Why is it tough to be the new student in school? (top five psychological factors)?…

1. Fear of unknown, we all know from own experience when we have minimal information about the situation it can be anxiety provoking and especially if someone have poor coping skills to deal with the situation. 
2. Children might feel rushed and pressured by the parents for preparation for school year. Parents due to shortage of time might try to do things quickly while children take their time and cannot get ready or think fast or organize them, can create anxiety. 
3. Student might have some bad experience in the past that can trigger anxiety or restless feeling.  If they have, unpleasant experience of being bullied or mal treated at nursery or previous school can trigger fear of same treatment. 
4. Parents may be too busy to prepare the children or not prepare at all. Parents may not be able to understand starting new school or going back to school after few months spending unstructured time and then getting back to routine and face the new challenges in terms of homework attending classes being with same age children is stressful. 
5. Transition from fun activities of vacation time to responsibilities of school and expectations of homework and regularities of daily habits. During vacation time usually family have late sleeping time and fun activities like site seeing,  travelling, visiting family friends is very relaxed time which will be different then starting school and going back to school day routines. 

   How can you cope with them? What advise can we give new students to cope and fit in?

    

1. After a slow summer vacation time, school activities will be a change to busier schedule. So During the latter part of summer and before school opening if parents can help children to start preparing for school like collecting school supplies what is needed and also talking and may be role playing ( for younger children) about the school daily activities. Talking with them how they feel about going back to school? What re their questions or concerns once school is open? Listen carefully and try to answer as much as you can. Be supportive and help them relax don not put pressure or show you are anxious because of them going to school.
2. If there are past experiences which is not good, talk to them and listen to them and try to address, ( Do not hesitate even if you need professional help)
3. Improve communication with children. Teach them this is ok to talk about their difficulties and you are ready to listen and will not be judgmental.
4. Follow the queues if they hint toward something, which is bothering them try to listen and talk about it, and answer honestly to the best of your knowledge if you do not know tell them you do not know.

Some of the students we spoke to said the pressures they faced include other students already being part of their own group. So it was difficult to be an outsider, which caused them to be self conscious.  Some said they were teased for being new students.

Stuttering or Stammering.

Causes (exact cause is unknown) How ever

1. Inherited causes.  Genes play role in development of stuttering. It is thought that people who carry genes for stuttering can develop this disorder some point in life whenever there is circumstances that can lead genes expression like (Stress full life events, mental health issues, anxiety etc.) Pathologically it appears that there is incoordination in the sound producing muscles which interferes with fluency of the longer sentence production. Shorter sentences may be fine like the children at the age between 2-5 years when they learn to make longer sentences like from “Mommy Burger” to “mommy can I have burger too”. Stuttering has associations with low frustration tolerance, (individuals who have this, more often tighten there muscle hence deterioration or worsening of stuttering. Other’s reaction of teasing to stuttering (leading to emotional response like shame, embarrassment, anxiety) which can make it worse.

1. Treatment:  Speech and language therapist teach the persons to control their speech with speaking low and maintain relaxation while talking.  Trying to talk slow and smoothly usually much slower than normal speech.
2. Treatment of underlying mental Health issues like anxiety (Which can make it worse)
3. People who stutter usually are aware of this difficulty. That it takes longer for them to say the sentence. This put them under pressure to say the things rapidly and make it difficult for them to continue speech in smooth way and timely manner. Listeners are usually unsure how to respond to it , this lack of information how to respond, leads listener to do things like they might, look away, or fill in sentences, or interrupt or not to talk to the person at all. They also might get annoyed and become impatient which can make the speech even worse.
4. When talking to people who stutter, it is always advice able to give them time and show them you are relaxed and not bothered by their slow or uneven speech and willing to listen patiently. Not to tell then “slow down a bit” or “take a deep breath” or “Relax” By doing that it only makes it worse.
5. It may not be a bad idea to ask the person who stutters that how would you like me to respond. It will put them at ease and do not talk down or treat them differently. In addition, give them message that listener understands the stuttering and interested to listen.

