Being Together

Reflecting on how so many families have punishing daily schedules, it came to me that perhaps the danger lies in the compartmentalizing of each task in order to 'get through' all that has to be done. I wonder whether it would feel better if there was more 'going alongside' one another – more of a tolerable muddle, if you know what I mean. I am the first one to understand that order is a means of hanging onto one's sanity. It is what we use to keep chaos at bay, our inner turmoil as much as the outer. But it can create its own stress, and what is more worrisome, it can deflect, big time, from the pleasure of “being together”.

Particularly when so much of the day is spent apart, it might help if we consciously made our goal 'BEING TOGETHER' rather than 'GETTING THROUGH', although one would get through at the same time, more-or-less. If something has to give, let it rather be perfection than allowing ourselves to lose out on a relaxed atmosphere..

I am not suggesting putting tasks aside or on hold. Nor am I suggesting making play yet another task. We have to eat and be clean, to be able to find stuff and to be prepared for the next day. What I am advocating is doing the task with the child alongside - either encouraged to playfully participate or allowed to play on his/her own initiative nearby. Yes, even under foot. Believe it or not, it can be quite tolerable when everyone is happy much of the time..

So, instead of gritting our teeth and clamping our lips while we swing swiftly into action, either silently or issuing instructions left and right – we decide to deliberately adopt a free and easy manner while doing what has to be done with DIALOGUE. Not about what still has to be done, or about what has happened during the day (that can up later) but about what I (the adult) am doing in the present and what you (the child) are playing at the same time. Children live in the NOW and we can either be there with them or miss out. Worse, we can unintentionally pull them out of the now which leaves them feeling nowhere at all.

Dialogue can be very companionable – either as a background murmur that is soothing, or as a sharing of thoughts, ideas, feelings, skills and humour related to the task at hand. My toddler nearly fell over laughing at how I responded with an 'u-u-u-u' when she took a glass bottle out of the fridge and I leapt to put it back. The emphasis turned out to be on the funny noise not the risk of breakage although that point was made as the same time.

Warmth, fun and laughter come through while we work if we allow it. We don't even have to concoct any of it, it is there anyway waiting to be given priority.

So, Moms, as tempting as it is, save Barney for when you are out. Let home be about being together. You might find that the atmosphere that planned muddle promotes, has the opposite effect. Instead of instructions and obstructions, the children could flow in and out of where you are toiling away and you could get your feet free after all. As well as some enjoyment that you much deserve as reward for the work that is so unremittingly required.

Joan Eastwood, former Parent Centre Counsellor

"Your Time Our Time"

How often do we find articles in Womens Magazines urging Women and Mums to have some ‘ME TIME’ - but what is ‘ME TIME’ and why do we feel guilty when we have ‘ME TIME’…

If we strive to have ‘me time’, why aren’t we encouraging this in our children, especially in this hurly-burly life we seem to lead where the electronic age of cell phones, emails, playstations, DVDs has overwhelmed us and our families and we are on a constant roller coaster and hurtling towards burn-out! We need to stress that having ‘me-time’ / ‘quiet time’ is such a positive factor in our lives and definitely not a negative one.
It is almost as though we cannot cope without instant results, being instantly in contact with everyone constantly and with a cellphone attached to our ear and laptop hanging from our hips – what message are we conveying to children… We cannot socialize children to be in constant contact with their peers, to be fiddling with buttons whether it is on a cellphone or remote and to be in an agitated and fraught state. We need to be setting the example to centre ourselves and take a deep breath, to spend some quiet time catching up with ourselves and to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the house so that children and adults alike can spend some time on their own just….contemplating…reflecting….planning their week…preparing…getting in touch with themselves and their feelings… How often don’t we as adults have a light bulb moment at a time like this when we are able to think out of the box ?

It may be helpful to have a “cue in the family” or “family tradition” and one can start with children at an early age - “Mom and/or Dad are having quiet time and so are you and your brother/sister “ . Bedroom doors can be ajar with little ones and as the need for privacy increases in the pre- and teenage years, doors can be closed ( preferably not locked for safety reasons) and this should be respected. Initially quiet time can be simultaneous for family members, but as children grow up, the chance of this decreases but nevertheless , privacy is respected as it has become a norm within the family.

A time is likely to come when parents will be introducing rules in homes with the intrusive sms and cell phone rings….

From my experience children who are able to their enjoy their own company often become self reliant and self sufficient and are learning a valuable life skill and coping mechanism.

