Sensory processing
Have you noticed that your child is sensitive to certain textures? Does your child want to move around, bounce, fidget or rock? How do you respond? Our children are trying to regulate their inner state through external stimuli. By providing opportunities for your child to get his or her sensory needs met, we are creating opportunities for them to self-soothe. About every two hours your child needs to move, re-hydrate with water, and snack on wholesome foods. In addition, if your child experiences sleep disturbances try giving them a protein snack before bed.
You can also include rhythmic activities such as jumping rope, pounding with clay or on a drum, playing in a rice or sand tray, or drawing and coloring. These activities can help regulate their inner state of stress. Additional suggestions include providing snacks on a regular basis to maintain blood sugar levels. If you can try to implement activities on a consistent basis, you can avoid many behavioral outbursts. These activities provide opportunities for the brain to re-calibrate and if the child's brain is regulated and calm, they will be open to learning. Without a calm brain, our children are less likely to be in a position where they are able to learn.
One of my favorite parts of addressing sensory processing is all the toys that can be used. We all enjoy fidget toys--make sure that you have these toys available. The toys can include squishy balls or other fun activities.
Be aware of the role that sleep plays in your child's life. They need calming rituals to prepare them for sleep and allow them enough time to sleep each night.
Here's to understanding sensory processing,
Debi Grebenik, Executive Director
Summer time fun
Summer time conjures up memories of home-made ice cream, picnics, ball games and watermelon for many of us. Many of our foster children didn't have easy going summers; for many of them, they were living in fear of pending abuse, incidents of domestic violence or neglect due to parents' addictions, depression or poverty. Foster children need the opportunity to build memories. We can do this collectively for them as we provide them activities on a daily and weekly basis. Be sure to include physical activity for all ages--ball tosses, badminton, running through the sprinkler, swinging, hiking and picnics. These activities provide a sense of normalcy for our children while allowing their physical bodies to develop, resulting in growth of their social, emotional, and physical health. Many of the activities you can engage in with your children are free and require no preparation, just a willingness to laugh, move, and be in the moment with your child. Won't you take time each day to create a memory for the children in your home--no matter their age? You will benefit from the fresh air, the activity, and the laughter. Think of those things you enjoyed most about your own childhood and strive to recreate those in your home, your yard or your neighborhood.
Here's to summer time fun,
Debi
Stress
Stress manifests itself in a multitude of forms. Two kinds of stress exist--eustress and distress. Eustress is the good stress; causing us to do those things that we know are good for us even though they are difficult--such as exercising. Distress is the stress that debilitates, causing health and relational concerns. All of us experience stress: financial, emotional, physical, spiritual, and environmental. We can choose our response. Let's be intentional about our responses and choose to be calm, peaceful, and content. As we choose these responses, we will find that our stress diminishes and our ability to be present with those in our lives that we care about increases. Being present is a great gift to give to our loved ones. Won't you choose to intentionally create sanctuary in your home for all who live there and visit? Do the noises, smells, colors, and activities in your home create an inviting and safe environment? Let's work together to create places of refuge, safety, comfort, peace, and calm. Then we will be able to celebrate every day and the gifts of life and love. Please join me in creating sanctuary!
Working to create calm,
Debi Grebenik
Thankfulness
It is that time of year when we take time to focus on thankfulness. For me, that begins with the gratitutde I feel for the work that our foster parents and staff do to care for the children in our care. I am also grateful for the home-based staff that work crazy hours, drive all over the place, and do so because they are committed to seeing children heal.
Stop and tell someone today or this week how much you appreciate them. As we spread good will, it comes back to us tenfold. Make it your intention to be grateful. Find pleasure in the small things: the sound of the leaves under your feet, the smell of fall spices, the giggle of a child, the song on the radio, and the gift of relationship. Friends and family bring us joy, tears, pain, and fun. Be sure to acknowledge those in your life. Spread gratitute! The benefits are significant to you emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being!
Committed to gratitude,
Debi Grebenik
Thankfulness
I wrote this last year in November and as I re-read this I was struck at how pertinent these words are. Please read-I added a few more thoughts.
It is that time of year when we take time to focus on thankfulness. For me, that begins with the gratitude I feel for the work that our foster parents and staff do to care for the children in our care. I am also grateful for the home-based staff that work crazy hours, drive all over the place, and do so because they are committed to seeing children heal. They do this with joy and patience.
Stop and tell someone today or this week how much you appreciate them. As we spread good will, it comes back to us tenfold. Make it your intention to be grateful. Find pleasure in the small things: the sound of the leaves under your feet, the smell of fall spices, the giggle of a child, the song on the radio, and the gift of relationship. Friends and family bring us joy, tears, pain, and fun. Be sure to acknowledge those in your life. Spread gratitude! The benefits are significant to you emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being!
Did you know that the mere act of volunteering increases your happiness and then your happiness spills over to others? Start the spill over process today and volunteer--make a difference in your church or synagogue, your community, or your school. Together we can see things change and hearts healed.
Committed to gratitude,
Debi Grebenik
Support Links
Support Links:
Below are selected links to outside companies and resources for Foster Care Services, or information and educational resources covering various treatment conditions:
For a broadcast from Debi Grebenik, Executive Director, entitled "Traumatized Children Require Different Parenting":
http://adoptingteensandtweens.com/2012/04/01/traumatized-children-require-different-parenting-w-debi-grebenik/