Is Your Child's Brain in Control?

Sometimes it may seem that your child is being just “awful” and that their behavior is out of control. The thing is, their behavior actually may be “out of control”. 

The brain of your child is still maturing. This development takes many years. The part of the brain that regulates behavior and emotions is the last area of the brain to fully finish development. When this highest functioning brain area is developed, it will help to take control over big emotions and you will see the resulting better self controlled behavior.

 

But until then, your child REALLY needs you and all of the adults in their life to understand that they are not "being bad" and to help them through this process. They simply need you to help calm them and guide them through any difficult emotions that feel so incredibly overwhelming. 

Hunger and tiredness are two factors that have an incredible impact on the level of control your child has over their behavior. When your child does not get the sleep and nutrition their brain needs to function well, it makes it even more difficult to control all they are feeling.  Below are a couple of easy tips that may help ease your days together.

Tips to Try:

Do what you can to provide the sleep and nutrition the child’s brain needs every day. 

·   When a child has had enough sleep this helps keep brain systems in balance. Keeping bedtime and nap time at about the same time each day also contributes to better behavior.  

 

·   Providing a healthy breakfast that includes adequate amounts of protein also greatly helps behavior. When the brain gets the nutrition it needs to function well, the brain is less stressed and this results in children with a much more stable mood.

For the tips you need to EASILY help you during your busy life specifically for the age of your child....

 Brain Development Activity Packets at: 

www.BrainInsightsonline.com

Calmer Mornings and Better Moods for Your Family!

Routines are important for calmer brains 
and for Families!

Did you know  the brains of children really like routines... and do not like chaos? Predictability is comforting.

Mornings certainly can be a trying time for families.   

As a caring parent you have the challenge of trying to get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time and want to leave home with everyone in a positive mood, ready for learning … and all wearing shoes!

Through understanding brains and trying some of the following tips, you will be able to more easily reach this goal! 

    

Establish daily routines

Consistent routines that happen in nearly the same way each day, provide a sense of predictability for young children. The brain feels comfortable and safe when it knows what to expect next. 

Tips:

• Set a schedule. When children know what happens first, next and last, this reduces the need for you to give constant reminders. Children become more self-directed as a result of an established routine.

• Start the routine with a healthy breakfast. Eating a well balanced breakfast that includes adequate amounts protein provides the brain with the nutrients to function well. Research shows children who eat a healthy breakfast a have a more stable mood throughout the day.

However, eating sugary cereal, doughnuts, or sweetened juices will result in the brain needing food again only 30 minutes later. The brain then feels stress and releases stress chemicals. As a result a child may experience feelings of agitation, aggression, and anxiety. Young developing brains do not yet know how to control all of these feelings. This is why it is called, "out of control" behavior.

• Ensure everyone has had enough sleep. Sleep enhances cognitive functioning and influences moods. Having enough sleep contributes to a more positive mood. When the brain lacks the sleep it needs, brain systems become out of balance. Children's (and adult) brains become more easily agitated when sleep deprived. 

            

• Do all you can to keep bedtimes and bedtime routines as consistent as possible.

• Provide calm activities like reading a book, giving a massage, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music as part of the bedtime routine.
• Eliminate watching television or using other electronics with bright lights prior to bedtime routines.
• Provide "brain calming" foods as a bedtime snack such as warm milk, a banana, toast with almond butter, or oatmeal with a bit of peanut butter added.

Realize that your child doesn’t have a motivation to get out of the house quickly. 

A child’s brain prefers to play, have fun, and to spend time with you.  Your mature brain has the ability to override your desires to sit and have another cup of coffee, read the paper, take a

walk… etc. (Well most days anyway!)

 

Tips: 

·      Use games to help motivate children. These also create a fun time spent together before having to separate for the day.

• Game Example:

STOP AND GO

Have your child start to get dressed, Say, “Go”.

Tell the child to keep going until you say, “Stop”.

Repeat this with varied long and short and long periods of time getting dressed.

• Turn on upbeat and fun music. Encourage your child to finish dressing by the time a song ends.

•  Use empathizing statements with an understanding tone of voice, such as, “I know, sometimes you don’t like to get going early.”  Or “I understand how much you would rather be playing right now.”   Sometimes just knowing that someone else recognizes feelings, helps a child cope.

•  Provide choices. When children are given options and are more directly involved in the activity, this results in more cooperation. For example:  Ask, “Would you like to brush your teeth or comb your hair first?”.

Children’s brains pick up on emotional atmosphere very quickly…. And react to your stress level. 

Reduced levels of stress lead to better memory, better problem solving, and increased ability to pay attention.

Tip:

·       

       As tired as you might be, you can reduce stress levels by doing as much as you can in the evening. You can give baths, pack diaper bags/school bags, read/sign papers sent from school, prepare your work bag and lunches, lay out clothes, socks, shoes, and jackets, etc.

