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Read Aloud Questions for S/E Development

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Read Aloud Questions for S/E Development

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A table of questions parents, teachers, or providers can ask kids while reading a book about emotions.

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Strategies to help children with autism cope with the coronavirus crisis

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Strategies to help children with autism cope with the coronavirus crisis

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Helping kids feel safe during changing situations

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Helping kids feel safe during changing situations

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Children can feel anxious and stressed during big changes to their normal routine.

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As schools close and workplaces go remote to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, parents everywhere are struggling to keep children healthy and occupied. If you're anxious about how to protect and nurture kids through this crisis - often juggling work obligations at the same time - you're in good (virtual) company. I know, as I write this from home, with my 2-year-old hovering, that we have a lot to figure out.

Here are tips from the Child Mind Institute's clinicians to help calm fears, manage stress and keep the peace.

Keep routines in place

The experts all agree that setting and sticking to a regular schedule is key, even when you're all at home all day. Kids should get up, eat and go to bed at their normal times. Consistency and structure are calming during times of stress. Kids, especially younger ones or those who are anxious, benefit from knowing what's going to happen and when.

The schedule can mimic a school or day camp schedule, changing activities at predictable intervals, and alternating periods of study and play.

It may help to print out a schedule and go over it as a family each morning. Setting a timer will help kids know when activities are about to begin or end. Having regular reminders will help head off meltdowns when it's time to transition from one thing to the next.

Be creative about new activities - and exercise

Incorporate new activities into your routine, like doing a puzzle or having family game time in the evening. For example, my family is baking our way through a favorite dessert cookbook together with my daughter as sous chef.

Build in activities that help everyone get some exercise (without contact with other kids or things touched by other kids, like playground equipment). Take a daily family walk or bike ride or do yoga - great ways to let kids burn off energy and make sure everyone is staying active.

David Anderson, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, recommends brainstorming ways to go "back to the 80s," before the time of screen prevalence. "I've been asking parents to think about their favorite activities at summer camp or at home before screens," he says. "They often then generate lists of arts and crafts activities, science projects, imaginary games, musical activities, board games, household projects, etc."

Manage your own anxiety

It's completely understandable to be anxious right now (how could we not be?) but how we manage that anxiety has a big impact on our kids. Keeping your worries in check will help your whole family navigate this uncertain situation as easily as possible.

"Watch out for catastrophic thinking," says Mark Reinecke, PhD, a clinical psychologist with the Child Mind Institute. For example, assuming every cough is a sign you've been infected, or reading news stories that dwell on worst-case scenarios. "Keep a sense of perspective, engage in solution-focused thinking and balance this with mindful acceptance."

For those moments when you do catch yourself feeling anxious, try to avoid talking about your concerns within earshot of children. If you're feeling overwhelmed, step away and take a break. That could look like taking a shower or going outside or into another room and taking a few deep breaths.

Limit consumption of news

Staying informed is important, but it's a good idea to limit consumption of news and social media that has the potential to feed your anxiety, and that of your kids. Turn the TV off and mute or unfollow friends or co-workers who are prone to sharing panic-inducing posts.

Take a social media hiatus or make a point of following accounts that share content that take your mind off the crisis, whether it's about nature, art, baking or crafts.

Stay in touch virtually

Keep your support network strong, even when you're only able to call or text friends and family. Socializing plays an important role in regulating your mood and helping you stay grounded. And the same is true for your children.

Let kids use social media (within reason) and Skype or FaceTime to stay connected to peers even if they aren't usually allowed to do so. Communication can help kids feel less alone and mitigate some of the stress that comes from being away from friends.

Technology can also help younger kids feel closer to relatives or friends they can't see at the moment. My parents video chat with their granddaughter every night and read her a (digital) bedtime story. It's not perfect, but it helps us all feel closer and less stressed.