Moms often feel socially inadequate if they are not organizing playdates very regularly and they feel pressurized to involve children in every extramural that they can do and other activities organized for children., but children do need to know how to amuse and entertain themselves. An elderly lady recently commented to me how different her life would have been had she not done a lot of handwork, arts and crafts and reading etc over the years – as now she is widowed and has so much time on her hands which could have caused great loneliness but instead she keeps herself busy and stimulated and had made many friends through this – it was great food for thought as children are often not encouraged to do activities on their own such as just described above and yet their lives could be so enriched. Imagine children preserving happy memories through scrapbooking and thinking about their life while they are doing this and having a great sense of accomplishment producing the scrapbook…or making pretty cards for friends and family members’ birthdays.. these activities can always be done in quiet times at home and in the privacy of their own rooms if necessary. Engendering a love of books and reading will go a long way in helping children to enjoy spending time on their own and getting involved in the particular book they are reading and will enrich their lives considerably. Many adults find reading a great source of comfort especially during stressful times – they can lose themselves in the story. The same can be said for listening to some forms of music quietly.

Children can be encouraged to journal - this can be a very therapeutic exercise to keep a diary and jot down some of the things that have happened during the day and to reflect on this from time to time – they can include their goals, their hopes and their dreams and can look back on their journal to plot their progress in achieving these. Re-reading journals can be great fun.

What about encouraging baking or making a dessert once a week – and sharing some of the baked goods with an elderly neighbour with whom the child can spend a few minutes each week – this would be so meaningful to the neighbour and can encourager a sense of community and empathy for others in the child.

I have found that children often enjoy a little patch of their own in the garden – especially if they can plant and tend some vegetables that can be used in the home at mealtimes.

Children need to be aware that they should consider others such as neighbours, grandparents, aunts and uncles and not to become self centred by continually wanting to be involved in organized activities, not to mention the cost of these. Children over indulged with activities may have skewed expectations often taking too much for granted - they do not learn to be committed to a particular extramural or two and to persevere with those.

Parents also have to make boundaries so that they are not at the beck and call of their child for transporting them here there and everywhere in order for them to constantly be with others – children have to learn that they cannot constantly be demanding and that they have to respect their parents and their need to be still and quiet and to just be around at home gathering their thoughts!

MARGARET DAVISON, CO-ORDINATOR OF MOMS AND MOMS-TO-BE- GROUP ,THE PARENT CENTRE

Saving Water and Electricity by cutting out Detergents

The Star Business Report
Renewable Energy
Saving Water and Electricity by cutting out Detergents

In recent years, the environment has taken center stage in the global economy, with some experts suggesting that even in South Africa it will soon come to rival black economic empowerment as a business prerogative.

Marietjie Lacomme of Biowash SA, says: “According to a report by Dr Peter Dingle, a toxicologist, most laundry detergents are produced entirely from petrochemicals or coal and contain a high percentage of ingredients that are either toxins or have an indirect detrimental effect on the environment. An average laundry detergent composition includes 15-25 percent synthetic surfactant, 30-40 percent condensed phosphate and five percent anti-corrosive silicate.

“Within these basic categories is a broad range of toxic chemicals that can cause an increase in weight, a decrease in white blood cells (shown in rats) and the promotion of tumor activity in mice. For instance, phenol, sodium nitrate, ethanol, sulphuric acid and caustic soda are all common detergent ingredients that are either toxic or combine to create toxic compounds,” says Lacomme.

Of course, people don't consume detergents, but these waste products are released to our waterways as seemingly innocuous substances where they break down into nonylphenol, an oestrogen-like substance. The water is then used (after recycling) for cooking and drinking.

“These types of chemicals have been named synthetic or foreign oestrogens, xenoestrogens or endocrine disrupters. Because they are so similar in structure to the oestrogen produced by our bodies, our cells will receive xenoestrogens and try to make use of them. Although similar to oestrogen in structure, they are synthetic compounds and have many unwanted and unpleasant side effects. Once introduced into our bodies they can alter our hormonal activity, disrupting our normal reproductive functioning.

The more common side effects of detergent residues in clothes and linen are skin irritation such as rashes, itchiness and inflammation, explains Lacomme, and these originate both from direct contact with detergents, and inhalation of vapours from liquid detergents.

“These chemicals is destructive to the living organisms in our rivers, oceans and harmful to all living beings including plant life, in one way or another.”

Growing awareness of the impact of chemical toxins has become one of the more global phenomenon of recent times.

