Keeping Kids Safe Even After The Quarantine Ends

After two months of waiting, the local government units have announced that they will lift the stay-at-home order. It entails that everyone can return to their old lives, albeit not entirely. You still need to maintain a social distance with others to ensure that you can evade the coronavirus if you meet an asymptomatic person.

This new policy is admittedly suitable for working adults. However, it may be too much for kids, given that they are prone to catching the coronavirus. If you allow them to jump back on their former routine, which probably consists of playing outside for hours, you might as well give the virus a warm welcome. 

Your children can only stay safe if you:

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Source: pixabay.com

Avoid Letting Them Go To Public Places

The first thing you should do is avoid taking your children to public places. Most—if not all—schools promise to continue with the homeschool system until there is a vaccine for coronavirus, so they don’t need to go out. Some zoos and malls may reopen, too, but the kids may encounter asymptomatic individuals and catch the disease.

The little ones may protest when you do that, claiming that they are fed up with staying at home. However, you should not give in to their pouts. Limiting their destination is one of the most effective ways to ensure that the coronavirus will not affect them.

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Source: pixabay.com

Make Sure Their Face Mask Is Always On

The end of quarantine makes people assume that our battle with COVID-19 is over, that we have already won. The number of new positive cases may no longer be soaring high, but we are not close to the end of this pandemic yet. The governments have merely lifted their stay-at-home order because the economy has taken a nosedive.

Given that the coronavirus still exists, your children should have a face mask on, even when they are playing at the backyard. No one can see the virus with the naked eyes, after all. It is better to be slightly overprotective than to find your kids fighting COVID-19.

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Source: pixabay.com

Arrange Playdates With The Same Children

Considering your town has not been affected by the outbreak too much, you may arrange playdates for your children. However, it is not ideal to let them play with different peers every week, even if doing so can improve their social skills. Instead, you should check with their friends’ parents if they are open to playing exclusively with each other.

Others may call you snobbish for doing so, but try not to mind them. You are merely arranging playdates with the same children to ensure that your babies will not interact with different kids and adults often. It will reduce their chances of acquiring the coronavirus, for sure.

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Source: pixabay.com

Teach Proper Sanitation

It is typical for the little ones to touch whatever they see on automatic, even when they do not leave the family property. E.g., the doorknob, railings, poles, mailboxes, etc. If your children are too young to understand that they should not do that, you may teach them how to disinfect their hands.

This technique matters especially if most fixtures and accessories at home are metal. You see, the virus may stay on the surface for a few days and infect as many people as possible. In case your youngsters do not know proper sanitation, the lack of knowledge may make them susceptible to the disease. 

Final Thoughts

I know how much you and your kids want to have fun and let them enjoy their days post-quarantine. It’s everything that my children talk about these days, too. Still, let’s avoid socializing until the experts have synthesized a vaccine against COVID-19.

Adults With ADHD

Adults With ADHD

The 2019 ADHD conference tackled different topics, mostly about childhood conditions. Of course, some adults have lived with ADHD their whole life without having to treat it, but they will say that it has been difficult for them not to know. In the sixties, seventies, eighties, and nineties, mental health and behavioral disorders were not seen as such. A stigma was attached to it. If you acted funny or unusual, people would assume that you are CRAZY. That has always been the one and only categorization of people with mental health issues.

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Why Home Quarantine Isn’t Ideal For ADHD

My 7-year-old son Eli has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a couple of years ago. He is a bright boy who loves to play with his friends at school or a nearby park. Every day I walk him to his class, and then we go for a bike ride when he comes home to deplete his energy further. This way, it will be easier for Eli to fall asleep at night.

That has been our routine since Eli moved up to first grade until the coronavirus pandemic has rocked the world. Unfortunately, things have gotten a little wacky from the time the news has broken out about COVID-19 cases in China. Tens of thousands of people in various European countries also tested positive. Though I knew that it was only a matter of time before the outbreak reached the US, I still hoped that it wouldn’t happen. It’s not only because the virus is challenging to beat but also because people cannot leave their homes for a while. But then, the inevitable occurred.

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Don’t get me wrong; being isolated with my family is probably the best thing that has happened to us. However, it is the worst-case scenario for my son with ADHD. Here’s why.

