15 Easy New Year’s Resolutions You Can Keep

On January 15, 2022January 9, 2022 By Motivate. Innovate. Relate.In Behavior, goals, Motivate, new years resolution, Special Needs2 Comments

We are halfway through January and (with all the spikes in COVID cases) and the holiday hullabaloo behind us, perhaps you have forgotten about New Year’s Resolutions. It can be easy to get lost in the fast-paced world of life and then feel like you are already behind.

Not to worry. I have compiled some of my top 15 favorite resolutions I have done (and some I continue to do) to help inspire you and your family to live a more animated life. Many of these are simple, measurable goals that won’t leave you feeling guilty at the end of the month (or next year).

1. Read a new book each month: This is a great one to do alone or with your spouse or friend. It is also a measurable goal and easy to do. Find new books that interest you and read them. I like to read with my hubby before bed. This is a great way to be intimate with each out and have a date night for free. Or, I have also enjoyed book clubs. Clubs are a great way to meet new friends and get out of the house.

2. Do something creative each month: This is a fun one. I have found using a subscription service to be helpful. Monthly getting a box of something new and creative to do brings a little more joy to the mailbox and the house. I then use what was created to decorate my house. Cratejoy has a ton of subscriptions for all ages.

3. Discover one new place each month: We all get into the habit of eating at the same places, going to the same places, and doing the same things. This is great for those of us who like routine. But, life is not routine (as much as I wish kit were sometimes). It is good for us to shake things up. So go out and explore your neighborhood or the world for that matter. Try something new and make some new memories.

4. Sleep better: This is one I try to do all the time. Sleep helps us function better during the day, have better relationships, think better, and so much more. Sleep is also what a lot of kids and teenagers struggle with. For some great steps on how to help with this, check out this blog on 10 Steps to a Better Night’s Sleep.

Exercise is good for your health. If a T-Rex can do it with short hands a big head, you can too.

5. Exercise more: I know, this sounds like every other resolution you have heard. And you would be right. But, let’s face it, we all work in front of screens, socialize in front of screens, get entertained in front of screens. Our bodies were not designed to just sit. Our bodies thrive on movement. We get endorphins, are happier, and look nicer in that swimsuit (summer is just around the corner) or jeans. But this doesn’t have to be a do-or-die goal. Make it simple. Just plan to incorporate a walk after work with dogs, or a run in the morning with your son, or just get on YouTube and enjoy a quick 25–60-minute workout. Make it a social thing and do it with a friend.

Eat better. Not less.

6. Eat better: I love food. I also like a healthy family. Gut health affects brain health. Gut health effects are particularly strong for those with neuro and sensory needs. We have learned how to incorporate healthy (on a budget) and enjoy really good food. The more colorful our plate the yummier our food tastes. Many of our daily recipes we use for entertaining as well and hear only “oo’s” and “awes.” Need help getting started? Check out these simple recipes.

Do something new.

7. Do something new each month: Sometimes I feel like I get in a rut. The best way to get me out of a rut is to try something new. Sometimes this is a new experience altogether (new food, new museum, etc.), but it can be as low-key or extreme as you wish. I know someone who used this resolution to give him the guts to go sky diving and another who used it to travel the world. Just recently, I did this by helping replace our stove range. It can be simple and little or something you need to get done on a budget or something big and grand. Enjoy.

Family night – a time for fun and family.

8. Monthly family night: Life gets busy fast. With sports teams, music lessons, study sessions, games, and friends, it can seem like your child is a roommate (who doesn’t help with the bills) the older they get. Take the family back. We like a daily mealtime together. But once a day over dinner (sometimes breakfast) is not enough. We like a monthly family night when we play games, watch movies with popcorn, or roast marshmallows by the fire. This is especially great when hubby is on swing shifts or 14-hour day shifts. We can plan a time together and not feel like it is crammed into the schedule.

