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2012年8月22日 星期三

Do Not Medicate Your Children With Drugs


Do not medicate your children with drugs - the side effect of which can be many times greater than the original symptoms that caused concern.

There is more than adequate evidence about the dangerous side effects of medicinal drugs and those that are prescribed for mental irregularities in particular. These latter are invasive and can create chemical chaos in the brain to cause serious side effects, far more damaging than the original symptoms the child displayed.

The public generally would like to believe that governmental health bodies are set up with the power and responsibility to protect us from any medication or substances that may prove damaging to our health. Unfortunately this has not proven to be always the case, particularly where the more powerful chemical companies are concerned and to which many doctors have shown to be faithful followers. Those medical researchers and doctors, scientist of integrity however, are strongly questioning many aspects of modern drug medication in the light of the deteriorating health condition of the people of both the U.S. and Australia as well as other western countries where drug therapies are dominant over the traditional medicines.

We would wonder at the government health authorities and powers that are designed to protect the public, but are proving impotent to control the release of drugs that may promise immediate relief but prove to have 'side effects' that are severe and even fatal. This is particularly causing concern where brain chemistry is directly involved and in the case of children's conditions such as hyperactivity where symptoms tend to be exaggerated restlessness, inattention and inconsistent behavior. These states although perhaps could be seen to be based upon known and reasonable causes are quickly diagnosed as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) for which the most common prescription is Ritalin.

Ritalin or methylphenidate hydrochloride is an oral medication, commonly called kiddles and bits in colloquial terms. It is a class II narcotic and stimulant of the central nervous system. Ritalin is prescribed for hyperactivity disorders. Although it is a stimulant more potent than caffeine it has an apparently temporary calming effect on these children. It is however open to much abuse by young people who resort to snorting or even injecting the crushed tablets similar fashion to cocaine.

Ritalin has many well documented side effects. There are over one million posts on the internet with many scientists and medical doctors warning of the dangers and of an alternative drug choice Cylert or pemoline.

Some research reports Ritalin as highly addictive. Its short term side effects can include insomnia, disturbances of digestion, dizziness, headaches, skin irritations, weight loss, psychotic episodes, and often severe depression upon withdrawal of the medication.

Its predictable long term side effects can manifest as malnutrition through loss of appetite, tremors, convulsions, diabetes, headache, irregularities of heart and lungs, paranoia, hallucinations and sensory distortions. Adverse reactions are mainly related to nervousness and insomnia but also skin conditions, anorexia, headaches, and many other uncomfortable symptoms. Rare reports of Tourette's syndrome and toxic psychosis have also been reported. Cylert is not the first choice medication as it has caused severe liver damage requiring liver transplant. It has caused several fatalities through liver failure.

In spite of this the FDA has given approval for similar drugs to be used in treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorders in young patients from 10 -17 years of age as well as in adults. These are reported amongst the highest selling prescriptions in the US accounting for $14.6 billion in sales in 2008 alone.

Remembering that the child patient was considered to be abnormal by first displaying simple indications such as lack of concentration or because of over-activity, it is hard to see the logic in prescribing a drug that in time could produce diseases of mind and body much more severe and impossible to correct either in the child's behavior or in the subsequent physiological symptoms.

Cautions officially are given with the drug. These are usually directed at those with alcohol or drug abuse (presumably referring to teenager patients). Warnings also that serious mental and mood changes can be expected if the medication is stopped. Also warning not to abuse the substance by snorting or injecting the crushed tablets.

Children under six years of age are not permitted to take the drug.

Would you allow your child to take such drugs under any circumstances?

Yet millions of children and minors are now receiving medication for psychological reasons and are vulnerable to severe consequences. It is assessed by the U.S. Surgeon General that 20% of American children have mental illness of some kind and that about 5 million children and young adults suffer from a mental illness that threatens or interferes with their daily life.

There are over 4 million posts regarding mental diseases in children on the internet.




Sally Wilson supports a philosophy that looks to Nature as the ultimate Intelligence that directs us towards health and happiness as we learn to live according to natural laws. Our interests and studies of all natural sciences offer us pathways in gaining knowledge but it is by our choice or action that we are able to apply what we learn in a positive manner in both personal care and self discipline as well as in caring for our children and families.

Health and healing receive primary focus for her writings as do a range of subjects open for further exploration for the purpose of enriching our well being, and also to help us avoid the many health issues that confront us as we recognize the mistakes and causes of illness in the community.

