Welcome to our blog

Our hope is to provide a forum for mothers, fathers,and caregivers to discuss ideas, share insight and "pay it forward". Neither of us attended Medill school of journalism and we are not psychologists. We are just two women who have cared for aging grandparents and diapered littleones. We will share our experiences, tips and questions with you. Please share back. We need all the help we can get!

Kirsten and Katie
Co-founders ChicksWithKidz

Monday, September 28, 2009

Children are…

Amazing, acknowledge them
Believable, trust them
Childlike, allow them
Divine, honor them
Energetic, nourish them
Fallible, embrace them
Gifts, treasure them
Here now, be with them
Innocent, delight with them
Joyful, appreciate them
Kindhearted, learn from them
Lovable, cherish them
Magical, fly with them
Noble, esteem them
Open minded, respect them
Precious, value them
Questioners, encourage them
Resourceful, support them
Spontaneous, enjoy them
Talented, believe in them
Unique, affirm them
Vulnerable, protect them
Whole, recognize them
XTra Special, celebrate them
Yearning, notice them
Zany, laugh with them

~~Meiji Stewart~~

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Events for parents, teachers & caregivers in the Washington, D.C. metro area

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Presents:
Parent to Parent Family Training on AD/HD
Fall Sessions/Alexandria, VA: 7 consecutive Friday evenings
October 2nd- November 20th (except Oct 9th for CHADD conference)
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Commonwealth Academy, 1321 Leslie Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
Fees: $100.00 CHADD Members or $145.00 Non-CHADD Members
(includes annual membership in CHADD)
Couples may share the manual and pay one entry fee
Instructor: Leah Daziens, CHADD Certified Teacher
For more information contact: leah.daziens@gmail.com
Registration Deadline: September 23, 2009


Fairfax County Public Schools:
A meeting regarding the identification of students with disabilities who have been enrolled in private schools by their parents and the provision of special education services.
The Individuals with Disabilities Act 2004 (IDEA) addresses the requirement for schools to provide special education and related services for children who are placed by their parents in private schools located within the school divisions geographic boundaries.
www.fcps.edu/dss/sei/privateschools/index.htm

Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Fairfax County Public School Gatehouse Administration Center
8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Please register: Sheila Weaver – Sheila.weaver1@fcps.edu 571-423-4160


Exceptional Schools for Exceptional Students School Fair
Sunday, October 18, 2:00 – 5:-- p.m.
Katzen Art Center, American University @ Ward Circle, Washington, DC

Showcasing the many wonderful school choices available to families of children with learning differences. Find out about individualized programs that will help your child thrive both academically and socially.

Admission is FREE and OPEN to the public

Participating Schools:

Accotink Learning Center
Alexandria Friends
The Auburn School
Chelsea School
Commonwealth Academy
The Diener School
Ivymount School Model Asperger Program
The Maddux School
Kingsbury Day School
The Lab School of Washington
Landmark
Mansef
McLean School
The Nora School
The Norbel School
Oakwood School
Parkmont School
The Siena School
The Summit School
The Katherine Thomas School

For more information please contact Beth Atkinson at 301-592-0567 x 12 or batkinson@thesienaschool.org


George Mason University, Center for the Arts Presents: How We Learn: Human Exceptionality and CognitionMargo A. Mastropieri, Professor, College of Education and Human DevelopmentMonday, October 19, 2009 at 7 p.m.This presentation will describe how research with exceptional populationscan advance our understanding of all human learning and cognition and maycontribute to the development of a theory of learning and instruction. Inthis view, research on individuals with special learning needs can helpuncover processes or skills overlooked by a solitary focus on more efficientlearners. Mastropieri will discuss what her research has provided and how itinforms us about learning. She will examine the future research directionsto narrow the difference between what we have learned and what we couldlearn.Tickets are free. For more info http://gmu.edu/cfa/vision/


Children Together welcomes Pam Schiller, Ph.D.
In this practical workshop Dr. Schiller will get down to the nitty-gritty and provide participants with a tool box full of specific strategies and hands-on activities that can be used in play – to promote early literacy and brain development in young children at home and in the classroom.

Saturday, October 21, 2009, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Alexandria, VA

$50 for early registration (prior to 10/12)
$60 registration for walk ins
$40 for five or more from one school or Organization (by 10/1)

For registration information go to www.children-together.org


The Oakwood School Parent Association presents William R. Stixrud, Ph.D. speaking on “The Neuropsychology of Memory: How the Brain Learns and How to Help Kids Who Can’t Remember”

Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.,
Oakwood School, 7210 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA

Dr. Stixrud is a licensed psychologist who has been in private practice as a neuropsychologist since 1985. He specializes in the evaluation of children, adolescents, and adults with learning disabilities, and in the promotion of self-esteem. He currently is a member of the Clinical Supervisory Faculty at Children's Hospital and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the George Washington University Medical Center. Dr. Stixrud also holds an appointment on the Clinical Faculty of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical School.