9. Self-care: This is a hard one for me. My older sister has been encouraging me to do this for years. As a mom, it is easy to forget to take care of yourself. Truth be told, I haven’t even had a haircut since 2019! It is just easier to ensure my family has what they need and want first. But self-care doesn’t have to be hard or cumbersome. Have a glass of wine with friends on a Friday night. I like working out with friends (making friends and getting healthier). I love going to farmer’s markets and enjoying the sites and smells. Sometimes there is nothing better than snuggling under a blanket and reading. The important thing is that you take the time to plan for it. Because if you do not plan for it, you never will get it.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi

10. Serve someone else: The season of giving is winding down. But it doesn’t have to end. No matter the season, serving someone else is so good for all involved. Sometimes we just need to get out of our heads and focusing on the negative. The best way to do this is to serve someone else. This might mean teaching Sunday School at your church or volunteering with the babies. Or, it might mean sitting with your elderly neighbor an hour a week and reading to them or learning about their incredible life! Fear has taken hold the last two years, our elders have survived wars, sickness, and so much more. Learn and grow from their strength. Or volunteer at the local elementary school teaching how to read or simply cutting out and printing worksheets for the overworked teacher.

11. 365 days of gratitude: This one is so important to me. It was a resolution I had years ago and practice I continue. Gratitude is so important because it changes our perspective and often calms us down (preventing us from doing something stupid). Being thankful in all circumstances is a great way to not only change your world but the whole world. If we all just found one thing daily to be grateful for, imagine the difference in attitudes we would have.

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

12. Monthly Date Night: I love date night! I covet date night! Having a date night is hard with a special needs kid. It is hard for military families who always move. It is hard for families with multiple kids who just have so much going on. Date night does not have to be a big deal. It is there to build and strengthen a relationship with someone you already love. Here are 12 great date night ideas we use and still keep in budget.

Helping people is right.

13. Service Project/Awareness monthly: There is so much pain in the world and so few people know about it, much less do anything about it. Take 12 months and learn about different issues (local and global). At the end of the year, pick one that you became passionate about and get involved. Serve. Do a campaign of awareness. Donate. Just do something about it. Be the change in the world.

Learn something and better yourself.

14. Take a Class: I know, most adults hate school. That is because we were forced to go to school growing up learning about things we don’t like. Our kids currently hate it for the same reason. But learning doesn’t have to be torture. Take a class with your kids (or just yourself) and learn something new. Always want to learn a new language? Do it. Duolingo is a free way to start and see if you like it. Want to learn a new hobby? Take a class at Hobby Lobby or Lowes. Want to be able to make your car repairs? Take a class at the local community college. Be open to learning more things. Learning new things is fun and healthy – and can help prevent diseases like dementia.

15. Start letter writing: Screen fatigue is a real thing. It is happening more and more often in this post COVID world. Everything is on a screen. Zoom and Google Chat have taken over our lives. We like to take a step back, put out real paper and pen and compose a nice greeting or letter to a family member or friend. This is a great way to keep in touch over a distance and have a keepsake for the kids when they are older. Try just writing to one person. Or write to someone different monthly. It is so wonderful to see what comes back in the mail. Enjoy.

Whatever you pick for your resolution, I hope it helps bring joy and unity to your household. May you be covered in Peace, Love, and Joy this year. May the road rise to meet you and the wind be ever at your back.

5 Tips for Teaching Kids to Be More Independent

On July 7, 2020July 4, 2020 By Motivate. Innovate. Relate.In Behavior, family, Independence, MotivateLeave a comment

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok on Pexels.com

COVID-19 has brought parents and children of all ages closer together than ever before. Working from home while being parent, teacher, entertainment, psychologist, and a doctor can be overwhelming and exhausting.

Parents are tired. Parents are short-tempered. Parents are at the end of their rope.

How do we move from exhausted to active parents? We teach #independence.

According to a Psychology Today article, the difference between independent children and contingent children is simple. Contingent children are dependent on others for how they feel and think. Independent children believe themselves to be capable and competent themselves.

How do we set our children up for this success?

1. Evaluate: Take stock of your situation. How old is your child? What environment are they in (sibling versus only child)? What age grouping is in the house? What abilities do they have? What are the limitations? How much time do you have to spend on a task? Are you doing more as a parent than is needed? Take honesty inventory of where you are as a family. Make sure all parents are on board. This will fail if one or the other does not support the new plan.

2. Target Priorities: If this is a new change for you, it would be really easy to give all the tasks over to the child right away. I caution you away from this. This will fail. Target your priorities focusing on one thing at a time. A younger child should focus on things like getting dressed on their own (yes, let them pick their own clothes and dress themselves) and brush their teeth. Young elementary should focus on things like cleaning their room and cleaning up their messes. Older children can learn how to do laundry, do the dishes, sweep and mop. (Later this month we will talk more about chores).