These subjects include Aromatherapy, herbalism and botanical interests, nutrition, flower foods, seaweed supplementation, relaxation and stress relief, exercise therapy, breath control ,self care and the care of our planet by application of many advances in the natural sciences. She also alerts us to negative factors to eliminate or avoid as thse are of equal importance if we are to create well being on all levels of earth life.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

張貼者： 於 下午6:01 0 意見
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2012年7月3日 星期二

Do Not Medicate Your Children With Drugs


Do not medicate your children with drugs - the side effect of which can be many times greater than the original symptoms that caused concern.

There is more than adequate evidence about the dangerous side effects of medicinal drugs and those that are prescribed for mental irregularities in particular. These latter are invasive and can create chemical chaos in the brain to cause serious side effects, far more damaging than the original symptoms the child displayed.

The public generally would like to believe that governmental health bodies are set up with the power and responsibility to protect us from any medication or substances that may prove damaging to our health. Unfortunately this has not proven to be always the case, particularly where the more powerful chemical companies are concerned and to which many doctors have shown to be faithful followers. Those medical researchers and doctors, scientist of integrity however, are strongly questioning many aspects of modern drug medication in the light of the deteriorating health condition of the people of both the U.S. and Australia as well as other western countries where drug therapies are dominant over the traditional medicines.

We would wonder at the government health authorities and powers that are designed to protect the public, but are proving impotent to control the release of drugs that may promise immediate relief but prove to have 'side effects' that are severe and even fatal. This is particularly causing concern where brain chemistry is directly involved and in the case of children's conditions such as hyperactivity where symptoms tend to be exaggerated restlessness, inattention and inconsistent behavior. These states although perhaps could be seen to be based upon known and reasonable causes are quickly diagnosed as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) for which the most common prescription is Ritalin.

Ritalin or methylphenidate hydrochloride is an oral medication, commonly called kiddles and bits in colloquial terms. It is a class II narcotic and stimulant of the central nervous system. Ritalin is prescribed for hyperactivity disorders. Although it is a stimulant more potent than caffeine it has an apparently temporary calming effect on these children. It is however open to much abuse by young people who resort to snorting or even injecting the crushed tablets similar fashion to cocaine.

Ritalin has many well documented side effects. There are over one million posts on the internet with many scientists and medical doctors warning of the dangers and of an alternative drug choice Cylert or pemoline.

Some research reports Ritalin as highly addictive. Its short term side effects can include insomnia, disturbances of digestion, dizziness, headaches, skin irritations, weight loss, psychotic episodes, and often severe depression upon withdrawal of the medication.

Its predictable long term side effects can manifest as malnutrition through loss of appetite, tremors, convulsions, diabetes, headache, irregularities of heart and lungs, paranoia, hallucinations and sensory distortions. Adverse reactions are mainly related to nervousness and insomnia but also skin conditions, anorexia, headaches, and many other uncomfortable symptoms. Rare reports of Tourette's syndrome and toxic psychosis have also been reported. Cylert is not the first choice medication as it has caused severe liver damage requiring liver transplant. It has caused several fatalities through liver failure.

In spite of this the FDA has given approval for similar drugs to be used in treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorders in young patients from 10 -17 years of age as well as in adults. These are reported amongst the highest selling prescriptions in the US accounting for $14.6 billion in sales in 2008 alone.

Remembering that the child patient was considered to be abnormal by first displaying simple indications such as lack of concentration or because of over-activity, it is hard to see the logic in prescribing a drug that in time could produce diseases of mind and body much more severe and impossible to correct either in the child's behavior or in the subsequent physiological symptoms.

Cautions officially are given with the drug. These are usually directed at those with alcohol or drug abuse (presumably referring to teenager patients). Warnings also that serious mental and mood changes can be expected if the medication is stopped. Also warning not to abuse the substance by snorting or injecting the crushed tablets.

Children under six years of age are not permitted to take the drug.

Would you allow your child to take such drugs under any circumstances?

Yet millions of children and minors are now receiving medication for psychological reasons and are vulnerable to severe consequences. It is assessed by the U.S. Surgeon General that 20% of American children have mental illness of some kind and that about 5 million children and young adults suffer from a mental illness that threatens or interferes with their daily life.

There are over 4 million posts regarding mental diseases in children on the internet.




Sally Wilson supports a philosophy that looks to Nature as the ultimate Intelligence that directs us towards health and happiness as we learn to live according to natural laws. Our interests and studies of all natural sciences offer us pathways in gaining knowledge but it is by our choice or action that we are able to apply what we learn in a positive manner in both personal care and self discipline as well as in caring for our children and families.

Health and healing receive primary focus for her writings as do a range of subjects open for further exploration for the purpose of enriching our well being, and also to help us avoid the many health issues that confront us as we recognize the mistakes and causes of illness in the community.

