Gene Mutations

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You Influence Your Children Before They are Born

well – at least that is what Fox news reported in this story on August 22, 2012.

Scientists are reporting that the single largest factor of passing on new gene mutations to children is a father’s age. This may help explain why autism is on the rise. The study found “an average of two or more new gene mutations appeared in offspring for every year increase in father’s age- meaning the number of new mutations passed on by father’s would double every 16.5 years from puberty onwards.” This is supporting data that it’s not only about the mother’s eggs and both father and mother contribute to the disease risk.

I would WELCOME your feedback after reading this article.

  • How do you feel?
  • Do you think it is valid?
  • Should it in anyway influence your pre-parenting parenting?
  • How do you feel as a father?
  • How do you feel as a mother?

I look forward to reading your input and providing your input to others!

Katherine

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Happy day to you and those you advocate for.

Getting Ready for the School Year

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Wow!  The summer is almost over and the new 2012-2013 school year is just around the corner.

 

Here are some ideas to help you and your child get a HEAD START ON SUCCESS.

  • A week before school make sure that bedtime and wake-up time is in place to insure a happy start to everyone’s day.
  • How about a little practice on those math facts?
    • This is great to do as an activity in the car!   “Sarah, how much is 7×8?”
    • Include MIND MATH too!  “If you and I go to the store and buy 4 goldfish and we give 1 to a friend, how many fish will we have for our fishbowl?”
  • Get those hand and arm muscles ready for writing.
    • Crayola Modeling Compound is so much fun and not messy at all!
    • How about sponges in the pool?
    • Finger paint with pudding.
    • Write letters in hardened jell-o,
  • On these hot days, a trip to the library to pick up some books to read could be great fun.  Remember children learn as much from hearing you read as they do from reading themselves!
  • Make a list of school supplies.
    • For younger ones – draw pictures of what needs to be found for school.
    • For older children have them make the list and when they are shopping plan enough time that they may be able to add how much money they are spending (Sure! Round it off to the next dollar!)
  • Go through your children’s closets to weed out the “this is too small pile”.  Then talk about donating the clothes to Good Will or a shelter for children to use who are less fortunate!

Have fun and be safe. Katherine

Guidelines for Finding Quality Early Childhood Programs

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Please know that when searching for a quality environment in which your child will both grow and thrive, the school should be licensed by the state of Texas.

In addition, if you want your child to attend a preschool with the highest level of accreditation standards, search for programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Some of the things you will want the program to have include

  • Trained administration
  • Clear mission and/or philosophy statement
  • State licensing compliance
  • Maintaining developmentally appropriate practices throughout the daily programming and curriculum
  • Staff qualifications and educational development requirements – at least 24 hours of training each year
  • Open door policy
  • Security system in place
  • On-going program evaluation
  • Parent program evaluation conducted yearly
  • Loving and guiding interaction between faculty and children
  • Consistent and frequent interaction between parents and teachers
  • Health and safety a priority

If you need additional support, please let me know how I can help. Katherine

Sensory Integration

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Beginning to Understand the Importance of Movement

Is your child’s body working for him or against him?

 

The purpose of the following activities is to promote better movement, balance, equilibrium, vestibular processing and integration.  Much research has been and is currently being done to show the need for and importance of movement.  Remember again these activities are to be encouraged and/or suggested not forced on any child.

PROPRIOCEPTIVE input refers to the feedback from the muscles and joints providing information about where the body is, where it is moving, and how much force is being used.  This type of information is essential to the body MOTOR PLANNING, SEQUENCING, and DEVELOPING POSTURAL STRENGTH.

Here are some calming and organizing body activities that mean heavy work is needed.

  • Wall pushes
  • Moving heavy objects (furniture, vacuuming, carrying several books in a back pack, mopping)

When TACTILE input (for protection, discrimination, and often calming) is needed:

  • Hand fidgets
  • Chewing sugarless gum (increases alertness and organizing)
  • Sour Candy (increases alertness) like lemon drops
  • Small carrots

The VESTIBULAR system mechanism is located in the inner ear and is activated by movement or by changing head position.  It is a very important sense, but it is often taken for granted.

Movement is a potent sensory input and must always be used with caution and carefully monitored.  Providing vestibular types of activities is usually fun and easy.  Many childhood games such as jumping, tag, swinging and merry-go-round involve a significant amount of movement.

Precautions against falling or bumping are a necessity.  The movement sensation itself – mainly spinning – can be intense, disorganizing, and potentially harmful to the child.  When equipment is used to encourage vestibular activities, THE CHILD SHOULD BE IN CONTROL.  For instance, a hammock can be hung low enough to the ground so that the child can easily make it go or stop.  Additionally precaution should be taken for the child with slow processing or poor language development.

  • Office chair that spins and/or has rollers 
  • Rocking chair
  • Bouncing on exercise ball
  • Tree swing or tire swing
  • Trapeze work
  • Swinging, merry-go-round, slides

This is just a beginning look at Sensory Integration.  More later!   Katherine

Father’s Day

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My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you.  Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.  Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.  Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.  Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.  Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.  Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.  Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.  Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me.  John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.  1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts of you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.  Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4

And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.  Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.  John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.  John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.  1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.  Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child?  John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.  Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

 

found at http://loveletterfromgod.com/

Valuable Resources are Abundant

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Parents often feel stressed for many different reasons.   Let me help by providing the following information for you.  I have used many of these resources with parents and professionals with which I work and support!

