anxiety

Wordless Wednesday- BeYOUtiful

/ mysenkid / Leave a comment
10464037_10152382752269425_3499214613551613750_n

Snoopy is the bomb

What does this photo invoke in you? To me, it says a plethora of things. It is crazy how 1 picture can make you feel and think a certain way. I needed this today. I needed this as inspiration. Yes- Snoopy brought my inspiration back! When I look at this picture I:

– feel happy

-feel less anxious

– love my little redhead more

– feel more confident in who I am

– am proud to be “different”

-feel motivated to write and not care what others think of my writing

What do you see when you look at this picture?

 

Sensory Activity: Calm Down Jar & I Spy Bottle

/ mysenkid / 4 Comments

Howdy folks! It’s Monday again. Which means, I have another “Make-it-Monday” activity to share with you. With Landon being a sensational kid and all, what better thing than to make something to help him when he needs it most! Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder are known to have a emotional extremes. Having something tangible for Landon to hold/look at/admire when he is trying to regulate his emotions is a great tool we found that works. I hope you find it helpful, for any kiddo as well! And to boot, it was fun to make!

photo (17)

Filling the bottle

 

Supplies Needed:

PLASTIC BOTTLE

PLASTIC BOTTLE

SMALL TRINKETS

SMALL TRINKETS

ELMER'S CLEAR GLUE & GLITTER

ELMER’S CLEAR GLUE & GLITTER

Directions:  Pretty darn simple. Fill the bottle 2/3 of the way with a lukewarm water. Then add the whole bottle of glue, followed by the glitter. If the glitter falls right to the bottom of the bottle, you may want to add more glue. Especially if you use a bottle bigger than a 20 oz. one. Once you have the glue/glitter/water combination down, add the small objects. We chose a Lego head, pony beads, letter beads (his initials)  2 small Lego pieces, lanyard pieces and a penny.  There you go- You have yourself your own I Spy/Calm Down Bottle!

~Namaste~

 

photo (20)

Finished product!

Wordless Wednesday- Sensory Diet

/ mysenkid / 2 Comments

It’s Happy Hump day again! Last week, during school vacation we went for a relaxing family lunch. We decided as a family, we would try a new place for the three of us. Hubby & I go for sushi alot, but never with Landon. He was determined to get a STAR on his chart for trying a new food! He did- and we are so proud! Way to go for overcoming your anxieties & fears. We love you Landon!

~Namaste~

photo1 photo2

Sensory Processing & the Challenges it brings

/ mysenkid / 6 Comments

Say it isn’t so. Sensory Processing Disorder truly controls Landon’s life.  However, control doesn’t have to have a negative impact. It can force you to think “outside the box”, which for Landon, has made him more creative! From what he eats, what he wears, his anxiety, the ability to touch certain items and more, it all has a daily effect on him.  However, this control doesn’t hinder him from having a ” normal” life. And I put “normal” lightly as I fully believe there is no single entity that we should define as normal. He makes friends regardless of his social anxiety. He learns ways to cope to loud noises. He focuses on what textures he likes versus not dwelling on those he doesn’t. Even his open bite posture causes him the inability to make certain sounds. Somehow, he manages to say words that he just shouldn’t be able too ( shock to his speech therapist as well). He truly is a determined little man, who I couldn’t be any prouder of.

At the eye doctors picking out his frames

At the eye doctors picking out his frames


Here we are again. Sensory Processing has  added another “challenge” to his list. And again, I say “challenge” lightly as each challenge only makes you more unique. LANDON NEEDS GLASSES. Not because his vision is impaired, but for a whole other reason. Technically, his vision is 20/20. It’s when the environment effects his vision, (i.e. wind, light, glare) the glasses are needed. This is especially true for light. At his vision appointment, we found out that Landon has larger than normal pupils for any adult my age. Meaning, it lets more light in. Landon has always been sensitive to light as most sensational kiddos are, so having pupils that cause more light to travel through his eyes only exacerbates his visual sensory challenges.

Off to School with his new Glasses!

Off to School with his new Glasses!

We all know schools are infamous for their horrible track UV lighting that would give anyone a headache. But those with sensory challenges are more susceptible to headaches, decreased concentration and poor vision because of this. To read more about how a classroom can affect kids with sensory challenges, click here. Landon’s headaches were so bad, I knew something had to be wrong. Here we are today with glasses that have a mild prescription, uv protection and scratch resistant. I am hoping this alleviates his headaches. He has been a trooper through all of this. Even at the 2 hour appointment, he let the doctor poke and prod all around his face and get very up close and personal. He was so well behaved and I was so very proud. He was even excited to pick out his very own pair of glasses. Now that  school vacation week is over, the true test will begin. Will he remember to wear them? Will he lose them? Will he break them? Will they help with the glare & squinting?  But honestly, I only care that he is not upset about this new challenge he has. He realizes that people are unique and his uniqueness happens to also include wearing glasses!