“People have for some time now realised the effects of harsh chemicals on the environment and the human body. This awareness is in its early stages in South Africa, where we still have a lot of education to do,” she says.

This awareness has been responded to by the business community through the development of natural, eco-friendly products such as Biowashball, which allows for a healthy laundry without the use of consumable detergent. It replaces the use of detergent and softener of your washing machine.

Lacomme says that by buying such products as Biowashball, the consumer contributes to savings on our: groundwater system, river and oceans from chemical pollution; the reduction of landfill waste (through less packaging); being able to recycle your water from your washing machine; using less water because the washing programme can be reduced, as there is no foam or detergent to rinse out; saving your skin and health from allergies including asthma and sinus problems; electricity, as Biowashball is equally effective in cold water.

“In addition, your clothes last much longer because there are no chemicals destroying the fibres of your laundry or bleach that fades the colours of your clothing. Furthermore, Biowashball saves money as it lasts for 1,000 washes, and therefore cost only 48 cents per wash or R14 per month to do your laundry.

“With the current environmental and economic crisis, demand for value-for-money products like Biowashball is rising. Our clients are generally people with a high environmental and health consciousness, but also people from drought-stricken areas. We currently have more than 10,000 clients in South Africa alone.

“I'm positive that with the combined effort of companies like Biowash Southern Africa, we can reduce the use of chemicals by up to 60% within the next 10 years. If we don't we are heading in the wrong direction, a future of no return, with water being our biggest problem,” says Lacomme.

Mommy Clowns

Clowns these days don't necessarily wear funny hats, striped clothing, shoes that are too big, braces to hold up their big pants or have their faces painted. Any Mom can take a look in the mirror and see for herself. These days juggling, entertaining and doing silly things isn't just for clowns, there really isn't too much difference between a mom and a clown at the end of the day. Their jobs are very similar. I look at myself and while a clown juggles balls or bowling pins, I juggle making breakfast while preparing break for my boys at the same time, not to mention making sure that child number two has taken his medication and child number one has his kit for sports that day. All the while, I have our baby literally getting under my feet chanting “tea, tea??”

A clown is paid to entertain and make people laugh by doing silly things. Moms have to entertain and do silly things too – but they don't get paid for it. Well, not in monetary value anyway. When my oldest son came home with his results from writing his first exams and told me that he got 70%, I was so proud of him and thrilled to see his own satisfaction in doing so well. The day my middle son brought home the “merit” badge for being the best behaved in his class all week I couldn't believe it and was elated, because for an ADHD child, this is a serious achievement. The baby in the family is 18 months old and when he - yes I have three boys – split all the water out of the humidifier, onto the wooden flooring while investigating what this machine is, he came to me and in his own words babbled off something, when I didn't understand what he meant, I ask him to “show me” – and off we went to his room where I saw what he was trying to tell me. No amount of money could ever replace the “show” that we live every day.

Amongst all the mothering and teaching and disciplining, I have my own embroidery business to run. I'm privileged to have both my office and “factory” at home. There are times when neither the office nor the factory sees me because my boys need me more. I think the true juggling happens when there's a good balance between “mother time” and “career woman” time. It's a work in progress for me and I often have disputes within myself as to which one needs me more, which one will benefit everyone more. The answer to this is always my boys. What's the point of being a working-from-home Mom when I'm more focused on working than being a Mom? The juggling continues when school is over and homework begins, the show gets better when baby doesn't feel like having an afternoon kip, that's when Mom walks the tight rope and juggles at the same time!! By the time homework is over, it's time to get dinner on the go, feed the dogs, run the bath, set the table, feed the baby, and so the show goes on…

To all the Moms out there who juggle motherhood, house-keeper, wife, taxi driver and business owner – God didn't give us all this because he wanted more clowns in the world, he gave all this to us because he needs a bigger audience for all the wonder his children provide. And don't forget that when things do get tougher and days shorter while you're walking the tight rope too, there's always a safety chord so when you do fall, you'll bounce right back up. Don't ever loose your sense of humor or how necessary your role is in the circus of our lives as Mothers.

Written by Tracy Tuckett, mother of three and business owner.

More Magic...