    When it is then time to separate for the day, your child will likely feel more ready to go! 

  

The additional brain tips you need to make your life easier are available in the Brain Insights Activity Packets. Have one right on hand specifically for your child's age!

www.BrainInsightsonline.com

 

#Olympicmoms Brain Insight #4

EATING REAL ...MAKES A REAL DIFFERENCE!

Your brain and children's brains thrive when it has the nutrition it needs! 

I just enjoyed a "Nutty Monkey" with blueberries added! This is my favorite! It is from a fantastic place I so enjoy going to called, The Raw Deal. It is focused on providing the types of foods that are most healthy for brains!  

It is also fun because it is located in the city where I went to college. If you are near by or passing through you are going to want to stop in here and find your own favorite. 



 


If you are not nearby, all of you #Olympicmoms and #Olympicdads can also create this great smoothy for your family. It simply combines: Almond milk, a banana, dates and blueberries. Such an easy and delicious way to get nutrition for your brain!

LEARN MORE:

In this post, Brighter Brains Result From Good Nutrition, I shared the following: 

"When presenting I am frequently told by audiences, that many school breakfast programs are comprised of sugary cereals and sugary juices. This is completely the opposite of what the brain needs....Especially for breakfast! When eating these types of foods without adequate amounts of protein, the brain does not have the nutrients to function well. It is not fair to a child to be expected to listen, sit still, pay attention and learn, if their brain is not given what is needed to help make all of this happen."
Read more and get a printable here

Hopefully you are really enjoying all that is being shared by #Olympicmoms!!  Following are all of the contributors and ways you can access all they are providing for you and your family!

#Olympicmoms

Sue Atkins is a Parenting Expert and the author of Parenting Made Easy

www.sueatkinsparentingcoach.com @SueAtkins www.facebook.com/SueAtkinsTheParentingExpert

http://www.youtube.com/user/sueatkins1

Gill Connell  is a Mum, Grandmum, Teacher, International Lecturer, Author and Consultant and founder of Moving Smart movingsmartblog.blogspot.com @movingsmart  www.facebook.com/movingsmart www.pinterest.com/movingsmartnow/moving-smart

Amanda Frolich an expert in childhood physical development and the founder of Amanda's Action Club www.amandasactionclub.co.uk @actionamanda www.facebook.com/amandas action club

Annie Fox, M.Ed., is an internationally respected parenting expert, family coach and trusted online adviser for teens  www.anniefox.com  @Annie_Fox facebook.com/AnnieFox.author http://www.pinterest.com/annielfox www.youtube.com/user/AnnieLFox

Aviva Goldfarb is a family dinner expert and founder of The Six O'Clock Scramble, an online dinner planning solution for busy parents. www.thescramble.com @sixoclockscramble www.facebook.com/thessixoclockscramble/AvivaGoldfarb  www.pinterest.com/thescramble

Lynne Kenney is a mom of two, a pediatric psychologist, international speaker, author and media host www.lynnekenney.com @drlynnekenney www.facebook.com/DrLynneKenney  www.pinterest.com/lynnekenney www.youtube.com/LynneKenney

Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD is a Registered Dietician, Mom and Fouder of Real Mom Nutrition www.realmomnutrition.com @RMNutrition www.facebook.com/realmomnutrition  www.pinterest.com/RMNutrition

Lori Lite is the founder of Stress Free Kids, author of Stress Free Kids: A Parent's Guide, www.StressFreeKids.com  @StressFreeKids on twitter.com/StressFreeKids, www.facebook.com/stressfreekids, www.pinterest.com/stressfreekids

Kelly Loubet is a Social Media Strategist and Community Builder

everydaychildhood.com @childhood  www.facebook.com/KellyLoubet www.pinterest.com/childhood

  

Amy Valpone is a Personal Chef and Marketing Consultant specializing in simple Gluten Free ‘clean’ recipes thehealthyapple.com @TheHealthyApple www.facebook.com/TheHealthyApple.com www.pinterest.com/thehealthyapple  

Christy Wilson is a Registered Dietitian, Mom and Nutrition Consultant specializing in recipes families love ChristyWilsonNutrition.com @ChristysChomp www.instagram.com/christywil74 www.pinterest.com/christywilsonrd

Wendy Young is a Licensed Medical Social Worker, Founder of Kidlutions and co-author of BLOOM www.kidlutions.com @kidlutions www.pinterest.com/kidlutions/ www.facebook.com/kidlution www.youtube.com/user/Kidlutions

If you haven't already.... go to  Olympicmoms for LOTS more!!!

 

#OlympicMoms #2

Be an Olympic Mom or Dad for 14 days! 