These subjects include Aromatherapy, herbalism and botanical interests, nutrition, flower foods, seaweed supplementation, relaxation and stress relief, exercise therapy, breath control ,self care and the care of our planet by application of many advances in the natural sciences. She also alerts us to negative factors to eliminate or avoid as thse are of equal importance if we are to create well being on all levels of earth life.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

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2012年5月20日 星期日

Do Not Medicate Your Children With Drugs


Do not medicate your children with drugs - the side effect of which can be many times greater than the original symptoms that caused concern.

There is more than adequate evidence about the dangerous side effects of medicinal drugs and those that are prescribed for mental irregularities in particular. These latter are invasive and can create chemical chaos in the brain to cause serious side effects, far more damaging than the original symptoms the child displayed.

The public generally would like to believe that governmental health bodies are set up with the power and responsibility to protect us from any medication or substances that may prove damaging to our health. Unfortunately this has not proven to be always the case, particularly where the more powerful chemical companies are concerned and to which many doctors have shown to be faithful followers. Those medical researchers and doctors, scientist of integrity however, are strongly questioning many aspects of modern drug medication in the light of the deteriorating health condition of the people of both the U.S. and Australia as well as other western countries where drug therapies are dominant over the traditional medicines.

We would wonder at the government health authorities and powers that are designed to protect the public, but are proving impotent to control the release of drugs that may promise immediate relief but prove to have 'side effects' that are severe and even fatal. This is particularly causing concern where brain chemistry is directly involved and in the case of children's conditions such as hyperactivity where symptoms tend to be exaggerated restlessness, inattention and inconsistent behavior. These states although perhaps could be seen to be based upon known and reasonable causes are quickly diagnosed as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) for which the most common prescription is Ritalin.

Ritalin or methylphenidate hydrochloride is an oral medication, commonly called kiddles and bits in colloquial terms. It is a class II narcotic and stimulant of the central nervous system. Ritalin is prescribed for hyperactivity disorders. Although it is a stimulant more potent than caffeine it has an apparently temporary calming effect on these children. It is however open to much abuse by young people who resort to snorting or even injecting the crushed tablets similar fashion to cocaine.

Ritalin has many well documented side effects. There are over one million posts on the internet with many scientists and medical doctors warning of the dangers and of an alternative drug choice Cylert or pemoline.

Some research reports Ritalin as highly addictive. Its short term side effects can include insomnia, disturbances of digestion, dizziness, headaches, skin irritations, weight loss, psychotic episodes, and often severe depression upon withdrawal of the medication.

Its predictable long term side effects can manifest as malnutrition through loss of appetite, tremors, convulsions, diabetes, headache, irregularities of heart and lungs, paranoia, hallucinations and sensory distortions. Adverse reactions are mainly related to nervousness and insomnia but also skin conditions, anorexia, headaches, and many other uncomfortable symptoms. Rare reports of Tourette's syndrome and toxic psychosis have also been reported. Cylert is not the first choice medication as it has caused severe liver damage requiring liver transplant. It has caused several fatalities through liver failure.

In spite of this the FDA has given approval for similar drugs to be used in treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorders in young patients from 10 -17 years of age as well as in adults. These are reported amongst the highest selling prescriptions in the US accounting for $14.6 billion in sales in 2008 alone.

Remembering that the child patient was considered to be abnormal by first displaying simple indications such as lack of concentration or because of over-activity, it is hard to see the logic in prescribing a drug that in time could produce diseases of mind and body much more severe and impossible to correct either in the child's behavior or in the subsequent physiological symptoms.

Cautions officially are given with the drug. These are usually directed at those with alcohol or drug abuse (presumably referring to teenager patients). Warnings also that serious mental and mood changes can be expected if the medication is stopped. Also warning not to abuse the substance by snorting or injecting the crushed tablets.

Children under six years of age are not permitted to take the drug.

Would you allow your child to take such drugs under any circumstances?

Yet millions of children and minors are now receiving medication for psychological reasons and are vulnerable to severe consequences. It is assessed by the U.S. Surgeon General that 20% of American children have mental illness of some kind and that about 5 million children and young adults suffer from a mental illness that threatens or interferes with their daily life.

There are over 4 million posts regarding mental diseases in children on the internet.




Sally Wilson supports a philosophy that looks to Nature as the ultimate Intelligence that directs us towards health and happiness as we learn to live according to natural laws. Our interests and studies of all natural sciences offer us pathways in gaining knowledge but it is by our choice or action that we are able to apply what we learn in a positive manner in both personal care and self discipline as well as in caring for our children and families.

