The Crood's family's motto is "Never Not Be Afraid."  When their cave is destroyed, they've got to set out for something new.  I think this is a great lesson for kids and can provide some great teaching moments after the movie.

If you'd like to win the tickets, leave two comments:

• One on this giveaway post
  
• And one comment that contributes to the conversation of a past post.  (Scroll down to find past posts or you can look through the blog categories).

We'll send the winner an email on Thursday (June 7th) at 8pm.  The winner will need to respond by 10pm Thursday evening to claim the tickets.  The tickets will be left in the winner's name at the box office.

Bottom Line: Unstuck is a great free app that can help you through frustrating moments when you are plagued by doubt, indecision, anxiety, distraction or lack of information.  The user interface is brilliant, easy to use and the graphics are fun and well done.  Excellent app.  A must download. CONTINUE READING

I get a lot of questions on how to keep kids from closing apps on an iPad or iPhone.  I made a photo tutorial last year for the iPhone and decided to try my hand at a video tutorial.  You can change settings on your iPad to use a feature called Guided Access, which allows you to shut off certain areas of the screen, lock the volume and home buttons, etc.  Super useful.  So, after several hours this afternoon, TA DA! My first video tutorial...

So, what'd you think?  Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.  Do you already use Guided Access?  There will be more videos to come soon, I think, reviewing my favorite apps.

I'm always looking for realistic parenting tips for families who have children with Autism, Asperger's, and ADHD.  I recently discovered a great series of short parenting videos from @AskDocG, Dr. Deborah Gilboa regularly posts tips on parenting.

I've already used this suggestion several times to teach children on the spectrum how to interrupt their parents politely.  I couldn't believe I had never thought of something this simple before, definitely worth watching.  Dr. G posts weekly with great tips for parents, you can find those on her YouTube Channel.

Now, that you've watched it... I recently tried this with a child that I know outside of the office, who is rather impatient.  I couldn't believe how quickly she picked it up and didn't interrupt once the rest of the afternoon.  I was shocked.  Try it out, I would love to hear how it works out for your kiddo.

A child like Piglet may or may not have ADHD.  Piglet does has trouble shifting attention, but also has excessive worry, is hypervigilant, and easily startled. These are signs of Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder, which can co-occur with ADHD.

Help Piglets by following their lead and letting them set the pace.  Encourage new opportunities for social interaction and praise small successes.

Eeyore is a sad fellow who has little energy, chronic low-grade depression, and feelings of hopelessness. These can be signs of childhood depression, difficulties at school or trouble adjusting to changes in family life, such as moving, divorce, etc.

Help Eeyores by asking them to talk about problems in bite-sized chunks.  Let them act out the struggles in play, be involved in what is going on at school and with their friends.

There is strength in knowledge and awareness. By realizing there are many different kinds of ADHD, and by identifying and understanding different symptoms, you can help your child live a fuller, happier life! 

Check out other posts for more tips for hyperactive children with ADHD. As a parent of a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD and exhibits anxiety, hyperactivity or inattention, you are not alone!  Reach out to other parents who know what you're going through.  Seek the help of a supportive and understanding counselor who can help you and your child develop practical strategies that build on his strengths, instead of focusing on his deficits.  

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments. Please tell us about your experiences with ADHD, and do not hesitate to share a story of your own! (P.S.  We showed you a picture of Roo and Kanga in the picture collage at the top... Roo doesn't have ADHD, :) he's just a fun kiddo.)