One-on-one time spent doing educational activities with young children helps to develop their brains from as early as newborn and on. According to studies, it not only increases their verbal skills but enhances their early abilities towards reading and other accomplishments.
Beginning to do educational activities with newborns is not too early. Talking to your baby will help them to learn the spoken language; not only to be able to understand, but also to increase their ability to verbalize.
Early introduction to music is important also because babies are sensitive to the sound of music. Even hearing music before their birth will have a calming effect on them. As adults music lifts our moods and will make us smile or cry with emotion; the same is true for young children. My son and daughter-in-law played music before their baby was born. And as a newborn, they sang songs to her and played calming music for naps and night time. When she was about seventeen months old, she loved Silent Night and although she cried emotionally each time she heard it, she wanted to hear it over and over again. Now at just over two years, she spends a lot of time singing and sometimes plays her flute while she dances to music. Because of this early introduction, it seems that music is playing a large part in her life.
The brain builds itself by forcing connections through learning. Babies love to learn and are little sponges in their first few years of life. There are videos available for babies that show the alphabet and numbers and then eases them into the introduction of words. My son and daughter-in-law began using them on a daily basis when their daughter was six months old and are strong advocates of their use. Now at twenty-eight months she is able to read many of her own books herself. Although she enjoys imaginary playtime and the usual things young children play, (i.e.: playing with her dolls, having tea parties, playing at the park and visiting with her cousins, etc.), she always gravitates to her educational games.
As babies grow, there are many educational activities for as early as 12 months or sooner which include books and games about shapes, colours, matching sequences, building blocks, large lego pieces and counting games. Activities such as these are enjoyable for young children when mom and dad are spending time with them. Of my seven grandchildren, she is the only one whose parents have implemented this type of early learning and I can definitely see the advantages of it to her.
Although beginning early reading with a very young child is considered controversial by some, education is becoming more and more important in the world of today. This is evidenced by the all-day kindergarten classes now being held in many areas. I believe that for those who do begin early educational activities, they are giving their children a definite advantage over those who are just beginning to learn their alphabet and numbers in kindergarten.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Aging Parents - How To Handle Their Fears
As people reach their elder years, they become more vulnerable as their feelings of confidence and the ability to care for themselves becomes less. Many elderly are unable to verbalize their fears. As their children and relatives it is up to us to determine what these fears are so we can help them.
My mother, at ninety years old, has many fears and each time she is hospitalized, they are like demons staring her in the face. Her first fear, and justifiably so after being hospitalized following a fall, was losing her independence. Combined with a very serious bladder infection, the result was that she was unable to drive again. This is a huge adjustment for a senior, especially one who had until then been very active.
Another fear, and again justifiable, was losing her dignity as she felt happened when she was ill in the hospital and unable to do many of the required things for herself. Being forced to be more reliant on others she felt was an extreme affront. This is very difficult for someone who has always relied on themselves and been very independent until her 87th year.
For her, fear of another fall became huge also because although she was fortunate not to have broken any bones, she was extremely afraid of a broken hip. And as most seniors further lose their independence, they fear isolation and loneliness as well. They see their friends dying around them and may wonder what is the use of living. Others may begin to fear dying themselves. As my mother said recently, she has too many things she wants to do yet. Many also fear becoming a burden on their families.
My mother fears having a stroke and being paralyzed. She said she would rather die with a massive heart attack. And since she has recently seen a friend die with cancer, she now has a fear of getting a recurrence of her cancer.
As seniors' brains begin to work more slowly and their memory isn't what it used to be, the fear of getting dimentia or Alzheimers is high. My mother, like many seniors, rails against being hard of hearing but she fears losing her eyesight even more since she is an avid reader.
Many others have financial fears and concerns as to their futures and others, when it is necessary to go into an assisted living type of situation, fear giving up their possessions. There are many in this generation, because of growing up in the Great Depression, have been hoarders and value their many possessions, not wishing to give any of them up even if they have no idea what they've got stashed away. And others fear losing their rights and the ability to make their own decisions.
