Happy Thanksgiving from the
Brainchild Institute
&
Upcoming Events: Don’t Miss Us!
Congratulations to Dr. Leah Light & Isabelle Fontaine, OTR/L on hosting a fabulous MNRI Dynamic
& Postural Reflex Pattern Integration course with Dawn Burnell-Powers, Boynton Beach, Florida.
Visit www.brainchildinstute.com for details of courses & lectures in the area.
Parent “U” - Join us and Melody Zamir, Child Advocate from the Public School System, on
Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:45 pm for an informational gathering to address parents’ questions
regarding the ESE Program, the maze of developing an IEP, and laws regarding your child’s rights in
the public school system. Contact our office at 954-987-8887 for more details and to RSVP!
Parenting Strategies for Peaceful Holidays
While our children bring
indescribable love and joy to our lives, no
one said this job was an easy one! In our
hectic world of activities, obligations and
circumstances beyond our control, it is all
too often that we find ourselves handling
situations in ways that we are not so
proud of in the reflective moments after.
With the impending holiday season, these
stresses are often amplified.
Holidays come with joy and
splendor as well as hustle and bustle. We
may feel some level of extra anxiety,
stress, and aggravation because we know
they are charging towards us...ready or
not, here they come!
We continuously search for new
ways to manage stress and keep the
Volume 1, Issue 2
November—December, 2014
Hollywood Face
peace. First and foremost, remember that
peace starts from within. When we don’t go
within, we often go without. Taking steps to
understand ourselves, get along well with
others, work out conflicts, really listen when
people speak , communicate respectfully, let
go of anger, and accept one another’s
differences can positively affect our own
feelings as well as the feelings of others.
By changing our own behaviors for
the better, a ripple effect is created that almost
always positively impacts our relationships with
others around us at home, work, and places in
between. All things in life are related
synergistically. Change one connection and all
other connections will have no choice but to
change as well, hopefully for the better.
Inside this issue:
Opening the Door to a
Better Educational
Experience
2
Navigating Noise
Sensitivity
2
Holiday Recipe Corner
3
Importance of a Good
Night’s Sleep
3
Screen Time: Is it
Helping or Hurting Your
Child?
4
Continued, Screen Time
“Us Time” with
Hollywood Face
5
Our Mission
6
Tips for Peace, Love and Holidays
Be purposeful in your parenting -
Time Management - Make this a priority for yourself.
Think before you act; count and/or breath
deeply, use a calm, controlled voice and
remember YOU are the grown-up in charge!
Spend at least 15-20 minutes each day listening and
interacting with your child(ren), one-on-one. Stress
builds for children especially when they feel they are
not receiving your attention. They may begin to look for
it in negative ways. This is a great, proactive way to
keep it positive!
Go easy on yourself and your family —
Decide what’s really important and stop with
all the guilt and finger pointing. Spills will
happen...finances may be tight…cookies may
not get baked. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Try to be in the moment, whether it is cuddling
on the couch or under a warm blanket or
watching a favorite holiday movie on TV.
Make the most with the ones you love. Learn
the art of gratitude and make “thanks-giving” a
daily event, not just a holiday to be celebrated
once a year.
Communication is Key — Encourage your children
to have a voice and be heard. Regular family meetings
provide great opportunities to give kids the floor and
help them to feel that they are important family
members. It also highlights your role as a person who
is fair and encourages conflict resolution.
Page 2
Opening the Door to a Better Education for Your Kids
Academic success requires more ingredients than just natural abilities. Organizational skills, self-motivation,
and the love and support of family are key components. When a child is identified as needing Exceptional
Student Education (ESE) services, a challenging process must be implemented to assure that these services
and special accommodations are in place. Though meetings between parents and school advisory
personnel may be lengthy and tedious, they are crucial for making sure that a child does not continue to fall
further behind. Parents may become lost and confused in a maze of legal and educational jargon as an
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), is created to address their child’s particular needs.
Help is on the way! Join us for light refreshments and enlightening conversation on the
evening of Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 6:30 PM at the Brainchild Institute office located at
4340 Sheridan St., Suite 202, in Hollywood. We will be joined by Melody Zamir, a well-established
parent advocate, who will hold an open forum for parents of children with special needs. A parent of a
special needs child herself, Melody will answer questions and provide information to succeed with
children in the ESE system. Some topics to be discussed include:
IEPs
Evaluations and re-evaluations
Open the
Door for
your
child’s
Academic
Success!
Eligibility and placement
Inclusion (LRE - Least Restrictive Environment) FAPE – Free and Appropriate Education
“Too Loud! Too Loud, Mommy! Too Loud! Too Loud, Mommy!”
Parenting Practices 101: Navigating Noise Sensitivity
All parents experience “on the job training” in this wild balancing act of being the best we can be and wearing many hats
simultaneously. While navigating through the world, a variety of external forces take shape, leaving us at a crossroads. How
do we deal with a child who has sensitivities to certain loud noises and a broken volume control? We do our best to help them
tolerate these environmental realities that can be the breaking point on any given day. “Too loud! Too loud, Mommy!” This
phrase may be heard time and time again, accompanied by yelling, crying, and hands held over ears. Ironically, this same
child may enjoy creating noises much louder than the noise that offended them by screaming, banging and testing the range of
his/her own voice and the limits of our patience…and our eardrums!
