Parenting Archives - Sensory Stepping Stones

Is your child NOT getting what they need at school?

October 18, 2022Education, Parenting

We love our children’s schools and teachers, but sometimes we need assistance when it comes to navigating our child’s needs and the special education/504 plan process. It is so overwhelming, and you do NOT have to face this alone!

Every child learns differently. There is no “one size fits all” approach to education. Often, when it comes to our kids, parents can have a tough time understanding what needs to be done to maximize their child’s education. At Sensory Stepping Stones, we have a team of professionals who will work with families to advocate for and protect the educational needs of their children.

This may include but is not limited to the following services:

IEP/504 review
Evaluation of tests results
Program placement evaluations
Classroom accommodations/ testing modification review
Attendance at meetings- Initial/Triennial/Annual team meetings
Communication with school personnel on behalf of you and your child
Empowerment for self-advocacy work with the child
Management of documents/records in an organized form

Call or text the clinic at (914) 244-4101

Is your child difficult?

October 12, 2022Parenting, Sensory Processing

Parenting is a roller coaster. Some days are easy and fun and we can just throw our hands up in the air and enjoy the ride. Other days we are holding on for dear life with a feeling of anxiety and dread, not sure where this ride will take us next. This is totally normal- life is a series of up and downs!

But if you are experiencing way more difficult days than successful ones, it is very possible that your child may have an undiagnosed processing or sensory issue.

Does your child…

Have difficulty focusing on a task/is easily distracted
Acts without thinking
Has trouble being still
Experiences difficulty getting along with peers
Is impatient, impulsive and/or lacking in self control
Not hear what people say
“Tune out” others frequently
Act overly or under-reactive to touch, movement, sights and/or sound
Possess an activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
Demonstrate physical clumsiness or apparent carelessness
Have difficulty making transitions from one situation to another
Not have the ability to unwind or calm self

If this sounds like your child or someone you know, let’s connect. We are experts on how to help YOUR child. Give us a call to set up a free consultation either in person or on Zoom today and we will get you on the path to enjoying this beautiful ride through life with your child, rather than living in fear of what tomorrow may bring. We can’t wait to chat!

Does your child need therapy?

October 3, 2022Parenting, Therapeutic Approaches, Trauma and Stress

Anxiety, depression, trauma, school avoidance, difficulties with emotion regulation, low self-esteem, social anxiety, anger management…kids and teens are dealing with so much today, especially as they begin to navigate how to find a return to normalcy as we emerge from a worldwide pandemic and the effects that “new normal” had on all of us.

If your child is dealing with any mental health challenge, or just having a tough time navigating through their days, you may have thought about finding a therapist, but may not have known where to start.

The word ‘psychotherapy’ can sound intimidating. If you have never gone to therapy before, the idea of sitting on that infamous couch and revealing your innermost thoughts to a stranger may sound embarrassing. You may question whether your child even need to see a therapist at all

But the fact is, engaging in therapy with the right provider can improve your quality of life. According to the American Psychological Association, about 75% of people who enter psychotherapy say they benefit from it, and research shows they’re better able to function in their day-to-day activities.

Therapy is not just for young people facing a mental health diagnosis. Regular therapy sessions can be beneficial for pretty much everyone dealing with life! Everyday stresses, social anxiety, school situations, family conflicts…a well trained and caring therapist can help your child/teen successfully get through whatever roadblocks they may encounter in everyday life.

We are proud to offer Psychotherapy sessions at Sensory Stepping Stones! We focus on early intervention of the problem and providing trauma-informed treatment to assist with areas such as self-awareness & self-esteem, coping strategies, emotion regulation skills for stress, anger, anxiety, and depression and building social supports and communication skills. Therapy is a game changer!

An extra benefit of working with a therapist here at Sensory Stepping Stones is that we have a professional working relationship with many schools and specialists. We DO NOT require a referral! Parents, guardians, or the client themselves (18 +) may call our office to schedule an appointment and discuss their needs.

Please call 914-244-4101 or click the link for a consultation zoom call to set up a consultation appointment. We look forward to chatting with you and helping your child!

