Tag Archives: Help

More children starting school with poor speech and language skills – Practical tips for parents

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Children need all of the support they can get. Especially after COVID. A new survey of UK teachers reveals a rise in pupils starting school with poor speech and language skills since the pandemic.

Commissioned by assessment provider GL Assessments, the poll of 1,000 teachers found that nearly half of primary teachers estimate up to one in five of their pupils struggle with speech and language. These difficulties often become apparent when children start school (48%) or even earlier (33%). 

Many teachers report that speech and language issues are frequently mistaken for reading and maths difficulties (46%) or misidentified as behavioural problems (27%). Additionally, 44% of primary school teachers say up to a fifth of their pupils struggle to communicate at an age-appropriate level, while 37% believe the issue affects as many as two in five pupils.

A significant 76% of teachers feel parents often deny or overlook these challenges. However, there are practical strategies parents can use to support their child’s language development.

Below, Cristina Miguelez, Spokesperson at online language learning platform Preply offer key tips to help parents support their child’s speech and communication skills at home:  

1. Read together and discuss the story

Reading books with your child is integral to develop their literacy skills and understanding of language. Furthermore, discussing the books you read together can positively impact their communication skills. 

It encourages them to express their opinions and enhances their ability to recall details, improving their overall understanding of language and communication. Keep their favourite books within easy reach so they can revisit them, reinforcing their memory and comprehension.

2. Reflect on the day’s activities

Another effective way to support your child’s language development is to regularly discuss their day and the activities they’ve engaged in. For instance, ask them about their school day or, if you’ve taken them to the park, encourage them to share their favourite part of the experience. 

Like discussing books, this helps children understand how to use language effectively and communicate their thoughts more clearly.

3. Engage in conversations about TV shows

If your child enjoys watching children’s television, discussing what they watch can significantly enhance their language skills.

Educational programmes are particularly beneficial, as they introduce new vocabulary and concepts. Engaging your child in conversations about these shows can deepen their understanding and reinforce language learning.

4. Use comments instead of questions

While asking children questions is important, too many can feel like a test. Instead, focus on making conversations more natural. Comment on what they are doing and what is happening around them rather than constantly quizzing them.

This approach helps children feel more relaxed and comfortable when communicating, making it easier for them to process and respond to language. 

5. Turn everyday moments into learning opportunities

Daily routines can be powerful tools for language development. Activities such as cooking, shopping, or getting dressed provide opportunities to introduce new words and encourage conversation.

For example, while preparing a meal, talk about the ingredients, describe their colours and textures, and explain the cooking process. These simple, everyday interactions can significantly enhance a child’s vocabulary and understanding of language.

When your child is diagnosed with epilepsy you feel that the bottom has fallen out of your world

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‘When your child is diagnosed with epilepsy you feel that the bottom has fallen out of your world…’ 

Finding a diagnosis for your child, particularly for complex neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, can be a long and arduous process for many families in the UK.  

Highlighting the desperate need for more information and support for those facing a new epilepsy diagnosis, one mother, Sarah, has bravely shared her reaction to finding out her young daughter has the condition in a heart wrenching open letter to the families of other children and young people dealing with the same. 

‘I know that you may feel that the bottom has fallen out of your world and to an extent it has, but there’s a safety net. Don’t lose sight of your child throughout all of this…their diagnosis is a part of them but not all of them.’ Sarah, Lexi’s mum

There are more than 100,000 children and young people living with epilepsy in the UK today, and for many, support at the point of diagnosis is crucially lacking. National charity, Young Epilepsy, aims to change that by providing tailored information and support to children, young people and their families in the UK at the point of diagnosis. 

For Sarah, finding out her daughter had epilepsy was a moment of mixed emotions: ‘When the consultant told me she has epilepsy it was a combination of feelings from ‘Oh my gosh, my child’s got this diagnosis’ to vindication, I was right! 

When you’re saying these things and people are almost persecuting you and saying that you’re parenting poorly to actually have an answer to what is happening with your child it was like all of the things slowed into place.’ 

Around 8,500 children and young people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year in the UK. Receiving an epilepsy diagnosis can be frightening, isolating and overwhelming. Children and young people, along with their families and carers, need help and support understanding their new diagnosis and how it will impact their lives. A key barrier many will face is a lack of information following their epilepsy diagnosis, often leading to fear, worry and anger and adversely affecting coming to terms with the diagnosis. 

The road to an epilepsy diagnosis for Sarah and her daughter Lexi was sadly filled with uncertainty, ‘I knew something was wrong with Lexi for a long while before I was taken seriously by professionals.’  

‘I kept taking Lexi to the doctors because I felt that I had observed some absences. Each time I was told there was nothing wrong and I worried too much. One day I got a panicked telephone call from the school. I was told to pick her up and take her to the doctors immediately and demand that further tests were undertaken. 

Months later, we were told there was a confirmed epilepsy diagnosis. The consultant carried on speaking, but I didn’t hear anything. I felt my world falling away around me.’ 

For many an epilepsy diagnosis can feel frightening. Sarah described being told her young daughter had the condition in the midst of a busy clinic appointment without the right support leaving her feeling scared and confused, ‘my first question, I’ll be very honest, was is she going to die?’

When a child is diagnosed with epilepsy, families can often feel overwhelmed and unsure about the future. Trusted information and guidance are essential for newly diagnosed children, young people, and their families. Young Epilepsy strives to develop easy-to-use, accessible, relevant, and evidence-based information to ensure no child or young person feels alone when they receive their diagnosis.  

Lexi is now 14 and continues to have frequent absence seizures, which affect her schooling and daily life. Sarah explains: ‘It often feels like we’re navigating this journey alone, which is why the support we’ve received from Young Epilepsy has been crucial. They’ve provided us with the resources, community, and understanding that we needed during some of the hardest times.’

For any family who’s just received an epilepsy diagnosis, my advice is to reach out for support. Find organisations like Young Epilepsy, connect with other families, and never stop advocating for your children.’ 

National charity, Young Epilepsy, is there to help support families receiving an epilepsy diagnosis and this Christmas, they are raising money to develop new, vital resources with information and support specifically designed for children and their families dealing with a new diagnosis of epilepsy. 

This vital support will help provide a lifeline of vital, relevant and timely support about epilepsy, diagnosis and living with the condition helping to support self-management and confidence and ultimately reducing the fear a diagnosis can bring. 

Thanks to the Young Epilepsy Big Give campaign, for this week only (3-10 December) every pound donated is worth DOUBLE! To double your donation visit Help for children newly diagnosed with epilepsy 

Young Epilepsy provides a host of information and advice for young people, families, clinicians and more on their website www.youngepilepsy.org.uk 

Efficient Household Management: How to Save Time and Money

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Effective household management, often referred to as housekeeping, is about more than just cleaning and organizing your home. It also involves ensuring that household finances are well-managed to save your family valuable time and money. Whether it’s budgeting for groceries or reducing energy consumption, efficient household management allows you to successfully manage your family’s resources to meet your daily needs. 

Ensuring proper maintenance to avoid costly repairs, negotiating insurance costs, or shopping prudently, household management requires strategy, planning, and discipline. Here are some helpful tips on how to manage your household efficiently to save time and money.

Establish a Budget 

Setting up a household budget is the cornerstone of efficient household management, and it can do wonders for saving both time and money in the long run. A well-planned budget gives you a clear picture of where your money is going, allowing you to make informed decisions about expenditures. 

For instance, opting for a higher mileage, affordable car could lead to savings not only in terms of fuel efficiency but also in terms of insurance costs. Many families have saved a substantial amount of money by choosing Toyota insurance for their vehicles due to its reasonable rates. It is important to note that every dollar saved through wise decision-making can add up to significant annual savings.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Energy-saving practices are not only beneficial to the environment but also result in significant reduction in household expenses. By implementing measures such as using energy-efficient appliances, reducing water consumption, using LED lights, and insulating your home, you can save a substantial amount of money over time. Turning off unused electrical appliances, utilizing natural light during the day, and maintaining an energy-conscious mindset can also greatly contribute to reduced energy bills. 

Plan and Cook Meals at Home 

Eating out frequently or getting takeout can quickly add to your expenditures. A more cost-effective solution is planning and cooking meals at home. Meal planning allows you to use your grocery shopping time more efficiently and prevents wastage of food. Additionally, home-cooked meals are usually healthier and more nutritious compared to fast foods. When possible, buying groceries in bulk could deliver significant savings.

Embrace DIY and Maintenance

Adopting a do-it-yourself attitude toward home repairs and maintenance can save you a lot of money usually paid to professionals for minor repairs. Moreover, regular home maintenance can prevent future headaches and expensive repairs. For example, regularly servicing your car, checking for leaks, maintaining your home appliances, and cleaning your home regularly can extend the life of these items, saving you both time and money. 

Automate Bill Payments 

Automating your bills reduces the risk of late payments and the exorbitant fees that come with them. Most banks offer free online bill pay services. You can set up automatic withdrawals to cover your mortgage, utilities, car payments, and other regular expenses. This not only guarantees timely payments but it also saves you the time and effort of keeping track and writing out checks.

Negotiate

Never shy away from negotiating prices or contracts. This includes everything from your cable bill to your gym membership. Large corporations have some flexibility in their pricing structures and would rather give a discount than lose a customer. It’s definitely worth a call to ask if any discounts or promotions are available. 

In conclusion, efficient household management entails a well-planned budget, energy-saving practices, meal planning, DIY maintenance, automated bill payments, and the ability to negotiate. By applying these principles you can save a lot of time, while also preserving your family’s financial health. Essentially, managing a home effectively is similar to running a business, requiring both strategic planning and the discipline to follow through.

Major new book – Weight Loss for Life, from Johns Hopkins University

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I have had three children and my weight has fluctuated after every one of them. My third is almost one and now I want to lose the weight so I was interested in reading this book. I am glad I did. It is a comprehensive and non-judgemental plan backed by the latest, and best, science. I found it easy to read and follow. I highly recommend it.

Major new book – Weight Loss for Life, from Johns Hopkins University’s Healthful Eating, Activity & Weight Programme

Weight Loss for Life

The Proven Plan for Success

By Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD, And Kimberly A. Gudzune, MD, MPH

This is not a fad diet book. This is the most comprehensive, scientifically based-programme to lose weight and keep it off, with practical details about diet and nutrition, movement and motivation, medications, supplements, surgery, and more.

In Weight Loss for Life, two experts from the Johns Hopkins Healthful Eating, Activity & Weight Programme provide you with all of the information you need on your weight lossjourney. They bring together leading experts in behavioural health, nutrition, exercise, and nursing to help you develop a plan that works best for you—and one that’s not just focused on just restricting calories or certain foods. Anyone struggling with unwanted weight gain or obesity will find this programme to be helpful, compassionate, and clear.

A central feature of the programme is a Personal Plan of Action to help you set up reachable goals, plan your meals, and make time for movement. All the recommendations are customisable based on your personal health and needs. You’ll find interactive features too, with surveys throughout asking you to reflect on your own eating habits as well as barriers to success. And unlike other books Weight Loss for Life covers it all: supplements, prescription medications, med spas, and surgical options. If you struggle, it can help you get back on track. Throughout, testimonials from others who have followed the programme along with hundreds of photographs and drawings will help educate and keep you motivated along your weight loss journey.

Weight Loss for Life is the guide to the science and art of achieving and maintaining a healthful weight.

“This evidence-based, easy-to-understand approach to weight loss provides readers with the appropriate tools they need to be successful long term in reaching their own individualized goals. More comprehensive than other weight loss books on the market, this book is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to lose weight safely and effectively.” – Virginia Quick, PhD, RDN, Rutgers University

Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD, is Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Professor and Chair of Nutrition and Food Studies at George Mason University. Kimberly Anne Gudzune, MD, MPH, is Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where she is the director of Johns Hopkins Healthful Eating, Activity & WeightProgramme.

Hardback, 400 pages, 131 colour photos, 10 colour illus., 9781421441948, £22.00

https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12203/weight-loss-life

 

Soothe the symptoms of teething with Ashton & Parsons

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Teething can be a particularly trying time for both babies and parents. Most babies will begin teething around 6 months, however every child is different and teething symptoms can vary considerably.

The good news is that parents can do something to help ease the discomfort of teething, as well as teething rings, toys and homemade remedies such as breastmilk lollies, there is also a gentle, natural remedy that has been trusted by generations of parents for over 150 years! The remedy is Ashton & Parsons Teething Powders (£7,00, 30 sachets, Boots) a UK-made, multi-award winning, traditional herbal remedy, containing tincture of Matricaria (a flowering plant related to Chamomile), used for the symptomatic relief of teething pain and the symptoms associated with teething.
teething

Ashton & Parsons have also launched a local anaesthetic-free Teething Gel (£5.00, Boots), with a specially designed soft brush applicator to help gently massage the gel onto baby’s gums. There it quickly forms a barrier to help relieve baby’s teething pain, help reduce discomfort and help lessen pain.
teething, baby

Both treatments are simple to use and apply and are easily portable, so whether you’re at home, out at the shops, or taking your baby on a playdate, you can keep these trusted remedies close at hand all the time, so you’re covered for whenever and wherever teething pain strikes.

World’s First Breath Test Fertility Tracker Launches To Increase UK Pregnancy Rates

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New breath tests will be launching today, that can help to increase pregnancy rates with the world’s first fertility tracker breathe ilo, that uses breath analysis (CO2) to identify ovulation patterns.

fertility, infertility, baby, fertility tracking, breathe, ovulation, get pregnant, help,

With a study revealing that only 12.7% of women correctly estimate their ovulation day¹, breathe ilo is the easiest and most comfortable way to naturally track cycles with a small handheld device that is synced to an app. The technology reads the breath’s CO2 saturation to determine where a woman is in her cycle with incredible accuracy. The device uses real-time ovulation and historic symptom data to offer women precise day-to-day insights into their fertility forecast.

 

The new technology signals a shift so women no longer need to track their cycles by urinating on a stick or by measuring their temperature early in the morning. The innovative device works by simply breathing and displays the results in just 60 seconds, with no consumables or maintenance needed. Through consistent daily use, the breath analysis tracker empowers women to understand their body and cycle phases better.

 

The breathe ilo app, which is compatible with iOS and Android, features a calendar that displays a clear overview of fertile days and a cycle diary to learn more about individual cycle patterns. breathe ilo’s cycle diary also offers the possibility to document further cycle symptoms like breast tenderness, PMS, cervical mucus, or headaches to help prepare women for their next cycle.

 

Lisa Krapinger, breathe ilo’s spokesperson, says, “We believe that fertility and cycle tracking should not be a tiresome task. breathe ilo is designed to bring fertility tracking into the 21st century and the precise and uncomplicated nature of the device is the future of female health by using their breath.”

 

“Our mission is to not only make fertility tracking as easy as breathing, but we have a wider ambition to create a comfortable space where women can speak freely about trying to conceive and their menstrual cycles, along with all that is in between. With 640,370 women in England & Wales giving birth in 2019², we hope to make it easier and less stressful for those trying to conceive moving forward.”

Pia Haas’s story

 

After two years of trying for a baby, Pia Haas, 32, decided to take a chance on a new piece of tech to increase her likelihood of getting pregnant.

 

As part of a field study for the femtech start-up, Pia agreed to test out the device which claimed to be able to tell her when exactly it’s the right time to try conceive just by simply breathing. Three months later, Pia was stunned and delighted to find out that she was pregnant and became the first woman to give birth to a baby thanks to breathe ilo.

 

Pia, whose son Felix is now 10 months, says of her experience using the breathe ilo: “With breathe ilo my biggest wish came true. I think it is the easiest way of tracking your fertile days. It was less stress than peeing on sticks or measuring temperature. We are planning to use breathe ilo again in the near future to get a sibling for Felix.”

 

fertility, infertility, baby, fertility tracking, breathe, ovulation, get pregnant, help,

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Dr Horst Ruther’s story

 

  • Please can you share your own experience with trying to conceive and the difficulties you and your wife faced?

My wife and I’s wish to have a child was unsatisfied after more than 5 years of trying. The journey to parenthood was tough because it caused private pressure within our relationship as a couple, but over the years also external pressure from friends and family. The available methods to detect the most fertile days were not very user friendly or easy to use, and also quite unprecise. We even underwent some clinical treatment which only made us more frustrated and increased the pressure further. After several years,  Edith and I decided to go down the adoption route and were very grateful to be able to adopt our son Benjamin. To our surprise shortly after adopting Benjamin, Edith became pregnant and our son Bastian was born only 10 months after his brother Benjamin.

 

  • How did the idea behind breathe ilo manifest?

After having gone through a tough journey to become a father, I was super excited to learn about the research Prof. Wildt had done in the area of breath analysis to detect fertile days of women – particularly the great advantages of the method because it was much easier and more pleasant than any other method available. So I organised a meeting with Prof. Wildt and immediately knew that we were going to bring the innovation to the broad majority. While Prof. Wildt did show promising research results in the correlation of CO2 in breath and the female cycle with professional respiratory analysers at the clinic, he lacked the knowledge how to build an affordable respiratory analyser for women at home. But with my engineering background and 30 years’ experience leading successful development projects for blood gas analysers for diagnostic companies like Roche Diagnostics, we were able to collaborate to bring breathe ilo to life.

 

With the option to buy a device for £259.00 or rent for £29.90 a month, breathe ilo is available to purchase exclusively now at  www.breatheilo.com from September 16, 2020.

 

The Unknown Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

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Plants can certainly brighten up your living space, but did you know that they can help improve your health too? There are a multitude of different ways that indoor plants can benefit you, both physically and mentally.

Indoor plants can improve the air quality in your home by breaking down compounds from man-made fibres and absorbing nasty chemicals from the air, essentially acting like a natural air filter. They are also highly effective at balancing humidity levels in the home as plants are capable of harvesting moisture from the air and absorbing it.

Having balanced humidity levels is essential for good overall air quality but it also prevents the growth of mould and mildew which are particularly common in damp spaces like the bathroom.

Houseplants have also been proven to help alleviate stress, resulting in reducing blood pressure, fatigue and even headaches. This combined with their air purifying abilities means that houseplants can help with sleep, as they create a fresh and breathable space. Plus, they also look super stylish and can really brighten up your bedroom.

 

wilko’s guide to helpful houseplants, and how to look after them:

Cactus plants

Cacti help to remove carbon dioxide in the air by absorbing it and then supplying us with fresh oxygen to breathe. They are easy to care for as they require very little watering. Miniature cacti look great on a home office desk – perfect for those who like clean, contemporary living spaces.

Snake plants

Snake plants have a lot of character and resemble the skin of a reptile with long, dark green leaves with colourful yellow edges. They survive with little moisture – perfect for those who forget to give it a water! They’re usually quite large in size so would be perfect sat next to French doors or on a large table top.

Succulent plants

Succulents are the perfect companion for your home office and are very on-trend with lots of stylish options to choose from. As a rough guideline, water them every 7-14 days in the warmer months and every 3-4 weeks in winter. Make sure to let the soil dry thoroughly between watering and put them near the window for some time to get extra light.

Peace lily

If the name isn’t calming enough then the plant certainly will be. This plant purifies the air and doesn’t need a lot of light. It does however need adequate watering when the soil is dry so does require some attention but remember, too damp and it won’t flourish!

Fresh flowers

If leafy plants aren’t your thing, or you can’t get hold of any, a nice big bunch of fresh flowers in a stylish vase will do the trick. You can even look for pretty foliage and flowers from your own garden – wild flowers and lavender also produce a beautiful smell throughout the home, perfect for creating a calm, relaxed ambience.

Indoor herb garden

If you want to kill two birds with one stone, then an indoor herb garden is just the thing. Not only will the process of growing the herbs purify the air, but the end result should provide you with tasty herbs for dinner! Not to mention, growing your own herbs is a great hobby that can bring the family together. To create your own mini indoor herb garden, all you’ll need is some small plant pots, compost and seeds. Herbs thrive best when soil is moist, but not soggy. A great tip is to use separate pots for each type of herb – this means you can care for each plant individually and top up any that may need more water than others.

Peter Hardie, garden buyer at wilko, said: “Indoor plants and herb gardens are a great way to inject a touch of nature into the home, particularly as they have been proven to benefit our physical and mental health. Not only can we accessorise our homes with trendy plants and pots, we can also create a breathable and non-toxic environment in our homes, just by adding a few plants around the house.

“We recommend choosing pots and planters to suit your interior style, but bold colours and fun prints are really on-trend at the minute, and can be a great way to accentuate mantlepieces, balconies or windowsills.”

 

For more information on wilko’s garden and outdoor living range, please visit wilko.com.

 

 

Kickstart your inner author: How to write a novel by next new year

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By Tobsha Learner

Many of us dream of putting pen to paper and writing our first novel – so how can we make 2019 the year we actually do it? We asked bestselling historical novelist Tobsha Learner for her top tips…

  1. Study the masters: Before you begin writing, choose your favourite example of the genre you want to write and study it. Observe how the plot unwinds throughout the book. Make a graph noting how the subplots feed into the theme of the book and how they all build to the climax and conclusion. Look at how conflicts between characters and the obstacles they have to overcome creates tension. Note how specific characteristics make a protagonist believable… 
  2. Think about tenses and what they do psychologically to the reader before you begin writing: For example 1st person/present places them in the skin of your protagonist and moves them through the landscape right in the moment, the down side is that the description of other characters will always be through the protagonist’s eyes unless you jump tenses. Again look at your favourite books and note how the author is using tenses for different effects…
  3. Do your research – become a razor-sharp observer: For characterisation, interview and record for dialogue and specific characteristics (with permission of course). Get into the habit of eavesdropping and making notes, snippets of dialogue, psychological quirks etc. This will inspire and help build realistic and empathetic characters. For location, visit if possible, take photos, record sound, smell, and architecture. Everything to help create visceral landscape the reader can almost touch. If visiting a location is not possible, go on-line and collect images. On action/careers of characters – search out experts in that particular field and interview them. You’d be surprised how many will agree (with a promised thank you or reference at the back of the book). Just make sure you’re respectful and make it clear it’s for general atmosphere and not to use verbatim… 
  4. When you’re ready to start writing make your desk or writing place a sanctuary me-space. Make it somewhere you will end up yearning to sit and write at – define it with scented candles, fresh flowers, crystals…whatever triggers your creativity. Think about the colours and light around you that will help concentration – you don’t need a view, the view will be the world you’re creating on the page.
  5. Keep a notebook or recording device by your bed, office desk and in your handbag. Start collecting those amazing revelations or sentences that come to you first thing in the morning, in the middle of the night, a little drunk after a bad blind date…whenever it is, catch and immortalise that thought/phrase/idea. Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times, be prepared and get into the habit of collecting ideas, great phrases or snippets of dialogue you’ve overheard. You might not yet realise how you will use them in the future but a good part of writing is observation and you can do this anywhere.
  6. Be prepared to write many drafts: To over-write is better than under-writing. This allows you more choice as you hone down your narrative. Take time out between each draft to get a ‘clear eye’ on each re-write – this will give you more objectivity. I’m talking weeks not days. I call this fermentation time, and it’s important to resist the impulse to sit down and fix what you think is wrong with a draft immediately after finishing reading it… 

Tobsha Learner’s new historical thriller The Magick of Master Lilly is out now, published by Little, Brown Book Group, and priced at £8.99 in paperback and £7.99 in e-book. For more information visit tobsha.com