Disclaimer: All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advise from th relevent healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibilitiy of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information

Depression and addiction: The price some celebrities pay for fame

The death of Robin Williams is another reminder that smiling faces may hide behind serious illnesses. (File photo: Reuters)

During Ramadan a Muslim Holy Month every year brings overhauling of the physical and mantel health systems.

1)      This is month of training to have good habit of generously giving; taking care of people around us and more giving is more taking. As research has shown that giving away gives sense of well being “ In one study mentioned Charity, as giving a feeling of high to a person who do charity”

Medical Health benefits an added benefits to spiritual gains

2)      Fasting produce more endorphin which gives us good feeling.

3)      Fasting cause help burn the cholesterol and have positive effect on physical health.

4)      Spending more time in prayer, (burning extra Calories and shedding extra pounds) self reflection and helps us keep focused on the greater good.

5)      Spending time in night prayers is good physical (Isotonic and isometric exercise which involves almost every muscle of the body) exercise in addition to peace and tranquility brought about by the prayer. (Meditation).

6)      Sujood ( prostration, helps maintain healthy blood flow to brain, facial muscles, eyes, ears etc, and drains out the secretions from sinuses and lungs),

7)      Hunger during fasting gives feeling of rejuvenation and extends life expectancy.(A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, improved immune system, and the increased production of beneficial  hormones contributes to the long-term benefits of fasting)

8)      Early AM eating (Suhoor has added benefit of, lowering lipid level, give rest to the digestive system during fasting and helps weight management)

9)      During Fasting energy is diverted from the digestive system toward metabolic process which helps in healing and improving immune system.

10)  Detoxification process is enhanced during the fasting. In the Liver, Kidney, Colon, Lungs, Lymph glands and Skin the detoxification process is actively precipitated during this time.

11)  During fasting process of autolysis help breakdown body’s own fat to use own energy resources in the absence of incoming food nutrients.

12)  Physiologic effect of fasting includes lowering the blood sugar, lowering the cholesterol and lowering the blood pressure.

13)  Slight dehydration leads to water conservation has shown improving longevity of life in plants.

In 1994 the first International Congress on “Health and Ramadan” held in Casablanca, entered 50 extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients’ health or their baseline medical condition. On the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether type I diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not be allowed to fast as such.

Psychological and mental health benefits.

A)    Fasting helps attain mental and emotional well being.

B)    Taking time to contemplate the life events and try to streamline in good way.

C)    Spending more time with family and loved ones (due to short work day) when ordinarily it may not be possible otherwise.

D)    Refraining from useless harmful leisure activities.

E)     Fasting result in many mental health benefits, helping us learn patience and trains us to be more understanding and empathic toward others.

F)     Upbeat sense of giving away, love and affections throughout the month which ends with EID is a bonus factors in terms of bringing social sects together and breed loving and caring society.

G)    Zakat (compulsory Tex on savings to give to the poor member of the society) is organized way of doing Charity, is more likely given during this month further enhance the value of friendship and caring among the members of the society.

H)    Help maintain equilibrium and healthy economic balance.

I)       Days spent in fasting and night in prayer helps us keep focused and learn the skill of patience and being tolerant.

J)       In present day life usually we tend to over eat normally, socially or as in business gatherings, during this month it gives us break and helps us refrain from putting extra pounds hence improve feeling of wellbeing and self esteem.

K)    Usually in present day life we rush for everything and try to do many things in given time and keep our self at the edge which can have negative effect on our body and mind. Like excessive hurry can lead to keep our body in always emergency mode and in this mode body produces excessive Corticosteroids to provide extra energy/benefit to deal with emergency situation, If this become chronic and protracted state, it can lead to many negative effect on body like increased sugar levels in blood, increased blood pressure, and on mind excessive stressful, overwhelming feeling and can even lead to anxiety feelings, etc if prolonged.

L)     Ramadan gives us break from this kind of routine stress by many different ways.

M)   Each year adds on the skills of above training, it can become part of our nature and can help us function one step higher year after year.