  

A caring parent is always trying to do everything to make life smoother, healthy and fun for the family right? Is that you...but, sometimes you run out of ideas? Are you wanting to provide your children with the best nutrition, physical activity, learning and fun interaction every day? And then also somehow make all of that happen for yourself as well?

If so, things just got easier, healthier and more fun for you! During the Olympics you can take advantage of the fun with #OlympicMoms and #OlympicDads!  All you need to do is simply enjoy all that is shared for your benefit! Your brain will LOVE it!!

Dr. Lynne Kenney, has brought together a wonderful group of experts to share easy fitness tips, activity ideas, a recipe plan and lots of fun for you and your family. These knowledgeable people are impressive. I am thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary group. You are going to greatly enjoy ... and are going to be amazed at all that is shared! 

Further explanation is available here. 
To see ALL that is already shared go to #OlympicMoms and #OlympicDads! 

YOU ARE GOING TO WANT TO CHECK THIS OUT!

For more ideas and information about all you get offered directly to you from these experts, go to Olympic Moms Participant Guide. It explains everything it gives you a tracking guide, a list of all of the experts contributing, and it even includes a whole meal plan list! Download it, view it, share it, it’s all Fun & FREE!  There will be much more as the Olympics continue! Also follow on Pinterest and Twitter at #OlympicMoms.

  

The point is to ENJOY and have fun while you and your family become more healthy and fit in such an easy way!!! 

BRAIN FACT: It Is Essential That The Brain Gets Good Fats

It is essential that the brain gets good fats. The brain is 60% fat so it is critical that diets include the right kinds of fats. Fats create the myelin that insulates nerves. Myelin makes it possible for messages to be communicated throughout the brain and body effectively.

BRAIN FACT: Vegetables Help Develop Young Brains

Vegetables help develop healthy young brains. Additionally, research shows vegetables provide benefits throughout life.  One study demonstrates that older adults who ate nearly 3 servings of veggies every day slowed their natural aging cognitive decline by 40%.

Results demonstrated by the Chicago Health and Aging Project.

BRAIN FACT: Eating Breakfast Is Important For the Brain To Function Well

Eating breakfast is important for the brain to function well. A well balanced breakfast that includes a protein gives the brain what it needs. When the brain gets the nutrition it needs, this leads to more stable moods, increases in ability to pay attention, and improved memory.

Read this article for further information.

BRAIN FACT: Good Nutrition For The Body Is Good For The Brain

As a general rule good nutrition for the body is good for the brain. This is especially true with heart healthy foods.
Photo Credit: Zsuzsanna Kilian

BRAIN FACT: Meals That Include Sugar Foods Deprive The Brain Of the Nutrients It Needs to Function Well

Meals that include sugary foods without adequate amounts of protein deprive the brain of the nutrients it needs to function well. This can lead to out of control behavior, and lack of attention.

BRAIN FACT: Omega-3 Fats Are Critical To The Brain

Diets containing omega-3 fats are critical to the brain. These “good fats” contribute to the structure and function of a healthy brain. These essential fats play a part in optimal learning and behavior.

This blog post provides a list of beneficial foods.

BRAIN FACT: Missing Breakfast Can Make A Child Overly Active

Missing breakfast can make a child overly active. A healthy breakfast that includes protein provides the nutrition the brain needs to function well. A well fed brain helps a child learn better, feel better, and have more positive behavior.

Photo Credit: Peter Galbraith

Nutrition and The Brain Radio Show

I just returned from a wonderful trip to Atlanta, GA where I worked with Lauren Zimet of Early Insights, to promote the importance of nutrition and the brain.  Lauren and I co-presented at the Georgia Dietetics Annual Conference and we were also guests on the Parents Rule! Radio Show.  You have the opportunity to listen to the entire radio show here to gain insights about nutrition and the brain. Lauren has a wealth of knowledge on the topic, so treat yourself to listening.

Making the Connections to Healthy Brains

It is wonderful that there is an increasing amount of information  (and growing interest) about healthy diets, reducing stress, and the need for physical activity to keep our bodies healthy. However, when doing brain trainings I find this valuable information is often not correlated to the effects on the brain.

At the end of April I will have the wonderful opportunity to co-present at the Georgia Dietetics Conference in Atlanta.  Lauen Zimet from Healthy Insights and I will be conducting a workshop entitled, “What’s Better than Healthy Brains?”. This session is designed to provide  valuable information to increase awareness that if something is healthy for our bodies it is also benefiting our brains.

Following are some of the points that assist in creating a realization between what is healthy for the body is also healthy for the brain:

Hunger creates stress hormones because the brain doesn’t have what it needs

• When the brain is deprived of the glucose it needs this can lead to out of control behavior. A child doesn’t have the capability to deal with the feelings that occur such as: anxiety, agitation, aggression, feelings of panic, and confusion. These feelings may become temper tantrums.

