Podcast Wisdom
EYES TO THE SKY A Family Guide to Birdwatching
The great outdoors is full of incredible wildlife and nature, just waiting for us to get out and explore. Whether you’re going to your local arboretum, a national park, or even your own backyard, you can always find something unique to look at. Sometimes, turning toward the sky will provide an amazing opportunity to see something special. We can find birds almost anywhere. If you’re looking for a new way to keep your kids entertained while educating them, looking for birds can be a great family bonding activity. Start by researching the birds in your area, both permanent residents and those migrating. You’ll likely see common birds in your backyard or around the neighborhood, but you may need to travel to a local park to see some of the more unique species.
At first, your kids may need some help finding different birds. Binoculars might be too difficult to use, so it’s up to you to point them in the right direction. Look out for nests, cracked seeds, and other signs indicating birds are nearby. You don’t have to use only your eyes when searching the skies and trees for birds; listen intently, too! Tracking birds through their calls will help alert you to the species you’re searching for and where to look. To keep your kids’ attention as you bird watch, you may need to make a game out of it. Create a scavenger hunt to find five birds in your hometown or the area you’re visiting. You can get specific with unique species or keep it broad by having them look for hawks, ducks, etc. Let your child take the lead, encouraging them to point out birds they see or hear instead of relying on you to tell them. You can even encourage your kids to mimic the different birdcalls they hear.
Birdwatching is a great way to get your kids outdoors exploring nature. It could even lead to a full-time passion or career in the future.
Caring for a loved one with dementia brings many challenges, including dealing with the aggressive or angry behavior that often marks the middle stages of the disease. A caregiver may find it hard not to take these outbursts personally. Understanding the triggers for challenging behavior and having coping strategies in mind can help in defusing these situations. Manage a Loved One’s Challenging Behavior Calm the Storm If the behavior marks an abrupt change from the person’s usual conduct, consider whether it reflects medical issues that need attention. A medication may be causing side effects or the person may be in pain from a treatable condition, such as a urinary tract infection. In other cases, they may be acting out because they are tired, hungry, thirsty, or overstimulated by noise or the presence of strangers. If the person’s behavior is endangering their own or others’ safety, always call 911. Make sure that knives, scissors, and other dangerous items are out of reach. Meanwhile, remember that they are not acting this way on purpose. If needed, step away for a moment if you are able to do so without jeopardizing anyone’s safety.
Try through your own behavior to create an atmosphere of calm. Ask yourself whether your instructions might be confusing the person or whether you are transmitting your own stress or irritability to them. Speak in a soothing voice and reassure the person that you are supporting them. Reducing distractions in the environment, such as loud music or clutter, may help them relax. Consider whether the person might be feeling lost or confused, and direct their attention to familiar landmarks or signs if possible. Shifting their focus to a different activity can be helpful. Try turning on the person’s favorite music or suggesting enjoyable exercise. Distract them by finding outlets for their energy, such as preparing a snack or completing a chore. In general, sticking to a routine, including a set pattern of bathing, dressing, and eating, and making the person’s environment as stable and understandable as possible, can help keep distressing behavioral outbursts to a minimum.
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