Advokids Sheza Q

Each child grieves differently, and there is no right or wrong way or length of time to grieve.

Grief can be loud, quiet, public, private and everything in between. It is important to listen and take cues from the child, rather than assume you know what that child needs.

In this episode, we'll explore the various ways in which children express their grief, the common reactions they may exhibit, and how parents and other family members can best support them through this challenging time.

Imagine a world where your body and voice seem to have a mind of their own. Every movement, every sound, like a song that keeps changing unexpectedly. This is what it's like for people with Tourette syndrome.

Tourette syndrome is a complicated brain condition. People with Tourette syndrome often have body movements and sounds they can't control. These movements and sounds are called tics. Many people think this condition only involves saying bad words or doing strange things, but that's not true. This condition covers a wide range of different tics, like movements and sounds, and each person's Tourette syndrome is different.

Selective mutism is a condition in which a child is unable to speak in certain situations, despite being fully capable of speech in others.

According to DSM-5, selective mutism is often accompanied by social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, phobias, and situational oppositional behaviors are also common. For example, a child may be unable to speak at school and can communicate without difficulty at home. It’s called selective mutism because a child is only mute in select situations.

Imagine being a child entering a classroom full of children, feeling the urge to speak but unable to utter a single word. Or imagine a grown-up at work who really wants to join in the talk but feels paralyzed by the inability to speak up. This is the reality for individuals with Selective mutism.

Being a parent means making mistakes, facing challenges, and growing along the way. We're not perfect, and we learn while raising our children. Sometimes, we worry that our mistakes might harm our relationship with them. But in the midst of all the ups and downs, there's hope, there's a chance to make things right and strengthen our bond with our children.

Tonight, we explore everyday adventures of children through the lens of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). I cannot even begin to emphasize how important it is for parents and schools to understand the need for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in a child's life. It is not just an educational buzzword; it's a fundamental aspect of a child's development that impacts their overall well-being and success.

In this episode, we explore the family environment, school, playground, and digital world to discuss how SEL shapes children's lives. From morning routines and family relationships to classroom collaborations and after-school activities, we'll explore how SEL empowers children to get through challenges, build connections, and thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

Recently, I had the privilege of working closely with an 8-year-old who was bravely facing alopecia. Despite her tender age, she displayed a remarkable amount of resilience and grace, far beyond her years. Her experience with alopecia wasn't just about losing hair; it revealed the incredible strength and courage that children possess when they go through such challenges.

There were moments, where I realized the profound impact of empathy and understanding in nurturing resilience. It's a reminder that behind every struggle lies an opportunity for growth.

In this episode, I've discussed some important points for parents on raising a child with alopecia, along with coping strategies to help their child deal with this condition.