Often times we find ourselves threatening our children or criticizing them for their behaviors, in hope that they will self-correct. Criticizing and threatening children DOES NOT stop them from misbehaving. But what it does do, is stop them from loving themselves. It will often make the behavior even worse. This, is turn, can create more problems down the road like poor self-esteem and depression.

It is easy to get stuck in this cycle when you are at your breaking point, and you have no other tools in your pocket to implement. We all do this because we are human. Sometimes we yell, nag, threaten, and scream. We make empty threats, “Christmas is cancelled!” Yet, the best part about being human is we can change! I know, you are asking HOW!? What is the answer to getting your children to behave?

It Starts with You

Firstly, it starts with YOU! Are YOU ready to change? Are YOU ready to put forth the work? Secondly, it starts with understanding that behavioral changes come from within the child. Change in behavior in children occurs because something internally motivates them to do it, and they decide (for themselves) that it is good for them.

The pain you cause by cancelling Christmas may initially motivate your child to behave. Yet, this threat actually fractures the bond between parent and child. Therefore, the result of improved behavior is only temporary. It is very short lived. So what do we do?

The next step is getting children to go from defiant to cooperative. However, this requires some understanding of basic development and knowing what stage of development your child is in. You need to utilize methods that work with them. This understanding will help to create change from within the child, not from external world.

Simple Steps to decrease Behaviors

Here are some simple steps to implement to begin this internal change!

• Build respect without yelling or nagging
• Lead with confidence and strength by managing misbehavior using modeling behaviors
• Stop yelling, nagging or fighting – Just walk away until ready to address in a calm manner
• Gain positive energy to give to your child and to the other loved ones in your life (model this behavior)
• Learn how to respond to the defiant behavior with a calm response
• Look beyond the behavior and see what message the behavior is communicating
• Help to label emotions correctly to gain awareness that emotions are real and they are OK to feel
• Label and help communicate effective language like, “This isn’t working! Could you help me?”
• Help your child improve their social emotional learning

Children learn a lot by watching. So, try your best to model the behaviors and choices for your children. Encourage effort and take the pressure off. Do your best to implement some of the above strategies and see if your child starts to make that internal shift. Then, if they do not, feel free to reach out to your pediatrician or reach out to an occupational therapist.  Another great resource is Dr. Becky, a clinical psychologist and mom of 3, who has tons of tips and tricks for parents.

Summer is here, and with it comes the need for easy and inexpensive snacks for kids. As a parent, you want to make sure your kids are eating healthy. BUT, no one wants to spend a lot of time or money on snacks. Luckily, there are plenty of options that are both nutritious and budget-friendly.

quick and easy snacks for kids

One of the easiest and healthiest snacks for kids is fresh fruit. Whether it’s sliced watermelon, grapes, or berries, kids love the sweet taste of fruit. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for their growing bodies. You can even make it more fun by cutting the fruit into fun shapes. You can use cookie cutters and your kids can help. Making fruit kabobs also makes snacking a little more fun. Add some marshmallows or a brownie bite to the skewer to make it even more enticing.

Another great option is veggies and dip. Cut up some carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers and serve them with a healthy dip like hummus, guacamole, or ranch. Not only is this snack low in calories, but it’s also a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies. In addition, if you have some extra time on your hands, you can make it more fun by making a veggie tray in the shape of a fish, owl, or this adorable lion with hummus as the face.

Snacks that require baking

If your kids love chips, try making your own homemade chips. There are a lot of different things you can experiment with to make chips. You can make sweet potato chips, kale chips, zucchini chips, or even apple or banana chips. All you need is some olive oil, your favorite seasoning and something to bake them in. Check out Hello Glow for 30 Healthy Chip Recipes.  

For a more filling snack, try making a batch of homemade granola bars. You can customize them with your kids’ favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for a quick and easy snack on the go. Add it to a cup of yogurt with a handful of berries on top and you have a meal!

There are plenty of easy and inexpensive summer snacks for kids that are both healthy and delicious. From fresh fruit to homemade granola bars, there’s something for everyone. So, next time your kids are hungry, try one of these options and watch them gobble it up with a smile.

Looking for more summer ideas? Check out School’s Out Summer Activities and Summer Activities to Fend Off Boredom for more inspiration!

There is nothing more exciting than setting out on adventurous road trips with kids! Family vacations are the ultimate memory makers for both kids and parents. But let’s face it, long car trips with kids can be difficult.

I grew up with 2 sisters and some of my favorite childhood memories are from our road trips for camping adventures, visits to grandparents, and visiting national forests. Things were very different back then. I remember loading up the Ford Fairlane station wagon and sleeping on the floor of the backseat. If there were seat belts, they were not used. We would move about the backseat switching places and hanging halfway out the windows as we drove the 50 mile gravel road to our yearly camp site or to make every semi truck blow their horn. While I am sure my sisters and I drove our parents crazy, we kept ourselves entertained through singing, I spy, alphabet and other games, and pestering the daylights out of one another!

How to Survive a Family Road Trip

It never occurred to me how much stress and planning a long road trip with the kids could possibly be until I had a family of my own. What will they eat? How will you entertain them? Honestly, are we there yet? Will I survive, or better yet, will the kids survive??

