eSpecially Ben

Logan has a list of jobs to do each morning, ranging from putting away the clean dishes to making his bed. As he gets older, I intended to add more responsibilities to his list of jobs. Then it occurred to me that a long list of items to complete and check-off is not exactly what I want to teach my children. I want them to develop the ability to decide what needs to be done and then do it while gaining independence and a sense of worth through setting and completing their own goals. Completing a list someone else gives you will only get you so far in life. I thought of two areas that I think are the most important for a five year old - Taking Initiative and Finding Solutions. After asking my husband what he thought of my idea and getting a kind of crazy look, I went ahead with my plan. Once I get something in my head, there's no stopping me. Since that day, my husband has seen the wisdom of this idea and makes a point to talk about our two initiatives with Logan.  When I talk

Ben came home with this today from school. It took me a minute to get it... Think of these illusions:  the old lady or the young woman, the vase or the two people facing each other.  Get it now? See more works of art at 5 Minutes for Special Needs Still Need Votes...Must Keep Going...Please take a moment to vote.

they could be twins. *Photo from http://www.squidoo.com/rod If this made you smile, take a moment to vote.

Perhaps it is just our family, but once we had kids, getting to church on a Sunday morning was impossible. Our excuses ran from too darn tired to just too damn tired. Our church, of which we have been members for over 8 years, has been understanding, baptizing our kids in spite of last seeing us at the prior child's baptism. This year, we have made a successful attempt (and yes, it is only February) to attend Sunday School every week. A community helper comes with us to help Ben at his Sunday School class while Ryan and I go to an adult class. Logan is in class with Ben, and Sean attends a group for younger children. The children start with music before class. When we arrive on Sundays, volunteers are setting up for Room In the Inn . Everyone, especially the children, are able to help setup the beds for the guests who arrive Sunday evening.  We have also taken part in the youth programs at indoor water parks and bowling alleys. These activities have made the boys more c

Okay - I will be honest, I had to check out the competition for the About.com Readers' Choice Awards Finalists.  After looking through the posts and reading about their families and children, I was impressed. They are creative, interesting and educational. Check them out for yourself: Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords www.schuylersmonsterblog.com/ Garden of Eagan gardenofeagan.blogspot.com/ Hartley's Life with 3 Boys www.hartleysboys.com/ Just a Little Bit Downsy superdownsy.blogspot.com/ Please take a moment to vote.

Ordering equipment for your child with special needs is time consuming, exhausting, stressful and full of ways to make big mistakes. Please learn from me - I have made those mistakes! 1. Work with others. School and private therapists are an invaluable resource. Use them all to make the decision. For whatever reason, we once ordered a walker for Ben without consulting other therapists and we made a big mistake. Ben was not ready for this walker and it sits in our attic right now. 2. Do not rush. I knew we had about 7 months to order three pieces of equipment for Ben in order to be in the insurance cycle for this year. I sent emails to the therapists letting them know that I wanted to order equipment for Ben. This started a dialogue with all the therapists. It took time to find a reputable company that took our insurance. Often these companies are understaffed, so make sure you can get the salesman to meet with you, be available for questions and be willing to come out to the sc

BEFORE: Looks like all will go smoothly. MIDDLE: Ben tests the stylist's skills. AFTER:  "I'm cool." Special thank you to the Supercuts on Providence Road in Charlotte. They have been cutting Ben's hair from the beginning. They are patient when he decides to hang upside down or slither out of the seat. Surprisingly enough, they are happy to see him whenever we come in (or they are really good actors). eSpecially Ben is one of five finalists for About.com Readers' Choice Awards for Favorite Special-Needs Parenting Blog. Please take a moment to vote everyday.