Make plans

In the face of events that are scary and largely out of our control, it's important to be proactive about what you can control. Making plans helps you visualize the near future. How can your kids have virtual play dates? What can your family do that would be fun outside? What are favorite foods you can cook during this time? Make lists that kids can add to. Seeing you problem solve in response to this crisis can be instructive and reassuring for kids.

Even better, assign kids tasks that will help them feel that they are part of the plan and making a valuable contribution to the family.

Keep it positive

Though adults are feeling apprehensive, to most children the words "School's closed" are cause for celebration. "My kid was thrilled when he found out school would be closing," says Rachel Busman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Parents, she says, should validate that feeling of excitement and use it as a springboard to help kids stay calm and happy.

Let kids know that you're glad they're excited, but make sure they understand that though it may feel like vacations they've had in the past, things will be different this time. For example, Dr. Busman suggests, "It's so cool to have everyone home together. We're going to have good time! Remember, though, we'll still be doing work and sticking to a regular schedule."

Keep kids in the loop - but keep it simple

"Talking to children in a clear, reasonable way about what's going on is the best way to help them understand," says Dr. Busman. "But remember kids don't need to know every little thing." Unless kids ask specifically, there's no reason to volunteer information that might worry them.

For example, our two-year-old daughter Alice is used to seeing her grandparents regularly, but right now we're keeping our distance to make sure everyone stays safe. When she asks about them we say: "We won't see Grandma and Grandpa this week but we will see them soon!" We don't say: "We're staying away from Grandma and Grandpa because we could get them sick." Older kids can handle - and expect - more detail, but you should still be thoughtful about what kinds of information you share with them.

Check in with little kids

Young children may be oblivious to the facts of the situation, but they may still feel unsettled by the changes in routine, or pick up on the fact that people around them are worried and upset. Plan to check in with younger children periodically and give them the chance to process any worries they may be having. Children who are tantruming more than usual, being defiant or acting out may actually be feeling anxious. Pick a calm, undistracted time and gently ask how they're feeling and make sure to respond to outbursts in a calm, consistent, comforting way.

Sometimes the path of least resistance is the right path

Remember to be reasonable and kind to yourself. We all want to be our best parenting selves as much as we can, but sometimes that best self is the one that says, "Go for it," when a kid asks for more time on the iPad. My daughter is watching Elmo's World - and possibly drawing on the wall - as I write this. That shrill red Muppet is the only reason I'm able to write at all.

"We should forgive ourselves the image of perfection that we normally aspire to as parents," says Dr. Anderson. "Maybe your kids don't have TV or screens on the weeknights during the school year, but now that school is cancelled or online, we can give ourselves license to relax these boundaries a bit. We can explain to our kids that this is a unique situation and re-institute boundaries once more when life returns to normal."

Accept and ask for help

If you have a partner at home, agree that you'll trade off when it comes to childcare. Especially if one or both of you are working from home and have younger children. That way everyone gets a break and some breathing room.

Everyone who can pitch in, should. Give kids age appropriate jobs. For example, teens might be able to help mind younger siblings when both parents have to work. Most children can set the table, help keep communal spaces clean, do dishes or take out the trash. Even toddlers can learn to pick up their own toys. Working as a team will help your whole family stay busy and make sure no one person (Mom) is overwhelmed.

"Be creative and be flexible," says Dr. Busman, "and try not to be hard on yourself. You have to find a balance that works for your family. The goal should be to stay sane and stay safe."

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Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis | Child Mind Institute

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As schools close and workplaces go remote to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, parents everywhere are struggling to keep children healthy and occupied. If you're anxious about how to protect and nurture kids through this crisis - often juggling work obligations at the same time - you're in good (virtual) company.

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Making a routine at home

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How to Make a New Home Routine | Parenting Tips & Advice

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Children thrive on routines and making things predictable for them is reassuring. Click to learn how to create a schedule for your kids at home.