The things that add magic to your children's lives are the ones that give them space and freedom to exercise their own imaginations. They already have quite enough that restricts and hems in their minds. When people say, "Childhood doesn`t last as long as it used to", what they mean is, "The magic doesn`t last as long as it used to". So here are some of the best things for helping your children keep the magic for as long as possible:

• dress up boxes, costumes, make-believe games
• empty cardboard boxes, sticks, bits of string, and other assorted objects that can be endlessly adapted
• picnics(jam sandwiches will do fine - the food doesn`t have to be important)
• open spaces - woods, beaches, parks, hills
• water - lakes, rivers, streams, the sea, or even just a hosepipe
• myths and legends
• surprises
• trips to the theatre
• fantasy movies
• holiday and day trips
• exploring and little adventures
• bedtime stories
• stories you make up yourself

Sensory Intelligence for 21st Century Parents

Sensory intelligence is the insight and awareness of the primitive sensory wiring of our brains and the effect it has on every day living. How we interpret and interact with the world is the product of sensory filtering through the senses. We see, hear, smell, taste, touch and move and respond accordingly. It is a primitive and unconscious process that occurs uniquely for all of us based on your genetic coding, mixed with how we were brought up.

The reality is that what you see, hear, smell, touch, taste or move is not necessarily what your child, spouse or friend will hear, smell, touch, taste or move. Due to their unique genetic sensory coding they might be sensitive to a particular sound that you don’t even notice. Our sensory tolerance levels occurs across all sensory systems and will determine what we are sensitive to and would thus tend to avoid versus what we are not registering well and thus seek out.

Some children may thrive in a busy and noisy environment, while others will do better in a quiet, tranquil environment. Some may need multiple sensory stimulation, while others have a low threshold when it comes to sensory input and may very well feel overwhelmed and become irritable with too much going on around them. It is therefore very important for parents to be able to see and experience the world through their children’s individual eyes and unique senses. Sensory intelligence is having the ability to understand your children’s sensory needs and being able to make the necessary adjustments to their surroundings and interactions.

The Sensory Tree™ - a unique and easy way to understand sensory profiles:

Annemarie Lombard designed the Sensory Tree to describe and demystify people’s sensory profiles.

Annemarie Lombard, All rights reserved

Sensation seekers have high thresholds, their systems take longer to respond and they are more oblivious to sensory stimuli. They are like the leaves of a tree. They grow, change color, move in the wind and attract the butterflies and birds. They can adapt to sunlight, rain, wind and whatever nature (the world) throws at them. Sensation seekers, like the leaves, are always ready for something new and unpredictable. They need activity, variety, novelty and enjoy change. They are a visible sign that the tree (family) is growing.

Children who are sensation seekers will most probably enjoy contact sports. They will thrive on all the excitement at a party and are likely to beg parents to take them to an amusement park or other busy areas. Though this may be good for children with growing, developing brains, parents should be careful not to expose leaf children to too many activities and crowds too often.

Bear in mind that children’s nervous and sensory systems are immature and that they cannot control them as well as adults may do. You could easily allow the child to go into sensory overload and then be confronted with unpredictable and uncontrolled behavior. Parents need to enforce structure, discipline and routine which will help the child to manage his world. Following rules and respecting boundaries are often difficult for leaf children and parents need to make a special effort to teach them these important life skills.

Sensation avoiders have low thresholds, their systems respond very quickly and intensely to sensory input, therefore they are sensitive to environmental sensory stimuli. They are like the anchoring, roots of the tree. They prefer a comfortable, quiet and cozy environment. They need more quiet space and clear, predictable expectations. Like the roots, they are solid, steadfast and provide structure, predictability and are the foundation that is crucial to maintain growth and prevent the tree (family) from toppling over.

Children who are sensation avoiders will tend to respond negatively to too many activities, crowds, clutter and noise. They may not want to go to large, busy gatherings. They often prefer small gatherings and thrive on one-to-one contact. They will prefer to stay at home, watch television and usually enjoys computers as it is a more solitary activity. Outdoor sport and activities will probably lean towards playing cricket in the garden, riding a bike or going for walks with the parent. They often prefer solo sport such as biking, rowing, tennis, hiking, etc.

“Root” children potentially avoid things such as new clothing, cutting nails, washing hair and brushing teeth, etc. Gently encourage your root child to participate in more sensory stimulating activities. This will help him or her to cope better with the normal sensory demands of life as a child, as well as later in life. Be aware not to be too pushy, because you could send the child over the edge which could leave you with negative and uncontrollable results.

Normal thresholds children are like the trunks of the tree and not affected by sensory stimuli. They are neither sensitive nor seeking sensory input.