Knowing and understanding the fears our parents or grandparents have, it is up to us as adult children to help them through this difficult time. The following are some ideas which may be helpful in assisting them:
- respect how your aging parents feel - validate their feelings;
- be understanding of their fears and give your support and love;
- listen to what your parent is really saying – keep the lines of communication open;
- help in any way possible to find solutions to their fears, i.e.: get a raised toilet seat to make getting on and off the toilet easier, get a bed rail to assist them in getting out of bed, look into daily help or if necessary, assisted living if more help is required, take them for regular doctor's appointments, make sure that they are not isolated, ensure that their diets are nutritional and that medications are taken as required;
- since falling is a serious fear, if your parent is unsteady on his/her feet, look into the need or possibility of a walker, make sure they are wearing stable shoes and hip protectors, and remove throw rugs and any other obstacles which may trip them.
My mother lives in an assisted living facility and her fears are no different than most of the other residents who also live there.
If we understand that most of these fears are valid, it is easier to assist our elderly parents. As adult children to our aging parents, I believe it is important to do what we can to make their remaining years as comfortable as possible.
My mother, at ninety years old, has many fears and each time she is hospitalized, they are like demons staring her in the face. Her first fear, and justifiably so after being hospitalized following a fall, was losing her independence. Combined with a very serious bladder infection, the result was that she was unable to drive again. This is a huge adjustment for a senior, especially one who had until then been very active.
Another fear, and again justifiable, was losing her dignity as she felt happened when she was ill in the hospital and unable to do many of the required things for herself. Being forced to be more reliant on others she felt was an extreme affront. This is very difficult for someone who has always relied on themselves and been very independent until her 87th year.
For her, fear of another fall became huge also because although she was fortunate not to have broken any bones, she was extremely afraid of a broken hip. And as most seniors further lose their independence, they fear isolation and loneliness as well. They see their friends dying around them and may wonder what is the use of living. Others may begin to fear dying themselves. As my mother said recently, she has too many things she wants to do yet. Many also fear becoming a burden on their families.
My mother fears having a stroke and being paralyzed. She said she would rather die with a massive heart attack. And since she has recently seen a friend die with cancer, she now has a fear of getting a recurrence of her cancer.
As seniors' brains begin to work more slowly and their memory isn't what it used to be, the fear of getting dimentia or Alzheimers is high. My mother, like many seniors, rails against being hard of hearing but she fears losing her eyesight even more since she is an avid reader.
Many others have financial fears and concerns as to their futures and others, when it is necessary to go into an assisted living type of situation, fear giving up their possessions. There are many in this generation, because of growing up in the Great Depression, have been hoarders and value their many possessions, not wishing to give any of them up even if they have no idea what they've got stashed away. And others fear losing their rights and the ability to make their own decisions.
Knowing and understanding the fears our parents or grandparents have, it is up to us as adult children to help them through this difficult time. The following are some ideas which may be helpful in assisting them:
- respect how your aging parents feel - validate their feelings;
- be understanding of their fears and give your support and love;
- listen to what your parent is really saying – keep the lines of communication open;
- help in any way possible to find solutions to their fears, i.e.: get a raised toilet seat to make getting on and off the toilet easier, get a bed rail to assist them in getting out of bed, look into daily help or if necessary, assisted living if more help is required, take them for regular doctor's appointments, make sure that they are not isolated, ensure that their diets are nutritional and that medications are taken as required;
- since falling is a serious fear, if your parent is unsteady on his/her feet, look into the need or possibility of a walker, make sure they are wearing stable shoes and hip protectors, and remove throw rugs and any other obstacles which may trip them.
My mother lives in an assisted living facility and her fears are no different than most of the other residents who also live there.
If we understand that most of these fears are valid, it is easier to assist our elderly parents. As adult children to our aging parents, I believe it is important to do what we can to make their remaining years as comfortable as possible.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Memory Loss and the Elderly
Memory loss in the elderly was once considered inevitable especially after the age of seventy. Studies now show that it can be slowed down and even improved upon.
