I've learned that it's not worth fighting about breakfast every morning, trying to get AJ to eat something. So, I make him pancakes every morning -- with bananas (or pumpkin) mixed in, and chocolate chips. Breakfast-time is much more calm now.
I've learned that he needs transition time for any change about to come up -- like a 5-minute warning that it will be time to put shoes on and go to the bathroom before we head out the door for school; like the 10-minute warning that TV time is about to be over; like the 10-minute warning time that it will be time to leave his playdate; etc. I've learned the hard way, that without that transition warning, he may end up having a tantrum or crying.
I've learned that I should not get angry with him when he wakes up 3-4 times during the night. He goes back to sleep in his own bed much easier if I remain calm and quiet and gently lead him back to bed. I've learned that the night he wakes up the most is Saturday night -- before school starts after the weekend. (Weekends in Abu Dhabi are Fridays and Saturdays.) I remember I was the same way back when I was in school. Anxiety creeps in.
I've learned that "heavy work" is good for him, especially in the evenings. Like -- I've learned that he loves to vacuum! The pushing and pulling of the vacuum really helps him -- he actually asks to do it!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Please Share Your Story to Help Others
Dear Parents,
As I've mentioned before, I have learned a lot from "non-experts" -- parents like you who have been through similar experiences as my family. We can all learn from each other. Please consider writing a short story describing your family's personal experience with your child's special need(s). What were YOUR child's symptoms and diagnoses? What struggles and frustrations, achievements, setbacks, solutions and hopes have you experienced with your child? Reading another's personal story may help someone to recognize their own child's symptoms and inspire them to find the best ways to help them. You might also be rewarded with answers that you never considered before by sharing your story.
To post on this blog, just click the "___ comments" link after one of my posts. We would all love to hear from you!
For our kids,
Karen
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Nighttime Routine
My husband and I have an established nighttime routine for our kids -- which works very well, some of the time. After dinner, which ends around 7 PM, our routine consists of: going upstairs, undressing for bath, using the toilet, washing hands, brushing teeth, flossing, taking bath/shower, putting on pajamas, picking out books to read, and getting into Mom and Dad's bed for reading time. For some reason, as soon as it is time to start these nightly rituals, AJ and JT "up" their hyper behavior. If Dad is working late, it goes up even more. It's like their minds are telling them -- "Hurry! Time is running out to run, bounce, scream, slam doors, chase the cat, turn lights out on Mom, sneak in a game on DS, hide TV remote, hide under Mom and Dad's bed, wrestle my brother! We've got to get it all done -- quickly!" We try to be patient and calm, but sometimes yelling does happen -- and it does not help!
I've been looking online for ideas on taming this behavior -- such as things we, as parents, can do to calm ourselves down and techniques to help calm our children. One suggestion I see over and over is behavior charts. As an adult with ADD, charting is something I have started and stopped often, only to feel guilty for once again not completing something. Well, I'm trying it again! From FreePrintableBehaviorCharts.com , I have printed out a sheet of "Things I Need to Work On!!" for each of my kids, with a Spider Man character at the top for good measure. I'm going to list 5 behaviors each of my kids needs to work on and give them a sticker for each day it is accomplished. At the end, they will get a reward -- such as dinner at their favorite restaurant, an afternoon of playing at the mall fun center of their choice, an ice cream cone, a new toy, etc. (still working on this list!).
In addition, I've created a list of our Bedtime Rules, which I will post in their bedroom and bathroom. I had a bright idea for this list. Since my kids are visual learners, I'm going to get out my camera and take a picture of each of them doing some of the things they need to do to prepare for bedtime. My hope is the act of being photographed doing what they're supposed to do will reinforce that behavior. Then, I'm going to print the list with these photos included. I'll let you know how it goes!
For our kids,
Karen
I've been looking online for ideas on taming this behavior -- such as things we, as parents, can do to calm ourselves down and techniques to help calm our children. One suggestion I see over and over is behavior charts. As an adult with ADD, charting is something I have started and stopped often, only to feel guilty for once again not completing something. Well, I'm trying it again! From FreePrintableBehaviorCharts.com , I have printed out a sheet of "Things I Need to Work On!!" for each of my kids, with a Spider Man character at the top for good measure. I'm going to list 5 behaviors each of my kids needs to work on and give them a sticker for each day it is accomplished. At the end, they will get a reward -- such as dinner at their favorite restaurant, an afternoon of playing at the mall fun center of their choice, an ice cream cone, a new toy, etc. (still working on this list!).
In addition, I've created a list of our Bedtime Rules, which I will post in their bedroom and bathroom. I had a bright idea for this list. Since my kids are visual learners, I'm going to get out my camera and take a picture of each of them doing some of the things they need to do to prepare for bedtime. My hope is the act of being photographed doing what they're supposed to do will reinforce that behavior. Then, I'm going to print the list with these photos included. I'll let you know how it goes!
For our kids,
Karen
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