Food that can help with constipation

Ain't there days where you just don't have appetite or don't know what you want to eat? That's an everyday thing for my son. He is picky and his food preferences changes all the time.

This month he could enjoy having cornflakes for breakfast next month it's weetbix the following week it's porridge and it's frustrating sometimes but I've found a way to accommodate him and his preferences.

I buy different cereal and make him choose what he wants to eat. Choice making is an effective communication strategy that encourages a child to participate in and interact with the environment. 

Not all of us have the luxury of buying different cereal for our children. You can use what you have like porridge, let them choose if they want margarine, milk or peanut butter in their porridge.

My son suffers from constipation, so I give him food that is high in fiber. I usually give him Future life 2 or 3 times a week. I can't give it to him everyday because he gets diarrhea, then I'd have to give him an anti-diarrhea medication and he would be constipated again.

Chia seeds are also high in fiber and you can find them at clicks. You soak them in water and you get a gel like texture. I usually add them to his porridge or yoghurt. His dietician suggested that I also try to give him oat bran. There's also medication, lacson, if your child doesn't like the texture of the other food.  

All this food that is high in fiber is good for everyone, I also eat the chia seeds when I'm constipated and take soflax tablets.

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Playtime made educational and therapeutic!

Autistic children are hyperactive in nature and they don't react well with routine changes. With the lockdown currently going on, children may be restless so you might have to find ways to keep them busy.

My son is 6 years old and he is picky, so it's important to find things he likes and make them fun so that he doesn't get bored. 

The environment is also important, it must be childproof and peaceful. A calm environment will help decrease any anxiety. Most children with autism are hypersensitive to loud noise, bright lights, smell, movement, taste and touch. Try to reduce environmental stimulation of these triggers by limiting activities when your child is around or awake.

This is also a great time to teach them social skills, play skills and problem solving skills. Practise play skills with your child by using toys to act out a scene. 

Some children may like movement games like hide and seek, hop-scotch and tag. Movement games also help develop their motor skills.

Motor skills are movements and actions of the muscles.

Playing games together helps your child practise turn-taking and following rules. Encouraging your child to take turns and follow rules will help him learn how to play  and interact with others. Praising him for his behaviour also helps.
Teach your child to identify emotions in themselves and in others. You can do this by having visuals showing different emotions and you and your child can act out these emotions. Be patient,  if they don't want to do something do not force them.
Your play time doesn't have to always be educational and therapeutic. You can always enjoy playing with your kid and bonding with them.

check out Nontando Mhlongo's blog for more tips on things to do during the lockdown

Do you have other strategies on how to teach children social skills? Please leave a comment.

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How will you know your child is autistic?

Image: Google 

Autism is a developmental disorder that can cause communication and behavioral challenges. Autism symptoms for boys may be different from girls. 

Here are common signs you can look at:

 • Repetitive behavior- this is when your child likes doing the same thing. Like banging their head on the wall, rocking back and forth, Lining up toys and repeating noise or words.

• Sensitive to noise, smells and touch- cover their ears when in a noisy place, or smell things before eating them.

• Delayed speech- it is common, but a child could be able to speak well and be autistic.

• Playing alone-  They don't interact or play with other kids. They usually watch others play.

• Lack of awareness of danger.

• No direct eye contact- They don't react when their name is being called. They don't smile back when being smiled at.

• Doesn't show affection- they don't like hugs and cuddles.

• Have strange attachment to objects.

• Hyperactive and sleeping problems. They don't sleep, they can play the whole day and go to bed around midnight and be the first ones to wake up in the morning.

You can never be sure your child is autistic until you take them to your GP or to a paediatrician. If your child is at school you can talk to their teacher for advice and where you can get the right support. 

Please leave a comment if you have suggestions of any content you would like to see on this blog.

image: Google 

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