Some of the initial signs of these memory losses are:
- forgetting a person's name;
- forgetting the right word to use;
- forgetting where they put something, i.e.: their house keys;
- asking the same question over and over again;
- telling the same story over and over again;
- being confused with times and places;
- driving difficulties and getting lost in familiar places.
Gradual memory loss will not interfere with everyday activities. More serious memory loss that has an underlying basis in disease or depression, etc. is more than just forgetting things; it causes problems with thinking, reasoning, communicating and emotions. These include things like forgetting how to do something they once knew how to do. If this type of memory loss is suspected, it is wise to consult your family doctor.
Mild cognitive impairment (memory loss) appears, according to studies, to be slightly higher in men than in women. It's thought that men may begin to experience symptoms earlier but more gradually than women but with women, once memory loss begins, it will be more rapid.
Memory loss depends to a large extent on the physical health, lifestyle and educational level of the senior. Distractions, fatigue, poor concentration, emotional problems, lack of confidence and negativity can all add to seniors' problems with memory. Some over-the-counter drug combinations can also cause difficulties as can the excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
By exercising the brain and practicing memory skills, memory loss can easily be maintained. The popular saying to use it or lose it, is a good rule to follow.
Some of the ways of avoiding the risk of memory loss that will affect normal everyday life are to avoid smoking, to control high blood pressure, to eat a balanced diet and to lead an active lifestyle. It is especially important to keep the mind stimulated and busy. There are vitamins and minerals that the elderly can take to help slow the progress of memory loss as well. They are in the Vitamin B group of vitamins as well as iron, zinc and Omega 3. It is also important to avoid distractions, to focus and to listen closely. Maintaining social relationships will help greatly in slowing memory loss in the elderly too.
However, in some cases what may appear to be memory loss may not be entirely that but rather a general slowing down of the thinking process as people reach their elder years of mid-sixties and beyond. But no one can go wrong by following the suggestions of maintaining their current levels as mentioned above.
Some of the initial signs of these memory losses are:
- forgetting a person's name;
- forgetting the right word to use;
- forgetting where they put something, i.e.: their house keys;
- asking the same question over and over again;
- telling the same story over and over again;
- being confused with times and places;
- driving difficulties and getting lost in familiar places.
Gradual memory loss will not interfere with everyday activities. More serious memory loss that has an underlying basis in disease or depression, etc. is more than just forgetting things; it causes problems with thinking, reasoning, communicating and emotions. These include things like forgetting how to do something they once knew how to do. If this type of memory loss is suspected, it is wise to consult your family doctor.
Mild cognitive impairment (memory loss) appears, according to studies, to be slightly higher in men than in women. It's thought that men may begin to experience symptoms earlier but more gradually than women but with women, once memory loss begins, it will be more rapid.
Memory loss depends to a large extent on the physical health, lifestyle and educational level of the senior. Distractions, fatigue, poor concentration, emotional problems, lack of confidence and negativity can all add to seniors' problems with memory. Some over-the-counter drug combinations can also cause difficulties as can the excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
By exercising the brain and practicing memory skills, memory loss can easily be maintained. The popular saying to use it or lose it, is a good rule to follow.
Some of the ways of avoiding the risk of memory loss that will affect normal everyday life are to avoid smoking, to control high blood pressure, to eat a balanced diet and to lead an active lifestyle. It is especially important to keep the mind stimulated and busy. There are vitamins and minerals that the elderly can take to help slow the progress of memory loss as well. They are in the Vitamin B group of vitamins as well as iron, zinc and Omega 3. It is also important to avoid distractions, to focus and to listen closely. Maintaining social relationships will help greatly in slowing memory loss in the elderly too.
However, in some cases what may appear to be memory loss may not be entirely that but rather a general slowing down of the thinking process as people reach their elder years of mid-sixties and beyond. But no one can go wrong by following the suggestions of maintaining their current levels as mentioned above.
Friday, November 5, 2010
How to Have Fun While Keeping Expenses on a Tight Leash
For many who live on limited incomes, having fun often doesn't seem possible; life is a grind just to make ends meet sometimes. But it can be done by checking your community calendar, watching your local newspaper or researching online for ideas on free or economical things to do.
