Comments on: People, Talk to Me

By: Where Is That Invisibility Cloak?

Where Is That Invisibility Cloak? — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:02:31 +0000

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

By: Julie @ The Surrendered Scribe

Julie @ The Surrendered Scribe — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:23:29 +0000

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?

By: Melody

Melody — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:35:41 +0000

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.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:03:07 +0000

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.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:56:36 +0000

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.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:41:05 +0000

Hey now… if “running wild” means he came through the surgery with flying colors – then I’m thrilled! Yay Wil!

By: Andi

Andi — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:35:01 +0000

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.

By: Melody

Melody — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:32:22 +0000

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

By: Jenny

Jenny — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:23:38 +0000

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!

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:22:12 +0000

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?