MY latest to do list includes lots of items to get me ready for my trip to Mexico. Despite all my recent rantings , I really am a bit nervous about leaving the kids. You would think I would be on the first flight out with all my complaints. But really, this is our first time away for any length of time and I am a bit nervous.
My sister has graciously offered to care for my children, along with my mother-in-law. I hope all goes well and hope they (meaning my sister and mother-in-law) will still like me when I return LOL. A big part of me knows that everything will be fine but the other part of me wonders who will have it tougher - the kids, my family who is caring for the kids - or ME! Probably me, but I am looking forward to the R&R with my hubby.
The clothes are bought and mostly packed. The swimsuit is even flattering!!! LOL. The sun will shine, the drinks will be poured and the food will hit the spot. But as far from home as I will be, I will still be thinking of my one true love - my family! Despite the trials and tribulations I wouldn't want to be without any of them.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Another favourite analogy
While reading a book for parenting survival tips for children with ADD I was taken by an analogy the writer shared. She had met a remarkable woman who had a 10 year old diagnosed with ADHD and a 12 year old diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Obviously this was very stressful on her but when she spoke of her stress she replied with this...
"I figure we're all plants in a garden. Some plants need a lot of sunshine, some need shade. Some you water all the time, others seek very dry places." She continued to describe her experience as a single mom ... "I just happen to have three wild varieties that you don't see often, but I love them for their distinctiveness."
This woman had an acceptance of her children's challenges and was very inspiring who saw her challenges to be managed with ingenuity and perseverance. She was a dedicated gardener of her boys spirits!
Oh how I wish I could think and feel like this woman every day. But I know that it would be impossible for me to go without the occasional rant or whine once in a while and I think it gets me back on track. When I need to get back on that train I so desperately wanted to get off in my previous post I read this quote! Her inspiration takes me away to a more positive space and place where I feel I can tackle anything and make a difference!
Trying and tiring times
I am a positive person. I am known to get the job done at whatever the cost. But sometimes "I just want to get off the train". You know that train that feels like it is heading down the steepest hill at top speed with the driver asleep at the wheel? I am sure if your a mom, you have felt like this at one time or another.
The bottom line is I am truthfully overwhelmed. My most recent revelations include realizing that not only do my oldest and youngest boys struggle with learning - it has come to my attention that my middle child is struggling with literacy also - two years behind in reading so they tell me. Not only that - he continues to be inattentive and a distrubance to himself and others in class - he apparently has a bad case of the fidgets! When I asked the teacher what I should do she told me to take out all the red dye in his diet and all the processed food. Now being the fountain of knowledge I am about special needs, I am acutely aware she has a hidden message - she suspects my child has ADD. Honestly, I have suspected this before but up until the past year, his perpetual motion has not interfered with his reading or learning. In part I blame myself - so much focus has been put on my other two children that Gregory just seem to get it so I guess I assumed he would continue to get it without much extra support. Not true apparently.
So here we go again. I have looked up the red dye thing in detail and I am making an attempt to try it - why the heck not eh? It might make all the difference in the world. But it will have to be on baby steps - honestly it is a huge learning curve. He is a picky eater so I give him vitamins - well guess what's in the vitamins? Red dye! LOL! Can't get any crazier than that.
On top of the red dye thing we got lucky - extra homework! Ugggh! But were persevering. I guess I feel like a winer, but frankly I am overloaded with the extra's - extra appointments, extra homework, extra tantrums due to the frustrations of the extra's! When will it end?!?
On top of this I have discovered my incredibly oppositional 13 year old has not been going on any class trips. He turned down Canada's Wonderland, the Science Centre and most recently the Royal Winter Fair. Socially he struggles but this is upseting for me to find out he would much prefer to sit around the classroom than experience the fun away from the drabness of the educational institution. I used to love school trips!
Then there is Justin - ruled out ADD, testing for Auditory Processing will be taking place in the new year with the reccomendation he should have a complete educational assessment as a generalized learning disability is being considered. Still on wait list for full OT assessment. Not surprised - but man is this all so very overloading at times. I mean I only want the best for my kids!
Throw in the usual 30 hour work week (which I love - helping other children and their families with special needs to reach their maximum potential), housework, groceries, time for myself, parents that live with us and have their own needs, the church nursery program and so on and so on... I must say today I am yelling STOP! the train...I need to get off - or at least please let it slow down!
The bottom line is I am truthfully overwhelmed. My most recent revelations include realizing that not only do my oldest and youngest boys struggle with learning - it has come to my attention that my middle child is struggling with literacy also - two years behind in reading so they tell me. Not only that - he continues to be inattentive and a distrubance to himself and others in class - he apparently has a bad case of the fidgets! When I asked the teacher what I should do she told me to take out all the red dye in his diet and all the processed food. Now being the fountain of knowledge I am about special needs, I am acutely aware she has a hidden message - she suspects my child has ADD. Honestly, I have suspected this before but up until the past year, his perpetual motion has not interfered with his reading or learning. In part I blame myself - so much focus has been put on my other two children that Gregory just seem to get it so I guess I assumed he would continue to get it without much extra support. Not true apparently.
So here we go again. I have looked up the red dye thing in detail and I am making an attempt to try it - why the heck not eh? It might make all the difference in the world. But it will have to be on baby steps - honestly it is a huge learning curve. He is a picky eater so I give him vitamins - well guess what's in the vitamins? Red dye! LOL! Can't get any crazier than that.
On top of the red dye thing we got lucky - extra homework! Ugggh! But were persevering. I guess I feel like a winer, but frankly I am overloaded with the extra's - extra appointments, extra homework, extra tantrums due to the frustrations of the extra's! When will it end?!?
On top of this I have discovered my incredibly oppositional 13 year old has not been going on any class trips. He turned down Canada's Wonderland, the Science Centre and most recently the Royal Winter Fair. Socially he struggles but this is upseting for me to find out he would much prefer to sit around the classroom than experience the fun away from the drabness of the educational institution. I used to love school trips!
Then there is Justin - ruled out ADD, testing for Auditory Processing will be taking place in the new year with the reccomendation he should have a complete educational assessment as a generalized learning disability is being considered. Still on wait list for full OT assessment. Not surprised - but man is this all so very overloading at times. I mean I only want the best for my kids!
Throw in the usual 30 hour work week (which I love - helping other children and their families with special needs to reach their maximum potential), housework, groceries, time for myself, parents that live with us and have their own needs, the church nursery program and so on and so on... I must say today I am yelling STOP! the train...I need to get off - or at least please let it slow down!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
