A–Z Glossary

Functional impairment

Functional impairment is when a behavior begins to interfere with school, meals, hygiene, relationships, sleep, or daily responsibilities.

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Common routine problems children

Common routine problems children

Recognizing child routine challenges Child routine challenges can occur at any age, although the form they take changes with development. Preschool children may protest transitions, insist on a particular sequence, or become overwhelmed when a preferred activity ends. School-age children may forget steps, lose materials, delay homework, or become emotionally dysregulated when asked to shift […]

Teaching responsible and balanced screen use

Teaching responsible and balanced screen use

Start With Health, Not Guilt Teaching responsible screen use works best when the starting point is health rather than blame. Children are drawn to screens because digital media is stimulating, social, rewarding, and often designed to hold attention. That does not make a child weak or a parent careless. It means families need a structured […]

Choosing and managing multiple devices children

Choosing and managing multiple devices children

Start with the child’s needs and readiness Before purchasing or permitting another device, identify the specific problem it is meant to solve. A laptop may support schoolwork, a tablet may provide access to communication or creative applications, and a phone may help with coordination when a child travels independently. A gaming console, by contrast, may […]

Myths about technology and gaming kids

Myths about technology and gaming kids

Myth 1: gaming is always harmful to children It is understandable to worry when a child becomes absorbed in a game. Games are designed to be engaging, rewarding, and socially sticky. Still, the claim that gaming is inherently harmful is too broad. Research reviews describe a mixed picture: some children experience problems related to excessive […]