In a matter of a few short weeks, my girl will be 30 years old. Given that she needed behavioral supports from the age of 2, I should have known that the road was going to be unpaved, bumpy and filled with unexpected turns.   29th Birthday Party I have learned to appreciate every success, every word that comes out of her mouth and her ability to be immersed in our community, a dream, years ago, I thought only for others. Let's get to this age appropriate concept ... is it age appropriate for us as parents in our 50's and 60's, to still have 24/7 responsibility for an adult child? I think not. Look around at your friends who are off traveling, planning their next adventure without a single thought about their children's care, should lend you some perspective.   So, I say this, as long as it is safe, do what needs to be done to make your life easier, more relaxed, happier, allows your child to be comfortable in your community and if someone has a problem ...

News Flash! During a 20-30 minute stand-off at the San Jose Safeway Check Out Stand--Mother Makes a Breakthrough!    Situation : Mother Taken Hostage by a Giant Red Lobster !  I began to wonder... how did this happen? We entered the doors, happy and peaceful. After all, she got to go to work with me since one of her staff was ill and she loves being at PHP, so all was well. We got the cooked chicken, some salad fixings and were ready to go make our lunch when she spotted it!  This  Giant Red Lobster , soft on the outside, stuffed with cushy material on the inside, who vaguely resembled Ariel's friend from the Little Mermaid but you can see that in the video. Those of you that know me are probably aware that I believe that Lauren has the right to make decisions and to be supported in a way that works for her.  I have studied, practiced, listened and read but continue to be challenged at times over how to manage a challenging situation when it comes to...

Thoughts that might otherwise become lost.: Positive Change: One Method : Click here to see the video. My first try using Adobe voice. What do you think?  Go to full screen using the 4 arrows to view with out t...

Click here to see the video. My first try using Adobe voice. What do you think?  Go to full screen using the 4 arrows to view with out the blog background. This message is Lauren approved.

7:30 am: call from my daughter's staff that a family member was in a serious accident and she would not be able to come cover the day while I was working. So packed up the dog, the girl and off to work! Luckily working at PHP, bringing your children to work is not frowned upon. LG is very able to keep herself busy between the ipad, making lists and DVD's. In the morning I watched her awkward gait and noticed it worse worse than usual. I checked her shoes and tightened up the Velcro.  We proceeded to the car and I offered my arm for her to hold onto, which she readily took. When leaving today I noticed that the left foot kept rocking as he planted her foot on the the ground.  Only the left.  The right seemed okay.  So, I asked if she was having pain in her foot.  Her immediate relief was obvious.  She said it was her right toe. I told her "when we get to the car show me what hurts.  She removed her left shoe and sock and ouch!  It mad...

The 6 piece puzzle completed with dates on each piece. It's Easy, Cheap and Fun! Yet it took me years to try it.   The puzzle is done! Up before 10am 6 out of 7 days!  Now to move it to 9:30 with a new puzzle.   The DVD cost me only $.50 cents plus $4.95 for shipping off Amazon.  It was waiting for her yesterday morning and she was THRILLED! Tonight will be spent selecting a new goal target, making the puzzle and starting again!   If your person in need of a change can't wait 7 days, start with a lower number of pieces that they can earn in a day or even an hour!  This is all about creating success.  I would never take a puzzle piece away, which may result in the loss of a positive association with the “earning” puzzles.   How could you use this puzzling fun with your son, daughter, or client?

Waiting is such an evil concept for those living in the present.  Yesterday is any day before today and tomorrow is anytime beyond the now. Lauren missed one day so far. She was mad! and I am relieved to say it wasn't on my watch.  The concept of "try again tomorrow" is hard for her to grasp.  One thing we can learn from our children that live in the present is that the present is the most important and squeeze every drop of life out of it! She called me this morning at 9:30. I suppose to announce that she was up, so I immediately got excited about her receiving the next puzzle piece.  She has only two more days to go! Then what? A new puzzle of course!  We will move the time to 9:30am!  Woo Hoo! Enjoy every minute!

Gluing on piece #2! What does it take to get my daughter out of bed in the morning? MOTIVATION! Pondering how to get my nearly 30 year old daughter awake before noon or later after being up and busy a good deal of the night, I remembered a strategy offered up by  Nathan Ory , my favorite behavior guy .  My Girl has a team of support! She is in her own home with supported living so "choice" is a priority.  Creativity is Key in providing choice!  LG has different relationships with the different staff members so one person's approach works and another's doesn't.  Some of them can get her moving in a heartbeat and some can't.   NEEDED A STRATEGY To circumvent a melt down at lunch last Wednesday, I started drawing Arthur - yes that PBS aardvark on the back of the placemat.  It looked nothing like Arthur, so we searched google for a pic.  It hit me!  Make a puzzle out of the picture of a book that she wants.  "Arthur's...