“Where words fail, music speaks” -Hans Christian Andersen

September 27, 2022Parenting, Therapeutic Approaches

Music is a language we can all communicate in, even before we have the ability to speak! When I think about all of the music that we surround our infants and toddlers with, I realize it’s literally everywhere! Whether it’s a mom humming a lullaby before bedtime or a dad having a dance party in the kitchen meant to soothe a fussing toddler, music is one of the greatest gifts and tools of parenting!

As our babies gets older, sharing music with others to learn and play is a great opportunity to grow. This music therapy group session will provide opportunities for singing and playing instruments with friends while exploring different topics and themes each week! We will be using our voice and instruments to increase communication, movement, socialization, and self-expression.

What is Music Therapy? Music Therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.Through musical involvement in the therapeutic context, clients’ abilities are strengthened and transferred to other areas of their lives. Music therapy also provides avenues for communication that can be helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves in words. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in many areas such as: overall physical rehabilitation and facilitating movement, increasing people’s motivation to become engaged in their treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and providing an outlet for expression of feelings

Come join board certified music therapist, Ashley Barton of Duet Music Therapy as we explore music and movement for young ones, ages 1-2 and 3-5! Classes kick off October 17th and are filling up fast. Register for either class here – Music Class Registration

Forgetful…Disorganized…Unfocused…

September 23, 2022Executive Functioning, Parenting

Does this sound like your child? Now that it’s the middle of September, life is in full swing! The kids are back to school and there is so much to keep track of- classwork, homework, supplies, activities schedule, sports equipment…is your child able to handle it all or do you find yourself picking up the pieces constantly, trying to help hold it all together?

You used to think it was cute that your child was a little forgetful. The way you’d innocently remind her of what she was supposed to do next would tug at your heartstrings and make you feel needed. But as he grew, you noticed his memory wasn’t growing in proportion to his size, and though he was more mature in other ways, he still needed a lot of reminding of basic details.

You notice it at home when it’s time to do chores or finish homework and teachers have also commented that they often have to intervene and keep your child on task.

Life is only going to get busier and more complex as your child grows up. It’s distressing to see your child struggle to recall the basic steps of simple tasks. There are so many expectations to reach certain achievements and you just don’t know how he’s going to meet these requirements without being able to concentrate.

But the truth is, kids can grow and adapt and there are ways to help them better navigate the demands of their lives. Increasing mental clarity and focus is not a one size fits all approach. It requires specialized evaluation and individual plans to ensure you are meeting your child where is and addressing their particular struggles.

At Sensory Stepping Stones, the Cognitive & Memory Training Program is a process of exercising the brain and is designed to enhance your child’s ability to process and learn through the stimulation of his nervous system. After completing this program:

Your child will improve thinking and processing skills
Your child will develop stronger reasoning skills and a better memory
Your child will experience quicker hand-eye coordination
Your child will feel more capable of remembering tasks and details
Your child will build skills to regulate emotions
Your child will express more self-confidence

The Cognitive & Memory Training Program can also be used with children without a specific diagnosis to tune out distractions and better control their emotions.

We would love to tell you more about this program! To schedule a free consultation (Zoom or in person!) with Sensory Stepping Stones, click here

Are you losing hope?

September 23, 2022Parenting, Sensory Processing

As an expecting mom, you had all sorts of hopes and dreams for your child. The first time you held your baby, his life flashed before your eyes. You imagined a wall filled with his scholastic awards, shelves overflowing with tournament trophies, and even his first date with his very first girlfriend.

You promised yourself that you would do everything in your power to make each of these dreams come true and you even went so far as to save four years’ worth of Harvard tuition before his 10th birthday.

But here you are, just a few short days after that birthday and you’re starting to wonder if any of these plans will ever become a reality. Your everyday life with your growing child seems more like a bad dream than the fantasy you had envisioned.

School is a struggle and you know there aren’t any achievement awards coming home this year. Sports trophies are a distant memory since the coach has suggested that your child not return next season. It feels like everything you ever wanted for your newborn baby is slipping further and further away.

That’s not to say you want your child to be perfect. In fact, you want the opposite. A normal child who has her ups and downs like every other kid. You know there are things that will come more easily than others or things she will find difficult. You believe that all children are unique and have strengths and weaknesses that shape them into individuals. You want to help your child capitalize on her exceptionality and thrive.