N)    During this month generally people avoid indulging in even minor sinful activities, which has positive effect on our conscience and self confidence.

O)    Truth of belief, Patience, Honesty, and helping others is the goal during this time.

P)     It helps attain “Desire, strength and will power”

However things needs to be aware of

1#Healthy eating and keeping balanced diet as well as trying to avoid overeating while breaking the fast is important as well.

(General concept of eating less than full stomach is the key to healthy eating)

2# Drinking water before eating has an enormous value.

3# Avoid excessive dehydration especially in hot weather. Like covering head, staying indoor as much as possible.

4# Exposure to heat leads to excessive loss of water and electrolyte contents in the body by perspiration, sweating and through breathing.

5# which can also takes away salts from the body which can be substituted at breaking the fast with balanced electrolyte drinks. (Like optimum amount, salt lemon drink, diluted milk with salt drink, LABAN, etc)

This is just a brief summary of benefits of fasting (Ramadan), actual benefits are monumental beyond comprehension, some of which have proven by science others still needs to be known.

As the Child grows there is need to successfully complete each (age specific) developmental task (Social, Educational, ETC) from infancy to Childhood, to latency, to preadolescent, to Adolescent and early Adulthood and so on so forth. ADHD can be a big obstacle in the way of achieving this success.

ADHD Symptoms usually appear between 3 year old to 6 year old and can continue later if not treated. (More common in Boys than girls)

Inattention part of ADHD can compromise the learning process, maintaining good school grades, following directions, hence leading to frequent negative feedback from the parents, teachers, and in other social settings.

Hyperactivity part of ADHD can lead to moving too much, not able to sit where it is required, jumping from place to place, may have minor frequent injuries or falls, resulting negative feedback can lead to many psychological issues, ranging from low self esteem, lack of confidence, poor school performance, and anxiety and depression. (Symptoms’ of Children having ADHD may varies)

Impulsive part of ADHD can lead to impulsively acting out with out prior thinking, making mistakes and get embraced, or suffer injuries.

Good news is it is treatable and in good hands it has very positive treatment outcome.

Facts about ADHD

Approximately 3-7% of school-aged children have the disorder. Prevalence rates seem to vary by community, with some research indicating that larger cities may have rates as high as 10-15%.

General Symptoms

Failure to pay attention or  failure to retain learned information

Fidgeting or restless behavior

Excessive activity or talking

The appearance of being physically driven or compelled to constantly move

Inability to sit quietly, even when motivated to do so

(Seems like driven by a motor)

Engaging in activity without thinking before hand

Constantly interrupting others or changing the subject

Poor peers relationship

Difficulty sustaining focused attention

Distractibility, Forgetfulness or absentmindedness

Continual impatience

Low frustration tolerance

When focused attention is required, it is experienced as unpleasant

Frequent shifts from one activity to another

Careless or messy approach to assignments or tasks

Failure to complete activities

Difficulty organizing or prioritizing activities or possessions

Inattention during infancy can include

Symptoms of Inattention

Difficult to soothe

Less babbling speech the first year

Poor sucking or crying during feeding

Smiles less often

May not enjoy soft touch

Symptoms of Hyperactivity during
infancy can include

An aversion to being cuddled or held

Strained/negative mother /child relationship

More frequent crying

Symptoms of Impulsivity during infancy can include

Frequent crying and colic (painful bowel problems)

Frequent infections, more allergies, etc

Inattention during Pre school years can include

¨     Strong will; unresponsive to discipline

¨     Some language difficulties

¨     Difficulties with structured play

¨     Toilet training problems

Symptoms of Hyperactivity during
Pre school years can include

¨     Higher activity levels than peers

¨     Problems noticeable in structured play

¨     Aggressive behavior

¨     Difficulty going to sleep

¨     Motor restlessness during sleep

¨     Strong will, “difficult to manage”

¨     Causing family disorganization and parents feeling overwhelmed

Symptoms of Impulsivity during Pre school years can include

¨      Extreme excitability

¨      Gross/fine motor difficulties (awkward, clumsy)