  • Parents’ Anonymous for emotional support, problem solving and information.  Call 1-800-554-2323
  • For Car Seat and Bike Safety information for buying and installing car seats and bike helmets.  1-800-252-8255
  • For information and resources helpful to parents go to www.parentinginformation.org or www.iamyourchild.org
  • For Spanish language go to www.informacionparapadres.org
  • For getting help with your special needs child age 0 to 3 years of age call the Texas Department of early Childhood Intervention at 1-800-250-2246.  For children 3 years and above contact your local school district’s special education office.
  • Needing a Child Care Facility:  The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services inspects and licenses childcare facilities.  Call 1-800-862-5252 for lists in your area or go to www.tdprs.state.tx.us/Child_Care/
  • The Texas Department of Health can give you information related to the health of your child.
    • Family Health 1-800-422-2956.
    • Women, Infant, and Children Nutrition Program based on financial need  1-800-942-3678
    • Medicaid Doctor’s for Your Child 1-877-847-8377
    • Children’s Health Insurance TexCare Partnership 1-800-647-6558
  • PATH is a network of parents who have children with special needs.  They offer referrals, resource and can link you with other parents who have children with similar conditions to your child.  1-800-866-4726 or www.partnerstx.org

 

Is Your Child Ready For Preschool or Kindergarten?

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Knowing signs of readiness for school is an important element in insuring your child’s success at the next level of his/her learning.   Parents usually think about choosing a great school for their young child but often ask,  “Is My Child Ready?”   Knowing as a parent you have worked hard at choosing the RIGHT place is only the beginning.

As important as cognitive readiness, knowing letters, colors and shapes, is the knowledge and experience of being a positive participant in the classroom.  Children come from a variety of backgrounds.  Some have attended Mother’s Day Out; some Day Care, some preschool and some have stayed at home.  These environments also help in the preparation process.

But does your child have
the right tools for success?

Let the bulleted list help you begin the process of deciding whether your child is ready for kindergarten?

  • Does your child separate easily from you?
  • Does your child have good self-help skills relating to dressing,
    say they do not feel well, eat snacks and treats without assistance, and have independent bathroom skills?
  • Is your child easily understood when speaking?
  • Does your child have good communication skills to be able to express desires and needs?
  • Does your child have good personal boundaries?
  • Does your child enjoy group activities?  Taking turns and waiting is hard to do, but a necessary skill.
  • Does your child relate well to other adults?  Other children?

Knowing your child’s readiness can help insure his/her success!

 

Free Crafts for Kids

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WOW! A great opportunity for craft time with your children.

Where: Lakeshore Learning Store, NE corner of the Tollway at Alpha

When:  Saturdays 11AM-3PM

Who:  Boys and Girls ages 3 and up!

Dates and Themes:

April 28       Fancy Feathered Bird

May  5        Thank-You Bouquet Card

May 12       Handprint Keepsake

May 19       Rainbow-Colored Creatures

May 26       Patriotic Wand

June 2        Snazzy Garden Snail

June 9        Flip-Flop Notepad

June 16      Key Keeper

June 23      Summertime Door Hanger

June 30      Star-Spangled Shaker

 

Have a great time and send me pictures to share!

Teacher In-Service Training Hour

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Time for a fun-filled Teacher In-Service Training Hour and earn a Certificate

 

Where:  Lakeshore Learning Center in Dallas – Located on the NE corner of Alpha and the Tollway

When:  Thursday, April 26

  • Time:  6:30-7:30P
  • TOPIC:  Dinosaur Discoveries

When:  Thursday, May 24

  • Time:  6:30-7:30P
  • TOPIC:  Life on the Farm

Great fun and a fabulous NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY

We Love the Earth

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“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

Plan activities to LOVE the EARTH.   We all need to learn to care for God’s earth.

Here are some fun family projects to actively LOVE OUR WORLD.

  • Check to make sure that you know where your recycle bin is!   Look through your house and garage and recycle your extra plastic, aluminum, milk cartons etc.He has the whole world in His hands.
  • Collect and stack newspapers, magazines and even old telephone books
  • Plan a GARAGE SALE to RECYCLE YOUR EXTRAS as someone else’s TREASURES and donate the money to a local charity
  • Make a SWEET EARTH dessert for the family.  You’ll need one tortilla for every family member, cream cheese, knife, blue and green decorating sugar, tape and a picture of the earth or a globe.  Set the picture or globe on the table.  THEN COMES THE FUN!  Spread the cream cheese over the entire tortilla. Sprinkle to colored sugar on the tortilla to make your own EATABLE GLOBE.
  • GO on a TRASH WALK.  Places to go – up and down your alley, up and down your street, the church building or church grounds!   Celebrate with SNOW CONES.
  • Pledge to turn out the lights in a room when you leave it.
  • Invite your family to carpool.  Dad and Mom to work.  Going to ballet.  Going to soccer practice.  Going to art class.
  •  Investigate where to recycle batteries and electronics.