Children and Language

It's commonly accepted that young children learn languages - foreign ones as well as their native language! - more easily than adults.

But did you know that studies have shown that children under the age of five actually have a strong disposition to learning by sounds - in preference to visual learning?

Says Vladimir Sloutsky, professor in Cognitive Science at Ohio University, "Adults generally prefer visual information if they have the choice. But if you want to get the attention of young children, sounds are generally more effective than pictures if the sounds and pictures have equal interest."

Happy talking with your children!

Cassie

Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen

It is so hard to believe that my little girl is turning sixteen today. I have watched her grow into a a beautiful (inside and out) caring and talented young person. Life has not always been easy for her because of her Aspergers but she perseveres and tries to do her best no matter what.

She will be going into grade eleven and I know she is feeling a bit stressed about how she is going to fit in with the other students. Her teachers have always been supportive although she still has problems making friends with the other students. Luckily she has never been bullied by any of her classmates and they are friendly to a point but by the same token they do not reach out to her in friendship. She has been hurt by a so-called friend in the past and so is very wary about letting her guard down.

My biggest hope for her as she enters a new school year is that people will see her in a new light and appreciate her for the awesome person that she is. She has a huge heart and I know she would be a loyal and caring friend to anyone who gave her a chance.

Happy Birthday Sweet Savannah I am very proud to call you my daughter.

Happy Parenting

Monicka

Problems Making Friends

Not all kids are good at making friends and sometimes parents may need to lend a helping hand. Have a talk with your child's teacher and see how your child is with his classmates or better yet ask if you can volunteer as a helper and observe for yourself how your child treats other children and more important how other children treat your child.

Some kids may have low self esteem or are quite shy and may need help developing their social skills. You can talk to your child's school to see if they offer special buddy programs for shy kids or programs to help build your child's self esteem and help to hone their social skills. If they don't offer anything like that they they may know where you can access such things.

It is important to talk to your child and ask how he is feeling with the friendships he has or if he feels like there are problems in that area. Your child usually won't volunteer such information so it is a good idea to ask lots of questions. You can even ask how your child feels about himself. If you have serious concerns about your child's lack of self esteem, it may be a good idea to talk to a professional.

For more ideas on How to Help Your Child Make Friends!

Happy Parenting

Monicka