Category: Parenting

It is fair to say that parenting a child in 2023 is vastly different from parenting a child in 2013.  Nowhere is this truer than in the realm of special educational needs, such as autism. There have been many changes in parenting tips and styles in this area over the last ten years. Thankfully, technological assistance and apps have emerged.

It is now easier for parents to help a child who has autism to manage day-to-day life.  However, it can be a bit tricky to know where to start and if you want to invest in technology to help your child to develop.https://www.safesearchkids.com/how-aba-therapy-can-support-digital-learning-for-kids-with-autism/

So, we’ll do our best to guide you through some key steps which can help you to parent your child with greater ease and better long-term outcomes.

Select Appropriate Apps

Many children’s apps are bright, loud, and have a lot of movement. That is fine for the average child, but if you have a child that is on the autism spectrum, these things can be overstimulating and can cause them to become overwhelmed. So, aim to find an autism app that is appropriate and can help them learn easily with encouragement but, of course, without being too bouncy or loud.

It’s also worth researching parenting apps aimed at parents of children with autism, as these can provide you with tips on how best to manage your child in day-to-day life without reading like an instruction manual.

Select Tools That Match Your Child’s Level

All children have different reading and educational levels. So, when it comes to choosing the right tools to help your autistic child, make sure it is matched to their requirements. Of course, the majority of educational apps will be aimed at improving your child’s reading, writing, or arithmetic, but if you start with an app or a program on a computer that is too advanced, it can lead to your child becoming frustrated.

If you aren’t sure what your child’s educational level is, it is best to talk to their teachers and come up with a plan so that you can help them to advance their skills via technology.

Use Communicative Technology

Technology and apps that are aimed at younger children will focus on helping them to develop their speech. However, this is a feature that phases out as the age rating on the apps increases. Children who have autism spectrum disorder, however, often have issues with clear and concise communication. So, it is best to find an app or a game that will focus itself on helping them to communicate, identify emotions and express themselves.

 Set Time Limits

Ah, yes, the dreaded screen time conundrum that all parents dread.

Children generally love spending hours upon hours on a computer, watching videos and researching. However, this is not good for their eyesight, for their social development, or for their mental health. So, aim to set time limits on devices and ensure that your child is aware of them prior to you setting the timer and reminding them when it is coming to an end. Then, ease them onto another task; this will prevent frustration, and meltdowns and will also set a boundary on your end.

Additional Reading Resources:

How ABA therapy can support digital learning for kids with autism.
Internet safety for children with autism.

As adults participating in various activities, we are well aware of the importance of eye protection. Still, it’s easy to neglect when trimming the grass with a weed whacker or playing squash. Unfortunately, parents think even less about it for their kids. It’s not for lack of caring; rather, child eye safety is simply not promoted and is often taken for granted.

Whether your child plays sports, enjoys woodworking, or loves to get involved in a Nerf battle with their friends, fitting them out with a pair of safety glasses is a great idea. But with so many different types on the market, how do we know which to choose? Below is everything you need to know.

Basic Kids’ Glasses

Clear, rimless safety glasses can help protect your kids’ eyes from all sorts of hazards – look for models that are scratch-resistant and have been fully tested to be ballistics resistant and feature an anti-glare coating. It’s a good idea to choose a pair for your child that’s lightweight, too, to ensure wearing comfort – the last thing you want is for your kid to pull them off as they feel too heavy or are pinching.

There is a wide range of kids’ safety glasses available, from cat eye glasses to more simple designs, so be sure to select a pair that has been fully tested and certified to all the required safety standards.

Kids’ Safety Goggles

If your child’s eyes need an additional level of protection, goggles are likely to be the way to go. Goggles provide protection in the classroom science lab, during water play, Nerf battles, and much more – and give parents peace of mind, too. By sealing off the area around the eyes entirely, there’s no risk of a nasty or irritant of any kind finding its way into your little one’s eyes.

Good quality kids’ safety goggles will be scratch resistant, offer a wide field of vision, and feature a soft silicone seal to fit comfortably on your child’s face. Ideally, look for an anti-fogging option to prevent the lens from misting up. You’ll find goggles in lots of different colors, so you can choose the shade that’ll best appeal to your kid – meaning they’ll hopefully be more amenable to wearing them!

Blue-Light Blocking Safety Glasses for Kids

The blue light emitted from our devices can be a menace, causing problems such as sleep disruption and even exacerbating hyperactivity – this can be a particular issue for kids with ADHD or who are otherwise neurodiverse.

Blue-light-blocking glasses for kids feature orange lenses that are effective in blocking out the majority of this harsh blue light, which can also cause eye fatigue.