The tree therefore resembles the midway (the trunks) and the two extremes (low threshold, sensitive and avoider roots) and (high thresholds, seeking leaves). This is a continuum and all of us as well as our children can be plotted somewhere on this continuum. Your sensory profile will determine your comfort sensory zone. When at the extremes too often too intensely it can create conflict, stress and difficulty in school, with relationships and activities. Some children when affected severely by their sensory profiles, often the sensory defensive child, who are extremely sensitive, individual therapy by a sensory integrative occupational therapist will be imperative. However, for the remainder of us, when identifying your sensory needs and stressors, it can assist us as parents to create the best environment and activities for ourselves and our children.

Sensory characteristics

Some of the characteristics of sensation seekers and sensation avoiders are resembled below. This is a guideline only. How children react to their sensory profiles will be dependent on their home, school, culture and physical environment. Parents should be vigilant and notice the sensory properties of activities and environment to determine for what the child is either sensitive or seeking out.

Characteristics of sensation seeking children

• Active, fidgety, on-the-go, excitable, loud, noisy
• Continuously engaging, hyperactive, impulsive
• Take excessive risks, poor regards to safety
• Constantly moving, touching, biting/mouthing objects
• Chew on pencils, toys, clothes
• Bump, crash, tackle – enjoy hard physical contact
• Move and explore continuously
• Creative, energetic
• Need more supervision, safety awareness and strict boundaries

When the above symptoms (together with other indicators) are present excessively and impact on the child’s learning and development, it is described as SPD (sensory processing disorder). These children are often diagnosed as ADHD (attention deficit disorder). Research do show strong similarities between sensory processing disorder and SPD and then require specialised intervention.

Characteristics of sensation avoiding children

• Emotionally reactive, sensitive, can be anxious
• Resistant to change, reliant on structure and rigid rituals
• Hyper vigilant: always scan environment and very intuitive and detail orientated
• Withdraw from stimuli and/or people
• Only tolerate limited clothing and/or foods
• Refuse messy activities
• Withdraw from touch/cuddles
• Can be aggressive and demanding

When the above symptoms (together with other indicators) are present excessively and impact on the child’s learning and development, it is also described as SPD (sensory processing disorder), and in this format sensory defensiveness. Defensiveness can occur in only one system (i.e. touch, but also in various other sensory systems).

The sensory intelligent tips to reduce sensory overload and resulted stress for our children: (Sensation avoiding children are more prone to sensory overload, thus the strategies more based around their needs)

1. Quiet time and spaces are crucial for this child. They need more time on a regular basis to recharge their batteries. Creating a “womb” space in their bedrooms is a very good strategy. They can use these spaces independently when they are feeling overloaded. It is however very important to stress it as a time-out strategy and not a time-out discipline imposed by the parent! This prepares them for the next activity.
2. Planning and preparation are crucial. When they are prepared in advance they can create internal dialogue for themselves to prepare and get ready. Limit spur of the moment outings and surprises as they prefer predictability and structure. They want to know what, where and how things going to happen.
3. Tactile sensitive children are fussy when it comes to clothing textures. It really does create immense discomfort and sometimes even pain for them. It distracts them continuously and kind of “takes over” the brain so that they get irritated very quickly. Be considerate to their needs when you buy new clothing; choose textures wisely with them present. Do encourage new clothing items, but don’t force it upon them. It is just not worth it! Also washing garments a few times before wearing helps.
4. Big gatherings like birthday parties, crowds or concerts are often sensory over stimulating. Their systems just cannot tune out all the background sensory information and resultedly they get overloaded and experience stress and discomfort.
5. With movement sensitivity, often car sickness can present itself. Let the child chew on biltong, an apple, carrot or gum as it can be self-regulatory and reduce car sickness. Movement sensitivity will also impact his choice of sport. Movement like running or biking will be more tolerable than gymnastics. Increased head movements and upside down movements such as in gymnastics overload the movement system quickly.
6. Bright lights and people moving around as often seen in shopping malls can overload the visual system. Shopping malls can be noisy, contributing to auditory overload. Being touched and bumped by people flares up the sensory nervous system that is sensitive for touch.
7. Twenty first century parenting is difficult. Demands and influences are escalating and we are continuously being judged by the norms of our society. It is sometimes very difficult for parents to step out or even think out of this mould. We need to do that to nurture our kids optimally without reducing discipline and boundaries. I believe when we understand our children’s stressors and needs on a sensory, emotional and cognitive level, we can prepare them for the life ahead.
8. Sensory inputs that are calming are: deep, firm, touch pressure; slow, rhythmic movement, heavy work against resistance; soft, gentle colors and lighting; warm, smooth and sweet tastes and lavender and chamomile smells. When your child is in overload use them.
9. Sensory input that are alerting are: light touch; loud, intense rock music; bright lights, colors and clutter; fast, irregular movement; cold, sour, spicy and minty tastes and mint and citrus smells. Use them when your child needs stimulation and “waking” up.
10. When the system reaches shutdown it always is an unproductive state but often necessary in order to recharge. It’s like having a power failure; your systems switch off due to shortage/overload somewhere. Sleep at night is our system’s in-build power recharge system and very necessary. Our children (especially the roots) need to sleep well at night.
11. Knowing and anticipating our needs as well as our children’s needs reduce overload and conflict. It also is often in contrast to our own needs. Selecting activities based on their potential to either overload or stimulate our children are crucial and imperative for positive parenting.