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Helping get your preschooler to sleep better

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Helping get your preschooler to sleep better

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​​No longer a toddler, your 3-year-old can do more things on their own. They're also starting to interact more with other children. Thi​s is a perfect age to introduce them to school or an organized play group. This can let them ​stretch their skills while learning to socialize.

Here are some milestones you can look for at this age.

Movement milestones

Milestones in hand and finger skills

Copies square shapes

Draws a person with head and one other body part

Uses child-safe scissors

Draws circles and squares

Begins to copy some capital letters

Language milestones

Understands the concepts of "same" and "different"

Understands simple prepositions such as "on" and "under"

Uses 3-word sentences

Uses words that are 75% understandable by strangers

Tells stories

Cognitive milestones

Social milestones

Emotional Milestones

Imagines that many unfamiliar images may be "monsters"

Views self as a whole person involving body, mind and feelings

Often cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality

Developmental health watch

Because each child develops in their own manner, it's impossible to tell exactly when or how they'll perfect a given skill.

The developmental milestones listed here will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect as your child gets older. However, don't be alarmed if their development takes a slightly different course.

Talk with your pediatrician, however, if your child displays any of the following signs of possible developmental delay for this age range.

More information

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 7th Edition (Copyright © 2019 American Academy of Pediatrics)

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Developmental Milestones: 3 to 4 Year Olds

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With your child's third birthday, the "terrible twos" are officially over and the "magic years" of three and four begin-a time when your child's world will be dominated by fantasy and vivid imagination. During the next two years, he'll mature in many areas.

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What are the developmental milestones for preschoolers? Take a look at these lists to get an idea of skills typically expected of preschoolers. Remember that kids develop at different rates. So if your child is behind on a few, it's not uncommon.

About the Author

About the Author

Amanda Morin&nbsp

worked as a classroom teacher and as an early intervention specialist for 10 years. She is the author of The Everything Parent's Guide to Special Education. Two of her children have learning differences.

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What are the developmental milestones for preschoolers? Take a look at these lists to get an idea of skills typically expected of preschoolers. Remember that kids develop at different rates. So if your child is behind on a few, it's not uncommon. Amanda Morin&nbsp worked as a classroom teacher and as an early intervention specialist for 10 years.

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7 Music Games to help them control their behavior

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7 Music Games to help them control their behavior

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Preschoolers love music and this offers some fun ways to help them manage their behavior.

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7 Music Games for Practicing Self-Regulation | Parenting Tips & Advice

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Young children respond naturally to music and it can be used to help children practice important skills, like self-regulation. Here are a few self-regulation activities to try at home.

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Helping kids understand why they aren't going to school at this time.

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A Quiet Place helps your child choose self-control when she is struggling with big feelings like anger, over-excitement, and disappointment.

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Congratulations, you have survived the "terrible twos!" Hopefully, you have energy left to enjoy what lies ahead for you and your preschooler. They call the next few years the "magic years" -- partly because it seems like magic that your child is finally listening to you and partly because for your child, it is a time for their imagination to run wild.

Your 3- to 4-year-old child will continue to grow and develop in many ways in the coming year. Although children reach developmental milestones at different times, your child will likely achieve the following developmental milestones before they turn 5.

3- to 4-Year-Old Development: Language Milestones

If your child is not very talkative, that will likely change soon. Between or at ages 3 and 4, your child should be able to:

Say their name and age

Speak 250 to 500 words

Answer simple questions

Speak in sentences of five to six words, and speak in complete sentences by age 4

Speak clearly, although they may not be fully comprehensible until age 4

Tell stories

3- to 4-Year-Old Development: Cognitive Milestones

Your child will start asking lots of questions. "Why is the sky blue? Why do birds have feathers?" Questions, questions, and more questions! While it may be annoying at times, asking questions is a normal developmental milestone. In addition to asking "why?" all the time, your 3- to 4-year-old should be able to:

Correctly name familiar colors

Understand the idea of same and different, start comparing sizes

Pretend and fantasize more creatively

Follow three-part commands

Remember parts of a story

Understand time better (for example, morning, afternoon, night)