Holidays can offend the ears with loud music, family gatherings, and noisy new toys. What one mom and author learned is that
these behaviors may be linked to the child’s auditory sensory needs, and these kids need help regulating their sensory
systems. Arming ourselves with the right tools and strategies is the best defense! The author goes on to say that if you have
a child who is bothered by noise and is generally noisy as well, there are ways to help.
Try these suggestions:
Warn the child before something loud or abrasive happens and create a system for regular occurrences. For
example, if you are making a smoothie, remind the child to get ready for the noise the blender makes. Helping them
prepare by simply communicating and getting their consent, can help them to cope better.
Create quiet zones and noisy zones and/or both. Designated times and places for noisy and quiet activities can make
for smoother transitioning. Set boundaries and parameters for the noise. Try joining the living room marching band
while creating different types of noise.
Designate a quiet place for sitting and drawing, playing with toys, or just
resting. Defining spaces for noise and no noise helps the child feel more in control of the situation at hand, while
showing them they can safely tolerate most sounds.
Do “sound talk.” As parents, we often talk about colors, shapes, textures, etc. but we seldom talk about sounds. Sounds
can be loud, soft, silly, scary, high pitched, low pitched, nearby, far away, funny, happy, sad…the adjectives are many.
Having kids talk about sounds and the way the sounds make them feel can help a child get in touch with sounds that
they find annoying and create a plan for what to do when these sounds are present.
Loudness sensitivity is a common problem for children five years of age and under. Most of these children will outgrow the
problem. When loudness problems persist, certain types of sound interventions can help.
For more information, please call us at the Brainchild Institute, 954-987-8887.
Page 3
Recipes for Holiday Happiness :)
Pecan Pie Brittle (courtesy of Yummly ™ & SAVEUR) *Makes One 12" x 16" sheet
2 cups sugar
2½ cups broken pecans
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
¼ tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. kosher salt
Heat sugar in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat; cook, swirling pan often,
until golden amber and completely liquefied. Add pecans and butter and cook,
stirring, until caramel is liquid again and butter is absorbed, about 2 minutes.
Combine vanilla extract and baking soda in a bowl and then add to pan along with
salt; stir to combine. Pour onto a baking sheet lined with foil or a silicone baking
mat and spread into an even layer with a small rubber spatula; let cool completely.
Break into bite-size pieces and store in an airtight container between sheets of
wax paper.
Gluten Free Stuffing (allrecipes.com) *Original recipe makes 8 servings
1 (1 pound) loaf gluten-free
bread
(such as Udi’s ®Millet-Chia
bread)
Ground black pepper to taste
3) Bake in preheated oven until crisp, 12 to 17 minutes
2 cups Gluten-Free chicken broth
4) Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onions and celery until soft, 8-10mins. Stir sage,
thyme, salt/pepper into vegetables. Mix in toasted
bread, broth and eggs.
2 Large Eggs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1) Preheat oven to 325° degree.
Grease a 3-quart baking dish
3 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 onions, diced
3 stalk of celery, diced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh Sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
5)Transfer to baking dish and cover. Bake 30 minutes.
2) Cut bread into cubes about 3/4-inch Uncover and bake until top of dressing is crisp and
squares and spread onto baking sheet. lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
3/4 teaspoon salt
LIGHT WORD JUMBLE FOR YOU BRAINIACS
Use the letters in the circles to solve the question...
5.
1.
ESESNS
LDOFAIR
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
6.
2.
RUBLSME
RCOOTD
〇
〇
〇
〇
7.
〇
3.
DETURNH
SARE
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
4.
What Whitney believed…
HITLG
〇
〇
1. FLORIDA
〇
2. DOCTOR
3. EARS
4. LIGHT
5. SENSES
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
6. SLUMBER
7. THUNDER
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
ANSWER:
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season
& a Happy New Year
〇
〇
〇
〇
〇
CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE
Page 4
“the social implications of screen time are astonishing and becoming more prevalent everywhere you turn”
Is Screen Time Helping or Hurting Children?
The internet is a sea of information at our fingertips. Television offers us escape through an
abundance of drama and reality shows. Video games pose challenges to children in ways they find
entertaining, and some might argue, also teach them the art of strategy. How healthy is all this
screen time for young minds? How much is too much? Here is something to think about as you
select your child’s holiday gifts this season.
A recent New York Times article disclosed that while the late Steve Jobs made a fortune inventing
and marketing technological devices to the world, ironically, he was not fond of their use by his own
children. The article revealed that Mr. Jobs was a self-professed “low tech parent” whose children
did not even use the iPad device that helped him make his millions. He was quoted as saying, “We
limit how much technology our kids use at home.” Steve was not alone amongst other technological
corporate executives who are doing the same with their kids.