Nerf Gun Compatible Kids’ Safety Glasses

If your child loves nothing more than getting involved in a Nerf battle with their friends, then Nerf-compatible safety glasses are a must! This type of eyewear comes in different colors to identify which team each child is on – and looks cool, too.

Ideally, Nerf-compatible glasses should have anti-fog lenses, be in a wraparound style, and feature soft sponge edges for comfort no matter how long the battle lasts. These kinds of kids’ safety glasses are often suitable for other activities such as cycling, skiing, lab work, woodworking, construction, and more, too.

Kids’ Protective Face Shields

For face coverage that extends beyond the eyes, consider a protective face shield. Typically featuring a strap that goes around the forehead, to which is attached a single piece visor to cover the face; these types of shields are often reusable. You may wish to choose a protective face shield that incorporates a slide adjuster so you can easily ensure a snug, comfortable fit and firm foam pad designed to provide a suitable space between the strap and your child’s forehead.

Kids Sports Glasses

When training for and playing sports like football, hockey, and basketball, kids are likely to need a little bit of extra protection for their eyes, and that’s where sports glasses come in. Tough, lightweight, and impact-resistant, sports glasses usually incorporate a strap to keep them securely in place so there’s no risk of them flying off during a game. As with many of the other types of safety glasses on this list, sports glasses can usually be fitted with prescription lenses if necessary.

Cycling Safety Glasses for Kids

For outdoor sports such as cycling and running, your child will need protective eyewear that will eliminate glare and protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. In terms of the latter, look for glasses that incorporate 100% UVA and UVB protection.

Ideally, choose glasses that feature soft, adjustable silicone nose pads to achieve the best fit and comfort level, anti-slip arms, and durable, lightweight frames.

Safety Eyewear that Fits Over Glasses

If your child wears prescription glasses but needs safety eyewear, you have a couple of options. You can either choose safety glasses that can be fitted with prescription lenses or opt for a type of safety eyewear that can be worn over the top of their regular glasses.

If you decide on the latter, take care to ensure that these ‘over glasses’ fit comfortably, and don’t put too much pressure on your child’s prescription glasses or cause pinching.

Choosing the Right Safety Glasses for Your Child

When choosing safety glasses, it’s most important to ensure that the pair adheres to all the necessary safety regulations and, where appropriate, has all the relevant certifications.

There is a huge range of kids’ safety glasses available, so whether your child is a sports fanatic, an avid Nerf warrior, or could do with some specs to cut down on eye fatigue, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair.

Child custody battles can be emotionally draining and legally complex for parents going through a separation or divorce. The outcome of these battles significantly impacts the well-being and future of the child involved. Unfortunately, many parents make common mistakes during custody battles that can negatively affect their chances of obtaining a favorable custody arrangement.

Divorce for a child is already a troublesome experience.  Therefore, the last thing any parent should want is to make it more stressful by taking away any positive aspect of the situation that may remain.  This article aims to highlight some of these mistakes and provide guidance on how to avoid them.

Putting Personal Interests Above the Child’s Best Interests

One of the most significant mistakes parents make is prioritizing their own desires and interests over the child’s well-being. Custody decisions should always be made, considering the child’s best interests. In family law the courts consider factors such as stability, emotional and physical well-being, and the parent-child relationship quality when determining custody arrangements. This is one of the reasons why parents must demonstrate their commitment to the child’s welfare rather than pursuing a custody battle out of spite or revenge.

Failing to Communicate Effectively

Communication breakdowns can escalate conflicts and make custody battles and custody appeals more challenging. Parents need to communicate effectively and respectfully with each other, particularly when discussing matters related to the child. Avoid engaging in heated arguments or using communication to criticize or belittle the other parent. Instead, focus on transparent and constructive communication around the child’s needs and well-being.

Additionally, speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the child or to others involved in the custody battle can be highly detrimental. Courts value the child’s right to maintain a healthy and loving relationship with both parents. Disparaging the other parent can damage the child’s perception of their parent, impact their emotional well-being, and create an unfavorable impression in court. Refraining from making derogatory comments or engaging in any form of parental alienation is crucial.

Ignoring the Importance of Documentation

Documentation plays a vital role in custody battles. Many parents do not maintain thorough and accurate records of relevant information. Document significant interactions, communications, visitation schedules, incidents, and any child welfare concerns. These records can serve as evidence and help substantiate claims or disputes during custody proceedings. Navigating the complexities of a custody battle without proper legal guidance can be detrimental. Many parents must consult a family law attorney specializing in child custody cases. A knowledgeable attorney can provide valuable advice, educate parents about their rights and responsibilities, and guide them through the legal process. Professional representation can significantly improve a parent’s chances of achieving a favorable custody outcome.

