Happy Easter Weekend!

The Son-Rise Program Blog: Intense Physical Energy!

This post sure reminds me of Remy and me in the playroom!

The Son-Rise Program Blog: Intense Physical Energy!: "FROM BECKY: Have you ever experienced your special child having a sudden urge to express them self in an intense, physical way. Maybe they w..."

Things We Need for the Room

I posted several ads up on www.kijiji.ca in an attempt to raise some funds for Remy's Room.  After a few days, there were no serious buyers, so I asked my Facebook friends to take a look at my ads.  Oh, you could check them out too, of course:  http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-PostersOtherAds-W0QQUserIdZ61891927.  If that link doesn't work, try clicking on this one http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-home-garden-5-cup-Black-Decker-Coffee-Maker-W0QQAdIdZ275168015 then click on "View Poster's other ads" on the right hand side.

In any case, I received some requests to know what is needed for Remy's play room.

So, here it is:

1.  A wooden stairs structure like this:
(Remy loves climbing up the rollable stairs that we see at grocery stores and other big commercial stores)

2.  A safe ladder might also do the trick.  Something like this perhaps:  

3.  Bricks to use as a balance beam like this from www.onestepahead.com:

4.  A scooter board:

5.  A balancing disc:  http://www.sensorygoods.com/floorproducts.aspx  <<<---- this website is full of great sensory products!

6.  A large mirror that Remy can't trip off the wall.

7.  We'd love to make something like this (thank you, Linda, for the photos!):

Remy's seeks a LOT of sensory input.  He mouths things all the time, scratches surfaces with hard objects (such as clanging a metal spoon against the textured windows), wobbles from left to right, runs circuits... in any case, most of these items are for motivation.  If you are handy, have "scrap" materials and want to help us make some of these things, or if you know of other ways on how to stimulate his senses, please leave me your comment.  I really appreciate hearing from you.

Now, the most important element we need are great volunteers - the above are just things.  They are tools and building blocks, which are very important.  But most importantly we need the workers, the life force, the enzymes, if you will to do the job :)  So if you know of people who might be interested, please do make them aware of Remy's Room.  Thank you so much for accompanying us through our journey.

Awesome volunteers wanted!

I've been a little "off" with Remy's Room in the last few weeks... about a month really.  A week after March Break, Remy actually broke the heavy mirror off the wall.  DH reattached it, but Remy ripped it off again the next day.  He's a really strong boy with very busy hands who seeks deep pressure all the time.  I am grateful he didn't get hurt.

Other than the missing mirror in the room, our home dynamics were also temporarily affected.  Today is the first day of a new schedule for all of us.  I'm now officially minding the children from getting up in the morning until about 7PM.  This may not sound like a lot; however, it leaves me with very little time to prep and clean without somehow neglecting the children.

There's just no way around not prepping for supper.  I used to think that I could just get the kids to help prepare meals and clean... hasn't really worked out the way I thought that it would yet.  How do I not neglect feeding my kids and yet not neglect them them while I prepare their meals?  Some help would be nice.

This is why I was SO excited to speak with a passionate and energetic youth yesterday as possibly becoming a volunteer for Remy's Room.  It was so refreshing to hear why she wanted to work with special needs children.  She told me that special children helped her to see life in a totally different perspective.  She told me that special needs people didn't show a care in the world; they were happy with life as it was.  Isn't that beautiful!  How grateful I am that this wonderful young volunteer candidate has learned this so early on in life :)  Life is perfect as it is.  One can only improve and develop to higher levels if one can accept oneself now... in the present.

I want volunteering in Remy's Room to be an unforgettable and enriching experience for everyone involved.  We are seeking volunteers who want to be happy and accepting of self and of others.  We want new ideas, new energies, styles, voices, personalities and friends for our little guy.  This is a very exciting process, and I am glad that recruitment has begun.

With that said, I shall actively update this blog with more information about becoming an awesome volunteer for Remy's Room.  In the meantime, if you know of anyone who might be interested, please let me know.  Or if you know of ways to get this message out, please help.  I look forward to your comments and messages.

