Michelle Worthington's Blog, page 4
August 18, 2020
August 17, 2020
Reading is Reading, No Matter the Medium
Reading is reading, no matter the mediumWaging a war to get your child to read can never be won; the only true victory happens when you lay down your arms and befriend the fact that for some children, reading is like having to eat their vegetables...they only do it because a parent says it’s good for them or a teacher makes them do it before they can move on to something 'fun'. The more we treat reading like a chore or homework, the more children are going to become disengaged from the true purpose of books; to give the gift of another world, a new friend or a mirror to celebrate what makes us all truly unique. Fun online reading games, reading apps and read along with animations on YouTube videos all have their place in modern literacy. Books have always come in all shapes and sizes, so reading is reading, no matter the medium.
www.michelleworthington.comAugust 9, 2020
Reading Picture Books to Improve Children's Mental Health
Studies show that when we read, the brain does not make a real distinction between reading about an experience and actually living it. Whether reading or experiencing it, the same neurological regions are stimulated. Children can show a significant increase in mental health from reading picture books as evidence suggests that the comprehension process stimulated by predicting, relating and questioning that occurs with young readers provides guidelines about how to talk about issues they feel strongly about and an opportunity to share their own views about what is happening in the world around them. It is not just the words or pictures we are sharing; it's a lifeline for their mental health. www.michelleworthington.com
August 2, 2020
July 28, 2020
July 16, 2020
Reconnecting with books embraces the old and the new
Studies show that no previous generation has had to adapt to the amount of technological, economical and global change that our kids will have to do in their lifetime - they’ve come to rely on technology for communication, companionship and self-regulation. Books often come second to the immediate, individualised and integrated programming of the internet. If I had a choice between reading a book or internet when I was their age, I would have chosen internet, and I love books. The lure of technology comes from smart marketing, inadequate arts funding from the government, and a lack of imagination and foresight required to embrace what could be an amazing partnership between the new and the old. Connection with our kids is what's missing, and that's where we’re failing them - not the other way around.www.michelleworthington.com
September 25, 2019
Christmas can be overwhelming for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder
Do you have a kid with SPD? I do, I have 3!
Sensory overstimulation is common among kids who were premmie babies. Light and sound are the most common triggers, but they can be overstimulated by movement, scents, touch, taste, vibrations and electromagnetic fields.
For some kids, taking a few minutes time out will reset their system. For others, it doesn’t work that way. It can range from uncomfortable and intolerable.
Sudden strong overstimulation triggers an immediate surge of adrenaline, anxiety and sometimes nausea. Lower levels can creep up and the consequences can last a couple of days.
Now, imagine if this was you...at Christmas. The lights, sounds and busy crowds start way before the 1st of December these days. Christmas is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for some kids, it’s a constant battle to process the world around them.
What can we do to help?
It’s difficult to avoid, and really not fair to miss out on the fun of Christmas. Gradual increase in tolerance often comes with exposure and age, in a sensory friendly environment. This Christmas, if you are having an event at your work or home, maybe provide a tent or quiet corner for kids to retreat and reset.
If you see a child having a meltdown, don’t always assume it’s bad behaviour. It could be the world is just too bright or too loud at that moment. Respect a parent who is limited in what they can do to stop it.
We will be hosting a book launch on the 1st of December at Little Gnome for my latest picture book, Little Gnome’s Christmas Wish, a book about a little gnome with sensory processing disorder who loves Christmas but struggles with the lights, noise and crowds.
Children of all abilities are welcome to come and share an inclusive sensory friendly experience of the real meaning of Christmas, spending time with friends and family who love you and accepts you for who you are.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/senso...
www.michelleworthington.com
September 18, 2019
Mind Kind Your Child's Mental Health with Dr Joanna North
Tell us about yourself, Joanna.I am a Psychotherapist and Chartered Psychologist working with children, adults and families. I have worked in the field of mental health and personal development for thirty years. I work as an Expert Witness for the family court in the United Kingdom and am an Ofsted Registered Adoption Support and Intermediary Tracing Agency. I meet with families and children every day in my work and talk about their lives.What inspired you?Working in Child Mental Health for 30 years I realised that parents need support and have many questions about Child Mental Health. This book aims to answer these questions. It doesn’t help when parents get anxious about their child’s anxiety.What has been your journey up to this point?I have been a mum, a step mum and a Grandmother. These roles have all been important to me. I have been in the field of personal development for forty years with thirty of these in mental health.What is the most important thing about what you do?Helping people to understand their own mind as well as their child’s mind.What are the challenges you face?
I love writing and I love my work with my clients. I have to manage my time really well. My diary is the main challenge of my life.What advice can you offer to parents?Don’t overfill your timetable. Try and remain calm and resolve one problem at a time. Remember that Minds matter and given time we can respond mindfully and effectively to resolve things that get in the way of family harmony and a productive life.What is your definition of successful parenting?
Being mindful that every minute counts and that you are the source of learning for your child. Taking care of yourself so that your child absorbs mindfulness and calm from you.What is your ultimate goal?My contribution to my world is to support parents to raise children who contribute to a society that is more kind. I have to practice what I preach. This is a complex task. Sometimes we have to be tough and be kind. My goal in writing is that this information reaches out to more people more quickly and can help them change behaviour.
Contact Joanna North
Website: www.joannanorth.co.uk
Facebook: Joanna North.
Twitter: Joanna North 23
The book is available at good retailers and online, including Amazon and at
https://exislepublishing.com/product/mind-kind/www.michelleworthington.com