No One Can Go Outside
A lot of ADHD kids love going out because the house is typically not massive enough to do various activities. At a park, for instance, they can play tag with others, use the swings and slides repeatedly, and communicate with their peers. Boredom becomes the least of their worries.

Due to quarantine, though, the children need to stay holed up in the house until the government declares that it is already safe to do so. That is an absolute bummer, especially for kids who have ADHD and are living in a small apartment.

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Source: unsplash.com

Playing With Toys At Home Can Get Old Quickly
At the beginning of home quarantine, Eli seemed excited about the thought of not going back to school for some time. He played with LEGO blocks and remote-controlled cars; my husband even bought new games for his Nintendo Switch. Eli loved them all, but his interest in those toys only lasted for a week. After that, he kept on asking if he could see his friends in the neighborhood.

I could not blame my son for losing interest in his current toys quickly. Having a short attention span is one of the symptoms of ADHD. I find it lucky that Eli has managed to stay focused on the same objects that long. Still, it does not change the reality that he cannot go out yet.

ADHD Kids Thrive In A Social Setting
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are amicable individuals. More than playing, they love talking. When a teacher called me one time because Eli was chatting nonstop with his seatmates, I asked him about it. His reply was, “Sorry, Mom, I can’t stop talking with my friends when I think of something.”

I believe that being surrounded by peers is something that my son misses the most. He is never alone at home; my husband and I try to engage with him 24/7. But I guess things are more enjoyable for Eli when he is around other children.

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Source: unsplash.com

How Can Parents Help ADHD Kids During Home Quarantine?
The best thing that you can do for your hyperactive child is to think of new games for them every day. It must have been an issue in the past because of your busy schedule, but now you have plenty of free time. You can role-play, start a dance contest, or play video games with your kid. If there’s enough space at home, you may even build a mini jungle gym or anything that will allow the child to expend their pent-up energy. That’s the only way for them to stop wanting to go out for a while.

Stay safe, and good luck!

I Am A Mother Of An ADHD Child

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A brave mother like me, who has a child on the spectrum, would definitely join seminars like the 2017 ADHD Summit. I was just so happy when I learned from a cousin who studies at UVU (Utah Valley University) that their College of Humanities and Social Sciences has created this event, featuring a Pulitzer Prize winner as a keynote speaker to talk about ADHD. And to top it all off, the speaker who is an award-winning writer is managing ADHD herself.

Continue reading “I Am A Mother Of An ADHD Child”

Takeaway Points From 2014 Phoenix Adhd Diagnosis Statistics

According to a 2014 Phoenix Adhd Diagnosis Statistics, a total of 11 percent of the children in this part of Arizona are dealing with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. This condition is often characterized by a kid’s inability to stay still even in a short class or control their actions at times. They usually have a tough time keeping up with everyone either at home or school as well. With a significant number of children who show symptoms of ADHD, it is not surprising at all for psychologists to research activities that may help youngsters cope with the illness. “Most of the activity in the brain is at the neuron level, not in the larger brain regions that we see with today’s scans,” Marilyn Wedge Ph.D. says.

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Source: flickr.com

Doodling As A Stress Reliever

One thing that seems to have a positive effect on the students of various schools in Phoenix, Scottsdale area is doodling. It is a form of art that allows kids to take a pen and paper and practically draw whatever comes to mind for as long as possible. They can drag the writing medium across the slate or keep on drawing circles and other shapes. “Doodling activates the brain’s unfocus circuit. As a result, your unconscious brain participates in memory formation, and your brain, rather than being like a stiff, focused sponge, becomes more absorbent of information,” Srini Pillay M.D. explains.

The sense of freedom that the children can experience when doodling can relieve their stress excellently. They get to tap into their creative side to express what they cannot speak of and calm down at a stretch. That is especially essential for ADHD kids who are in the late stages of childhood and may be aware of the fact that their brain function is different from their peers.

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Concluding Thoughts

According to Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. and co-author, “Evidence shows that eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and making other smart daily choices can help your child manage the symptoms of ADHD.” Unfortunately, once your child receives a diagnosis for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, there is no known way even now to help him or her get away from it permanently. No medicine or treatment is available to cure this condition. All you can do is teach regular tasks that kids their age should know and encourage making friends. Such activities will allow them to lead normal lives eventually.

 

 

Interesting Art Therapy Facts

The Creative Process

Art therapy? Healing through arts in artistic therapy?

