by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Jan 4, 2013 | Parenting
Some people who suffer from anxiety fidget a lot and like to keep their hands busy. For some that means holding a cigarette, fiddling with their keys, etc. I have found that in my practice, many anxious individuals find it relaxing to handle the playdough that is on my shelf. So why not make your own?
Not only is it natural and non-toxic, but you can add essential oils to it that have a soothing effect or any other desired effect you may seek.
The process of making it can also have beneficial and relaxing effects, keep your mind off things, and may even have a meditative effect. While you are at it, why not practice mindfulness while in the process of making your own playdough?
Mix the following organic ingredients (non organic ingredients are ok too):
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup of sea salt
1 Tbsp of oil
2 Tbsp of Cream of Tartar
Food coloring or use natural spices for color (e.g. turmeric for yellow)
A few drops of an essential oil (eg, lavender for relaxation). It is up to you to choose other essential oils if the purpose is other than relaxation… read up on the properties of rosemary, geranium, chamomille, peppermint, grapefruit, lemon, etc..
Adjust ingredients (flour or water) until you get the texture you like.
Place in a sealed container.
If you would rather buy it… go on Etsy and for a tutorial on How TO, go on You Tube there are quite a few tutorials!
by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Jan 4, 2013 | Parenting
It is practiced around the world…. It has so many benefits for your baby and your family and the environment. It is not the same as potty training. It is a gentle way of learning about your child’s natural rythms of elimination. We started with our daughter she was four months. It has been quite a rewarding experience. By the time she was 18 months, she no longer wore diapers. Read more about it. Visit this web site : www.diaperfreebaby.org and find a local support group, interesting information, articles, resources and books.
by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Jan 4, 2013 | Parenting
Concerned about the environment? Already practicing attachment parenting? Want to save a bit of money? Want your child to be out of diapers sooner than later? All these reasons are good enough for you to decide to practice Elimination Communication (EC). For those of you who would like to have all the greatest tips as to how to practice EC (also see www.diaperfreebaby.org), this book is a must read. Practiced around the world in over 60 countries it will teach you how to go back to basics and understand your child’s natural needs. The author addresses the current myths about a baby’s elimination abilities and readiness to be diaper free. It’s an easy read and the book teaches you that it’s never too late to start and that everyone can do it at their own pace and rhythm, based on your own lifestyle.
by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Jan 4, 2013 | Parenting
Mix the following organic ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup of sea salt
1 Tbsp of oil
2 Tbsp of Cream of Tartar
Food coloring or use natural spices for color (e.g. turmeric for yellow)
A few drops of an essential oil (eg, lavender for relaxation). It is up to you to choose other essential oils if the purpose is other than relaxation… read up on the properties of rosemary, geranium, chamomille, peppermint, grapefruit, lemon, etc..
Adjust ingredients (flour or water) until you get the texture you like.
Place in a sealed container.
If you would rather buy it… go on Etsy and for a tutorial on How TO, go on You Tube there are quite a few tutorials!
by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Jan 4, 2013 | Parenting
I first came across
Dunstan Baby Language while watching Oprah. It captured my attention as a
future mom and the need to be that ”perfect” mom…but mostly out of the terror of not being able to understand my baby’s cries and it having an impact on our attachment. I did not watch the DVD before giving birth, but back home the first day, baby was crying hopelessly and i could not soothe her. It was 2 a.m. and we decided to turn on the lap top and watch the DVD. WOW… for us anyway… we were able to understand why our baby was crying, and soothe her accordingly. You need to get your ear attuned to her cries but once you
get it… it’s easy and it works. Although there is no scientific validation of this technique, all that mattered to us was that it worked and it has worked for many
parents. The technique can be used from newborn to about 3 months, if i recall well, while all children are the same linguistically all over the world. Australian Priscilla Dunstan identified 5 specific cries or “sound reflexes” (Neh, Owh, Heh, Eairh, and Eh). Below, taken from Wikipedia, you can read a brief description of the meaning of each cry. The beauty of the DVD is that you get to hear and watch different babies cry; it’s really a hands on demonstration, not a theoretical explanation. This is what makes it easier to learn, and discern the different cries. It was well worth the purchase (see
https://www.dunstanbaby.com/). Watch the video below.
- Neh
I’m hungry – An infant uses the sound reflex “Neh” to communicate its hunger. The sound is produced when the sucking reflex is triggered, and the tongue is pushed up on the roof of the mouth.
- Owh
I’m sleepy – An infant uses the sound reflex “
Owh” to communicate that they are tired. The sound is produced much like an audible
yawn.
- Heh
I’m experiencing discomfort – An infant uses the sound reflex “
Heh” to communicate
stress, discomfort, or perhaps that it needs a fresh diaper. The sound is produced by a response to a skin reflex, such as feeling sweat or itchiness in the bum.
- Eairh
I have lower gas – An infant uses the sound reflex “
Eairh” to communicate they have
flatulence or an upset stomach. The sound is produced when trapped air from a belch that is unable to release and travels to the stomach where the muscles of the intestine tighten to force the air bubble out. Often, this sound will indicate that a bowel movement is in progress, and the infant will bend its knees, bringing the legs toward the torso. This leg movement assists in the ongoing process.
- Eh
I have gas – An infant uses the sound reflex “Eh” to communicate that it needs to be burped. The sound is produced when a large bubble of trapped air is caught in the chest, and the reflex is trying to release this out of the mouth.
See this
intro on You Tube
by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Jan 4, 2013 | Parenting
ADDitude: Living well with Attention Deficit is a wonderful website for adults or children suffering with attentional problems (whether you have a diagnosis or not). With ADD often come problems with executive functions (e.g., difficulty starting and finishing projects, completing projects at the last minute, poor planning or organizational skills, etc.).
On this site you will find a wealth of information. The main bookmarks are: adult ADHD; parenting ADHD children; ADHD treatment; school and learning disabilities; about ADHD; resources; community; magazine. Within each of these sections you will find 25 to 30 subsections (e.g., Within the Parenting section you can find: schedules and time, healthy meal ideas, sleep problems, self-esteem, etc.). Within each of these sections you will find
printables which can range from simple handouts to eBooks. You will also find natural alternatives for treatment.
They also have a magazine with handy tips and articles. Well worth it! Go check the site out for yourself.
Some people who suffer from anxiety fidget a lot and like to keep their hands busy. For some that means holding a cigarette, fiddling with their keys, etc. I have found that in my practice, many anxious individuals find it relaxing to handle the playdough that is on my shelf. So why not make your own?
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