July 29, 2008
Try This Tuesday #2: Getting a Response
Thank you so much to everyone who left comments and posted their tips on our first Try This Tuesday last week. There were so many great ideas to learn from; I especially liked the idea from Carol Russell about having her son sing songs to measure his timeout – we will definitely be trying this one at our house!
I want to encourage everyone to join in and post your own ideas to try, even if it seems simple or obvious to you. Sometimes the smallest thing can make a big difference for somebody who is in the middle of a challenging situation. For details on how it works, click here.
So what do you do when your child doesn't answer you?
One of the more frustrating aspects of daily life with my son is having to repeat myself. A lot. Things like maintaining a conversation, answering a question, or even responding to his name can be like pulling teeth with him.
I've tried lots of different approaches with varying degrees of success—raising my voice, lowering my voice, singing instead of speaking, even tickling him—but one technique that consistently seems to work is speaking through a puppet or stuffed animal.
Although I don't know all the reasons why a plush dog or rooster puppet is easier to respond to than mom, I am happy to use whatever is most effective to encourage communication.
This trick has also come in handy when he is reluctant to follow directions or transition to a new activity. Whereas with me, he will tend to argue or whine (or fall apart completely!), he can more calmly discuss his feelings with an inanimate stand-in. Usually this leads to a quicker and less painful resolution for all involved.
So, the next time you are getting frustrated by a lack of response to your communication, consider picking up the nearest stuffed animal and giving it a try!
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Filed under Day In And Day Out, Tips and Tricks, Try This Tuesday by Trish
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11 Comments on Try This Tuesday #2: Getting a Response »
#1 - lonestar818 @ 3:00 am
I love that idea!! I'm going to have to try that with LB. With CB and BH, one thing I used to do was say the names of characters they liked to get their attention. I could talk to them all day and they'd ignore me, but if I said "Thomas," or "Spongebob" they'd stop and look at me.
#2 - Melody @ 3:53 am
Trish, after I wrote my TTT, posted it and came here…I realize it is an off-key of your method. Really, I cannot carry a tune. Puppets would be a better choice.
I am loving TTT. Thanks.
#3 - Julie @ 7:10 am
Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
#4 - Trish @ 8:18 am
lonestar818 - yes, both Thomas and SpongeBob carry a lot of weight around here as well!
Melody - maybe the puppets could sing and dance.
Thanks, Julie, I'd love to hear about something that helps with your little guy in some way!
#5 - kari @ 8:41 am
This is an idea. When Tristan has OT or ST over he rarely cooperates with them and evaluating his development is difficult for them. They always have to take my word on what he can and cannot do. Next time they come over I am going to try the puppet approach. I'll let you know how it goes. Won't be until September though because we don't do therapy in July and August.
#6 - Jenny @ 10:29 am
That's a great idea! I have noticed that whenever I pretend a stuffed animal is doing a task, the kids think it is HILARIOUS! I should definitely incorporate puppets!
#7 - Jennifer, Snapshot @ 1:56 pm
I'm going to try that with my 4 year old!
What's worse is that he says "What?" all the time, and then doesn't listen when I repeat myself (his hearing is fine–I actually wondered, but it was just checked 2 months ago at his annual exam).
#8 - Terri @ 5:26 pm
I love this feature.
#9 - Stacey @ 6:08 pm
Last summer in desperation–I had my kids help me to make a doll from yarn– we took the yarn and twisted it and braided it — into a funny looking "doll" the kids had each helped with a part of it– thye even gave it a name– Sally Doll– Once in a while I pull that doll out and use it… it really is amazing how well Sally Doll can get the kids moving ! (I wish I could super glue her to my hand!)So, that she is always with me…
#10 - Trish @ 6:11 pm
Kari - I hope it helps; it is frustrating when you are seeing different things in and out of therapy.
Jenny & Jennifer - Isn't it amazing how we all become entertainers when we have children?
Terri - I'm so glad. I love it when we can help each other gain another perspective or find another solution to a problem.
#11 - Annette @ 6:42 pm
What a great idea!