¨      Fearlessness, may endanger self or others

¨      Low frustration tolerance

¨      Peer problems begin

Inattention during elementary school years can include

¨     Failing to pay close attention to details or making careless mistakes while doing schoolwork or other activities

¨     Trouble keeping attention focused during play or tasks

¨     Appearing not to listen when spoken to

¨     Failing to follow instructions or finish tasks

¨     Avoiding tasks that require a high amount of mental effort and organization, such as school projects

¨     Frequently losing items required to facilitate tasks or activities, such as school supplies

¨     Excessive distractibility

¨     Forgetfulness

¨     Procrastination, inability to begin an activity

¨     Associated problems such as low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety

Symptoms of Hyperactivity during
elementary school years can include

¨     Diminished need for sleep

¨     Fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming in seat

¨     Leaving seat often, even when inappropriate

¨     Running or climbing at inappropriate times

¨     Difficulty with quiet play

¨     Frequent feelings of restlessness

¨     Excessive speech

Symptoms of Impulsivity during elementary school years can include

¨     Social immaturity

¨     Frequent arguments with parents and peers

¨     Disregards socially-accepted behavioral expectations

¨     Requires more supervision than average

¨     Inconsistent with responsibilities and chores

¨     Continually striving to be the center of attention

¨     Answering a question before the speaker has finished

¨     Failing to await one’s turn

¨     Interrupting the activities of others at inappropriate times

¨     Poor peer relationships

Inattention during adolescence can include

¨     Frequently shifting from one uncompleted task to another

¨     Difficulty organizing activities

¨     Serious academic inconsistencies

¨     Ongoing underachievement

¨     Difficulties with household activities (cleaning, paying bills, etc.)

¨     Often viewed as lazy or disinterested

¨     Associated mood or behavior problems become more pronounced

Symptoms of Hyperactivity during
adolescence can include

¨     Increased hyperactivity

¨     Pronounced feelings of restlessness

¨     Low self-esteem

¨     Intense need to stay busy and/or to do several things at once.

¨     Discipline problems

¨     High-risk behavior

Symptoms of Impulsivity during Adolescence can include

Continued poor peers relationships

¨     Low self-esteem

¨     Discipline problems

¨     Continued frequent arguments

¨     Drug and alcohol abuse

¨     Risk-taking behavior

¨     Impulsive spending, leading to financial difficulties

Treatment options:

Currently available treatments focus on reducing the symptoms of ADHD and improving functioning. Treatments include medication, various types of psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments

Psychotherapy:

Behavioral therapy aims to help a child change his or her behavior in positive direction.

It involves practical assistance, such as help organizing tasks or completing schoolwork, or working through emotionally difficult events.

It teaches a child how to monitor his or her own behavior.

Praising or rewarding for acting in a desired way, such as controlling anger or thinking before acting.

Parents and teachers also can give positive or negative feedback depending upon the behavior.

In addition, clear rules, chore lists, and other structured routines can help a child control his or her behavior.

Teaching children social skills, such as how to wait their turn, share toys, ask for help, or respond to teasing.

Learning to read facial expressions and the tone of voice of others, hence modify ones’ behavior.

Learning how to respond? Appropriate to certain situation.

Children with ADHD need guidance and understanding from their parents and teachers to reach their full potential in their life.

Medication:

Medication treatment if needed is safe and can be discussed with Child Psychiatrist.

Discuss the risk/benefits of taking the medications.

Know about the side effects and pre requisite to start the medications. (like ECG, Labs etc)

Usually medications used called (stimulant medications) Like, Ritalin, Concerta, Adderal, vyvance,Methylephenidate, Pristique  and Focalin to name a few.

In group of ADHD Children who can not tolerate (stimulant medications) can benefit from medications (non stimulant), Like Tenex, Strettera, Wellbutrin and Clonidine ETC.

Research Shows Combination treatment (psychotherapy and medications) is superior to individual treatment approach.

Medications does not cure ADHD but it treat the symptoms.

