Ear Infections in Children

Ear Infections are common in infants and children. In some cases, it can affect hearing and sometimes language development. 

         Two out of three children get at least one middle ear-infection (optitis media) by the age of 3. 1 out of 3 of these children will experience at least 3 infections. 50% of children have at least one ear infection by their first birthday. Unfortunately, the earlier the child gets their first one, the more susceptible they are to recurrent episodes. 

         Recurrent and middle ear fluid infections may experience mild to moderate hearing loss, which can affect the speech/hearing learning process. When fluid builds up in the ear, it can cause temporary hearing loss. 

         Children ages 2 to 4 have shorter, more horizontal eustachian tubes than adults that let bacteria and viruses find their way to the middle ear more easily. A common cold of flu can also lead to ear infections. 

Learn how to detect, treat, and prevent ear infections here!

7 Tips for Talking with Your Child

Most children who stutter benefit from taking time to speak at a rate that promotes fluency. Here are a few tips on how you can help your child's fluency when speaking to them. 

1. Reduce the Pace - Speak with your child in a unhurried way, pausing frequently.

2. Full Listening - Increase the times that you give your child your undivided attention.

3. Asking Questions - Try to resist asking one question after another. Sometimes it's best to just comment on what your child has said and wait. 

4. Turn Taking - Take turns listening and talking. Children find it much easier to speak when there are fewer interruptions.

5. Building Confidence  - Use descriptive praise to build confidence.

6. Special Times - Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day to give your child your undivided attention

7. Normal Rules Apply

9 Summer Learning Activities

Keep the learning going this summer with these fun activities! 

1. Visit a museum - Check out our previous blog here

2. Write in Journals

3. Language Games - Apples to Apples, etc.

4. Read, Read, Read

5. Gardening

6. Scavenger Hunts

7. Family Activity Day Planning - Have your kiddo plan a day out regarding all concepts (Time, Cost, Lunch, etc)

8. Visit the Zoo 

9. Colors Calendar - Click here for the free download