Health and healing receive primary focus for her writings as do a range of subjects open for further exploration for the purpose of enriching our well being, and also to help us avoid the many health issues that confront us as we recognize the mistakes and causes of illness in the community.

These subjects include Aromatherapy, herbalism and botanical interests, nutrition, flower foods, seaweed supplementation, relaxation and stress relief, exercise therapy, breath control ,self care and the care of our planet by application of many advances in the natural sciences. She also alerts us to negative factors to eliminate or avoid as thse are of equal importance if we are to create well being on all levels of earth life.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

張貼者： 於 清晨6:39 0 意見
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2012年5月5日 星期六

Diversity Within a Preschool - Children With Asperger's Syndrome


Asperger's syndrome also known as A.S is a form of autism. Autism is a disorder of development that affects social and communication skills. Autism is not just one specific disorder but occurs in a variety of forms and degrees. The term Autistic Spectrum Disorder is often used to describe the whole range. On this spectrum comes the condition A.S. A.S is found among all races, nationalities and social classes; the name comes from a man named Hans Asperger who was an Austrian physician who first described the syndrome in 1944.

A.S has a pattern that includes:


Lack of empathy not understanding social cures and others feelings
Little ability to form friendship
One sided conversations
Intense absorption in a special interest, which may leave no space for more an age appropriate, common interests
"clumsy" movements in both their articulation and gross motor behaviour
A love of routine, unexpected change in routine can be upsetting
Repetitive activities, children with A.S may spin and watch spinning objects for long periods of time
Sensitive to sensory touch, light and noise

People with A.S perceive the world differently from everybody else. They find the rest of us strange and baffling.

The way children with A.S perceive the world makes sense to them and they cannot change the way they think or act. They can however find help to adapt in ways they won't cause conflict and confusion with others, who may not understand or tolerate A.S behaviours. Children with A.S look normal and often have average or above average intelligence, but for some reason are not able to understand and relate to other people at a level one would expect for their age. It can be hard for parents, teachers and peers to understand why these children have a lack of desire to interact with peers or inability to understand simple or social cues. They can be assumed to be selfish, where as they are actually would just rather play by themselves with a special interest of their own. Children with A.S do not take much notice of the reaction of the people listening to them and may talk on regardless of the listener's interest and may appear insensitive to their feelings. When A.S children are listening to others, jokes, exaggerated language and metaphors can cause confusion: for example a person with A.S may be frightened at statements like "she bit my head off" and take it quite literally.

The child with A.S does not see themselves as a member of a particular group; they follow their own interest rather than that of the other children in the class or playground which can lead to total social isolation.

The causes of Aspergers syndrome are still being investigated. It is believed that not one single cause can affect the pattern of behaviours that children with A.S present with. But there is strong evidence to suggest that A.S can be caused by a variety of physical factors, all of which affect the brain development. A.S sometimes can be assumed to be due to an emotional deprivation because of their social inadequacies, but this is untrue. A.S is a developmentally disability affecting the brain and there is no cure, but with appropriate education and support children affected with A.S develop into competent adults who can overcome social situations and expectations of others.




To find the ideal preschool service and great information on good childcare check out the section on child care centres and kindercare at our website.





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2012年4月21日 星期六

The Psychology of Children


On the need to focus on childhood events along with the developmental theories for a comprehensive psychology of children

Child psychology is associated with the social and personal development of children and a child goes through several stages before stepping into the adult world. The psychology of children has been studied from various perspectives including issues of nature and nurture and whether the child is a product of genes and heredity or a product of society and environment as also different developmental stages of sensory discrimination and perception, emotional expression and learning through language and cognitive development, development of intelligence and the socialization process. The study of child sexuality and sexual and moral development are also very important especially from a psychoanalytic viewpoint.

Children are vulnerable and affected easily by all events in the immediate environment. Events which are only trivial or unimportant to adults, may leave deep scars or memories in a child's mind. A child's mind is extremely impressionable and changeable and before the child reaches adolescence, certain very insignificant events can have great personal significance in a child's life. So 'childhood memories' and 'childhood events' are primary factors in determining adult personality pattern. Some major factors which can affect a child's later development and have potential long term effects are:

1. Loss or gain of a friend or friends

2. Memorable physical/bodily sensations

3. Separation in the family or divorce of parents

4. Domestic abuse or violence

5. Sexual molestation or abuse

6. Learning experiences either at play or during study

7. Personal experiences/events that evoked strong emotions of fear, joy, sorrow etc.

8. Accidents or illnesses experienced or observed

9. Death of family members, neighbors or close ones

10. Change of residence or relocation

11. Emotional relationships with friends, teachers or family members

12. Personal success or failure in school

13. Influence of films, stories, books or news events

14. War, terrorism, conflicts, bomb attacks etc.

15. Natural calamities like earthquakes, flood, famine etc.

The factors here are very general and every child goes through certain very specific events that affect him or her individually although there are certain very general theories in psychology that have been established through research studies and these theories have highlighted links between success or failure in later life and childhood events. Some of the major theorists of child development are John Bowlby, Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg and Lev Vygotsky. Whereas Bowlby emphasized on childhood relationships, Piaget focused on cognitive development of the child through various stages and Freud wrote extensively on sexual development of children. Kohlberg studied moral development of children whereas Vygotsky analyzed the socialization process of children through social contextualism. All these theories on different aspects of child development only prove the immense complexity and the varied number of factors that tend to play a role in the psychological development of children. There are many dimensions to the psychology of children from social, emotional to cognitive, sexual and moral. Here I will provide a brief account of all these different theories and finally provide a comprehensive analysis on how these theories could be used along with the general factors listed above in the study of the psychology of children.

John Bowlby, a British psychiatrist, developed the 'attachment theory' in which he emphasized the importance of a mother or primary caregiver in a child's life. He showed in his study that any infant should develop and maintain a warm and intimate relationship with the mother or mother substitute and all maternal deprivation can lead to serious mental health problems in the child later in life. Bowlby's theory is very true and a mother should develop a strong physical and emotional intimacy with the child by being physically close to the child at least until the child is 2 years old. Doctors around the world have recommended breast feeding and an important part of this is the physical closeness between the child and the mother which is extremely necessary once the child is out of the mother's womb. When the child is released from the mother's womb, the first emotion is fear and the mother's continued physical closeness instills confidence and a sense of security in the child. Orphaned children or children who are separated from their mothers at birth require a substitute or they can grow up as mentally ill or maladjusted individuals.

Freud on the other hand provided a complete psychosexual theory and emphasized on what many of us don't like to believe - the sexual pleasure of children. Freud overturned the concept of childhood innocence and suggested that we are born with our unrepressed basic instincts which are slowly tempered with social adaptation. Freud believed that the inherent pleasure seeking desires that we are born with focus on certain erogenous zones of the body and accordingly there are different stages of psychosexual development from oral and anal to phallic, latent and genital stages. In psychosexual development, the child's pleasure seeking behavior changes from the mouth as in sucking and biting to the anus through toilet training and then finally to the genitals. Thus the child according to psychoanalysis derives complete sexual pleasure by sucking, biting, playing with genitals and releasing waste by defecation. I do not necessarily endorse Freud's views on the sexual pleasure of children and the pleasure derived from bodily sensations could be explained in other ways as I will discuss in another article.

Jean Piaget, a French-Swiss philosopher established the theory of cognitive development in children and laid out four developmental stages - the sensorimotor period, the pre-operational stage, the concrete operational stage and the formal operational stage. The first stage is when the child develops spatial abilities and comes to terms with the world through the senses during the first two years of life. The second stage is about developing and using concepts when children understand meaning of things and this continues until the age of 7. From 7-11 years the child reaches higher cognitive development through concrete operational stage and can sort and classify objects and can use logic to solve problems. The formal operational stage that begins around 12 years of age helps children to understand abstract thoughts, hidden meanings etc. Kohlberg provided a theory of moral development of children through six stages of pre-conventional, conventional and post-conventional levels. These are related to concerns for punishment and self interest, as also inner need for conformity and striving for social order, as maintaining universal ethical principles. So moral development seems to move from a belief of 'what is right and what is wrong' and whether there is punishment for the wrong to what is universally ethical and acceptable social behavior. Another prominent psychologist Vygotsky highlighted the importance of socialization and interpersonal communication and child development according to this theory is seen as an internalization of social and cultural knowledge.

Of course, all these theories will have to be added up and a complete or comprehensive theory that would provide an insight into the child's mind and behavior will have components from all these theories. In addition childhood experiences and events which have been highlighted in psychoanalytic theories are also extremely important and not just from a sexual point of view. All the general factors that I have mentioned in the beginning of the essay should be considered as factors that underlie social, sexual, moral, emotional, physical and cognitive development of children. As learning experiences lead to cognitive development, personal emotional experiences lead to later emotional development and maturity. Sexual molestation, abuse or other types of bodily sensations in childhood affect later sexual development and divorce or separation in the family can affect moral development. Thus an individual who has been molested as a child may either develop a fear of sexual activity or may show complete lack of sexual restraint as an adult.

