This week’s quick tip is about having parent/child dates. In this day and age, everyone’s life is busy, so it’s very difficult to set aside extra time for another activity. However, parent/child dates can be a very valuable activity for families with a child with special needs. This does not always require that you get a babysitter, or use respite care. Sometimes it’s possible for the mother and father to split the children between them and go separate ways for the evening. This different dynamic allows opportunities for conversation that may not occur in other ways, and helps children feel special and cared for. One-on-one dates are a special treat when possible. Tell us about your thoughts on parent/child dates.

This week’s quick tip is about voice tone. Many children with special needs are especially sensitive to voice tone. In your house this week, experiment with using an especially pleasant, but not sarcastic tone, and see how your child responds. Let us know what you find out!

This week’s quick tip is about sensory breaks. Many children with disabilities have sensory processing challenges. Often, sensory breaks can help them stay in control and calm. Here are some suggestions for the classroom from Sensory Processing Disorder (n.d.):

Physical Accommodations

1. Use carpet squares for each child when sitting on the floor to keep them in their own space.

2. Adjust chairs, desks, tables so children sit with feet flat on the floor and hips bent at a 90 degree angle.

3. If a child is easily distracted, make sure his seat is away from doorways or windows

4. Use alternative seating equipment; sit on therapy balls, t-stools, disco-sit, bean bag chairs, or positioning wedges

5. Allow children to work in a variety of positions; laying flat on the floor propped on elbows, standing at a table or easel, or lying on side and using a clipboard to write on

6. Use a soft, plush rug in play areas to help muffle noise.

7. If possible, have a rocking chair or glider rocker inside the classroom, and/or a hammock or swing chair outside the classroom where a child can go to relax.

8. Allow children to use sleeping bags or weighted blankets in a quiet reading corner.

9. Use a small tent or play hut with soft pillows and/or bean bag chair for a child to go to if over aroused. (para 12)

Sensory Processing Disorder. (n.d.). Problem behavior in the classroom: dealing with children and sensory processing disorders at school. Retrieved from http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/problem-behavior-in-the-classroom.html

The quick tip for this week is on finding community support. A good place to start is by showing an interest in the places you already attend with your child. Physicians and special education teachers can often offer advice about programs in your area. Another great resource is the internet. While it may be difficult to find local resources online, you can often find online groups that don’t meet in person. Share with us ways you have found community support.

I was hoping we could open up some dialog! I don't mind if it's off topic for the week, if you have questions to put out there, or if you know of a great resource to share, let us know! In case some of you are new to blogging, there should be a link at the bottom of the post that says "post a comment" or something similar. If you click on this, you should be able to write a comment. You don't have to "follow" to do this, it should allow you to comment anonymously. If there are any technical glitches, or if you need additional help, feel free to email me at leebrjenifer@msn.com

This week’s quick tip is about night terrors. Familydoctor.org (2010) suggests talking softly to your child during night terrors, and to avoid shouting or shaking them. Sometimes holding them in your arms will help calm them until they stop dreaming. Familydoctor.org (2010) states, “Night terrors and sleepwalking require that you protect your child during sleep. Be sure your home is safe (use toddler gates on staircases and don't use bunk beds for children who have nightmares or night terrors often). Talk with your doctor if your child ever gets hurt while sleeping. Your doctor may want to study your child during sleep” (para 5 ). Share with us how you get through night terrors.

Familydoctor.org, . (2010). Nightmares and night terrors in children. Retrieved from http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/common/common/566.html

My week one quick tip is about keeping logs. This can be time-consuming, so I recommend it mostly for times of upheaval. For example, logs can be a very valuable resource while switching medication, before a major evaluation, or while symptoms are changing rapidly. The Bipolar Child by Papolos and Papolos have a great example of a log that charts mood, energy, anger, medications and sleep. You can create your own, to suit your own needs. I liked the one in The Bipolar Child because once you get the hang of it, you can fill it out very quickly once a day. They use shapes a lot to indicate things instead of doing a lot of writing. What are your experiences with logs? Feel free to comment and share. Also, feel free to share any quick tips of your own on any topic!

This page is for sharing quick tips! What works in your home, what can others try? lets share these here!