Reference

1. DSM-IV-TR workgroup. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision.Washington,DC: American Psychiatric Association.
2. Mick E, Biederman J, Faraone SV, Sayer J, Kleinman S. Case-control study of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and maternal smoking, alcohol use, and drug use during pregnancy. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2002 Apr; 41(4):378-385.
3. Khan SA, Faraone SV. The genetics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A literature review of 2005. Current Psychiatry Reports, 2006 Oct; 8:393-397.
4.      www.nimh.nih.gov.

If the child appears to have inattentive/hyperactive symptoms, it could be due to ADHD.

2- Disorganization/forgetting and losing things can be part of ADHD.

3- Kids having ADHD symptoms, show some deficits in social skills due to the fact that they miss out the information and quos given by others and can “miss the boat” while other kids without ADHD get that quickly, hence influence their interaction. By correcting these Symptoms and social skills training, this problem can be helped.

4-Learning can be affected by co morbid condition like learning issues plus inattention symptoms. On the other hand inattention can be worsened by learning issues so both can impact each other.

5- Self esteem issues can arise due to the fact that child feels insufficient or incapable of keeping up with academic and social areas and may lead to depressive feelings and prefer to be alone and solo player.

6- In some kids due to these problems behavior issues arise especially oppositional behavior.

Treatment strategies:

Of course first try the behavior modification plan but using medication can be helpful, if needed. It needs further discussion and labs test and EKG if plan is to start the medications.

Behavior modification Plans:

A- Improving the communication by:

a- Ask the child to stop what he/she is doing, and

b- Make eye contact.

c- Then tell him/ her instructions.

d- Ask him/her to repeat what is being said.

e- If he/she follows through the command, give him/her reasonable proportional reward immediately upon completion of the task.

B- Improving the behavior by:

a- Set a goal and educate fully what will be the reward upon successful completion of task and should be given the reward immediately as agreed.

b- Suggestion for rewards can be few. For example short term reward to be given immediately. Long term reward like earning over period of time, You can design plan like, If she/he does homework on time for 3 days everyday she will collect a star and 3 stars value of something which he/she likes and is reasonable ( Avoid Candy, Junk food, and aggressive video games etc as rewards).

C- Improving self esteem and learning by:

a- Praise him/her for any good behavior, (no false praises).

b- Minor achievements should be highlighted and encourage him/her to do more like that.

c- Let him/her have friends who are more friendly and tolerant then who are not.

d- Limit the use of screen electronic gadgets like computer, video games and etc.

e- Have him/her read short stories in free time and then asks her to tell the story followed by positive encouragement and rewards.

f- Short assignments followed upon by the retrieval of information and positive encouragement after successful task.

Above strategies are usually help full with or without medication depending upon the severity of illness.

To make an appointment please contact me

When Children should start formal education

1.  It is controversial when Children should start formal education. In 90% of the world countries, it starts between 6-7 years of age, But in Finland formal education starts at age 7 years they have their reasoning behind it. In UK 130 teachers write a letter and educators to the education system advocating to start formal education at age 7 like Finland (Scandinavian countries). Rational behind is it is too soon too much pressure and it can hamper the progress and can create psychological problems in young brain.

However not all children are alike some may be ready earlier than others however individualized assessment and readiness should be taken into consideration. Some nurseries provide paly-based education without formal education until age 6 that seems more reasonable.

Message is :  Too much too early may have negative impact on the developing brain.

1. Parent face dilemma of few months short of admission age. In that case, parent should continue the playgroup approach with young one is having them familiarize the basics of initial year’s education to help them get ready for the formal education.

        2.There are group of educational experts argued in favor of starting the formal education late like in Scandinavian countries. Their reasoning behind is too much too early can influence the growing brain negatively. We do see in the school system not uncommonly the children who are barely making through the initial years develop constant anxiety and  sometime may lead to negative attitude about the school and whole concept of schooling.

A letter written by 130 teachers, academics and authors said the UK should follow the Scandinavian model and put off formal lessons for two years.

Under the UK’s current system, children start full-time schooling at the age of four or five.