$15 registration fee at the door.
Please reserve a seat by calling 703-941-5788

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

H1N1, "Swine" Flu - the latest information

H1N1, “swine” Flu - the latest information

I attended a presentation by Mr. Bill Hall, Director of News & Media Relations for the US Dept. of Health and Human Services, yesterday at one of my kids' schools.

Here is some of the information that he presented:

What is the Flu?
The flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses.

What is the H1N1 Flu?
It is a new and different influenza that is spreading worldwide among people. It is called the “swine flu” at first because it has pieces of flu viruses found in pigs in the past. The H1N1 has NOT been detected in U.S. pigs.

How serious is the flu?
The flu can be very serious especially for younger children and children of any age that have one or more chronic conditions or “at risk” conditions. These conditions include asthma, or other lung problems, diabetes, weakened immune systems, kidney disease, heart problems, and neurological or neuromuscular disorders.

How does the flu spread?
Both the seasonal flu and the “swine flu” are thought to spread mostly though the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the influenza.
People may also get sick by touching something with the flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
*** the flu virus can stay on a surface (door knob, counter, faucet handle etc.) for up to 8 hours

What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may even have vomiting and/or diarrhea.

How long can a sick person spread the flu to others?
People infected with the flu can infect others from 1 day prior to getting sick to 5-8 days after.

How can I protect my child against the flu?
Get a seasonal flu vaccine

Take everyday precautions such as:

-Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve, elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. And throw the tissue away after use.

-Wash your hands often with soap and water, sing Happy Birthday 2 times.
Use an alcohol based sanitizer if no soap is available.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

-Try to keep children from having close contact (about 6 feet) with people who are sick, including anyone in the family/household.

-Keep surfaces like kitchen counters, door knobs, toys and bathroom fixtures clean by wiping with a disinfectant according to the product label.

-Throw away tissues and any other disposable items used by a sick or infected person.

Who is at risk for the H1N1 virus?
-Pregnant women and the very young are at risk.
-Those with any underlying health conditions are at risk for the flu.
-Children, teens and young adults are considered at risk.
(Anyone born before 1957 seems to have immunity because of the swine flu they may have been exposed to.)

Is there a vaccine to protect my child?
A vaccine for the H1N1 flu is being produced and should be ready for distribution by Oct 1.
Children under 10 should get 3 shots – 1 seasonal flu vaccine, a “swine flu” vaccine and 21 days later a “swine flu” booster vaccine.

Children over 10 should get 2 shots – 1 seasonal flu vaccine and a “swine flu” vaccination.

There are no adverse effects from the swine flu vaccination.

Are there medications to treat the flu?
Antiviral drugs can treat both the seasonal and “swine” flu. These drugs can make people feel better and get better soon, but they need to be prescribed by a Dr.
The antiviral medications currently on the market are Tamiflu and Relenza.

What should I do if my child gets sick?
If your child is 5 yrs or older and otherwise healthy, consult your Dr. as needed and make sure your child gets lots of liquids and rest. Treat the symptoms like any other cold or flu, with Advil, Tylenol, etc.
DO NOT GIVE CHILDREN UNDER 18 YEARS OLD ASPIRIN – this could cause your child to get Ryes Syndrome.

If your child is younger than 5 yrs of age and/or has a medical condition and develops flu like symptoms call your Dr. or get medical attention.

What if my child seems really sick?
Even children who have always been healthy or had the flu before can get a severe case of the flu.
Call or take your child to the Dr. right away of your child has:
-Fast breathing or trouble breathing
-bluish or gray skin color
-not drinking enough fluids
-severe or persistent vomiting
-not waking up or not interacting
-being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
-flu like symptoms improve but then returns
-has other health or underlying conditions and develops flu symptoms

Can my child go to school, camp, or day care?
NO
your child should stay home to rest and avoid spreading the flu to others. Your child should be fever free for 24 hours without the assistance of fever reducing medications, before returning to school, camp, day care.

Various other notes:
-Pandemic means “global spread” NOT deadly.
-Make sure you have at least 2 weeks of supplies at your home so that you can stay at home to take care of your family member with the flu and so that you are not going out to the grocery store or pharmacy infecting others.
-Something to tell your children – If it’s wet and it’s not yours, DON’T touch it!
-Teach your kids to do the elephant – cough or sneeze into their elbow.
-If you think you’re sick but not sure it’s the flu, don’t go to the Dr., you could be placing yourself at risk because your immune system may be weakened and the flu may be present in the Dr’s office.
-most deaths associated with the “swine flu” are not from the flu itself but from pneumonia.

For more information go to:
www.cdc.gov
www.flu.gov
or call 1-800-CDC-INFO

~~Kellie