A child who has lived without a father may either become extremely irresponsible or can develop into an adult with a very strong sense of parental responsibility. Experiencing trauma in childhood through death or accidents of family members or living in times of war, natural calamities have deep impact on children and can leave a perennial sense of insecurity or a need for attachment in the children which continues through adulthood and even old age or on the other hand these events can make a child isolated, schizophrenic or simply detached in later life. For healthy life of children it is important to not just depend on psychological theories to understand how a child grows up and perceives the world, but it is also important to focus on events or experiences of the child and use these along with the theories for complete psychological understanding of children.

In contemporary child psychology the focus on events is mainly psychoanalytic and the impact of adverse events is considered especially significant. However it is important that all events, positive and negative are considered and this should then be used to complement psychological theories. To understand the child, it is important to understand the child's world and memories so an 'event-based' psychology of children should be balanced with a 'theory-based' psychology of children.




Reflections in Psychology - Part I - by Saberi Roy (2009)
http://www.lulu.com/content/5865445





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2012年4月20日 星期五

Vertical Gardening For Children


Vertical gardening has a lot to offer the space deprived gardener. As our dwellings seem to become larger and the surrounding open space reduced, the need to turn open space into green space is even more pressing. A sad part of this loss of space is the lost opportunity for gardens and gardening, particularly for the children in our communities.

Whereas once a garden for free, open play would have been the norm in almost every Australian child's life, these days, those spaces are often compromised. Children can become disconnected from the natural world and some children might be limited to accessing public gardens to have any sort of 'hands on' understanding and relationship with nature including growing plants, food production and the quality of the air we breathe. Vertical gardening might hold the key for families wanting to nurture a relationship with nature in their children who are challenged with limited space.

Vertical gardening offers parents an opportunity to inject much needed greenery into a small space but to importantly provide an active gardening 'experience' for their children so that they can enjoy the sensory experience and satisfaction of growing plants to fruition. Vertical garden systems that are soil media based and open tiered, offer a traditional gardening 'experience' in that the kids (and adults) can dig in them with their trowels and plant seeds, seedlings or even advanced plants.

Benefits of vertical gardening for kids

fast growing plants
bright colours
edibles
quirky foliage
hardy plants
plants that they can trim
all the fun stuff, planting, watering and harvesting without the chores!

The kinds of plants that kids will really enjoy growing in their vertical gardens are hardy, reliable performers that germinate and or mature fairly quickly. Lettuce, rocket and radishes are fairly quick from seed. Hardy flowers like dwarf marigolds and calendulas add colour and interest and combine gorgeously with edibles in the vertical garden. Kids also like quirky flowers and veggies so look for odd colour mixes and dwarf or novelty coloured vegetable varieties. Of course, favourites like strawberries will always be highly desirable and they grow so well in vertical gardens, you'd be mad not to plant at least a few.

It's a fantastic feeling for parents to give their children some exposure to how produce is grown and why it's great to grow your own - vertical gardening can provide that in an aesthetically pleasing and space saving way. Knowing also that all of the goodies you and your kids produce are pesticide and herbicide residue free is also reassuring, particularly when the produce is plucked fresh from the Vertical Garden before making it into the kitchen!

Of course, gardeners (even non-gardeners) of all ages will be drawn to a Vertical Garden; these living walls provide beauty and nourishment on many levels. People find common ground, conversation and so many opportunities for sharing. Whether it be knowledge, produce or any of the myriad of other ways that gardening seems to bring out the best in people - even if we do garden in many different ways these days!




Carolyn Blackman is the co-director of http://edennow.com.au. edenNOW is the sole distributor for the open tiered, steel GARSY range of vertical garden products in Australia. Carolyn has over 20 years experience in Horticulture and Landscape Design- she is a regular guest on Saturday Morning Gardening program on Melbourne radio ABC 774





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2012年3月11日 星期日

Raising Children - Learning Through Montessori's 'New Education' Method


Maria Montessori believed that in order for the world to become a more peaceful and more civilized society for people to live in, the new generations must be taught to live in harmony and their hidden potential must be developed to the fullest. She believed that the only way to do it was through education. However, there was a need for the old educational system to be reformed as it was too teacher-centered, so it would not be able to maximize the potential in each child. The traditional system also did not prepare the child for life in society as the activities did not teach the child to work in collaboration with others, neither did it teach the child important skills such as concentration, responsibility and perseverance. She felt that the teacher's job should be that of an observer; alert to the needs of the child and ready to react appropriately as "any form of education must be based on the personality of man". (Absorbent Mind, Chapter 1, p. 8) As such, there arises a 'new education' system which proves to be effective all around the world even till today.

In addition to imparting knowledge to the children, Montessori felt that their physical and social development should also be taken into considerations. It is important that the teacher observe the children to find out what they need and thereby providing them with their needs. In other words, the teacher or parent should understand the learning style of the child and thereby pitching the lessons according to the child's needs. She also believed that it should be part of education that a child is taught to be caring and compassionate towards others, but he must first be showered with care and concern himself. Thus, it is just as important to care about the hygiene and welfare of the child.

In this new education, Montessori described the importance of providing a child-centered and conducive learning environment. She stressed that there are differences between the learning objectives and methodologies between a child and an adult, thus they should not be taught in the same way or even use the same furniture. An adult is concerned with the end result of the task at hand; therefore, he tends to rush in order to finish the job quickly. He would not repeat the same task numerous times in order to perfect it.

On the other hand, a child differs from an adult in that he is still developing and constantly learning, thus he needs to interact with his environment to absorb information for his own development. He has what Montessori describes as an absorbent mind. A child will be able to absorb the specific skills that he needs to learn through repeated activities. He needs to make use of his environment and carry out repeated work to develop his personality, habits and physical being, so he will do a task numerous times in order to perfect it. Montessori believed that each child is a different individual, so he will have his own sensitive periods to absorb different skills perfectly. This new education allows each child to set his own pace for learning as he is free to select the materials that he wishes to work on. Multi-sensory materials are used in these classrooms for the children's hands-on activities and they get to progress from the simple to abstract concepts without any pressure from the teacher. The child is led to experience a sense of accomplishment as he discovers the skills on his own.

During each sensitive period, a different skill is learned and after the skill is perfected, the child will naturally drop the activity and proceed on to something else. With the traditional education system, the child is forced to perform the task that the teacher has assigned. He would then be deprived of the freedom to learn or perfect the skill that he desired to during that sensitive period. Therefore, Montessori believed that it is more important for the teacher in the new education system to "discover the potentialities of each of the students and of offering him means and motives which could awaken his latent energies so that he might continue to use, expand, and coordinate them through proper exercise". (Discovery of the Child, Chapter 2, p. 33) She believed that it is more important for the teacher to be an observer in the classroom and that the teacher should prepare the lessons and materials to suit the learning ability of the individual child. In this way, the child's self-confidence is built up as the teacher is neither demoralizing nor judgmental. Similarly, if the parents are willing to assist the child by teaching him through the use of a method most suited to his learning style instead of forcing him, the child will be able to excel in every way. Parents must believe that every child is capable of learning.

In Montessori's new education, she showed that it is important that "a school allows a child's activities to freely develop". (Discovery of the Child, Chapter 1, p. 9) However, this would be difficult with the use of the rigid furniture in the traditional classroom. Besides restricting the students' movements as they were not allowed to move about to change the materials that they would like to work on or to move the furniture around independently, Montessori felt that these furniture also hindered the proper development of the children's spinal cord because the children were forced to remain in the same position at the desk for hours. Instead, she advocated the use of child size furniture and floor mats in the Montessori classroom. Such furniture are not so intimidating and the children can have the freedom to move around independently when they need to.

Since the child will not be forced to carry out activities against his wishes, Montessori described this new education to be a system whereby the children will learn spontaneously. She had tested out this system in many Montessori schools and even up till today, children in Montessori classrooms enjoy carrying out their activities in an orderly, prepared and tranquil environment. Under this new education, the child learns to work quietly and with full concentration as he focuses on the task at hand. He will not be distracted by others around him nor will he give up easily as he will be able to correct his own mistakes through the use of the specially prepared materials. This is an important skill to develop as many children in the elementary schools are still not able to concentrate and they lack perseverance skills too. She believed that developing the child's spontaneous interest in learning will develop his personality such as kindness, warmth and perseverance which is necessary for peace and civilization in the society.

Montessori believed that this new education must start from birth in order for its effect to be obvious as the child, no matter how young, is capable of learning and he will absorb what he sees or hears from the environment around him. She believed that through the use of appropriate materials at the suitable timing, a child will be able to learn very easily. As such, the job of the teacher as an observer is very important. Montessori had proven the success of this new education, which probably accounts for its popularity all around the world.




Stella Mak is a qualified school teacher with over 18 years of teaching experience and a mother of a pair of twins, so she is very experience in handling children [http://www.childrenproblemshelpdesk.com]

Did you find the above information useful? You can learn a lot more about parenting children as well as receive FREE ecourse and special report on parenting at [http://www.childrenproblemshelpdesk.com]





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2011年11月25日 星期五

Do Not Medicate Your Children With Drugs


Do not medicate your children with drugs - the side effect of which can be many times greater than the original symptoms that caused concern.