3. Forget perfection: You will always do the chores in your house better than your child. You have had years more practice. This is not the time to point out all the flaws and imperfections. Use this as teachable moments. If milk spills, teach how to clean up and remind the child it happens to everyone. They put the dish in the wrong place, remind them where it goes without criticism. The time for constructive criticism is when they have been working on the task and “mastered” it; not while they learn it.

4. Praise Something – but not everything: Teaching responsibility is hard. It is even harder on the child who thinks all a parent does is point out the failings. Praise goes a long way. Authentic appreciation goes a long way. Americans, in particular, believe that we get praised for everything. A trophy for participation. An “A” for effort. But this leads to self-entitlement and arrogance. When we praise everything, praise means less. Praise success. Praise hard work. Those things will get repeated. This positive re-enforcement will help with accountability, responsibility, and follow through as you increase the workload or the difficulty of the task.

5. Circumstance Matters: Sick, tired, stressed affect adults’ quality and production. Expected this from our children too. Let them take a day off if they need it. Help out with a task if they need it. Don’t rush to solve minor problems. Let them problem solve. Give them a chance to figure out a solution. This shows them you have faith in their ability.

Independence is essential to becoming a productive adult. Our job as parents is to raise kids into quality members of society. We will not always be there for our kids. Let’s use this time to teach them they are capable of. Let’s teach them they are confident. Let’s teach them it’s ok to fail, but not quit. Let’s teach them perfection is not the goal – success is the goal.

The Power of Words: Or How to Create a More Positive and Productive Environment

On May 19, 2020May 16, 2020 By Motivate. Innovate. Relate.In Autism, Behavior, family, Motivate4 Comments

“My kid has too much autonomy. I just had to calm her down from a screaming fit,” my manager told me as we have a one on one monthly meeting via Skype for Business. “I am so tired. A day feels like a month and a month feels like a day. I can’t even keep track anymore.”

“I can’t wait to get back to normal when my kid can get out of my hair for once,” a friend expresses over a virtual cup of coffee.

“Can you believe the curriculum they are teaching? Who comes up with these questions?” A post repeated on social media.

“I can’t wait for my spouse to go back to work so I can get back to routine with my child. My spouse just gives in to any whim. I am going backward,” said spouses across the world who are not used to 24 hours 7 days a week contact.

Sound familiar? Maybe you have said one of these? Thought one of these? Posted one of these?

If you have, you are not alone. What do all these things have in common? They are all complaints.

MRI scans of the brain and complaining — Images of the Brain Complaining
CREDIT: How Complaining Rewires Your Brain

What Complaining Does to the Brain

According to Travis Bradberry, Co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and President at TalentSmart, a typical person complains once per minute in a typical conversation! This is very unhealthy because our brains are creatures of lazy habits. When we repeat our pattern, our brain takes less work to repeat than learn.

Think of teaching your kid to tie a shoe. When we first begin the process there is push back, frustration, a lot of concentration. But once it is learned, and repeated (usually multiple times a day), it becomes second nature, and the child no longer thinks about the process.

The same is true with our words.

Images of D. Emoto's research on the power of words on water crystals. — The pictures show the observations of Dr. Emoto. The nice words of affirmation create beautiful geometric shapes while the negative words create damaging shapes.

Words Have Power

On Solomon Island giant beautiful trees sometimes need to be cut. When this is a particularly challenging task, the locals perform a special curse. They join together and yell insults and other derogatory words at the tree, and according to local legend, the negative energy transfers to the tree which then falls within a couple days.

In his book, The Hidden Messages of Water, Dr. Masuro Emoto, reports on his studies on the effects of words on water crystals through high-speed photography and found water crystals formed beautiful geometric shapes when words of love and gratitude were spoken near the water, but destructive shapes when evil words were spoken.

If this is what happens to plants and crystals, how much more does words affect the human mind and health?

According to Stephen Parton, complaining actually KILLS YOU.

Try the Complaint Zapper

How to Move from Complaining to a Gratitude Attitude

Solomon, credited as the wisest man ever to live, said “the soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit,” (Proverbs 15:4) and “the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit,” (Proverbs 18:21). Did you know there are over 126 passages in the Bible discussing the tongue?

It appears, in this matter, faith and science agree. Stop complaining!

But how do we do this?

There is a lot of research on behavior showing numerous ways to modify behavior from eating too much to not sitting down while doing school work. The same theories and practices apply to our minds. Here are three simple ideas on how to move from complaining to a gratitude attitude.