Basic principles when parenting roots (low threshold/sensitive children) or leaves (high threshold/sensation seeking children):

Some general ideas to keep your child in sync, depending on their sensory preferences:

Parenting a leaf (high threshold, sensation seekers)

• Be creative and find interesting activities for your child to do
• Run / walk / move with your child
• Add variety and novelty on a regular basis
• Use colors and textures extensively
• Identify interesting and fun projects in and around the house
• Identify and provide creative outlets
• Instill a sense of safety and caution
• Don’t allow chaos and clutter
• Don’t restrict movement activities
• Don’t allow destructive energy
• Talk (more) and have fun with your child

Parenting a root (low threshold, sensory sensitive and avoiders)

• Honor the child’s need for space and time out
• Create a hide-away quiet space and use this when your child is overwrought, unmanageable or emotional and teach him to use it as a valuable coping strategy
• Structure time-out daily
• Prepare the child prior to new activities / situations
• Create structure and routine
• Use calming sensory input such as soft music and lighting, etc
• Don’t over-expose your child to large group activities
• Give fewer and quiet instruction
• Talk (whisper) and have fun with your child

The 7 basic keys to sensory intelligent interventions

• Reduce sensory overload, we need to limit extra input and create safe, predictable environment for our children at home and in our communities
• Choose your school and activities for your child wisely and consider their sensory needs
• Always have quiet-time or womb spaces at home
• Limit TV and passive play
• Engage and talk to your children about their needs, stressors and fears
• Incorporate sensory diets for your child: daily/weekly activities that will help them grow and stimulate them through the senses
• Teach them to self-regulate; help them identify what calms them and what puts them into overload

Sensory Regulation for School Children

Research has shown that children today have major problems with concentration in the classroom, because they are forced to accumulate information and learn in a passive state. Most children today are stuck behind a computer or a TV screen. They do not move enough and are no longer involved in physical outdoor play. To crown it all physical education has been terminated in most schools. Our society is raising an overweight, unfit and passive generation.

Children need to move. It is through movement that their brains grow and develop and movement is one of the strongest means to help with sensory self-regulation. Movement should be incorporated in classrooms as well as at home. Children need to be physically active in order to concentrate, learn and grow mentally, as well as physically.

When we as adults are stuck behind a computer and feel our concentration slipping, that we are getting tired and losing focus, what do we do? We get up and move out of our chairs, make a cup of coffee or do something physical for our bodies and minds to start focusing again. Then we wonder why children don’t want to sit still in classrooms. Like ours, their brains are also crying out for help in the movement department.

The old command “sit still and pay attention” needs to change. Most children can either sit still or pay attention – one excludes the other. Children need to move to get sensory-motor input in order to focus and pay attention. When the body falls asleep the brain is bound to follow.

Get your children away from passive entertainment like computers and TV’s which require one sense only – sight! Get children moving and move with them. The principle of self-regulation through the senses is a powerful tool!

Remember that Primary School children still have developing minds and are probably not capable of regulating their own sensory input and needs. It is therefore up to the adults in their lives to assist them in achieving self regulation. Children need to be stimulated in order to develop their minds and personalities.

Conclusion

The concept of sensory intelligence is based on the sensory integration theory developed in the 1960’s which was applied to children with developmental or learning difficulties. Yet every child’s senses are a gateway through which information from the outside world is processed and relayed to the brain and this in turn triggers the child’s response to its environment.

On a sensory level we as parents are responsible for the stimulation of our children for optimal growth and development. When we know our children’s sensory needs, we are better equipped to optimize their learning environment without under- or over-stimulating them – both extremes may be detrimental to their development. If we strive and work towards providing a balanced environment, we can raise children with a strong self-image and confidence – contributing to their becoming happy, positive, and successful individuals.