When weather permits there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors with no cost or at minimal expense. The following are some ideas:
- there are many places to go for walks and for the more adventurous, most communities have areas with hiking trails;
- go to a local lake or the ocean for a day of swimming, building sandcastles or flying a kite;
- go to a marina and watch sailboats race;
- go kayaking or canoeing;
- take a picnic to your local park, have a game of frisbee, throw a ball around or collect colorful fall leaves;
- explore your neighborhood and go biking at the same time;
- become a photographer and take pictures wherever you go;
- spend an afternoon picking strawberries, blueberries or blackberries and then go home and make jam or a pie;
- play badminton, bocci ball or croquet;
- go camping by a creek and fish for trout;
- get friends together and have a game of baseball or soccer;
- in the winter go to the mountains and toboggan;
- build a snowman, a fort or have a snowball fight;
- if you're fortunate enough to have lakes that freeze in the winter, go ice skating;
- at Christmas time, go on a tree hunting expedition and cut your own;
- go to the pumpkin patch or the corn maze in the fall;
- take the children to the petting zoo;
- go to a bird sanctuary when many of them are wintering;
- go for a walk and enjoy a sunset.
When the weather isn't quite so nice, there are still many things that can be done that are reasonably priced or free. The following are some:
- spend an afternoon visiting the library;
- get friends or family together for board games, cards or charades;
- have potluck parties with friends;
- browse through a bookstore or spend a pleasant afternoon reading;
- go to garage sales, flea markets or a craft fair;
- start a challenging puzzle;
- get friends and family together for an evening of watching videos or DVD's;
- start a new hobby;
- learn a new skill;
- look for free or economical exhibits, events or entertainment;
- look for coupons and use them;
- during holidays there are always attractions such as a visit to Santa, various parades, looking at Christmas light exhibits and the many other festivities there are at this time of the year;
- paint and decorate eggs at Easter time;
- do a craft project with your children.
If you know where to look and are open to suggestions and new ideas, there will always be something fun to do that will fit into even the tightest budget.
When weather permits there are many ways to enjoy the outdoors with no cost or at minimal expense. The following are some ideas:
- there are many places to go for walks and for the more adventurous, most communities have areas with hiking trails;
- go to a local lake or the ocean for a day of swimming, building sandcastles or flying a kite;
- go to a marina and watch sailboats race;
- go kayaking or canoeing;
- take a picnic to your local park, have a game of frisbee, throw a ball around or collect colorful fall leaves;
- explore your neighborhood and go biking at the same time;
- become a photographer and take pictures wherever you go;
- spend an afternoon picking strawberries, blueberries or blackberries and then go home and make jam or a pie;
- play badminton, bocci ball or croquet;
- go camping by a creek and fish for trout;
- get friends together and have a game of baseball or soccer;
- in the winter go to the mountains and toboggan;
- build a snowman, a fort or have a snowball fight;
- if you're fortunate enough to have lakes that freeze in the winter, go ice skating;
- at Christmas time, go on a tree hunting expedition and cut your own;
- go to the pumpkin patch or the corn maze in the fall;
- take the children to the petting zoo;
- go to a bird sanctuary when many of them are wintering;
- go for a walk and enjoy a sunset.
When the weather isn't quite so nice, there are still many things that can be done that are reasonably priced or free. The following are some:
- spend an afternoon visiting the library;
- get friends or family together for board games, cards or charades;
- have potluck parties with friends;
- browse through a bookstore or spend a pleasant afternoon reading;
- go to garage sales, flea markets or a craft fair;
- start a challenging puzzle;
- get friends and family together for an evening of watching videos or DVD's;
- start a new hobby;
- learn a new skill;
- look for free or economical exhibits, events or entertainment;
- look for coupons and use them;
- during holidays there are always attractions such as a visit to Santa, various parades, looking at Christmas light exhibits and the many other festivities there are at this time of the year;
- paint and decorate eggs at Easter time;
- do a craft project with your children.
If you know where to look and are open to suggestions and new ideas, there will always be something fun to do that will fit into even the tightest budget.
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