From the mouths of babes: How to use positive words

1. Replace your focus: How many times have you watched a movie or show and fixated on the message, the scenes, the story long after it ended? Read a book you just couldn’t put down? Where you focus is where your brain will go.

When I was learning to drive, my mother told me, “Where your eyes look is where the car will go.” I have learned this principle applies to my mind as well.

If I focus on negative, my tongue is negative. If I focus on what is wrong with the world, my tongue reflects that. But, when I focus on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable– anything excellent or praiseworthy—my entire world changes from all things against me to peaceful, strong and enduring.

2. Replace your behavior: It is easy to say think about good things and entirely different to actually do it. One way I have replaced my tendency to complain is (as trite as it sounds) is to count my blessings.

In our family discussions of the day, for every bad thing we say, we must say three positive things for the day. If I had a bad day at work, I am now forced to think of blessings (that car that let me in before the light changed, my son getting his school work done early, lunch at the table with my hubby). Suddenly, what seemed like the worst day has transformed into a really good day.

3. Practice. A great way to do this is by keeping a journal. There are a lot of calendars and planners that actually have recording your blessings as part of planning for the day; our favorite one this daily planner.

I enjoy doing this as part of my daily meditation when I work out. Using that last little bit at the end of a work out (when endorphins are naturally high) to focus on good, re-sets my brain.

4. Accountability: We are only as strong as the team we have around us. The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) did a study on accountability and found that you have a 65% chance of completing a goal if you commit to someone. And if you have a specific accountability appointment with a person you’ve committed, you will increase your chance of success by up to 95%.

Share your desire to change focus with your spouse, friends, and family. Then ask them to hold you accountable to this.

May family around the Liberty Bell in Disney World. — What I am most grateful for: my family who can spending time together.

It is easy, especially in quarantine, to focus on the negative. It is easy to want to vent this to your spouse, friends, the world. But, I caution too much of this will physically and emotionally destroy.

I encourage you to make shifting your focus from negative to positive a priority. Ask for an accountability partner in this. And remember, this is a daily discipline. This will not become second nature until you make it a discipline. Like all disciplines, it grows with you and molds to where you are and what you do.

Let me know how this works for you. What is working for you? What strategies have you used? What did not work? I love hearing from you.

Silent Butler

On May 12, 2020May 19, 2020 By Motivate. Innovate. Relate.In Autism, Behavior, family, homeschool, Impossible, life, Motivate, Special Needs3 Comments

Frustrated parent at work, home, teleworking, homeschooling at the same time. Arms on head looking frustrated. — Frustrated parent at work – teleworker -home

Most of the world has been operating within the realm of the same four walls for the majority of the year. Those in America have been at this at least a month, some longer.

Day after day I hear the same exhausted frustrations of parents: “My kids are driving me crazy! I keep repeating myself. I feel like all I do is nag!”

Well, you are not alone. We all get there (even in the best of circumstances). The question is do we stay there or do we something to fix it?

For my family, we do something to fix it.

Let me introduce you to one of our best friends and colleagues – Silent Butler.

Male servant preparing a bath at luxury hotel — Butler preparing a bath

Before you freak on the price tag, this friend has given his services for FREE. This is so simple it will shock you.

How many of you have asked your kid to clean their room, only to find it hasn’t been completed or everything has been shoved under the bed/in the closet/crammed into drawers?

Out of exasperation, you now beginning the powerplay of taking things away, the battle of either teaching to clean (or, be honest) doing it yourself. By the end of the day, everyone is tired, you don’t want to be around each other and you just feel defeated?

Enter Silent Butler.

Man sneaking a peak behind white shutters

Instead of going through that battle, hold your child accountable. An easy way to do that is a large plastic laundry basket (we use this one).

When your child says the room is clean. OK. Great. Go play.

Then take the basket, and fill it with all things left on the floor, under the bed, in the closet, out away incorrectly. (NOTE: You must have taught the proper way to clean a room and what Silent Butler prior is to implementing Silent Butler).

All those toys, books, TABLETS, video games, etc., that they claim to love so much, but do not treat as though they do, are now in the possession of Silent Butler.

But don’t worry, this is not forever!

When your child does something good, unexpected, helpful, you just ring the bell for Silent Butler. Things like helping a sibling with homework without being asked, picking up the dog poo or doing the dishes, (for those on the spectrum) having a good playdate or losing a game without a single reminder of good sportsmanship all can trigger Silent Butler.