Blessed be your day,

Remy's Birthday wishlist for 2011

I've been receiving requests for a list of possible presents Remy would like for his birthday this year.  First of all, thank you so much for remember the big little guy's special day!  Your love and thoughtfulness mean much more than any physical presents.

Wishlist:

1.  a new bicycle (he has outgrown this bike from last year with the training wheels)
2.  a sturdy wooden wagon (like the classic Radio Flyer) in which he and his sister can both sit without their feet crammed
3.  a couple sets of bamboo utensils (http://www.upayanaturals.com/Bamboo_Flatware_Set_Includes_One_knive_fork_s_p/sfw-1101.htm)
4.  bamboo tongs (right now, the takes anything - and my metal tongs to scratch surfaces) likes these http://www.grassrootsstore.com/Organic_Bamboo_Tongs_p/9986.htm
5.  a contribution to his Son-Rise Program

For the first two items, it might just be easier to make a contribution toward it since it's difficult to know what size bike to buy without the kids there - and we might have to just get the materials to build a wagon that's sturdy.  As for items 3 and 4, duplicate sets are welcome - they tends to break things easily.

Thank you for thoughtfulness.

Celebrate yourselves today!

How to Effectively Teach Communication without Biting

I asked myself this question in my previous post:  how do I effectively teach Remy to communicate without biting?  In order for me to answer this question, I had to pose some other questions.  These questions are in no particular order (they just came to me in this way).

1.  When does Remy bite?  
He bites when I don't give him what he wants immediately like rice when it's still cooking (frustration, impatience).  He bites when he's giggling and his teeth are near my face, hands, legs and feet (having fun - probably sensory rooted).  He bites when I'm busy doing something (getting attention).

2.  Why is Remy biting me and not others?
DH says that Remy holds back from biting (or grabbing or scratching) him although Remy is quite frustrated.  Yet with his Remy frustration, Remy could just come to me and attack me.  Well, this is something I could celebrate.  I believe that he's most comfortable with his mother that he can express himself without holding back.  I am grateful that my son can show his feelings to me.  Now on the down side of this, bites hurt.

3.  What can I celebrate about his biting?  
I can celebrate that he is expressing himself, protecting his space and not being passive and indifferent to his environment.

4.  Why does Remy bite?
It could be sensory based.  Even when he doesn't bite people, he bites, mouths and chews things (this is a topic for another post), so it might be a feeling that he gets that he wants.  It's expressing frustration, impatience and excitement (my opinion).  He may also bite out of fear.

5.  What other things can I allow Remy to bite?
I've bought him bite toys, but he seems to like things that are not designated for non toxic biting.  But, I could consistently give him certain bite toys when he bites me.  He is also allowed to bite clothing, food and toys.

6.  What strategies have others suggested?  How do I feel about them?
One consultant suggested to give him a bite toy and always direct his biting to it.  He said to make sure that the toys are sterilized (but I'm not sure this is all that easy or important - my face isn't sterile).  Another suggestion was to get really mad, yell and tell him not to bite.  This idea doesn't align with my beliefs.  Another suggestion is to make no reaction (opposite of blowing up on the kid), but tell him and believe that he understands.

7.  What have I done in the past that have worked for Remy to bite less?
I've created space, less opportunity for him to get spatially bite me.  So this means to pick him up less and have less physical contact.  This is a little challenging as he really seeks deep pressure, and loves squeezes and hugs.  I've also anticipated bites and told him no, and remove my hand or foot away from his mouth.

8.  What action plan will I apply to help Remy communicate without biting?
I must maintain an attitude that my child is doing the best that he can.  I am grateful that he is most comfortable with me to express his feelings (even through biting).  I must keep us safe.  If he has already gotten a bite of me, I should fold gently into (not away since this might result in ripping) the bite, and react dully.  If he is frustrated or impatient, I should direct his attention to a drawing board, a book or another activity that will help him wait.  If he is really worked up, I might have to send him to another room or go to another room myself.  If he is biting out of fun, I shall give direct him to bite something else and perhaps massaging his jaw for some oral stimulation.

As I learn more from my observations, I will update my strategies.

Please share with me your comments or suggestions.

Have a magnificent rest of the weekend!