Therapy

many people think going to therapy is a sign of weakness- but i am here to tell you it is not- we have been in therapy as a family and my son as an individual for 6 years- some of those years seemed to never end- working on the same behavioral problem over and over - it does get daunting - but it is rewarding when your child finally gets it. not saying we don't have behavioral issues now we do however they are not the same as before- the behaviors he does now or normal for a middle schooler

so a few months ago our therapist said we need to discuss discharge - are you up for it - yes yes i am I said- my son and i are working together- we both have issues at times (mostly cause he does not listen with things) but we work them out in a normal way- he often apologizes cause he knows he did not handle things well. so after many years in therapy we will be discharged thanksgiving week. we know we can go back if it is needed but i am so thankful we have come this far-

i know i got strength from going to therapy and so thankful for our therapist

so please do not hesitate to get the help you and your child need - go to therapy- its life changing

Overcoming adversity

How do overcome adversity well our adversity is dealing with behavior challenged children- if you are in the Tampa area I will be speaking on how I overcame the adversity of dealing with a behavior challenged child- we often forget that we are not alone-  If you want to hear about it come to the event here is the information you need-

don't wait til its too late

what am i talking about- your child is out of control causing harm either to yourself or you (yes you) - you need help - get professional help-

make that call to 911- it will be hard but for you and the well being of yourself and your child it will be the best decision for  you- how do i know- i had to do it about 2 years ago- what? yep

my life was forever changed- i was not afraid to stay in my house anymore - my son has stopped threatening me (oh i am still mean cause of consequences- but what mom is not)

don't wait til its too late- seek out the professional help- if you see signs and your not sure -seek help- prevention is great - being proactive is great-

you and your family can not afford not to get help- i urge you to do so

always remember you are not alone- someone is going through or been through it

Single Parenting

how many of you are single parents and work with a special child- whether they have emotional issues, mental issue or physical issues this can take a toll on you as a single parent dealing with your child's needs and often forgetting your own needs- how do I know- well I am a single parent that deals with a child with mental and emotional issues- most days are good now but there are days that are taxing.
Things I learn and keep learning are- even though days where you feel all alone and do not think anyone else knows what you are going through - well you aren't alone in feeling this way- how do I know I have been there many of times- how do I work through those times well for one thing I do I pray and I ask God to help give me strength to renew me. sometimes ( i need to do it more) i ask for help - please have someone watch your child even if for a couple hours you would be amazed how it replenishes you- when they are settled for the night- take a long bath and enjoy the moment of quiet- for you single dads go workout if you are not into the bath thing-read an inspirational and encouraging book right now I am reading an awesome one titled "You were born for this" by Bruce Wilkinson, take a walk with your child check out what you see- if you are able to a bike ride and point out things you see with your child-
take time for you over the years I have learned I need this- recently my dad took my son for a week and it was very nice- i was able to get things done and sleep - sleep a lot - a few years ago I do not think I was able to do that and feel comfortable but we enlisted help and my son is doing well- that is another post-

so if you are single know you are not alone and you can do this and you do make a difference in your child's life- hang in there you are doing amazing!

Transitions

Well for us transitions tend to be an issue- whether it be going from one class to another or now one school to another and not just any school we move from elementary school to middle-while this can cause anxiety in normal children it surely can cause more issues with children who have anxiety in general. so what are we going to do- with the suggestions of my son's therapist and others that impart wisdom in our lives here is our plan:
1. tour the school
2. ask friends how they are feeling towards going to the new schools
3.let him or her go to a camp at the school- ours provides a bootcamp for incoming 6th graders
4. talk about what they are anxious about- whether it be changing classes, not knowing where the classes are, meeting new friends - it could be a list of several things
5. talk with the school and see how they can help

remember be your child's advocate-

defiant behavior

DO you have a child that pushes your buttons- or the arguing continues with your child - read this article in ADDiTude

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/879.html

Please read and get some insight

Keep Going you can do it

ok so it has been awhile and I apologize- but my topic to discuss with you is keep going- no matter what keep going- never give up you will see the fruits of your labor- change is around the corner- get extra help or support if you need too- you are an awesome parent and your child needs you to be that advocate - the cheerleader- the disciplinarian- you have to be consistent - but you also have to understand that you may need to change things up a little bit so things work for you and your child.
you as a parent are the key to your childs success- I want my child to be successful so I will do what is necessary- extra therapy - extra support from friends and family
My son right now is going through a talking back stage which is far less harmful then his aggression use to be- so I have to incorporate the help of others because he tends not to listen to me- although the same thing is being said by others- and its ok if they tell him the same thing because it helps him and me. so get the extra support- but do not give up - Keep going you can make it