But what you didn’t expect was how difficult some of the most basic tasks might be. You never predicted your child would have massive meltdowns over schedule changes or fidget so much he distracts his entire class from concentrating on their standardized tests. You had no idea you’d become so sensitive to sleep patterns and clumsiness. And you certainly didn’t expect to have to face outright defiance when you made a simple request.

We understand your child and the stress you are feeling every single day. We work with parents and kids daily to create solutions to these issues that are impacting every aspect of your family’s life.

It is our mission to enhance your child’s mental, emotional, physical, and functional performance so he or she experiences greater self-awareness, understanding, and growth. Our clinic insists upon creating an atmosphere that encourages your child to learn, discover, mature, and develop positive self-esteem.

You’ll be able to send your child to school knowing that higher grades and harder assignments will not intimidate him and that she will get invited to friends’ birthday parties. Ultimately, you’ll find relief knowing that your child will find ways to be successful no matter what challenges they face in life.

We would love to chat with you and help you to learn more about Sensory Stepping Stones. To schedule a free Zoom or in-person consultation with Sensory Stepping Stones, click here

Art and Mental Health for Children

June 21, 2021Parenting, Therapeutic Approaches

When I was a child in school, I was so excited to go to art class. Art class allowed me to rest my mind because I had the chance to play with paper-Mache and paint.
Read More

The Benefits of Yoga for Children and Teens

June 21, 2021Parenting, Therapeutic Approaches, Yoga

Yoga is beneficial not only for adults but has proven to be just as helpful to children and teens. It can make a positive impact on children mentally and physically. Through yoga, children can develop essential skills that are needed for everyday life. Here are seven impactful benefits that yoga can have on a child.

Tips For Getting and Keeping Your Kids Organized

March 18, 2021Parenting

Teaching a disorganized child to organize takes a village.

If you are a parent and have no issues in this area, it can be very frustrating to understand that your child is not doing this on purpose and doesn’t possess the skills to change. If you do also struggle with organization, you might understand but might be powerless to help.

One of the things to keep in mind is that we are asking our children to learn a new skill, but we are asking them to change a behavior they struggle with. When I was in graduate school, I had a professor who felt very strongly that changing behavior is about taking tiny baby steps. To illustrate how difficult change is, he asked that we reach for the soap with the opposite hand in our daily shower than is normal for us. That’s all! Just use a different hand to get the soap. Guess what happened? Nobody did it. Either we forgot, or it felt so strange that we ended up doing the same old thing. Point made. So remember……..Baby steps!

Here are some things you can try. Just try and select ONE. When that skill is mastered, select the next. I do, however, suggest doing the first one before any others.

1- Make a list of all the disorganized behaviors/habits you would like to see change.

You should do this together with your child if they are old enough. Learning to be organized should be a family journey. It will be much more successful if everyone is on the same page. Also, you might be surprised that your child is as frustrated as you.

2- Select the one behavior that is causing the most angst.

3- Make checklists – lots of checklists.

An example of a morning checklist:

a) Get out of bed

b) Brush your teeth

c) Take a shower (If shower in the morning)

d) Comb hair

e) Get dressed (Clothes should be selected and laid out the night before)

f) Put dirty clothes in a hamper

g) Go to the kitchen, get cereal box, milk, spoon, and bowl, and eat breakfast

h) Put dishes in the dishwasher

i) Get a coat, backpack, and any sports equipment (All packed up the night before).

Remember we talked about baby steps, so maybe start with the first two and see how it goes. Add another from the list as you see success. You decide where this list is placed and in what form. It can be a sticky note on the bathroom mirror, a whiteboard to erase, etc. As the child accomplishes the task, it should be checked off. Use lots of visuals. Checklists are good for everything.

4- Have a designated area for the things the child needs for the day

This may be as simple as a hook and shelf or bench in an entranceway. Everything your child needs for the day should be packed up the night before and placed in the same spot each day. Bookbags should be stocked with school supplies (another checklist), homework should be in its designated location in the binder/trapper keeper, sports/activity supplies needed for the day, along with a coat if needed. In this way, your child just grabs and goes in the morning. Your child should do this with you, so they get used to the routine. Our brains are a muscle with muscle memory. If we do the same thing enough times, it becomes a habit and will remove a significant amount of stress each day.