Road trips require children to be safely buckled, a big challenge when you think of how kids are naturally movement driven! So many times, the solution is for kids to be handed an iPad or some type of device to keep them still and entertained. For sure there are times that, as a parent, this seems like the only way to save your sanity. So, the question is…how do you prepare and actually survive through a fun filled family road trip? Hopefully some of these hints will help!

Planning for Road trips

Firstly, planning ahead is crucial. As with any large task, the secret to success is a bunch of smaller tasks, done well. Consider the time length of the journey and what the route looks like so you can plan breaks at interesting rest stops. Anticipate issues like boredom (here are some fun summer activities to prevent boredom at home), sickness, or family fights and have a plan of action so you aren’t caught off guard in the moment.

This one is no brainer, but can really help make the trip more enjoyable. Be sure to bring plenty of wipes and paper towels to clean up any messes. Keep a couple of plastic bags handy to store any trash. Have an ample supply of drinks with sealed lids and car-friendly snacks.

Be Flexible

I feel that flexibility may be one of the biggest things in having a successful road trip! First and foremost is to remember that Murphy’s Law is always in effect: whatever can go wrong, will. Relax and know that everything that happens on a road trip with kids is part of the journey. It’s ok to take an extra stop, to arrive a little late, or to add an extra day to your travel time. I am somewhat of an extreme organizer and will wind myself up before a road trip of any distance. I frequently need to remind myself that we do not have to be a tight schedule. One of best parts of a road trip is the freedom! 

I do admit that keeping kids entertained during road trips is a big challenge. Here are some activities that may help, and even add a touch of education (just don’t tell the kids!). Check out totschooling and the Road Trip Expert for some great activities for kids of all ages.  

As a parent of grown children, my biggest advice is to savor those road trips (the good and the maybe not so good)…they grow up in a blink of an eye. Make memories that will last a lifetime!

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. Strokes can cause a variety of symptoms like weakness, paralysis, speech difficulties, memory loss, cognitive problems, and emotional changes. The benefits of physical therapy after a stroke are widespread.

Physical therapy is an important part of recovery from a stroke that aims to help survivors regain their functional mobility and independence. PT helps survivors of a stroke stimulate damaged nerves and muscles, promote circulation to affected areas of the brain to promote healing, learn to move and use their affected body parts as much as possible, regain mobility and strength, as well as to prevent or reduce complications such as muscle stiffness, spasticity, pain and falls.

Physical Therapy After Stroke

Physical therapy usually begins as soon as possible after the stroke, ideally within two days. The duration and intensity of PT depend on the severity and type of stroke, the medical status of the patient, as well as the individual’s goals and needs.

Stroke recovery doesn’t just involve a physical therapist, though. It takes a team of professionals, including a physiatrist (a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation), a neurologist (a doctor who specializes in brain and nervous system disorders), nurses, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist, a dietician, a social worker, a neuropsychologist, and a case manager.

The physical therapist will assess strength, balance, coordination, range of motion, sensation, pain, and functional abilities. Then, based on the assessment and the individual’s goals, the physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan.

Physical Therapy Interventions

• Exercises to improve muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility
• Activities to improve balance, posture, gait, and mobility
• Training to use assistive devices such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs
• Education on how to prevent falls and injuries
• Manual therapy to relieve pain and spasm
• Electrical stimulation to activate muscles and nerves
• Biofeedback to enhance awareness and control of muscle activity
• Hydrotherapy to use water resistance and buoyancy for exercise
• Constraint-induced movement therapy to encourage use of the affected limb by restricting the unaffected one
• Mirror therapy to use visual feedback to stimulate movement of the affected limb

Physical therapy after stroke can take place in different settings. It usually starts in a hospital. The survivor may then move thought a subacute care unit and/or an inpatient rehabilitation unit before being discharged home. The person will then usually receive home health therapy or continue treatment in an outpatient clinic depending on their level of function and needs. The physical therapist will work closely with the stroke survivor and their family to determine the best path for their rehabilitation, and to ensure continuity of care.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy After Stroke

Physical therapy has lots of benefits for stroke survivors, such as:

• Improving functional mobility and independence
• Enhancing quality of life and well-being
• Reducing disability and dependence on others
• Increasing self-confidence and motivation
• Preventing or minimizing complications such as contractures, pressure sores, or infections
• Reducing the risk of recurrent stroke or other cardiovascular events
• PT can also have positive effects on the brain itself

Physical therapy after stroke is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires individualized assessment, planning and evaluation. It also requires active participation and collaboration from the stroke survivor, their family, and their caregivers. Stroke recovery is a long-term process that requires patience, perseverance, and dedication.

However, physical therapy can be rewarding and empowering for survivors. It can help them regain their functional mobility and independence, improve their quality of life and well-being, prevent or reduce complications, and make the most of their recovery.

With summer approaching and school ending for the year, most parents will be hearing “be sure your child is reading over the summer”.  So why the big push to keep kids reading? And is it REALLY that important? The answer is yes, it is very important. From September to June, children consistently engage in reading activities at home and school that support growth.