The important thing is that it matches where your child is (age, mental ability) and it cannot be a chore already assigned as part of their daily routine.

When you ring that bell, Silent Butler rolls out once again. Only this time, instead of taking, our Butler is giving. The child can take one toy out of the basket. They have earned it back.

TWIST * TWIST * TWIST

Girls at desk looking at notebook helping with homework — Girls help each other with homework

For those with siblings, this becomes particularly effective. There are no rules on whose toys are picked when Silent Butler rewards.

This means if Suzy left her tablet on the floor in her room when she was told to put it away, and Johnny earned a Silent Butler reward, Johnny can pick Suzy’s tablet.

What does this teach?

I know you are wondering why use this method? It seems sneaky and rude. Well, that is true. But so is the world.

As parents, we are tasked with raising children into quality adults who contribute to society in positive ways and are aware that the world is not rainbows and butterflies.

This teaches so much:

1. Responsibility: Whose tablet? Whose responsibility? Whose homework? Whose responsibility? When you shirk your responsibilities, someone else will swoop in and fix it AND get the credit. Silent Butler begins as Positive Punishment/Negative Reinforcer.

2. Teamwork/Family building: Working in a family is the first practice of teamwork. We are teaching children what it means to be on the team by showing them responsibility falls on everyone. When we reward good extra behavior, it acts as a positive reinforcer that modifies the negative behavior. Silent Butler is now a Negative Punishment/Positive Reinforcer.

3. Integrity: What is done when no one is watching will be seen. What is done in secret will be shouted from the rooftops. All secrets come out. That is why integrity is so important. It is who you are when no one is watching (or you think no one is watching) that ultimately defines your character.

4. Accountability: Teaching accountability starts with parents. I have said this before practice what you preach. You must hold yourself accountable to follow through, kind words, and tones, working as a team. Once this is done, Silent Butler teaches that all kids are held accountable for their actions all the time. Silent Butler is ALWAYS in play. Both the good and the bad.

Before and after: messy room to clean room and ready to play — Before and after Silent Butler – now it only takes 20 minutes to clean a room not a day.

This is a simple idea that when put into practice can help SAVE MONEY on those reinforcers, help create a POSITIVE and HARMONIOUS environ for everyone in the house, and ultimately, help create HONEST, RESPONSIBLE adults to help create positive change in the world.

I encourage you test this out in your own homes. Give it a couple weeks. Track your progress and setbacks (there will be setbacks as with all changes). And let me know how this works for you. Don’t be afraid to share this blog with others you think might benefit from the simple induction of my friend Silent Butler.

You have this. You are good parent. You are a good teacher. You are a good coach. You are good leader.

***Disclaimer: I did not come up with this idea AT ALL. I was raised with this. The credit all goes to my parents who successfully raised 7 children and numerous “family friends” with to the sum of all six entrepreneurs, a lawyer, two opera singers, (one lawyer waiting taking his first bar), over fifteen degrees, all are fully employed, and the creation of two non-profits.

TGIF FUN Friday and How It Changed Our Homeschool World

On April 14, 2020April 5, 2020 By Motivate. Innovate. Relate.In Autism, Behavior, behavior, Corona Virus, COVID-19, family, homeschool, life, love, Motivate, optimism, screen time, Special Needs2 Comments

For those new to homeschooling, it can be very intimidating. Do we know enough? Can we have the patience? How do I balance everything?

You have come to the right place.

The last elementary school our son went to in Maryland implemented a FUN Friday routine. (Thank you, Tara, for all you do!)

When we decided to home school and work from home, we chose to implement this same thing. Using this incentive routine has been so beneficial in helping our son take responsibility for his own learning – and chores – throughout the week. For more on how to use incentives, check out this blog Let’s Make a Deal). Here is how it works:

1) Monday Start: On Monday have a checklist created of the school tasks assigned for the week. If you missed how to do this, check out last week’s blog Finding Balance: Telework and Homeschooling. Upfront, the student knows what is expected. This helps them plan their own week (a key executive function). It also reminds them their education is their own. You cannot be there all the time.

2) Four Day Week: No one wants to work more than they need. We spend two to three hours a day at school. With great focus, this is all we need for the entire week. The most we have ever needed was to spend four hours in one day. Whatever is not completed Thursday will roll over to Friday.