Count, and understand the concept of counting

Sort objects by shape and color

Complete age-appropriate puzzles

Recognize and identify common objects and pictures

3- to 4-Year-Old Development: Movement Milestones

Your busy preschooler continues to be on the move. Between or at ages 3 and 4, your child should be able to:

Walk up and down stairs, alternating feet -- one foot per step

Kick, throw, and catch a ball

Climb well

Run more confidently and ride a tricycle

Hop and stand on one foot for up to five seconds

Walk forward and backward easily

Bend over without falling

Help put on and remove clothing

Continued

3- to 4-Year-Old Development: Hand and Finger Skills

Your child is becoming much more nimble. At this point in their development, your child should be able to:

More easily handle small objects and turn a page in a book

Use age-appropriate scissors

Copy circles (3) and squares (4)

Draw a person with two to four body parts

Write some capital letters

Build a tower with four or more blocks

Dress and undress without your help

Screw and unscrew jar lids

Turn rotating handles

3- to 4-Year-Old Development: Emotional and Social Milestones

Your 3- to 4-year-old is not only becoming more independent physically, but also emotionally. You may start to notice fewer tantrums when you leave your child with a sitter or at preschool.

In addition, your 3- to 4-year-old is becoming more social. Your child may now be able to cooperate with their friends, take turns, and may begin to show some problem-solving skills.

At this point in development, your child should be able to:

Imitate parents and friends

Show affection for familiar family and friends

Understands the idea of "mine" and "his/hers"

Show a wide range of emotions, such as being sad, angry, happy, or bored

In addition, you may notice your child's imagination is in overdrive. This can be good and bad. Fantasy and pretend play becomes more interesting and involved, but your child may also start developing unrealistic fears, such as believing a monster is lurking in the closet.

3- to 4-Year-Old Development: When to Be Concerned

All kids grow and develop at their own pace. Don't worry if your child has not reached all of these milestones at this time. But you should notice a gradual progression in growth and development as your child gets older. If you don't, or if your child has signs of possible developmental delay, as listed below, talk to your child's doctor.

Signs of developmental delay in 3- to 4-year-old children include:

Inability to throw a ball overhand, jump in place, or ride a tricycle

Frequent falling and difficulty walking stairs

Inability to hold a crayon between their thumb and fingers; has trouble scribbling and cannot copy a circle

Unable to use a sentence with more than three words and uses "me" and "you" inappropriately

Persistent drooling and trouble speaking

Cannot stack four blocks and has trouble handling small objects

Continues to experience extreme separation anxiety

Lacks interest in interactive games and doesn't engage in fantasy play

Does not play with other children and doesn't respond to non-family members

Self control isn't improving when angry or upset

Does not understand simple commands, or repeats the commands

Avoids making eye contact

Resists getting dressed, sleeping, and going to the bathroom

Continued

Also, if you notice your child resisting or struggling with doing things that they were once able to do, tell your child's doctor. This can be a sign of a developmental disorder. If your child does have developmental delay, there are many treatments available to help your child.

Sources

SOURCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics: "Developmental Milestones: 3 to 4 Year Olds."
The Mayo Clinic: "Child Development Chart: Preschool Milestones."
CDC: "Important Milestones: By the End of Three Years (36 Months)."

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3- to 4-Year-Old Developmental Milestones: Cognitive, Language, and Motor Skills

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Congratulations, you have survived the "terrible twos!" Hopefully, you have energy left to enjoy what lies ahead for you and your preschooler. They call the next few years the "magic years" -- partly because it seems like magic that your child is finally listening to you and partly because for your child, it is a time for their imagination to run wild.

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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day! a READ ALOUD

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Daily routines help kids (and adults!) feel more regulated and less anxious. Here is an example of what a daily "school day" visual schedule might look like.

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Administration for Children and Families (ACF)