Try this technique to reap the benefits of healing and recovery. Umbrellas decorated by kids
Source: pixabay.com

Can one’s negative emotions and mental health conditions be alleviated through art and the effectiveness of art therapy? This article discusses art therapy – healing through art. But what is art therapy and how do art therapists work on patients’ mental health conditions through applied psychological theory principles and creative expression? Art therapy can heal. Art can help people recover. Art can be therapy.

Can it be a form of treating mental illness, aid in the improvement of self-esteem and self-expression through active art-making, or complement a particular medical treatment? How can it become effective? How is art therapy helpful for mental disorders? Can creative art therapy programs help various conditions? Can art therapy benefit children and teens? What entails art therapy sessions? Let us learn and know more information about it the psychological effects of the arts as therapy.

Yes, according to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy does work. It is a form of treatment that I learned about in my college years. It helped me get through those rigorous weeks and gave me something to wake up for – that is how art therapy works. Without the art therapy treatment process that I went through using creative techniques and other expressive therapies, I may have given up on my career. It helped me develop self-awareness and coping skills to tackle mental and emotional stress. Not too surprisingly, the American Art Therapy Association has discovered that it’s ideal for ADHD and even post-traumatic stress disorder patients, too.

A credentialed art therapist or professional therapist is trained and qualified to provide services to clients. Art therapy can be offered in a variety of settings, including private practice and wellness centers. It works in helping individuals improve their mood, reduce stress, and process difficult emotions. However, it’s critical to ensure that your therapist as been certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board.

Even simple tasks like putting on an outfit or listening to class can be a little bit frustrating for people experiencing ADHD. To cope, education and art therapy became a part of the treatment plan. Personal development through the help of a certified expert was shown to alleviate ADHD symptoms, which led to more positive life experiences.

Definition, Description, And Process – How Does It Work?

Art therapy uses the approach of sculpting, finger painting, drawing, and other forms of creativity to improve the well-being of those with ADHD and those with other mental health problems. It is usually used in children who are often guided by a board-certified therapist. The concept behind it is self-expression and self-awareness of artistic talent which can be a tool to provide help in solving a variety of complicated emotional problems, reduce stress, improve social skills and body image, and manage behavior properly. It is healing through an art therapy process because it forces you to form a connection between your mind and your body.

An individual does not need to be a professional artist or have a degree in art therapy to use it. Art therapy is a branch of integrative mental health, although it may be mediated better with a registered therapist.

“In art therapy, the focus is on the process of creating and, to a lesser extent, on the final product,” says Kathryn Rudlin, LCSW.  “Creating is the primary initial focus, increased self-understanding usually comes later.”

Art therapy uses crayons, water colors, and other forms of creativity.
Source: pixabay.com

Why Choose Art Therapy?

British artist Adrian Hill created the term art therapy in 1942 while recovering from tuberculosis in a sanatorium.  He wrote that the value of art therapy or creative therapies lay in “completely engrossing the mind (as well as the fingers)…releasing the creative energy of the frequently inhibited patient”. That began his work, which was documented in 1945 in his book, Art Versus Illness. Hill worked tirelessly to promote and share this healing process. He eventually became president of the British Association of Art Therapists, founded in 1964, and in 1968 Hill was elected president of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.

But to become an expert in this field, individuals must typically complete a graduate-level art therapy program and obtain professional credentials. Once they have gained professional credentials, creative specialists may work in a variety of settings, including independent practices. This technique practice involves the use of creative materials and techniques to help clients express and process emotions, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being

Art Therapy Process

There is science in art therapy, and neuroscience allows experts to have a deeper understanding of the process. Each time an individual places a brush on a paper, he or she is already engaging in decision-making and problem-solving. Utilizing this type of treatment stimulates neuropathways, which activate various parts of the brain.

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Other things that trigger the neuropathways are kinesthetics and sensory experiences. Actions like touch, movement, sound, and visuals fall under this category. For example, working with wet clay is considered art-making and enables an individual to use intensive motor skills. It awakens all the senses and releases tension.

Typical art therapy usually involves several combinations of structured projects created by an art therapist. This treatment program helps the child develop different skills, work through intense emotions, resolve inner conflicts, improve self-esteem, and generally improve a person’s health.