3) On Friday: Just because it is Friday does not mean our responsibilities cease. In the “real world,” we would still have family obligations (sometimes work depending on the schedule), and regular household tasks. The same is true for our son. The following must be completed PRIOR to FUN Friday commencing:

a. Chores complete: Who wants to play in a messy house? No one. All chores must be completed.

b. Thirty minutes outside: Sun is essential for healthy bodies. Imaginative play is essential for healthy minds. Time playing outside is a requirement. Thirty minutes is our minimum.

c. Read a book: If you have younger kids, a single kid’s book is fine. If you have older kids, depending on the book, at least one (sometimes two) chapters must be read.

d. Be Creative: Imaginative is play is important to development. Art and play are vital to many engineering skills, communication skills, and sometimes give insight into emotional health for a parent. Our son must be creative. Sometimes that is writing a comic book, building Lego, painting, or playing in clay. The options are limitless!

4) FUN Friday is here: This part of the day consists of whatever the child wants (within reason). Our son does not get a lot of screen time (see how we use it in this blog Is Screen Time Your Friend or Enemy). He usually asks for a movie. But sometimes, we use this time to go to a zoo, the aquarium, or another outing. During #socialdistancing, we do games, movies with popcorn, build forts, and so much more. The day is limited only by imagination.

We discovered this small change to education, has increased focus during school, allowed us to start teaching a new language, build on social skills, and increased our family connection in a positive way.

Now that homeschool is becoming a norm, I encourage you to try FUN Friday in your home. See how it goes for a while. Remember, you earn income, paid vacations, flex work hours for your hard work and focus at work. Let’s extend that to our children who need incentives just as much.

Is Screen Time Your Friend or Enemy?

There is something special about cuddling on the couch, snacking on popcorn and watching a new release (or an old favorite). Bonding over a laugh or squeezing tight during a scary scene. Priceless.

And yet, there seems to be a yin to the yang.

Behavior changes when we sit in front of a screen too long. Studies have shown too much screen time increases obesity, decreases the quality of sleep. My son seems to regress with each half-hour of TV. His attitude reflects what he watches. And, unfortunately, even educational shows like Wild Kratz displays negative behavior.

So, in a homeschool world, how do you balance the screen time?

Here is the good and bad of screen time.

animation-cartoon-cartoon-character-disney-mickey-mouse-piano-light

The Good

Children learn a lot from the screen. There is a great documentary, Life Animated, which follows a child on the spectrum who learns to speak by watching Disney movies. (Our personal experience reflects this method works).

There are numerous benefits to screentime. Children learn about social norms and cues. Film and television provide authentic and varied language that many would not pick up in a peer relationship. And most importantly, for children on the spectrum who think and see in pictures, television and film give a visual context.

The Bad

Unfortunately, there are lots of negative results of screen time. We copy what we see and hear. Kids learn and pick up so many things from the screen about dating, relationships between boys and girls, how to speak to parents and when to exercise independence. Often, this is done in a way causing harm to the cognition of the child.

Too often in American culture, we celebrate the celebrity and choice of stars and then complain about why our children act like them. We relish the drama and excitement of the racy, poor decision filled scenes; discuss and glorify them when they are not on. We wonder why our ten-year-old girls want to wear short-shorts and our boys want to curse up a storm.

HELP

So how do we find balance in the crazy that is homeschool? When our education is turning to the screen? Our free time is playing on a screen? Our family time is sitting in front of a screen? Here are three steps we use in our home that seem to work for us:

Use it as a reward. There is no reason a screen has to be on in every room for every person every day. Ensure school work, chores, playing outside, and being creative are completed prior to any screen time.
Limitation. Limit what they watch, when they watch, how long they watch. Limitations are good in all aspects of life – from what we eat to what we watch. We do not let any screens in our kiddos bedroom and use Google Chrome Cast which is mirrored from our phones to ensure we know what is watched and when it is over.
Model. Practice what you preach. If your rule is to finish work, exercise, reading, and creativity first, but your child never sees you do that – you are asking for trouble. What rules you put in place for the screen should be reflected in your own actions. Other than numerous benefits of opening up time for productivity, this allows you to show your child there is so much more to this wonderful life than the big (or little handheld) screen in front of them.

Screen time can be a wonderful tool and entertainment resource. However, it can also be the bane of your existence. May we all find balance in the world of homeschool and homework in this strange and ever-developing global situation.