Experts say this is causing ‘profound damage’ in a generation which is not encouraged to learn through play.

But the call was last night dismissed by as ‘misguided’ by a spokesman for the Education Secretary Michael Gove.

Children in the UK are obliged by law to be in school aged five, which the lobby group said is creating a ‘too much, too soon’ culture.

The warning singled out recent government proposals which mean five year olds could be formally tested from the beginning of their schooling.

Under the current system, children are first assessed at the age of seven. But under Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s proposals, a ‘baseline’ test could be introduced in the first year of primary school.

The group of experts warned that monitoring a pupil’s progress from such a young age promotes stress and fear around learning.

Respecting Privacy is one of the most important aspects to gain trust of your child, but at the same time you don’t want your child to take major risks due to ignorance.

Although Parents have seen the child growing and have changed and clothed him/her. Child starts getting annoyed If you become intrusive. Child needs privacy and to master it.

Privacy Signal given by Children:

Asking verbally for private space.  When the child starts saying they need privacy. You being parent have no right to stay close or in the shower with child if he/she is yelling “go out”. Give them space and never reason that you are his/her parent. Give them time alone if they are requesting, such requests should be taken very seriously.

Asking for own room:

When Child requests his/her own room. This is the time when it should be given if possible. Now they start realizing the need for separate space for changing and hiding underwear.

When they start asking to knock before you enter. Respect their request and never spy on them.

Children deserve the increased privacy as they grow to the adolescent years.

Following are helpful hints about the Privacy and how to handle it.

Accepting new role:

Grade school children might start hiding while changing and this may appear as a new behavior. While before they would care less. These changes are due to physical and mental changes.  Don’t get annoyed if child shut the door.  And never tease saying that “ I have seen you before”.

Don’t Grant total Privacy:

While in the public bathroom child should be supervised. Child should be educated that you may be examined by the pedriatition. Random asking about privacy rules and occasionally Doctor or the parents have to look at their body.  Sometime child themselves ask you to be there while they are using the bathroom, as a parent you should be available like staying close and may be reading paper or doing some other activity nearby.

Teaching the skill of changing:

Teach the child how to change in Public bathrooms (changing while towel is warped around the waist), Never go to the Public bathroom alone. Help them understand the safe and unsafe places to change and be there.

Expect Inconsistency and that should be respected:

Sometime children will ask to be with them while they are using restroom at other times they don’t like. Respect their wish and be available if they say so. Extreme behavior should be interpreted with caution.

Change in Behavior:

Some time children starts behaving differently and become too embarrassed or exposing themselves too much, Both situation should be taken cautiously. There might be something to look for, but never the less behavior can be due to being with very modest friend or otherwise. Don’t jump to conclusions and don’t respond prematurely by saying something must had happened.

Teaching good Habit:

This is also time to teach children healthy hygienic habits, Cleaning the private parts, and practice good behavior. Educating them about the body changes and changes in feelings with opposite sex preferences and how to handle those feelings. Answer there question and never say no.  If you don’t answer somebody else will and you don’t know how that person will respond. Establish trust with your child and use it to guide and educate the child.

Practice good habits of covering up:

If you walk in home semi naked children will feel embarrassed initially and later they might get used to it and start copying the behavior. Usually 7-9 year old children either hide if you are wearing improperly or they may giggle while seeing you.

It is good practice to knock before you enter the Child’s room and respect their privacy.

Bath robe is helpful to help them feel secure because at times towel might fall off while they are coming out of the shower/bathroom.

If Child is waiting outside the bathroom for you, always come out while Towel or robe is covering you.

Always lock the bather room and shower door and set rules for privacy.

Don’t do’s

Never Post anything on your children’s Face book or any other media account wall.

Don’t be friend with your child on social Media.

Don’t friend with your child’s friend even if you know them before on social media.

Never ever look at their shoulder while they are texting.

Same sex parent should educate about the sexual issues.

Never spy and make judgments about your own suspicions about the child.

Early intervention to prevent Children Delinquencies

http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/social-workers-aim-for-early-intervention-to-tackle-dubai-youth-crime