~Namaste~

Being Goofy with our glasses!

Being Goofy with our glasses!

Wordless Wednesday- School Picture

/ mysenkid / Leave a comment

School Pictures can go terribly wrong. Especially when you have a moody 6 year old who likes to get what he wants at all costs. For example, Landon was less than thrilled with the background I chose. He wanted the waterfall & trees. So- he let me (and the photographer) know that he wasn’t going to cooperate. If this picture isn’t a giant F@%K You Mom, I don’t know what is.

Showcasing for your enjoyment- Landon’s Kindergarten Picture 2014

10253967_10152061240016395_6003244654360714909_n

Growing Pains

/ mysenkid / Leave a comment

Growing pains. All kids get them. As their parents we will never really know how painful they actually are to our kiddos. The thought of my kid going through any pain at all, just makes my heart ache. Last weekend Landon was in such intolerable pain we almost went to the hospital. He couldn’t walk. He needed us to compress his ankle & shin for almost 1 hour. This was the only thing that helped him. Even with us holding his ankle, massaging where he asked and a dose of Ibuprofen, he was hysterical. We were at IKEA,  drove almost 90 minutes in the rush hour traffic all to be there for 5 minutes and leave. We left the IKEA parking lot and had to pull over at a  local Walgreens. We sat for almost 2 hours until we began our journey home.

Long story short: after the  doctors appointment the next morning,  we all came to the conclusion that it was either a charley horse gone wrong, or just very bad growing pains. But regardless of what it was, the doctor explained to us that it was probably almost as painful as a minor fracture or pulled ligament. This is due to sensory kiddos feeling pain in different way than their peers. So, of course my heart broke even more when I thought about that.

I always knew he felt his emotions differently from others, but never actually stopped to think about physical pain. As much it sucks seeing him fight though his emotions, try to explain his feelings and feel tremendous amounts of pain, I know all these things will make him a stronger person, one with empathy no doubt. Does your little one have growing pains? What are some home remedies you do to calm them? Share away- I would love to know!

2195_51490816394_5440_n

THEN- 18 months

1391664_10151698314691395_1918230354_n

NOW- 6 years

31 Things You Oughta Know About the Woman Behind the Blog!

/ mysenkid / 3 Comments

Yes- I am sure you know the basics. Either you are friend, a friend of a friend, a Facebook friend or read my blog weekly…….

I am Joy. Married to my baby’s daddy. Live in Warwick. Love the color purple. Love cupcakes & margaritas. I am from NJ.  My son has Sensory Processing Disorder. Travel anywhere I can. Write my blog for fun (& therapy). But do you know the real “Me”. Would you still read, be my friend, friend of a friend or Facebook friend (stalker) if you knew the real me? Don’t get me wrong, I am not a monster. But what I am is someone who has a clear understanding of what she likes, doesn’t do bullshit and has no tolerance for ignorance. Therefore sometimes people don’t like that- especially the ignorant ones!

I turned 31 on January 5th- and to honor my glorious day of birth, here on Jan 31st I give you 31 THINGS YOU OUGHTA KNOW ABOUT THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BLOG!

31. I don’t make “lasting” friendships easily. My guard is always up- and he is a fighter.

30. I wish I was a Canadian.  But I am still proud to be an American! I just love all things CANADA!

29. More than any other place, I wish to visit Greece. (and Italy….and….everywhere)

28. I have only ever wanted 1 child. 1 perfectly imperfect child to call my own!

27. I have dated men from almost every ethnic background. Taste the Rainbow Ladies!

26. My most exceptional work is Landon and will always be Landon.

25. I have an issue expressing happiness. It makes me feel strange inside and in turn sometimes it comes out as anger.

24. Most days you can catch me going “all natural”, for I hate Bras.

23. I will never ever ever in a million years go sky diving.

22. I have Sensory Processing Disorder, diagnosed as an adult. Betcha didn’t see that one coming! Or did you?

21. I love Yoga. It makes me feel strong & sexy. Namaste~

20. I have a glazed stick from Dunkin Donuts every morning for breakfast. It is my addiction.

19. I quit smoking January 12th 2007, and not 1 day goes by where I don’t want another one. But I won’t give in.

18. I belive in Karma. And its a Bitch Baby!

17. I am adopted and so is my little brother.

16.  My husband is the smartest person I know. Professor, Entrepreneur, Businessman, Published Author, WordPress Expert, Public Speaker- See for yourself!