On April 1, 2020March 30, 2020 By Motivate. Innovate. Relate.In Autism, Behavior, Corona Virus, COVID-19, family, homeschool, life, Motivate, screen time, Special Needs, TV, video games5 Comments

Key to Unlocking the Mystery

On March 29, 2019 By Motivate. Innovate. Relate.In Autism, Behavior, behavior, Motivate, Special Needs8 Comments

Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change.
Jim Rohn

When people learn that, especially those with special needs children, I am immediately asked what we did to help him? Was it the medication? Was it diet? Was it therapy? The answer is teamwork.

It is a process, like all parenting. No one expects their five-year-old to do laundry. No one expects their sixteen-year-old to sign a loan. It is a process of teaching and learning on both sides of the parenting aisle.

Track Changes

It is really easy to share about the rough days in the lives of special needs. But all that does is focus on the negative and does not act toward a solution. Maybe it is the researcher in me, or maybe it is my determination to understand the why, or maybe it is my sheer stubbornness, but I was determined to not let my child use his diagnosis as a crutch. And I was not going to let the world do that either.

But, when your kid cannot talk at age five, you might think this is not possible. I am can confidently say it does not have to be.

The first thing I am always told is that is way too much work. And if you approach it like that, you may find it is. But I did not. In total, once I had a system, it took about 15 minutes a day…and the data was AMAZING!

Here is how it was done and some lessons we learned:

STEP ONE: Get Everyone on Board

This is probably the hardest step. When you think about it, you leave your kids in the hands of others sometimes up to 40 hours a week. This could be a teacher, an aide, a therapist, a Sunday School teacher, or a babysitter. Everyone is different and so what is considered bad behavior for one may be tolerable or expected behavior to another. It is essential to get everyone on the same page.

We developed an easy light system, much like a street light, that could be used in all locations. Because it could be used in all locations, our son knew what was expected from him at all times.

The Color System

There are four colors and the frequency of use changes with age and need. When we started at age five, our son had the opportunity to earn 15 blues a day. We believe in grace – no one has a perfect day every day. To that end, we always allow a place for imperfection. When he was younger, our son could earn 10 blues and greens and still earn whatever incentive he was working for. Now, there are certain actions that automatically mean he loses his incentive but he also has fewer chances to earn things. We break the day up by activity now not by the hour.

Before we get too far, let me explain what an incentive is and is not.

An incentive is NOT a bribe. A bribe is a reward given in extreme frustration to a child misbehaving. An incentive is a reward given in a contract. I will do an entire blog on this next, but for now, this should get you where you need to go.

Breaking up the day by activity and time helps understand what topics and times of day may need more or less attention

Here are the colors:

Blue: This is beyond what you would expect from a child – excellent behaviors, no reminders, best kid you ever met. This would be an A+ student.

Green: Exactly what you would expect from a child. Nothing too bad and nothing too good. This would be a B/A student.

Yellow: Walking a dangerous path. Perhaps you need to give some warnings. Perhaps there is an attitude creeping into the child’s tone. This is your warning. This would be C student.

Red: Game over! This behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. This is an F student.

The color system is easy to explain to other adults and is easy to teach to your child.

Seeing at glance improvement over time helps bring scope and value to the progress made

How do you keep track during those times you are not with your kids?

We used a grid system of school subject, time of day and days of the week. We found this was easy for the provider or teacher to be able to communicate to us how the day went without having to write a book.

On the back of our weekly grid was any comments the aide, teacher, or babysitter wanted to provide with why they chose that color or any specific good or bad behavior of which we needed to be aware.

I then kept all of these in a three-ring binder divided by school year. Once a month I would count up the blues, greens, yellows, and reds and have a clear indication of which direction my child was going. This also helped when speaking with occupational, speech and ABA therapists to help see what times of days and what subject’s in school were more problem areas and where we could spend less time and focus.

STEP TWO: Track A-B-C Behavior

A-B-C behavior is your lifesaver! This data tells you so much about your child from what they like or dislike to how they may be physically feeling to how smart they are.

What is it? Antecedent, behavior, consequence. I will spend more time on this is a future blog on ABA therapy, but here is what you need to know to get started.

I used a chart of date and time with A-B-C.

This helped me track where trouble times of the day may be (like right before bed or end of the week due to exhaustion) or certain activities which may be frustrating to my kiddo (like math and homework at the end of the day).

