Ten Steps for Taming Anxiety, from HuffPo

From Huffington Post:

"Anxiety has become a regular part of our society and daily lives for our children (and ourselves). Worry and fear cause our children to feel bad, often cause parent-child conflict and stress, keep our children from fully experiencing life, and fully reaching their potential. As a psychologist, parent of worriers, and a pretty good worrier myself, I have learned that there are simple and effective strategies that kids (and parents) can learn to drive the Worry Monster away. Teaching kids about how fear and worry work in their bodies, and specific thinking and doing strategies to fight the Worry Monster, empowers them to take a stand against this bully."

Click here for 10 steps to tame the worry monster.

Is Dyslexia a real thing? How can you tell? What is dyslexia?

I recently found a very helpful resource for children and adults with dyslexia, and their families and teachers. 

Headstrong Nation, at http://headstrongnation.org/, is a non-profit dedicated to serving the dyslexic community. 

From the site: 

"Founded by Ben Foss in 2003, Headstrong Nation aims to end the isolation of the world’s largest (it’s true!) disability group by providing information about dyslexia, self-advocacy and new technologies. To do this we help dyslexic adults and parents of dyslexic children learn the facts, figure out how to play to their strengths and connect with others to form a movement dedicated to leveling the playing field for people like us."

"Animal School" video from Raising Small Souls

An insightful allegory, from http://raisingsmallsouls.com/

Requesting Evaluation, by NCLD.org

This article is excerpted from the NCLD's Parent Guide to IDEA. It outlines the issues and processes involved in requesting evaluation of a child for services through a 504 or IEP.

Taking the First Step toward Special Education

Who is this for?

This chapter is for parents who are considering asking for a formal evaluation of their child (testing to determine if the child has a disability) or who have received a request from the school to have their child evaluated.

Why is this important?

In order for a child to receive special education services, he or she must first be evaluated. A referral from the school or a request for formal evaluation from a parent sets into motion a host of legal obligations and procedures required by IDEA. It is important for parents to understand their rights and options during this process. 

What can parents do?

An important first step is learning how to organize concerns by keeping detailed records and then sharing relevant information during formal communication with the school. Parents can also learn more about the common signs of learning disabilities.