15. I have Social Anxiety Disorder. All those years quietly watching in a corner- I have come to sense “Bullshit” like no-ones business. I don’t do Bullshit.

14. I have no tolerance for the “N” word- I grew up defending my brother and I would defend anyone anytime from that word.

13. I live in a 840 sq. foot home with my husband, son, 2 dogs & 2 cats. Yes, It’s crowded.

12. My dream home is a quaint 1,000 sq. foot log cabin, open floor plan and wrap around porch. Someday!

11. I am a child of divorce. It still affects me even as an adult.

10. I dye my hair monthly. I get bored very easily. It’s another way for me to be creative. All these creative juices flowing………

9. I primarily shop in thrift stores for our clothes. Ask me the best ones for designer labels- I will share my secrets!

8. My favorite food is Potatoes. Baked. Fried. Stuffed. Mashed. It’s all good……

7. I refuse to eat Lamb & Veal.

6. I have PKU. It is a rare genetic disorder that means I lack the enzyme to break down protein.

5. I live for football. I study the game, the players, the history. From NJ- but my team has been the New England Patriots since I was 9.

4. I utterly despise baseball.

3. I am addicted to food. Thus- I am a Lifetime Weight Watcher.

2. I listen to Sports Radio in the car. No music.

1. My boys- Jesse & Landon are the reason I am living!

 

NAMASTE!

Wordless Wednesday- Skiing In NH

/ mysenkid / 3 Comments

 

photo-14

Night Snowtubing

 

              NIGHT SNOW-TUBING

 

 

photo-9 photo-7

    DAY OF SKIING

 

 

 

photo-2 photo-5

 

INDOOR FUN!!!

We had an impromptu trip to NH/ME this weekend! It was 72 hours of jam-packed action! Skiing, Snow-tubing, Water-slides, Yummy Food, Shopping and yes Lots of driving! Landon was amazing- even though he was having his “sensory” days more often because of the lack of schedule, sleep and new environment. But that never puts a damper on our fun. We work with him to make sure he has the best time regardless! And I think these pictures prove he did.

Skiing & tubing at King Pine Ski Area

Hotel Accommodations : Hampton Inn & Suites North Conway, NH

Dinner- Yankee Smokehouse

~Namaste~

Worries & Sensory Processing Disorder : Post, Review & Giveaway

/ mysenkid / 2 Comments

The Worry Monster. My kid has it. Does your kid have it? Heck, I have it. I worry all day everyday. Its in my nature. It was only fitting that Landon be a worrier like me, even though I wished it otherwise. Having Sensory Processing Disorder only amplifies his body’s reactions to his anxieties. In Dr. Dan Peters book, Make your Worrier a Warrior, he teaches parents & teachers how to help a child who suffers from anxious tendencies.

The Worry Monster is real. This book only reinforced what years of therapy has taught me. While my worries may be silly to others, they are very real to me. Sometimes worries can affect how your body reacts. From personal experience, I know this feeling is terrible. Just like the TLC song, “I get weak in the knees, I can hardly breathe, I lose all control……..It’s an awful feeling that can happen anywhere, anytime. The fact that I know how my son feels when he has his “attacks”, well it just breaks my heart. I wish I could take all his worries away. But, I know that is not possible. Instead, he needs to learn how to use his worries in a positive way. This book shows you the tools needed to get there.

Say NO to the Worry Monster photo via Dr. Dan Peters

Say NO to the Worry Monster photo via Dr. Dan Peters

First and foremost, this book taught me to externalize the problem so it becomes something outside of himself. This helps him narrow in on the worry without having a close personal reaction while working on it. I found this to be extremely helpful for Landon as well as in my personal experiences. It allows the worrier to feel as those they might be able to control their worry.

Uncovering just how powerful the physiological response of excessive adrenaline was quite interesting. When I read all the symptoms that can occur from too much adrenaline, Landon was so happy. He yelled, “I get that” and “Just like me”. It made him realize that are other kids out there who experience anxiety like he does. It was a great moment for me as a mom to see him actually feel good about his anxiety, rather than shame & guilt.

The book is filled with writings of worries and achievements from children and parents who have tamed the Worry Monster. It was interesting to read some of the worries our kids of today are facing. I was so proud when I read one where they talked about how they faced a fear they previously had.

