I think if you could ask a parent of a child with special needs what they would like others to know about their child, they would tell you that a child with special needs is first and foremost a child.
Just like any other child.
Just like your child.
Children with special needs have hopes and dreams, just like their typical peers.
They want to be invited and accepted, just like their typical peers.
And while they may do things a bit differently than your child, they still love the same kind of stuff as your kids do.
Surprised? That’s okay.
Building bridges between those with differing needs and those without is a learning experience.
On both sides.
But if we work together we can build not only bridges, but a new way of thinking.
Got a kid that LOVES ice cream?
Yeah, me too.
Parker, who is mostly g-tube fed, will put his oral feeding skills to work when there is a bowl of ice cream in front of him.
And the joy on his face shows that the reward was totally worth the effort.
Parker signing ‘ice cream.’
What is your kid willing to work for?
What do you use to entice your child to step out of their comfort zone and learn new skills?
Great Post! Lily would do anything to watch more of the Disney chanel or have time with her brothers.
Twitter: kadiera
says:
Right now, clapping and cheering are a good motivator, though they don’t work on food yet.
Giving Alexander the opportunity to be “in charge” even at only 13 months old is another one.
And communication is key – and boy do I wish people got that – he’s still a person, and telling him what you’re doing and what you want of him is a big thing. He’ll open his mouth to try a food if you tell him that you want him to practice eating, rather than just shoving it in his mouth.
But yes, I wish people would get that he *is* a kid, a mostly typical kid (because kids are kids)…just with a few extra accessories. He’s not scary, or likely to give them what he has (because seriously, it’s not an illness, if it was we wouldn’t have him out and about!) .
Kids are so much better with Alex and his trach than parents – kids just want to know what it is, and what it does, and then if he can play….parents want to avoid Alex because they fear their own ignorance. *sigh*
Oh Parker!!! You heartbreaker! What a little doll!!! Can I have a bite
Love this post Tammy
Amy
Vanilla ice cream (The Love Magnet is an ice cream purist).
mashed ‘ta-toes an’ gwavy
swimming
love that photo of Parker!
Hey! I have been following your blog for along time now, but this is the first time I’ve commented. I’m a full-time, live in nanny for a 5-year-old autistic boy. Cameron is the apple in my eye, he is the sweetest boy. He’s non-verbal and were working on signing and his verbal skills. My biggest motivation is much like Parker, he loves Cheese Balls (Like cheetos but in ball form)! He would pretty much sign anything for another. He loves popcorn as well. He’s lactose free so that means no ice cream =(. Candy seems to ALWAYS work but I try to avoid using that as a motivator and more as a special treat!
Milk! Or cheese puffs!
Love this, Tammy! And, what wonderful photos of dear Parker. I love your kid! We’ve posted our entry on the blog. While Wee E STILL won’t eat a darned thing other than the beloved vanilla Pediasure, he will lick vanilla ice cream off of his hands and stick his face in the carton – the carton not a bowl and NO spoon! Tried to find the “Mr. Linky” to no avail…can you help there? Again, this is so neat!
Electronics! But you already knew that right?
Cheers
Lovely post and enjoyed reading it. Parker is a gift from God and never forget that.
The simplest thing I can say is… If a child is blind, it does not mean they don’t want to watch TV or, go to the park to watch a baseball game. (Get the idea?)… You never know till you try!