Violating Court Orders

Parents must adhere to court orders and custody arrangements established during the legal proceedings. Failure to comply with court orders can reflect poorly on a parent and may lead to legal consequences. Respecting and following the established custody schedule, visitation arrangements, and any other court-mandated requirements is crucial. Violating court orders damages the parent’s credibility and negatively impacts the child’s stability and well-being.

Also, many parents make the mistake of refusing to cooperate or engage in a power struggle with the other parent. Courts favor parents willing to work together and maintain a positive co-parenting relationship. Putting aside personal differences and focusing on effective communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making is crucial for fostering a healthy co-parenting dynamic.

Custody battles require parents to navigate emotionally charged situations with careful consideration and strategic decision-making. Parents can increase their chances of achieving a favorable joint custody arrangement by avoiding common mistakes and focusing on the child’s well-being. It is essential to prioritize effective communication, respect court orders, document relevant information, engage in successful co-parenting, and seek professional guidance when needed. Ultimately, by prioritizing the child’s best interests with proper support, parents can create a foundation for a healthier and more positive post-divorce or separation co-parenting relationship.

We like to think that little ones are innocent and incapable of overstepping the line, especially when it comes to violence and aggression.  These may seem like issues that only impact adults, but the reality is that youngsters can exhibit potentially problematic behaviors that need to be understood and dealt with appropriately.

Here’s a look at what you need to know to recognize and overcome aggressive, violent behavior when it crops up, whether your child is directly responsible or the victim in an incident.

Recognizing the Signs of Physical Aggression in Children

Recognizing the signs of physical aggression in children is vital for timely intervention and effective resolution. Key warning signals include:

• Frequent escalation: Regular arguing evolving into physical altercations.
• Bullying: Targeting a specific child repeatedly, exhibiting dominating behavior.
• Isolation: Children feeling unsafe or unwilling to engage with their peers.
• Destructive tendencies: Deliberate damage to property or belongings of others.
• Sudden mood swings: Rapid and extreme changes in emotions, anger outbursts without clear triggers.

By identifying these signs early on, parents, caregivers and educators can better understand the underlying issues behind aggressive behavior and take appropriate steps.

Strategies for Reducing Conflict and Encouraging Empathy

Once you spot warning signals of unwanted violent undertones in children’s behavior, strategies for reducing conflict and encouraging empathy include:

• Teaching problem-solving: Equip kids with effective ways to resolve disputes without resorting to violence.
• Emotional regulation: Provide tools for managing anger, frustration, or any strong emotions that could lead to aggression.
• Role-modeling: Display positive behavior examples by solving conflicts constructively as adults.
• Fostering cooperation: Encourage teamwork and collaborative activities that promote understanding and mutual support.
• Reinforcing empathy: Cultivate an environment where children express care and concern for each other’s feelings, fostering empathetic connections.

Older Kids and Teens: Understanding the Law About Assault and Threat

Older kids and teens need to understand the law surrounding assault and threat to recognize that engaging in aggressive behavior could carry serious legal repercussions.

Parents should discuss potential criminal charges for violent actions, emphasizing their consequences within the community and judicial system. From fines and jail time, young adults have to connect the short and long term fallout from even minor altercations with their future freedom and happiness.

If facing such complications, defending against assault and threat charges in Monmouth County or any other jurisdiction might require seeking professional legal advice from an experienced attorney.

Empowering youth with this awareness may deter them from taking part in physical aggression or violence towards others.

Essential De-escalation Techniques to Address Violent Situations

If you’re the responsible adult in the room, you have a duty to get involved to prevent worrying conflicts between kids from bubbling over. Essential de-escalation techniques to address violent situations between kids include:

• Staying calm: Maintain a composed demeanor to encourage a sense of safety and stability.
• Verbal intervention: Use clear, concise language to communicate expectations and diffuse tension.
• Empathetic listening: Allow each child involved to voice their concerns or grievances without interruption.
• Avoiding blame: Focus on resolving the issue at hand instead of assigning blame or fault.
• Offering space: If needed, temporarily separate children physically until emotions subside.

In short, you cannot afford to be passive, but also have to recognize that you should not be pouring any fuel on the fire of a face-off, no matter the age of the individuals involved.

The Bottom Line

As with all kid-related concerns, it’s best to discuss issues of aggressive and violent behavior with children regularly, so that they are equipped with the knowledge they need, and so that you can steer them down the right path.