The Thrive Group

The Whole Self | The Whole Family

back to school

Absent Minded Children- The Problem

Children of all ages can be absent minded and it affects them in different ways, depending on their age and stage.

This first vlog highlights the challenging circumstance of a healthy 4 year old, Jake, still not toilet trained. After evaluating him in The Thrive Group clinic, we explored the factors that were affecting his late toilet training and came up with some surprising results.

GETTING OUT OF YOUR BRAIN, AND INTO YOUR BODY (Part I):

Key points from this video:

  • Nightmare scenario for Jake’s parents. [0:37]
  • The underlying challenge. [0:46]
  • Living in his head, what it means. [0:56]
  • Stuck in cognitive mode. [1:10]
  • Lack of respect for the body. [1:19]
  • What it may look like to parents, friends, and teachers.[1:27]

If your child seems to be absent-minded and stuck in his/her own body, we can help. Contact Us for an Evaluation.

Getting It Right When Learning To Write

so-676205-mA frequent question occupational therapists get asked by parents is: How can I help my child develop a healthy and efficient pencil grasp when she’s beginning to write?

Despite the fact that most children today spend as much time using a keyboard as writing, I believe that writing by hand is and always will be a valuable skill. And, as every parent and teacher knows, a correct pencil grasp is essential. [Read more…] about Getting It Right When Learning To Write

12 Ways To Help Your Child Overcome Back-to-School Fears & Anxiety

5iStock_000010621773SmallBack-to-school fears and anxiety can occur at any age, especially when children are transitioning to a new school or new school building. Help your child cope with his or her fears with a variety of simple strategies.

1. Encourage your child to talk about his feelings in order to gauge whether or not he fears going to school.

You might begin by saying: What are you looking forward to about this school year? If he expresses nervousness or anxiety, let him know that some anxiety is normal—nearly everyone feels it.

Tell him that many other kids feel the same way he does, even if they don’t discuss it. Also, share your own feelings about back-to-school time when you were a child, discussing both positive and less-than-positive aspects of your feelings at the time.

Don’t offer empty reassurance or minimize your child’s fears.  Play detective. What’s bothering him? Is he afraid his teacher won’t like him? Is she fearful she won’t have any friends or fit in? Is he nervous about gym class, math, or reading? Help your child develop a plan for coping with his fears and give genuine praise when he makes an effort.

2. Schedule a school-supply shopping trip and allow your child to pick the backpack, notebooks, shoes, and other items they like. Most children want to “fit in”, so if the item isn’t harmful or budget-busting, get them the clothing and supplies that help them feel more confident.

This isn’t necessarily the time to teach your child that it’s the inside of a person that counts—that important lesson must be taught over time, and is most effective when taught by example. [Read more…] about 12 Ways To Help Your Child Overcome Back-to-School Fears & Anxiety