summer survival.....

[Maureen Haut]

I'm excited to write my first blog. Something that we are all facing is our kids being home for summer vacation? The first 2 weeks were hell without the school structure, therapy and daily duties. I love having my teens home? I hate having my teens home? Busy yes, I am exhausted trying to get them involved with special olympic activities, volunteer work, part time jobs, camp etc...whatever. So tired keeping an eye on them? I know you can relate whatever age. These teens think they know it all and are old enough for freedom? It was easier when they were younger. They could be contained. There ages are past summer school multi-needs. They are at the border age were camp isn't cool anymore? Jobs, poor people are un-employed everywhere let alone a kid with autism or cerebral palsy? So, I have gotten creative.... volunteering at church, sports for the younger special needs kids, library, swimming and starting a garden. These things have been working, thank God. Friends are scarse at this age especially with the delays socially. Sometimes it rips my heart out when they are alone, but its a growth process. They need to realize that they are special and being with themselves sometimes alone is ok. Oh, almost forgot one more thing make sure before school is out to ALWAYS find out about summer school programs,which the school district should provide, local park district activities which legally have to intergrate special kids, or job training programs which many high schools should provide for multi-need kids in the IEP... Have a happy safe summer.... Don't forget to take things one day at a time...

[Amber_K]

Great post! Today is my 15 year olds' last day (Mitchell), Ian (who has autism & is 13) has been home all week and Isobella (7) has a few more days to go (yeah! she's the high maintenance one!).

Friends are tough... Mitch has made a few but doesnt' have anyone to 'hang out' with. Ian wants friends- sometimes lol- summer session is all set for us, thank goodness we've had no snafus so far and the other two will go to a local program, so I'm happy for now.

I am thinking about home schooling my youngest next year... long story better saved for another post!