Hunger may also simply lead to a child not having enough energy to learn or play.

• A child can play and learn very well after eating nutritious foods. When children eat a well balanced meal, especially breakfast, this boosts levels of serotonin (a “feel good” chemical) in the brain. 
• Ensuring  children have enough sleep also helps keep brain system in balance.  Sleep creates natural calming in the brain which stabilizes children’s moods
• Physical activity is also needed for optimal brain function. When children are active the brain simply gets more of the oxygen it needs

It is so easy. When the brain gets what it needs, plenty of sleep,  adequate nutrition, and the opportunity for physical activity  (ideally outdoors) it operates at it’s best. All of this results in children that are in better moods, and are eager and ready to learn.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Needs Fiber and Protein Along With Carbs

Brains need to ensure fiber and protein is eaten along with carbs.  This combination makes it easier for children to pay attention and control behavior.

BRAIN FACT: Majority of Calories Goes to the Growing Brain in the First Two Years

From birth to age two about 67% of calories are used to nourish the growing brain.

GUEST BLOG: Nutrition and the brain

Here is to a Healthy Brain!

As a Speech Language Pathologist, Educator, Parent and owner of Early Insights, I am thrilled to be doing collaborative work with Brain Insights. Due to my deep commitment to provide information on healthy brains, it is great to have the opportunity to share a guest blog. My desire is to help parents know how to ensure they are doing all they can for their own brains as well as for their children. When we take care of ourselves we are better able to take care of our children. Both adults and children are going to function optimally when understanding and implementing knowledge of the impact nutrition has on the brain.

Brain Insights provides education to parents on the importance of brain development for babies...The Healthy Foundations Program of Early Insights is committed to helping educate those babies who have grown into young children (and their families)...on the importance of brain health. Brain Insights and Early Insights share a passion for supporting parents, babies and families on this journey.

Taking care of your brain now (whether you are a new parent, grandparent, child or teen) will pay off in later years. This is pretty much a guarantee. What we eat now, along with our overall lifestyle (i.e., stressed out or cool as a cucumber, or somewhere in between) will affect our health in the years to come. Your baby deserves YOU to follow a brain health protocol too! Children pick up on our habits, what we do is imprinted on their brain...You know the saying "actions speak louder than words"...well, it's true. If you're a good role model for your child, s/he too, will learn to take good care of her/his brain.

Wishing you all healthy choices and positive thoughts. Thanks for this guest blog opportunity. Here are some brain healthy thoughts:

Nourish Your Brain with a Healthy Diet ...

Like any high-performance machine, the brain needs top quality fuel.
A few brain healthy tips shared by the brain team:

1. Your brain needs a well-balanced, low cholesterol, low saturated (animal fat) diet.

2. Timing is significant in nutrition. Research supports the importance of a good breakfast...for everyone, not only children.

3. Protein and unsaturated fat is especially important for developing brains.

4. Fish, a rich source of protein and "healthy" fat is often referred to as the brain vitamin, otherwise known as Essential Fatty Acids (Omega Fatty Acids).

5. Your brain needs vitamins and minerals; they come from your diet.

6. Eating a natural rainbow each day, comprised of fruits and vegetables provides important antioxidants (which will help keep you healthy and help ward off colds and getting sick)

7. Research suggests antioxidant vitamins E and C protect the brain.

8. Avoid excess food. Reducing calories can help slow age-related brain changes.

9. Get out into nature...it does a brain good!

10. Studies suggest that sleep is essential for the maintenance of proper immune function, and it also serves as a mental "down time" during which neurons can repair themselves and memories can be organized into long-term storage.
As a general rule, good nutrition for the body, is good nutrition for the brain.

With positive, healthy and happy thoughts,

Lauren
 
 
Lauren Zimet, M.S.,CCC/SLP, N.D.T. Certified, is a recognized expert in speech language pathology, specializing with medically involved children with oral motor/ feeding and communication issues, as well as neurotypical children supporting healthy development and enhancing self esteem. She is the founder of Healthy Foundations, an Atlanta based education program geared for infants and children of all abilities. Healthy Foundations facilitates brain health awareness and all that relates to caring for a healthy brain and body. Lauren has been published in a variety of publications: Parenting Magazine, Advance Magazine for Audiologists and Speech Pathologists, and contributed to The LCP Solution by Dr. Jacqueline Stordy and The Late Talker, by Dr. Marilyn Agin. She holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland in Communications and a M.S. in Speech Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University, FL. Lauren is thrilled to be collaborating with braininsights on promoting brain health awareness for babies, children and adults. Please visit http://www.earlyinsights.com/ for more information.