At Brainchild Institute, we strongly believe that “Too much of a good thing is a bad thing…except for
love.” (Dr. Light) In fact, too much screen time negatively impacts brain functioning particularly in
the areas of social interaction and emotional expression. While it is difficult to quantify a feeling, the
growing concern amongst parents, educators, and healthcare professionals has given rise to more
long-term studies. The NIH (National Institute for Health) has spearheaded an intensive,
trans-disciplinary study of the effects of media on child development that may take years to complete
as target groups are observed and tracked from infancy to young adulthood. Even financial
strategists are weighing in. Learnvest.com commented, “Unfortunately, there’s a lot we don’t know
about how technology use among kids impacts future career and academic success.”
One thing we do know is that the use of all of these electronic devices forces us to multi-task
constantly. How often do you see a family out to dinner where no one is really talking to the other
because each is buried in a cell phone or handheld device? The unfortunate result, especially for
kids, is that no one task is focused on and more time is spent navigating between the text messages
and the computer and the television, all while trying to complete a homework assignment. This
certainly does not appear to be a promising sign for future career and academic success.
Lastly, sleep quality is compromised by screen time. A recent Huffington Post article cites that
children are going to bed later and sleeping fewer hours when screen time is involved, especially at
bedtime. In addition, some types of TV shows and video games may be too stimulating for children
making it difficult for them to fall asleep.
It is unrealistic to suggest getting rid of all technologies in your home; however, think about going on
a “digital diet” to monitor the use of screen time and set some guidelines.
Page 5
Consider these important tips:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends minimizing or eliminating all media exposure for
children under the age of two years. For children and teens, they suggest no more than 1-2 hours per day.
Put a time limit on all electronics per day. This includes TV, computers, video games and handheld devices.
The AAP also recommends “screen free” zones for children’s bedrooms.
Create an agreement between you and your children considering these new guidelines and discuss why you feel
they are important (e.g. encourages better communication, allows more social time together, give us more time
to exercise, allows time to make something together).
Encourage “trade time.” Inform your children that time spent reading, helping with things around the house, going on
a nature walk with you, or engaging in an old fashioned family board game could earn them some additional
screen time.
Promote purposeful screen time. Watch an educational program together and then enjoy a family discussion about
it afterward.
DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES OFFERED AT
INTERVENTIONS INCLUDED AT BCI
BRAINCHILD INSTITUTE
MNRI (Masgutova Neuro-sensory-motor Reflex Integration)
Auditory processing evaluations
BrainwoRx programs ~ Integrated Listening Systems (iLs)
Primary reflex assessment for developmental delays
Interactive Metronome ~ Sound of Music classes
Hearing and vestibular testing
Fast ForWord ~ CAPDOTS ~ Brain Gym ~ Neuronet
Hearing aids and assistive listening devices
Tinnitus evaluations and management
Parent U – parenting support
~ SMART program ~ Posit Science
PACE cognitive brain training
Hollywood
Face Ears Sinus Voice
Don’t Forget about “YOU” TIME with “US”
Hollywood Face would like to offer
special pricing for some amazing
services!
*MOMS*DADS*TEENS*
Relaxing Hydrating Facial…$55
Gentle Peels…………………….$65
At Brainchild Institute, we understand how stressed and tired parents can be,
trying to raise children and keep their own lives in balance. There are only so
many hours in the day, and sometimes it is almost impossible to unwind! Our
solution to this problem is “Us Time” where you can take care of your child’s
needs with the programs we offer while also taking advantage of services and
skincare treatments provided by our on-site licensed esthetician. “Us Time” offers
the opportunity for you and your child to unwind and reconnect mind, body, and
soul within the time of your child’s regularly scheduled session time. If scheduling
permits, you may also request an MNRI session during your child’s intervention,
courtesy of our trained staff.
Clarifying Teen Treatment…$45
Smoothing Body Treatment.$70
All products used for treatments are available for
purchase in our office.
Hollywood Face offers a broad range of
rejuvenation options.
Please inquire with our staff.
After all, parents are people too! And all people deserve some TLC... and
pampering! Our kids like to see us just as happy and relaxed as we like to see
them. Give us a call at 954-987-8887 to schedule a little down time to help keep
your energy and spirits Up!
Myles K. Krieger, MD, FACS
Georgianna Dreifus, Licensed Esthetician
4340 Sheridan Street, Ste. 202
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: 954-987-8887
Fax: 954-963-1471
Email:
[email protected]
Visit us on the web!
Building Better Brains
For Brighter Futures
Www.Brainchildinstitute.com
“OUR MISSION”
The Brainchild Institute (BCI) is a South Florida organization
with a focus on improving brain function and quality of life for
children and adults with deficits ranging from early childhood
developmental delays to decreased functioning associated
with the aging process.
Enhancing sensorimotor processing through better hearing,
vision, movement, and tactile integration is the first step
toward a balanced brain.
(See a complete list of services online and on page 5)