“Summer slide” is a term that has parents and teachers anxious about their child’s progress and retention for those sunny two months a year when school is not in session. This concept of “sliding back” from the level students reach by the end of their school year while home over the summer, is a true developmental reality for some young learners. Practicing skills learned during the school year is necessary for those skills to shift from new learning to usable skills and eventually into habit.

Why is Reading so Important?

The benefits of reading are undeniable. Research claims it takes a many as 17 exposures for a child to securely add a word to their vocabulary. Literacy research shows depth of vocabulary is links directly to a child’s literacy level and ability to read complex texts. Maintaining twenty minutes a day over the summer is critical. This will help at least maintain student literacy levels through the development of their vocabulary.

One elementary principal compared reading to exercise, encouraging kids to read to strengthen their reading skills. Just like exercising keeps muscles in shape, reading keeps the brain in shape. If you don’t exercise, you lose muscle, and if you don’t read, you will lose literacy skills.

Summer reading is not only for helping kids maintain learning while school is out, but also for fostering social-emotional development. Reading fiction is one of the best ways for children (and adults!) to develop empathy. While the reader may not personally experience every problem captured in the storyline of a fiction book, by moving through it from the character’s point of view, readers develop empathy skills for others who are experiencing challenges, even those with which we are less familiar. This can also lead to good conversations with your reader. Expanding a child’s vocabulary and emotions provides a deeper understanding. It also provides background information of people, places, concepts, and things in the world around us.

How can You Help with Summer Reading?

Our local Belgrade and Bozeman libraries offer summer reading programs. In addition, here are some additional resources for summer reading programs and ideas

• Kids in 1st – 6th grades who read 8 books this summer can record them in a reading journal. They will then turn it in for a free book with the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading program!
• Half Price Book stores has shifted it’s summer reading to a great page. Visit the Summer Reading Camp to see how kids can earn $5 in Bookworm Bucks to spend at the stores. Kids turn in logs during June & July. Younger kids can be read to. Older kids who can read on their own will record their reading time each month. The website also has some fun free printable camping-themed activities that kids can enjoy this summer too!
• Scholastic is another site that offers a free summer reading program.

Perhaps one of the best benefits of reading over the summer is having a screen-free activity on a rainy day. So kick off the summer discovering the joy of stories, and begin building the  importance of lifelong learning, through reading! If you have concerns about your child’s reading, you can learn more about the Matthew Effect and when Reading is Not Dyslexia.

May is national arthritis month. Arthritis may seem relatively benign – everyone knows someone who has arthritis, but it’s a serious condition, and a serious problem. However, the good news is that physical therapy for arthritis is one of the most effective treatments. Here are some numbers that help put the problem of arthritis into perspective:

• Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, affecting 1 in 5 adults and 300,000 children
• 1/3 of working-age people with arthritis have some kind of limitation in their ability to work
• Arthritis costs $156 billion each year in medical expenses and lost wages
• Nearly 1 million hospitalizations happen each year due to arthritis

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Managing Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis comes in 2 forms: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs because of wear and tear on the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease. It occurs because of the immune system attacking the joint lining. Physical therapy can reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and help to prevent further damage to the joints. Using individualized exercises, physical therapists help people manage their condition and reduce discomfort. Physical therapists often combine advice on lifestyle modifications with exercise to maximize improvement. Let’s look at the types of exercise that can help manage arthritis symptoms next.

Range of Motion Exercises

Range of motion exercises gently move affected joints through their entire range of motion, helping to reduce stiffness and improve mobility. For example gentle stretching, tai chi, or gentle yoga.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise creates repeated motion, moving the synovial fluid in the joints. It also increases blood flow and releases endorphins which reduce pain. Aerobic exercise also helps to control weight. Weight loss is proven to reduce the stress on your joints, which can reduce pain. Aerobic exercise for people with arthritis should be low impact. This would include things like walking, cycling, or swimming.

Strength Training

Strength training is an important part of managing arthritis. It decreases pain, improves strength, and function. Stronger muscles around the affected joints provide better support and protection.

Aquatic Exercise

Another intervention that can help is aquatic therapy. Exercising in a therapeutic pool can be a great way for people with arthritis to get started. The buoyancy of the water helps to relieve some of the body’s pressure on the joints. The water pressure also provides compression on the joints. This offers some stability and pain relief. The movement of your body through the water creates resistance for your muscles. Therefore, you can get stronger in a protective environment.

Physical Therapy Education for Arthritis

Besides designing a custom exercise program, a physical therapist will educate people with arthritis on lifestyle modifications to help mange their symptoms. Some suggestions might include weight loss, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress. A PT can also modify daily activities to help protect joints affected by arthritis to slow down or prevent progression of symptoms.

Physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment for arthritis and they can coordinate your exercise routine. Current clinical guidelines for treating arthritis include strong recommendations for exercise and other physical therapy treatments. So, if you’re one of the 53 million Americans with arthritis, give your PT a call. They’re a great provider to help you reduce pain, manage your symptoms, and move better.