What are some antecedents? Transitions, change in routine, a difficult task (anything from buttoning clothes to multiplying fractions – wherever your kid is) can all be antecedents. This is what occurs prior to the behavior you are seeing. This is super helpful when communicating with other adults, especially babysitters, so they can know how better to help your kiddo,

Behavior is simply that – what behavior did your child exhibit? Was he eloping? Was he hurting himself or others? Was he not doing work (avoiding what was requested of him)? What action took place?

Consequence is essential. This goes hand in hand with incentives. The key to a good consequence is that it is known in advance and is followed through on consistently. CONSISTENTLY. If this is not consistent, everything is lost!

For adults, we know if we steal, we go to jail. This is a law. This is not just a law on books, it is common law – do not steal or you go to jail. You know the consequence in advance. If you steal one time, you go to jail (when the system works correctly). When you steal again, you go to jail. The rules do not change and the consequences do not change. We, as humans, respond best to consistency. It is essential the consequences are communicated to the child, the caregiver, and your partner and you are on the same page. If your kid can get away with task avoidance with Dad and not Mom, this will not work.

Tracking this information is essential to not only understand your child and what makes them tick but helps you as a parent teach self-control, responsibility, and rule of law (which every society everywhere has some form). This also, over time, makes your life parenting much easier. No more repeating yourself. No more fighting with your kiddo. This allows them to start feeling independent.

Grid of time and date, next colum initials of who saw behavior, Antecedent, Behavior and Consequence are the next three columns — Seeing what is the antecedent helps to discover how to help solve problems we cannot see.

STEP THREE: Track What You Eat

This may sound a bit absurd, but believe me, it is more helpful than a pedestrian visit. When we started tracking what our kiddo ate, we could see and anticipate behavior.

My mom used to make the most incredible cakes for our birthdays…all our eight birthdays a year. And every time one of us kid had a birthday, my mom would get sick. It took forever for the doctors to figure out what was happening until they tracked the ingredients she used in the frosting of the cake. She was allergic, but did not know it. Tracking the daily helped the doctors (and my mom) to figure out the problem.

We decided to not wait for a doctor to tell us to do this. We just started to do it. What we discovered changed our lives.

When our son eats dairy, any dairy, within 24 hours to the minute, he is having behavior problems. This was essential information when he could not speak. But it also helps us now that he can. Our son is not allergic to dairy, but he cannot physically process it. This leads to stomach aches and headaches which leads to less focus, patience, and acceptance in situations that may otherwise be easy to handle for him.

How did we discover this? We tracked his meals. Every day for two years. We saw the trend at six months, but did a full two-year study for certainty. And because data is indispensable. This essential data has come in handy when talking to his therapists, pediatrician, allergist, and teachers. It has also helped create a much more calm home environment.

This is super easy now with apps for food tracking (just google a play store app for a diet and millions pop up).

STEP FOUR: Pray

Many of you know I am Christian. I think God played (and continues to play) a large role in the success of my family. From the day my son came into my life, I have prayed for him. I have prayed for healing. I have prayed he has control over his emotions. I have prayed he has a heart for obedience and compassion for others.

Most of these things a child on the spectrum, especially those that cannot express themselves, have trouble with. There were days our son would hit, kick, scream and bite because he could not tell us his stomach hurt or that he did not like the texture of a food. Simple things to those with the gift of language.

It can be, often is, and has been over-whelming.

But I have learned specific prayers get specific answers. Within a year of praying my son could speak in complete sentences. Though we still have spitting and kicking outbursts, the frequency of these has decreased dramatically – from constant throughout the day to maybe once to twice a month in four years.

Though I know not all follow my God, I highly recommend prayer or mediation of some kind. I have found it to not only calm me but has allowed me to approach problems from outside of them not stuck in the middle of them.

What we Have Learned

Data is key to understanding your child, especially if they are non-verbal. It can be easier than you think with grids and check-boxes. It takes less time than you think with apps and only 10 to 15 minutes a day. It brings more peace, calm, and happiness to your child because you understand them more, but also to your home.

Do not feel over-whelmed. Do what you can do and let the rest fall by the way-side. Not every kid is the same and not every kid will respond the same way. I do highly recommend, above all else, consistency in your home with both praise and consequences.

Your life does not get better by chance. It gets better by change.Jim Rohn

When people learn that, especially those with special needs children, I am immediately asked what we did to help him? Was it the medication? Was it diet? Was it therapy? The answer is teamwork.

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