Trail of Treats

Our program participated in the annual Trail of Treats hosted by our local television station WNEP on Thursday, October 30th.  This event allows children and adults with special needs to trick-or-treat in a safe environment.  It was great to see all of the nurturing going on.  Parents and caregivers gave great examples of love and support for these amazing children and adults.  This was a great example of how we should nurture one another every day!

Here are some photos from the event:

Trick-Or-Treat Safety

Well, Halloween is just next week and that means it is time for the annual trick-or-treating festivities.  As parents of young children who engage in this activity, it is imperative that we consider all the safety issues that can arise while the kiddos are out enjoying the gift of free candy.  Here are some important things to consider when taking your child (or cowboy, ghost, or goblin) out for Halloween candy:

1.    Consider going out as early as possible to avoid darkness.  Children will be more visible to vehicle traffic and be much safer as they go from house to house.

2.  Be sure to have your child wear a costume with light colors as opposed to dark colors.  If they have a dark costume, have them carry a flashlight and wear either reflective tape or glow sticks…and always keep them close.

3.  Teach your child to obey traffic laws.  Make sure they know to look both ways before crossing the street and to use the crosswalk.

4.  Have children go in groups, rather than in pairs or singly.  They will be more visible this way.

5.  Choose a neighborhood that is familiar and that you trust.

6.  Tell your children not to eat any candy until you are able to examine it.  Even when we try to stay within our neighborhoods, there is always a potential for tampered with candy and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Take this time to enjoy some family fun and bonding.  Join in in the festivities and dress up too.  The kids will love it!

A Family Day at the Farm

October 9th, 2014 we took our participants' families and instructors' families to the farm.  We spent time together on a hayride to the pumpkin patch and enjoyed seeing some farm animals as well.  The kids loved searching the patch for the best pumpkin and laughed at the goats as they scurried to them to eat from their hands.  Parents and children enjoyed time together and some terrific bonding in an afternoon of family fun.

Confidence

Developing confidence in your children is something every parent should strive to do.  If children are hindered from developing self worth, they will struggle to succeed as they grow into adults.  Here are some suggestions on how to encourage the development of healthy confidence in your child:

• Don't sweat the small stuff!  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the hectic day that we can lose it at the drop of a hat.  Be sure to assert patience when dealing with those little issues that pop up and use discretion when dealing with more complex issues.  Always consider the effect that your actions will have on your child's development.
• Be a positive example!  Work on yourself, as well as assisting your child's development of self confidence.  Show your child what self confidence looks like.  Know that you are a parent with great potential and you SHOULD be proud of your accomplishments.  Express confidence in your day to day left so that your child can follow your example.
• Make time for your kids!  Take time to play and converse with your children.  You are your child's first and most important teacher and example.  Set aside time to spend with your children and give them the opportunity to see you as that self confident adult that they will strive to be.
• Encourage your child!  Be an encouragement to your children in all that they do.  Lift them up and praise their efforts.  Rather than stifle their expressions, encourage them to express themselves...and NEVER EVER compare your children with one-another or with other children.  Last of all, encourage your child to try new and exciting things.  When they are willing to step out into a new direction or task, you will be leading them onto the path of healthy self confidence.
• Finally, give your child some responsibilities.  When you give your child some household chores, he/she will feel confident in the fact that you chose them to do an important job.  They will feel trust.  They will feel responsible.  These are healthy tools used to develop self confidence.

In using these suggestions, your child should begin to grow into a healthy self confident youth.  Continue to offer encouragement and support throughout their development and they will believe in themselves throughout life and its challenges.