟 Parenting Wisdom Alert! 🌟

📢 Attention all amazing (But Not Perfect) parents! 📢

👉 Take a moment to remind yourself of the incredible opportunity you have in shaping your child's growth. 🌱✨

🔑 Patience and belief are the keys that unlock the door to positive change. 🔓💖

🌈 Embrace the journey, knowing that every child is unique and grows at their own pace!
By practicing patience, you create a nurturing environment for them to flourish. 🌱🌻

✨ Consistency is your secret weapon!
Be the mountain in their storm, providing a secure foundation through unwavering guidance and expectations. This stability empowers them to learn and replace negative behaviours with positive, healthier alternatives. 🧡💪

🎉 Celebrate progress, no matter how small!!! Acknowledge their efforts and reinforce their self-confidence.
By focusing on their growth, you inspire them to keep striving even if they make mistakes along the way. 🌟🚀

🗝️ Trust the process!!!
Trust your childs ability and their potential to turn things around. With your patient guidance, they will develop resilience and self-esteem, ready to conquer life's challenges. 💫🌟

💬 Open communication is vital! Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings, creating a safe space for understanding and growth. Together, you can navigate the path towards positive transformation. 🗣️🤝

🌼 So, take a deep breath and believe in yourself!!!
Embrace this tough, confusing, exhausting but wonderful and rewarding journey of parenting with patience and unwavering belief in your child's ability. You've got this! 💪❤️

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍🤎❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍🤎❤️🧡💛Let’s talk about the importance of making children feel like part of a team within the family. Cre...
19/05/2023

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍🤎❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍🤎❤️🧡💛

Let’s talk about the importance of making children feel like part of a team within the family.

Creating a sense of belonging and teamwork among family members of all ages can have many benefits for a child's development and overall well being.

Here are 6 key points to consider….. Followed by 6 strategic actions;

1. Learning teamwork:
Being part of a team within the family allows children to learn and have the confidence to practice their teamwork skills outside the family. They understand that working towards and accomplishing goals often requires collaboration and cooperation.
Through this experience, they develop skills such as patience, sharing, taking turns, supporting others, and working towards common goals etc.

2. Emotional connection:
When children feel like they are part of a team, they experience a strong emotional connection with their family.
This connection provides them with a sense of security, love, stability and support. It helps build trust and strengthens parent-child and sibling relationships.

3. Development of social skills:
By actively participating in family teamwork, children develop essential social skills. They learn how to communicate effectively, cooperate, compromise, and resolve conflicts. As well as the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, empathy, respect, and resilience. This shines through in everyday interactions and shared experiences. These skills are essential for healthy relationships inside and outside the family.

4. Increased self-esteem:
Being part of a team within the family increases a child's self-esteem. When children are included in decision making processes, given age appropriate responsibilities, and acknowledged for their efforts, they feel visible and valued. This sense of worth and recognition builds the belief within, that they are capable.

5. Shared responsibilities:
When children are included in family tasks and responsibilities, they learn the importance of contributing to the well-being of people around them.
By assigning age-appropriate to “jobs” (I don’t really like to use the word “chores”) and involving children in household activities, they gain a sense of ownership and understand the value of their contributions within g their family unit.

6. Emotional resilience: When children feel part of a team, they develop emotional resilience. They know they have a support system in place that will be there for them during challenging times. This resilience helps them navigate difficulties, cope with setbacks, and develop problem-solving skills.

To foster a sense of being part of a team within the family, consider the following strategies:

1. Involve children in decision making processes when appropriate, allowing them to express their feelings, their ideas and opinions.

2. Assign age-appropriate household jobs and responsibilities and emphasise the importance of their efforts.

3. Encourage open communication and active listening and create an environment where everyone's thoughts and feelings are heard and valued.

4. Plan regular family activities or traditions that require cooperation and collaboration. And remember to engage in these activities along with your children.

5. Celebrate good effort as well as achievements and reaching milestones. Remember, we learn from our mistakes.

6. Model positive teamwork behaviours yourself, demonstrating cooperation, respect, and support within the family.

By encouraging a team dynamic within your family, you can create a nurturing environment where children feel loved, supported, connected and visible, ultimately fostering their social, emotional, and overall health, well-being and development.

Take Stock ⭐️Reset ⭐️Reinforce ⭐️
11/05/2023

Take Stock ⭐️

Reset ⭐️

Reinforce ⭐️

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