“Eighty percent of sensory stimuli enter through our eyes and goes into our brains where it is retained visually, nonverbally. Most of us think, feel, and recall memories not in words but in imagery. These images become a verbal language when we attempt to communicate what is going on in our mind to someone else,” shares Marianne Gontarz, MSW, LCSW.

Creativity For Mental Health

An art therapy session is simple. However, those who will spearhead these projects – often art therapy professionals or a therapist with art therapy credentials – should make sure that the emotions will be touched when implementing these activities.

Source: commons.wikimedia.org
  • The Scribbles

Scribbles is a popular technique in art therapy that enables a child to release stress and pour down emotions in a balanced manner throughout the creative process. It starts by folding a piece of paper in half. Therapists then instruct the patient to scribble on one side of the paper using his dominant hand. Afterward, he or she must then scribble on the other side while using the non-dominant hand. This has been shown to yield therapeutic benefits.

“Similar to dream interpretation, there is no secret formula to reading another person’s art. You have to ask the person questions about their drawing in order to be able to figure out what a picture means,” explains Drena Fagen, LCSW, LCAT, ATR-BC.

  • Worries

Parents might sometimes wonder what a child’s problems are. Art therapy helps address that. At the start of this therapeutic process, the patient will be asked to write down a current problem he or she is facing. This can be done in words (through poems) or drawing (through abstract art) – either way, there is art created. After making it, he or she will then be asked to tear the paper using both hands. Parents, afterward, are required to talk about the artwork by sharing pieces of advice on how to solve their worries. This technique definitely helps improve one’s mental well-being.

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  • Mandalas – Colorful Art Therapy

A mandala is an artwork comprised of a circle with a pattern sitting in the middle. Some sessions start with therapists asking their patients to create and design their mandalas. This creative process helps promote focus and release calm energy. This is also considered both art and fashion.

  • Coloring Sheet

Another art therapy technique to release stress is creating coloring sheets. Using a black marker, a patient is asked to draw a scribble while they close their eyes. Afterward, he/she must color every section of the scribble with different colors.

Art Therapy: Few Therapy Reminders And Takeaways To Consider

Individuals with ADHD may really have difficulty expressing themselves. Using art therapy only proves that for someone with this disability, a picture may indeed be worth more than a thousand words.

Therapeutic Arts Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Considered Art Therapy?

The American Art Therapy Association is a form of therapeutic practice that uses various creative mediums and creative processes to encourage people to express their thoughts and emotions and promote emotional healing and personal growth in the process. It involves the use of various forms of visual arts, including drawing, collage, painting, and sculpting, as well as dance, drama, and music.

By engaging with these artistic processes and working with a therapist, people can explore and communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a deeper, non-verbal, and symbolic manner. The aim of this therapy is to improve self-awareness, reduce stress, and more importantly, improve emotional well-being so they can foster personal transformation and healing better.

Is Art Therapy The Same As Psychotherapy?

Art therapy is actually a form of psychotherapy. However, it is important to note that there are many forms of psychotherapy, but only art therapy involves the use of art as its central component for the process. This allows individuals to explore their thoughts and express their feelings through artistic means.

What Are The 3 Uses Of Art Therapy?

The three main uses of art therapy are self-expression and self-discovery, emotional healing and to reduce stress, and personal growth and development. This form of therapy helps people explore their inner world, process and cope with their emotions, and more importantly, develop insight and resilience.

Does Art Therapy Actually Work?

Yes, American Art Therapy Association has indicated that the art therapy has been proven to be effective for many people. A lot of patients with mental health conditions showed positive impacts on mental health, and emotional well-being, as well as anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic illness. But as with any form of therapy, the results of this process may vary. Thus, it is important to consult with a licensed therapist for professional and personalized guidance.

Who Is Suitable For Art Therapy?

Art therapy is suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, from children to older adults. It is particularly helpful for people who may struggle with verbal communication and those who find it difficult to express themselves to their therapist and traditional therapy approaches. However, it’s critical to ensure that the therapist you find is certified by an Art Therapy Credentials Board.

How Does Art Therapy Affect The Brain?

Art therapy engages various areas of the brain, especially those responsible for emotion regulation, cognitive processing, and of course, creativity. The act of creating art stimulates neural pathways in the brain, which promotes relaxation, improves self-awareness, and also provides nonverbal means of self-expression.

Can An Art Therapist Diagnose?

