Connecting For Kids

Are you concerned about your child’s behaviors? Do you have questions about what is considered normal elementary and preteen behavior and what could be an indication of a more serious problem? Join Dr. Nora McNamara, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, of University Hospitals Case Medical Center, as she provides an overview of childhood onset disruptive behavior, mood and anxiety disorders. She will discuss when and how to pursue further evaluation and possible treatments. Dr. McNamara will also introduce parents to the Collaborative Problem Solving approach, which was originated by Dr. Ross Greene in his book, The Explosive Child.

Is homework an ongoing battle in your house? Does your child’s homework cause you stress? Do you wish your child would complete homework without you having to supervise? Join Terri McNeely, MEd, BS, State Certified Special Education Teacher, of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake, as she provides tips to help parents reduce the daily stress of homework and end homework battles. McNeely will suggest ways to help your child make the best use of his or her time and learn effective organizational techniques. This talk is targeted at elementary and preteen students.

Does your child struggle to keep emotions in check? Can he or she be flexible when changes occur? Does your child procrastinate in starting a project or have trouble keeping on task? Christine A. Chambers, MEd, OTR/L, of Abilities First, LLC, will help parents gain an understanding of typical executive function skills at the preschool through preteen levels. Parents will learn strategies to help their child gain better emotional control and flexibility. Chambers will also discuss ways to help a child with task initiation, planning, organization and time management as well as strategies to increase working memory and sustained attention to tasks.

Meghan Barlow, PhD, of Meghan Barlow and Associates will discuss how having a diagnosis is important because it will help determine what therapies to pursue and what services your child may need in school, but a diagnosis is only one part of your child and how all behavior cannot be attributed to a diagnosis.She will discuss how sometimes parents need to take a step back and recognize that some behaviors are just "kids being kids." This presentation will help parents understand what is developmentally appropriate at each stage as a child grows and matures. Dr. Barlow will review typical pitfalls, common challenges and ways you can capitalize on your child's strengths to create more harmony between family members and a better fit between your child and his or her environment.

Does your child gets answers marked wrong because the teacher can't read his writing?Does your child receive low grades in handwriting when you know she is capable of performing better?Is there arguing and/or tears over simple handwriting assignments at your home that your child feels are just too difficult to complete?If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, listen to Chris Chambers, MEd, OTR/L, of Abilities First. During her podcast, she will share some fun activities to strengthen fine motor skills for writing.First, listeners will learn the foundational skills necessary for writing which include posture, arm strength, grip, visual skills, attention and self regulation. For each skill, Chambers will provide three to five activities that a child can practice at home to build and strengthen that specific skill. Activities for toddlers, preschoolers and school aged children will be addressed.These are some of the writing problems these exercises will help correct:Pushes too hard (breaks crayons/pe

Liesl Glover, PhD, from Kenneth A. De Luca, PhD & Associates discusses the causes and types of anxiety and also offers some practical ideas for parents.

Join Ellen Spear, MA, CCC-SLP, of Lakeshore Speech Therapy in this interactive presentation about how to tempt your preschooler to talk! This presentation if filled with take-home ideas that will tempt your child to use his/her words.Target Age Group: Parents of toddlers and preschoolers (2 to 5). Parents do not need a formal diagnosis of their child to attend but the session is geared toward children behind in speech.