People, Talk to Me

First, let me say that I hate being first–

Okay, now that I have that out of the way–

I would like to know, How/or~ Is there?
~ a good way to converse with a child that is homeschooled–
is it nicer/better to ask their age or what grade they are in?
I remember when I was a kid and family would always ask, "Well, how is school?"
{I thought it was an annoying question even then– but still}

Hey Melody,
Let me preface this with 'I know you're not a Dr or nutritionist'. Ok, with some of the issues your children have faced/are facing, have you tried a gluten free diet? If so, has it helped? I've just heard a lot about GF eating and it's affects on different aspects of autism. If not, then let me think of another question…I'll get back with ya.
Thanks.
p.s. if I stated anything in a non-educated/non-pc way, please feel free to let me know. It's never my intention

I want to know how you teach kids the difference between soft and hard touches, inside vs outside voices, those things that are so hard to teach to "typical" kids. My son smacks people across the face…IF you tell him gentle touches, he touches you on the forehead ONLY…like that is the only place gentle touches apply. Then he goes right back to smacking you across the face. How do you teach these things withou losing your cool and resulting to smacking his hand…which only shows him that you hit too.

Maybe this goes way back for you… but my toddler is becoming… well, a TODDLER. Including random acts of disobedience in public places. Any tricks for dealing with the meltdowns while deflecting the "she must be a really bad mom" glares from others?

Ummmmm…….I need thinking time….parenting special needs children……how to maintain sanity and sense of humour! Any tips gratefully received.
Cheers

How do I introduce/explain my son's disability to the people he will interact with? (ie sunday school teachers, babysitters, friends, etc) He looks typical, and for the most part so far acts typical, so when I try to equip other caretakers to be ready for whatever he may give that day, they look at me like I'm either a) crazy, b) supremely overprotective or c) completely distrustful of their caretaking skill and judgement. He can hold it together well for long periods of time, but when he goes (on a meltdown) he has even me stumped. Others aren't always prepare for this.

Big question. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

As a parent, what qualities do you want to see in the professionals who work with you and your children? What qualities do you NOT want to see?

Oh, Melody, I love reading anything you write!

As far as what I'd like to hear more about from you, I'm going to echo a couple of the above commenters: any tips on discipline and Bobbie-Jo's question of how do you explain your children's issues to others when your children look like typical kids?

Another question for you: how did you get started with photography and what tips do you have for getting good pictures? I have the hardest time getting pictures of my kids. They see the camera and run the other way.

I'm sure I'll think of other questions, so I reserve the right to come back and leave another comment here!

Thank you all.

You are giving me exactly what I want…input into what challenges YOU are facing, situations and issues YOU want help in handling. And I will also gladly answer photography questions :).

Keeping in mind I am not an expert on any issue, but, hopefully, something I share will give you new insight for solutions. That's what each contributor here at 5M4SN hopes.

Keep 'em coming…please.

Right now can any of you tell me now to keep a boy who just had surgery calm and quiet per doctors orders…although said boy feels like running wild? geez

I too love reading anything you write….but I am wondering one certain thing pertaining to special needs children. I am not the mother of a special needs child, but I am the teacher of MANY special needs children in a public middle school. I work very closely with a collabaorative teacher who specializes in the areas of need of these students. But, there is one amazingly sweet girl who is in a wheel chair… I am ashamed to say that I sometimes feel uncomfortable because I do not know if I act differently towards her….she is an absolute joy to have in class- a bit shy, but so polite…the other kids have really taken to her too. I just want to be sure that I am sensitive to her needs and wishes. So, do you have any advice for things I should remember, things I should or should not say or do? I just want to make her comfortable and at home in my room. I could always ask her, but then would that be awkward? Thanks for any help that is offered! Hope all is well at the hospital.

Hey now… if "running wild" means he came through the surgery with flying colors - then I'm thrilled! Yay Wil!

Rachel: I once attended a parenting seminar where the speaker had these plastic yellow triangular signs… they said "Caution: Tantrum in Progress". He said slap one of those down next to the child and walk away. My husband & I thought it was hilarious.
You have to love those 'bad parent' stares you get when a kid acts up. Of course, those are people who've never had kids.

As far as questions, I will just echo what two other moms have said… How do we answer the questions, how to explain it, and how much do we explain, when people ask about our son? My son is 8 and suffers the effects of fetal valproate exposure, with developmental delays, sensory processing problems, speech/language delays, social, boundaries, attention, etc. issues. How much do you tell? He looks relatively normal (strabismus surgery helped that) but his behavior is immature and sometimes very different from his agemates.

Thanks! I will be pulling from questions to write for the next several Tuesdays.

Keep the questions coming…I will be checking back…regarding what you want/need input on, it's never too late to comment.

Our special need situations come in seasons as opposed to the everyday. When we are in "active" mode, I feel the need to explain what is going on, yet my husband thinks it is no one's business. Yet complete strangers have stopped me to offer their two cents on her health, and I actually take time to explain. Do you preface meeting people by explaining, do it as it comes up, or let them look like they are the ones with a problem, not the special needs family?

[...] on my post of last week, many of you asked my thoughts on dealing with behavior issues, meltdowns in the [...]