No, art therapists are not your regular mental health specialist. They are not qualified to diagnose mental health conditions. Their role is simply to provide therapeutic support for patients of various mental health conditions by facilitating self-expression, self-exploration, and discovery, and ultimately promote well-being. For proper diagnosis, you need to consult a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who’s part of the American Art Therapy Association, or is certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board.

What Qualifications Do You Need For Art Therapy?

To qualify as an art therapist, you need to have a master’s in art therapy or any related field. Moreover, you should have completed extensive clinical training, including internship hours and supervised practicum. Of course, this may differ depending on the country and region. Some may also require certification or licensure requirements specific to their jurisdiction. It can also help to be a part of the American Art Therapy Association, or have art therapy credentials.

How Can I Do Art Therapy At Home?

Absolutely, yes. You can do art at home. Simply set aside dedicated time and create a safe and comfortable space where you can freely make your art. Do not be confined to one form of art. Use various materials and techniques, and experiment often so you can find the best art form where you can effectively express yourself; your thoughts, emotions, experiences, and personality.

How Is Art Therapy Done?

Art therapy is conducted by a trained art therapist in a therapeutic setting. The art therapist provides guidance and support to encourage their clients to create artwork that expresses their thoughts and emotions. An art therapy session involves both creating art and reflecting on the artwork made.

What Does Art Therapy Do For People?

Art therapy brings a lot of benefits. First and foremost, it provides the avenue for non-verbal self-expression, which is for some people, the most effective way to express thoughts and emotions. Secondly, it promotes emotional healing, self-awareness, and self-esteem, as understanding your thoughts and emotions opens the doors for personal growth and insights. Moreover, it challenges the mind through problem-solving, enhancing one’s coping skills. More importantly, it’s a great stress reduction.

Is Art As Therapy Effective?

Yes, art therapy is incredibly effective for many people. Research by the American Art Therapy Association suggests that it can be helpful in improving mental health, managing stress, easing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promoting emotional well-being, all while supporting overall psychological healing and growth.

How Is Art Therapy Healing?

Art therapy promotes healing by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for people to fully express their emotions, thoughts, re-live and process traumatic experiences, and gain insights into those experiences. The creative process and the engagement with the art medium and materials help people express and release pent-up emotions, gain new understandings, and develop a sense of control and empowerment.

Who Would Benefit From Art Therapy?

Art benefits a wide range of individuals, from children to older adults. It can be very helpful for people who have gone through some difficult times or traumatic experiences, to express themselves in a visual manner. Those dealing with grief, and health conditions, and anyone seeking self-exploration and personal growth will also benefit from this form of therapy.

Does Art Make Life Better?

Art is an essential part of life, and it has all the potential to enrich and enhance life. By providing an avenue for emotional expression, fostering self-discovery, and promoting personal growth, art can provide a sense of beauty and meaning. Art can also provide a sense of solace, inspire creativity, and more importantly, help develop a deeper sense of understanding of self and the world around.

Creating Wonderful Memories With Your ADHD Child

Source: additudemag.com

 

The Importance of Emotional Bonding

Establishing physical and emotional bonds between you and your child is an integral part of parenting. It instills compassion, warmth and affection in your child. When you show your love to your child through hugs, kisses and cuddles while growing up, they become more stable emotionally and even mentally – increasing their confidence and self-respect in themselves. All kids benefit from emotional bonding, and all the more for kids with ADHD.

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Ways To Teach Meditation To ADHD Children

Source: understood.org

Early in life, children are exposed to numerous things and scenarios that usually result in increased level of stress, restlessness, and anxiety at a young age. It is a known fact that meditation is a great tool to find solace and balance despite the hectic schedule of everyday life. The question is how you encourage your children to practice meditation regularly.  

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ADHD Interventions

There has been a lot of research conducted on the treatment of childhood and Adult ADHD.  Numerous studies have been conducted on a variety of treatment options.  For one there are different types of counseling that can can be offered in person or online, depending on the experience level of the pool of therapists you plan on making your selection from. There are three that have been proven to be effective in individuals that struggle with ADHD.  These are behavioral therapy, taking medications, and doing both together.  There is no treatment that has been shown to change the outcome of whether an individual will have ADHD.  In other words, there is no cure.  Individuals with ADHD are wired in a different way.  For this reason, it is important to remember that this means they learn in a different way.  Here are some of the different treatment options for both children and adults struggling with ADHD and a little about each one.

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