Safety and the Autistic Child

I know I've typed before about safety concerns with Zachary, particularly about crossing the street and parking lots. We've worked through that. Not as a parent would work through street and parking lot safety with a "neuro-typical" child--reminders and timeouts just did not work. The solution really was (is) quite simple, Zachary holds my hand or arm. We still practice all the time, I still have him look both ways for both of us when we are crossing (and don't worry, I look too cause otherwise I'd not by typing this right now lol). I was finding myself getting a little bit frustrated and impatient, until the "Aha" moment. I was sitting at a traffic light in town as some school kids began crossing and walking home. A father and son came up to the crosswalk, and I noticed the boy looked to be about Zachary's age; they caught my attention quickly because they were holding hands. You don't see that too often with kids that age...as they crossed the street I knew--the boy had special needs (probably autism) and he was holding onto his Dad more than the other way around. The light bulb that went off over my head was so bright it actually seemed to buzz audibly! (okay, yea I just admitted again to the hearing things in my head, I know) Z just isn't ready and I was trying to push him to a level for which he was not ready. Simple as that, I hold his hand whenever we're in the street or a parking lot. It's not a struggle, there is no fight, as a matter of fact it's usually Zachary reaching for my hand or arm, just as he does in stores or other crowded places. I am his rock, I am his centering place, and I don't have a problem with that. I wish others could understand but I understand that most do not (or will not). I let him go when he is ready to be let go, and I nudge him in those directions when needed-when he finds his way on his terms, the pride and accomplishment he feels and expresses are rewards that no words could ever describe.

What a lucky Mama I am

I'm thankful. I'm thankful I had all of my kids in synagogue with me tonight. I'm thankful for the sarcasm they throw at me when they are together, because usually that means at least 2 of them are in on it which means they are bonding, lol! I'm thankful for the congregation at our synagogue, a group of people that never ever stop making us (and everyone) feel welcome and part of the TS family. I'm so very thankful to have been privileged enough to watch my youngest read out loud to the congregation, a feat that surprised many--I think especially him! I am blessed, I am loved, and I am truly thankful.

The newest Hands of a Child Semi Annual Freebie is here!

This is a full lapbook project from Hands of a Child, based around the book "The Big Snow," the grade recommendations are K-2.  Go to Hands of A Child online Enjoy!

writing shouldn't be this hard!

Now I bet you thought this was going to be a post about the kids and struggles with getting them to write. Well nope! Its all about me, how 'bout that! I'm challenging myself (yes, the voices in my head are at it again....) to blog much more. I guess if I'm measuring against my more recent track record for blogging I'm not up for too much of a challenge but I'm actually going to set--dare I say it--goals.  




I'm back. Be ready. Be prepared. This is going to be profound. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Hey, ya never know....

Healthy eating habits

Really, seriously, I am working on changing our eating habits. Stop laughing. I bought wheat bread instead of the usual paste--uh, I mean white bread. I've gotten the kids used to it before and figured it was high time we started again, especially since homemade has consisted of ripping open the resealable freezer bag of whatever frozen delicacy was available for dinner. At least there was some cooking going on, right?

Today I got home from dropping the kids off at Sunday school to find Stefan making Zachary an egg, cheese, and bacon sandwich. (or, as Z calls it "egg, cheese, and HEAVEN sandwich") On whole wheat toast. Which Zachary would not eat cause it "tastes funny." Those two boys whined that I need to buy white bread because wheat bread is gross.

I said, "We need to get healthier, wheat bread is so much better for you!"
Stefan replied, "This coming from the woman that walked in the house with a box full of fried sugar dough covered in more sugar, calling them breakfast!" (otherwise known as Munchkins.........................................)

Hypocrisy? Nah, just gotta keep them confused.