5- Clean out book bags and binders 2-3 times a week.

Separate piles of papers into three piles:

1. Garbage (go through this twice before throwing out)

2. Put back in the binder in the proper place

3. Leave home if needed for the future

Designate a section of the backpack for all of the papers handed out by teachers during the day. This should be the ONLY place your child puts papers. It doesn’t matter what condition they are in. It doesn’t matter if they are literally just stuffing them in; even encourage that! You can always smooth out paper or tape rips. At least you will know where things are. Remember – baby steps; you could always adjust it so that they need to keep the papers in better condition as one of your goals later on.

6- Have a separate homework file for any assignments that are not digital.

This should be the ONLY place homework goes. This way, when the teacher asks for homework, there is only one place for your child to look, which dramatically cuts down on frustration in class. For digital assignments, go to where the teacher posts homework and projects because it is Google classroom for many. Make a chart, by subject, of all assignments due. List the date they are due and then assign a day to do them (or makeup). Many teachers will still give credit for late assignments, even if it is only partial credit.

7- Keeping a child’s room clean can be an exercise in futility. Try creating bins and labeling them. (Toys, clothes, etc.).

Bins may not be your idea of elegant decor, but neither are piles on the floor! A child is more likely to try to do the right thing if it’s easy. All they have to do is pick something up and throw it in the bin!

Finally, remember that negative punishment is not always as effective as positive reinforcement. Try taking a picture of something your child wants, an object, an activity, etc. Cut the picture into a reasonable amount of pieces (You decide what is fair). Every time they do the ONE behavior you are working on, they get a puzzle piece. When the puzzle is complete, they get that activity or object in the picture. Remember to post the puzzle where they can see it and reference it often. Make a big deal out of each puzzle piece earned as well.

Although there are many more strategies, let’s start with these. Remember to be patient and supportive. If your child is truly struggling with organization, they are not doing it on purpose!

Now that you have some tips and strategies, Good Luck!

Is your child struggling with organization skills and strategies at home and in school? Our Organizational Coach can help you and your child or teen figure out where the issues are and some tips and strategies to get back on track. Contact us to get a FREE 15 Minute Consultation today! (914) 244-4101

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Gale Zadoff is a licensed school counselor in New York. Her career has spanned over 25 years working with children and families in the High School and Middle School settings. Her passions are tennis, pickle ball, rescuing animals and spending time with her friends and family. In her spare time Gale enjoys spending time at home with her dogs (Sammi and Rocky), volunteering to making blankets for shelter dogs and cats, and reading as many books as possible.

Anxiety and Your Child

November 25, 2020Parenting, Sensory Processing, Trauma and Stress

The list can go on and on…..

Clinging to you wherever you go
Crying for no reason
Tantrums when you separate
Excessive shyness even with family members
Avoiding social situations
Constantly worrying about everything
Avoiding situations or places because of fears
Complaining of frequent stomachaches or headaches
Experiencing sudden and frequent panic attacks

Have you seen these behaviors in your child or teen? If you have, you are not ALONE! These behaviors that you are seeing can all be stemming from anxiety in your child.
Read More

When I was a child in school, I was so excited to go to art class. Art class allowed me to rest my mind because I had the chance to play with paper-Mache and paint. Read More

Teaching a disorganized child to organize takes a village.

Here are some things you can try. Just try and select ONE. When that skill is mastered, select the next. I do, however, suggest doing the first one before any others.

1- Make a list of all the disorganized behaviors/habits you would like to see change.

2- Select the one behavior that is causing the most angst.

3- Make checklists – lots of checklists.

4- Have a designated area for the things the child needs for the day

5- Clean out book bags and binders 2-3 times a week.

6- Have a separate homework file for any assignments that are not digital.

7- Keeping a child’s room clean can be an exercise in futility. Try creating bins and labeling them. (Toys, clothes, etc.).

Now that you have some tips and strategies, Good Luck!

The list can go on and on…..

When I was a child in school, I was so excited to go to art class. Art class allowed me to rest my mind because I had the chance to play with paper-Mache and paint.
Read More