by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Nov 27, 2010 | Parenting
One of the Most Common Causes of Insomnia
According to this leading doctor, the reason why people can’t fall asleep is not because of lack of being sleepy, but as a result of this. Here’s what you can do to fix this problem fast, including something almost everyone should install in their bedroom now…
Watch part 1 of this interview with a sleep expert ( minor issues with sound quality)
by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Nov 10, 2010 | Meditation & Mindfulness, Parenting, Self care
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):
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 | Nov 10, 2010 | Parenting
If you feel tense and can’t relax or have problem sleeping you may want to consider making your own soothing mist. You can use it at home but you can also carry it with you in your bag, even have one in your office or your car. Below I provide you with a recipe to make your own soothing and calming mist.
Pour water (distilled or filtered) into the spray bottle.
Add a few drops of
lavender essential oil to the water. The number of drops will depend on the size of the spray bottle. The smaller the amount of water the smaller is the number of drops you will add. Just put a few drops and mist, see what you like and add according to your preference.
Use essential oil, NOT artificial scents, as they are hormone disruptors among other things.
I recommend Lavender for relaxation but you can make different mists depending on your special needs. The type of essential oil you will chose will depend on what you will use the mist for.
You can research reputable websites that describe the properties of various essential oils.
I often recommend Lavender essential oil to promote relaxation, it is soothing and calming. Mist your sheets and pillows before bed and it has a soothing and calming effect. I also mist my sheet and pillow prior to making the bed as it freshens up the sheets as it is also an antiseptic. You can also mist your face (close your eyes) and it too will have a relaxing effect. But be cautious as it may be irritating if you have sensitive skin or if you have an allergy.
Have fun!!!
by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Nov 2, 2010 | Parenting
Many kids with ADHD- Inattentive or combined type or nonverbal learning disabilities, for example, have deficits with executive functioning skills. This concept is “used by psychologists and neuroscientists to describe a loosely defined collection of brain processes that are responsible for planning, cognitive flexibility, abstract thinking, rule acquisition, initiating appropriate actions and inhibiting inappropriate actions, and selecting relevant sensory information (see Wikipedia for more details).”
A great book for developing executive functioning skills is : Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare. This book looks at the following: bulding response inhibition; enhancing working memory; improving emotional control; strengthtening sustained attention; task initiation; promoting, planning and prioritizing; fostering organization; time management; flexibility; increase goal-directed persistence; and cultivating metacognition.
You can find this book at Amazon or Chapters Indigo. Well worth it, for adults and kids alike!
by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Oct 26, 2010 | Parenting
Taken directly from the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario website:
“Learning Disabilities” refers to a variety of disorders that affect the acquisition, retention, understanding, organization or use of verbal and/or non-verbal information. These disorders result from impairments in one or more psychological processes related to learning a, in combination with otherwise average abilities essential for thinking and reasoning. Learning disabilities are specific not global impairments and as such are distinct from intellectual disabilities.
Learning disabilities range in severity and invariably interfere with the acquisition and use of one or more of the following important skills:
oral language (e.g., listening, speaking, understanding)
reading (e.g., decoding, comprehension)
written language (e.g., spelling, written expression)
mathematics (e.g., computation, problem solving)
Learning disabilities may also cause difficulties with organizational skills, social perception and social interaction.
The impairments are generally life-long. However, their effects may be expressed differently over time, depending on the match between the demands of the environment and the individual’s characteristics. Some impairments may be noted during the pre-school years, while others may not become evident until much later. During the school years, learning disabilities are suggested by unexpectedly low academic achievement or achievement that is sustainable only by extremely high levels of effort and support.
Learning disabilities are due to genetic, other congenital and/or acquired neuro-biological factors.
They are not caused by factors such as cultural or language differences, inadequate or inappropriate instruction, socio-economic status or lack of motivation, although any one of these and other factors may compound the impact of learning disabilities. Frequently learning disabilities co-exist with other conditions, including attentional, behavioural and emotional disorders, sensory impairments or other medical conditions.
For success, persons with learning disabilities require specialized interventions in home, school, community and workplace settings, appropriate to their individual strengths and needs, including:
specific skill instruction; the development of compensatory strategies; the development of self-advocacy skills; appropriate accommodations.
1a The term “psychological processes” describes an evolving list of cognitive functions. To date, research has focused on functions such as:
• phonological processing; • memory and attention; • processing speed; • language processing;
• perceptual-motor processing; • visual-spatial processing; • executive functions; (e.g., planning, monitoring and metacognitive abilities).
This definition is supported by a background document entitled Operationalizing the New Definition of Learning Disabilities for Utilization within Ontario’s Educational System, LDAO, 2001.
For more information, follow this link : Operationalizing The New Definition Of Learning Disabilities for Utilization within Ontario’s Educational System, LDAO, 2001
Don’t forget to consult the Learning Disability Association of Ontario (LDAO) website for a wealth of information.
by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Oct 20, 2010 | Parenting, Web Reviews
Join guest Dr. Karyn Purvis, author of The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family and Director of the Institure od Child Development at Texas Christian University to discuss how to establish the bonds of connection with your adopted child.
The content of this podcast is also quite relevant for non-adoptive families, foster families of children taken from their homes by children services. This podcast educates us about attachment problems due to early childhood neglect, abandonment or mistreatment. It also gives hope and a new view on the soon-to-be-old diagnosis Reactive Attachment Disorder, which appears more like a permanent problem that can’t be fixed! Complex Developmental Trauma might become the new diagnosis.
The author speaks of investment parenting, homeschooling, and other strategies adapted to the difficulties of this type of child…. Basically how to reorganize priorities with regard to raising children who have suffered at such a young age.
Clic on the following link:
