The Difference Is . . .

The way I see your child is fundamentally different than the approach of many others who work with children.   Some of those differences are:

I believe physical activity is vital for your child’s success.   Human beings are designed to move.  We’ve all read the headlines about the epidemic of terrible consequences when people don’t move appropriately and enough.  Infants organize their brain through crawling and this function propels them to the next level of development.  Current research is being published nearly every day making the connection between exercise and healthy brain function.

However, many schools, educational programs and families are slashing time youngsters spend moving.  Recess is disappearing.  P.E. is sometimes only once per week.  The “sit down and be quiet” form of education is sometimes beginning with children as young as three years old. Playtime at home is much more likely to involve a television, computer, or video than a ball, bike or trampoline

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I believe the brain-- through stimulation--can grow, improve function and regain “lost” function.  The brain is an amazing and resilient organ.  If it is stimulated with the proper frequency, intensity and duration---focusing on the appropriate areas of the brain---the brain can (and has in thousands of cases) develop alternate neural pathways and even generate new brain cells.  Function can be improved---and it is happening all over the world every day.

However, many medical and educational professionals consider brain injuries to be permanent and unchangeable.  Parents are sometimes given a prognosis beginning with “Your child will never . . .” or “He will always . . .”  “Your child will need to develop strategies in order to cope with his disability . . . “

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I believe parenting should be on purpose instead of by accident.  Children don’t come with an instruction manual.  But when mothers and fathers are given a roadmap for their child’s neurological development---and the functions/milestones that result from the development of the brain---parents can easily guide their child in going from point A to point B.  They can plot the course and will be armed with the tools necessary to keep their child’s development on track---and what to do if there is a detour.  

However, many of the current books, articles and “experts” on child development contradict each other.  Some of their recommendations have parents responding and reacting all day instead of guiding and stimulating development.  Even amongst those proactive methods, there is not information to help parents understand the central nervous system.

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I believe nutrition is a powerful and fundamental area of change to help a child’s neurological function.  Your digestive tract is often referred to as the second brain and is responsible for a large portion of your immune system and the manufacture of up to 50% of your neurotransmitters.  Setting a positive biochemical foundation for your child is of vital importance.

However, nutrition is often a source of confusion---and many of the places we look for guidance are adding to that confusion.  One need look no further than the USDA-approved school lunch program to see the culprit.  Menu items served in public schools look more like a fast food restaurant than a nourishing meal.  Busy schedules leave many families eating burgers/fries and processed foods night after night.  Family mealtime is often looked upon as a “thing of the past.”

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I respect the tremendous potential of young children.   Children can learn anything we offer to them in a respectful manner---and have a wonderful time playing the learning game.    We all know children learn faster than adults (just have a computer problem and watch your 5-year-old fix it), and there is no reason to limit their capacity.

But sometimes others don’t believe a young child can read—or even wants to.  Many established curricula wait until a child is 14 years old before they expose them to foreign languages. Sometimes when children struggle with reading, their opportunities to learn are limited when perhaps they need MORE information to succeed, not less.

Snapshots of Wellness