Friday, October 7, 2016

Building better behavior--- social, & emotional skills

Now that my daughter is 4, I'm really starting to see the personality differences between her and my son. Likewise, my son's behaviors have changed since his sister was born. Little things that have escalated over the years, and I'm sure we never noticed because of the gradual change. Lately, it seems, these bahviors have come to a rolling boil. Maybe it's because of his age, but it could also be because he's competing with a new an opposing personality in the house.

Before his sister came along, Andrew was quiet, well behaved, and relatively obedient. Sure, we had our tantrums, and the occasional outburst, but he was a really good kid. He still is a good kid... but he has started to challenge us quite a bit. Listening and obeying are a challenge now. His school work has really begun to suffer, and his recognition of us as the adults if often questionable.

When Madison was born, Andrew was excited to have a sibling. He loved to hold her, and helped every chance he got. As she began to grow, he enjoyed playing with her, and teaching her. He really was a proud big brother! Then, Madison turned 3. She hit the terrible twos a little late, and it seems, they stuck around for a very long time. Madison began to develop her own personality. By the time she turned 4, she had become a strong willed, feisty little girl--- A very independent and outspoken girl.

Unfortunately, the terrible three's, and Madison's new found persona, didn't mesh well with Andrew. He became quite irritable, and started to act out. Again, this could be his age, he's 12 and starting to develop himself... However, I think his little sister plays a big part in his obstinance.

My husband and I have been actively working to improve both our childrens' behavior, in home and at school. Madison can be a real terror at home, but is an absolute angel at school. Andrew is defiant at home, as well as at school. We've tried reasoning with them, reward systems, and also punishments. Nothing seems to work. Although, Madison does seem to do better with a reward system. None of the above seem to have an effect on Andrew.

The only things that we've found that have an impact on both children's behavior, are EQtainment products. EQtainment is a Parents’ Choice Recommended Award winning company that makes games, books, apps, and a show that are geared specifically toward improving children's emotional intelligence, social skills, and behavior.

EQtainment


"EQtainment’s products help kids develop self-awareness, manners, problem solving, empathy, responsibility, grit and more."



Q's Race to the Top
If your child likes to play games, this is a great product to invest in. It's an interactive boardgame, that allows kids to explore feelings, communication, manners, social skills, creative thinking, balance, and coordination --- All while helping Q the monkey race to the top of his tree house! This board game is designed for children ages 3 and up, and is packed full of fun activities and questions that help the kids "race to the top".

We invited some friends over to play Q's Race to the Top. The kids loved it! The questions and activities were a lot of fun, and everyone had a really good time racing to the top. Plus, the kids behaved remarkably well while playing!



The boardgame includes:
  • 150 fun question and action cards 
  • The first storybook, Q’s Wild Ride 
  • 4 colorful Q The Monkey figurines 
  • 1 big green dice 
  • Gameboard featuring the tree house Q built!


Q's Race to the Top
On-The-Go Pack

This on-the-go pack is similar to the boardgame, minus the pieces and game board. It's a travel pack that includes 3 sets of cards (90 cards total, each containing fun questions or actions. The cards come in a convenient carrying tin, and are perfect for travel, road trips, etc. This is a fun way for kids to practice their reading and listening skills, while still promoting positive social & behavioral skills.

Madison and I enjoy playing this while we are out and about running errands. Usually I read the cards, and she responds. Sometimes both kids are in the car, and Andrew plays along. It's a great way to pass the time in the car, and keeps the kids engaged --- and learning!

Q Time Buddy
If your little one needs to work on developing their focus and attention, this is the perfect product! The Q Time Buddy is a super soft plush monkey, with a weighted bottom. The purpose for the Q Time Buddy, is to allow your child to relax. By laying on their back, and resting Q on their tummy, children can be calm and control their emotions. Breathing deep & slowly, they can focus on Q as he rises and falls with their breaths. It's calming, comforting, and a great way to settle restless preschoolers!

The Q Time Buddy has proven to be wildly successful with my rambunctious 4 year old!!! When she's throwing a tantrum, or on one of her tirades, I settle her down with Q. The deep breathing calms her, and Q focuses her. After a few minutes, she's like a whole different child! 

Q's Coloring Book
This isn't your ordinary coloring book. It's pages feature different social environments, situations, and activities that really make your child think! 

Madison and I like to discuss the different scenarios, and what we would do if we were Q the monkey. It's a great way to get kids thinking about actions and behaviors--- while they enjoy coloring the pages.


Q Wunder App
This app is amazing!
When you first run the app, you're asked to fill out a quick multiple choice quiz. The purpose for the quiz is to assess your child's social and emotional skills. After finishing the quiz, the app determines what actives would be best to improve these skills. EQtainment is the first company to develop a measurement tool like this, and it's absolutely brilliant!

The app features a Kids Zone, Parents Corner, and Progress Report--- You can choose to let you child enter the Kids Zone to explore and play, or check out the Parents Corner where you can watch helpful parenting videos. The Progress Report tracks your child's progress, and shows you how far they've come since starting the app. There's also an option to retake the quiz, or shop at the EQtainment site. 

If you have multiple children accessing the app, that's fine! You can add each child individually, and they will have their own profile tailored to their needs. When accessing the Children's Zone, just select the which child is using the app, and it will automatically adjust & track for that child. 

You can download and install the app directly through iTunes or Google Play stores on your phone or tablet by searching for "Q Wunder" or "EQtainment". The app does require a subscription to play. Subscriptions are $7.99 per month, and can be cancelled at any time. Plus, EQtainment offers a free 30 day trial subscription--- You can check the app out before paying the monthly subscription fee.

Want to see more?
Check out this video tour.



As you can see, EQtainment offers so many exciting products that kids not only love, but learn from. My children have grown so much, both socially & emotionally, from our experience using the Q Wunder app and games. Thsee methods are a game changer, and I highly recommend them to anyone who is seeking to make a positive impact on their children’s behavior. 

Throw out the sticker charts, and check out all that EQtainment has to offer!






Products received complimentary, for testing & review purposes.

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