You mentioned there are problems at home. An unsettled home home environment can definately effect how a child acts at home and in school.

If her home environment is not the cause or is only part of the cause then
using the information about barriers to learning at this link might be helpful http://www.appliedscholastics.org/learning_barriers/learn_strategies_3.php
I have had much success helping students of all ages with these simple study techniques.

Hello!

Here is a link to a good character education booklet and poster http://www.twthonline.org/#Child Activity Book (scroll to the bottom of the page)

You can download (free) the booklet this booklet is based on here http://www.thewaytohappiness.org/about/resources-and-downloads/e-books/

I use a variety of things, vary them depending on what my son finds fun and interesting. "Brainy Baby ABC's" teaches the alphabet as well as the sounds.   I have an ABC giant floor puzzle which he loves to put together. I say where's the ___ ? He finds it and puts it in the puzzle. This also is practice for reading the words that go with the letter. Also wooden alphabet blocks are useful for letter recognition - you can practice sounds with these too. We also use "My First Phonics Board book" but this is a little more advanced as it starts getting into letter combinations.  http://us.dk.com/nf/Search/QuickSearchProc/1,,phonics,00.html?id=phonics . Last we have a giant outdoor chalkboard which we write letters on and he can play touch the letter or make the sound. I think doing a couple letters at a time, for example ABC till he got those before trying to learn the next ones was easier in the beginning. 

I use just about anyreading material that will keep my son's attention. Everything from simple story books 'A Cuddle for Little Duck' to the Ben Meadows Catalog (outdoor catalogue with everything from fire fighting equipment to clothing). 'Richard Scarry's Best Story Book Ever' is a good one. It has simple stories as well as Mother Goose Rhymes and lots of words with pictures that represent the word.

My sons listening skills are above his reading skills. 

Hi Arminta7,


You are so smart to gather information and look over your options ahead of time. What a lucky daughter you have!

I started reading picture books to my son as soon as he was able to sit in my lap and look at a book. Next I started him on Your Baby Can Read and supplement it with Little Reader. Also I have a Netflix account which I have used to rent various Baby BumbleBee and Brainy Baby DVD's. I like this much better than purchasing as I can preview a DVD a bit to see if it is what I am looking for at the time. Also you get to just send it back when he has learned the material or is bored with it.

If you don't want to invest money you might also check out what your local library has to offer as far as Doman books

My son is now 27 months old and one of his favorite things is reading time -- he demands it first thing every morning.

I think the most important thing is that whatever program you choose makes sense to you and that your baby has fun and looks forward to learning. 

Hi Ayana,

I have heard from several friends that a children's calcium and magnesium suppliment was beneficial to their children when they were overactive, also to help them sleep. The omega 3 is a good suggestion as well. Hopefully you are able to take her to a doctor that is familiar with more natural remedies. Dr Sear's website has all kinds of good information. You might want to start at this link http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t040400.asp#T040408 

Also you might try keeping a journal or log for a few days noting everything she eats and activities she is involved in, the people that are around etc. This way it may become clear if there is anything in her diet or environment that makes creates positive or negative change.

As far as the head banging -- my son used to do this too. I use a technique called a "Locational" which basically gets his attention off whatever is upsetting him and puts his attention onto the environment. Now when he gets mad he sometimes will do a locational on himself. I will see him get ready to bang his head then instead he starts looking around at things in the environment. This gives him a technique so that he can handle the frustration and take control so that he can make himself feel better. It is also effective for those times when he has gotten overly tired to the point that it is hard for him to fall asleep. A link to how to do a 'Locational' is http://www.scientologyhandbook.org/SH6_7.HTM   

Best wishes! Lisa

Tofu popsicles

If you are not a fan of tofu these frozen treats might change your mind 

These are approximate measurements because I mixed this up the other day and didn't measure anything. The basic idea is equal amounts of tofu to fruit

Mix in a blender about 3/4 cup silken tofu (that's teh soft tofu) with about 1 cup fresh sliced strawberries (almost any fresh fruit would work) and 1/2 ripe banana. Pour into plastic popsicle molds and freeze. (This makes 4 with the molds I have)

OK! Here's an easy wheat germ cracker recipe.

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 1/2 teaspoons low sodium baking powder (regular works fine too)
3/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup cold water

Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Mix together the dry ingredients.
Cut in the butter. Mix in the water.
Roll into a ball and put on a floured surface. Flatten with a rolling pin until it is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick (depends on how crispy you want them). You may need to sprinkle a little extra wheat germ on your rolling surface to keep them from sticking. Cut into 2" squares or use small cookie cutters to cut out shapes.  Bake on non stick baking pan about 15 minutes or until golden brown.


You can make variations of this with different flours or by topping with a little cheese or even finely ground seeds or nuts.

Hi,

I am the mother of a 25 month old. He loves to eat healthy food. Green beans are one of his favorite foods.

I would love to have a healthy kids recipe exchange. I have many recipes I can contribute - everything from homemade crackers to fruit juice sweetened cookies and cakes. Should we just start posting recipes here? Or would you like direct email? Is there a particular type of recipe you are most interested in?