There is more than adequate evidence about the dangerous side effects of medicinal drugs and those that are prescribed for mental irregularities in particular. These latter are invasive and can create chemical chaos in the brain to cause serious side effects, far more damaging than the original symptoms the child displayed.

The public generally would like to believe that governmental health bodies are set up with the power and responsibility to protect us from any medication or substances that may prove damaging to our health. Unfortunately this has not proven to be always the case, particularly where the more powerful chemical companies are concerned and to which many doctors have shown to be faithful followers. Those medical researchers and doctors, scientist of integrity however, are strongly questioning many aspects of modern drug medication in the light of the deteriorating health condition of the people of both the U.S. and Australia as well as other western countries where drug therapies are dominant over the traditional medicines.

We would wonder at the government health authorities and powers that are designed to protect the public, but are proving impotent to control the release of drugs that may promise immediate relief but prove to have 'side effects' that are severe and even fatal. This is particularly causing concern where brain chemistry is directly involved and in the case of children's conditions such as hyperactivity where symptoms tend to be exaggerated restlessness, inattention and inconsistent behavior. These states although perhaps could be seen to be based upon known and reasonable causes are quickly diagnosed as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) for which the most common prescription is Ritalin.

Ritalin or methylphenidate hydrochloride is an oral medication, commonly called kiddles and bits in colloquial terms. It is a class II narcotic and stimulant of the central nervous system. Ritalin is prescribed for hyperactivity disorders. Although it is a stimulant more potent than caffeine it has an apparently temporary calming effect on these children. It is however open to much abuse by young people who resort to snorting or even injecting the crushed tablets similar fashion to cocaine.

Ritalin has many well documented side effects. There are over one million posts on the internet with many scientists and medical doctors warning of the dangers and of an alternative drug choice Cylert or pemoline.

Some research reports Ritalin as highly addictive. Its short term side effects can include insomnia, disturbances of digestion, dizziness, headaches, skin irritations, weight loss, psychotic episodes, and often severe depression upon withdrawal of the medication.

Its predictable long term side effects can manifest as malnutrition through loss of appetite, tremors, convulsions, diabetes, headache, irregularities of heart and lungs, paranoia, hallucinations and sensory distortions. Adverse reactions are mainly related to nervousness and insomnia but also skin conditions, anorexia, headaches, and many other uncomfortable symptoms. Rare reports of Tourette's syndrome and toxic psychosis have also been reported. Cylert is not the first choice medication as it has caused severe liver damage requiring liver transplant. It has caused several fatalities through liver failure.

In spite of this the FDA has given approval for similar drugs to be used in treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorders in young patients from 10 -17 years of age as well as in adults. These are reported amongst the highest selling prescriptions in the US accounting for $14.6 billion in sales in 2008 alone.

Remembering that the child patient was considered to be abnormal by first displaying simple indications such as lack of concentration or because of over-activity, it is hard to see the logic in prescribing a drug that in time could produce diseases of mind and body much more severe and impossible to correct either in the child's behavior or in the subsequent physiological symptoms.

Cautions officially are given with the drug. These are usually directed at those with alcohol or drug abuse (presumably referring to teenager patients). Warnings also that serious mental and mood changes can be expected if the medication is stopped. Also warning not to abuse the substance by snorting or injecting the crushed tablets.

Children under six years of age are not permitted to take the drug.

Would you allow your child to take such drugs under any circumstances?

Yet millions of children and minors are now receiving medication for psychological reasons and are vulnerable to severe consequences. It is assessed by the U.S. Surgeon General that 20% of American children have mental illness of some kind and that about 5 million children and young adults suffer from a mental illness that threatens or interferes with their daily life.

There are over 4 million posts regarding mental diseases in children on the internet.




Sally Wilson supports a philosophy that looks to Nature as the ultimate Intelligence that directs us towards health and happiness as we learn to live according to natural laws. Our interests and studies of all natural sciences offer us pathways in gaining knowledge but it is by our choice or action that we are able to apply what we learn in a positive manner in both personal care and self discipline as well as in caring for our children and families.

Health and healing receive primary focus for her writings as do a range of subjects open for further exploration for the purpose of enriching our well being, and also to help us avoid the many health issues that confront us as we recognize the mistakes and causes of illness in the community.

These subjects include Aromatherapy, herbalism and botanical interests, nutrition, flower foods, seaweed supplementation, relaxation and stress relief, exercise therapy, breath control ,self care and the care of our planet by application of many advances in the natural sciences. She also alerts us to negative factors to eliminate or avoid as thse are of equal importance if we are to create well being on all levels of earth life.





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