Tame the Worry Monster Today Photo via Summit Center

Tame the Worry Monster Today Photo via Summit Center

Things to remember-The most important pieces I took from this book:
The Worry Monster is a Bully
Our tone of voice, as much as the words we use, help our children feel hopeful.
The more you talk about the Worry Monster, the weaker he gets.
There are many types of anxiety that can affect your child
Helping your child to face his fears is key in helping them go away
The more we think worrisome thoughts, the more adrenaline is released, the more scared we feel.
The Worry Monster is always lying to you.
Worries and fears can be broken down into baby steps.

Listen, we all worry. But, it’s how you react to those worries that can affect your daily life. I urge any parent or adult for that matter to grab this book and uncover why & how our bodies react to anxiety & stress the way it does. You will learn why your heart races fast and why you feel clammy and dizzy. This book is not a magic cure. It’s a guide to help you and your family on a journey to live your best life. No-one wants there child to hide away from life, you want them to live it. With this book, you will learn the tools needed to help them reach their potential!

Amazon is working to quickly restock the book. Lucky you-  I have a digital copy of both of his books (parent + tween/teen review copies) to give away to a lucky reader. You do not need to have Kindle, just the ability to open a .pdf file and away you go on your path to taming the Worry Monster! Please remember, these opinions are mine and mine alone.  Enter today to start your journey……..

*Laura Rossi Public Relations provided the review copy www.laurarossipublicrelations.com 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A day in the life with Sensory Processing Disorder

/ mysenkid / 3 Comments
Nov 19th 2007 Landon's Birthday

Nov 19th 2007 Landon’s Birthday

Let’s start with some fun info on Landon.  For starters, Landon was born full term on November 19th 2007. He was almost 9 pounds and 21 1/2 inches long. Not a small baby by any means. He was born healthy despite me having Maternal PKU and having a very high risk & difficult pregnancy. He just beat the odds from the beginning. I know he will continue to do so throughout his life.

Landon’s favorite things:

Landon loves many things. He develops obsessions to things very easily, just like his momma, who has her own obsession with Coke and her 15 year old pillow! The pillow is just so damn comfy and Coke – well it is the best thing in the world (next to Landon of course-Lol). At this time, Landon loves Curious George, trains, bedtime stories, his blanket, chocolate milk and swimming. Sounds like your typical 2 1/2 year old boy. I am sure in a few months- he will add onto these and the list will be in the double digits!

Landon’s typical weekly schedule:

Landon is a very busy little boy. We have been working with Early intervention through the city of Warwick since November 2009. We attend many programs at the center as well as home based therapies every other week. We are currently enrolled on the wait-list for the Brown Center for an evaluation appointment for his Sensory Processing Disorder and his intellectual gifted abilities.

Mondays- Landon has Talking Explorers class from 11-12:30pm.  It’s a child only class and has worked wonders for Landon’s separation issues. Every other Wed- Landon has his Occupational Therapy and a Parent Educator come to the house. Every other Thurs- Landon has in-home speech therapy. Starting soon- Landon will be in a communication/behavior class on Tuesdays while Mommy is in a behavior seminar for 11 weeks. This new behavior seminar is based on “time-ins” and communication rather than “time-outs”. I am eager to learn more. As you can see, Landon & I have a fun, packed schedule during the week.

Landon’s personality, behaviors & physical attributes

Landon is a very happy boy. He is very outspoken (with the words he does know) and also with his babbling! He will try and talk to anyone regardless if he has met them in the past. You can say he is a people person. Landon also signs many things on a daily basis.    Landon is very tall for his age. He is in the 95% percentile for height and 75% for weight. He is 41 inches tall and weighs just about 35 pounds. He has long, curly auburn hair and fair skin. He is just the cutest thing ever!

Landon is going through some challenges with children his own age. He sometimes finds himself hitting or pushing to communicate because most children his age are past his verbal abilities. But, for the most part he apologizes right away and we are working to help him communicate better – even through learning more sign language. Landon has a schedule everyday and we try not to deviate from it as this is when certain “uh-ohs” may occur. He is a great sleeper,  but poor eater. These issues I will address as the blog continues.

Landon John Friedman

Landon John Friedman

 

For now, I think most of you have a pretty good sense as to who Landon is. I look forward to showcasing our activities, challenges, rewards and everyday life of being a mother to A Sensational Kid! If you ever have any questions about SPD, Landon in general or just a nice “shout-out”, please post it here or feel free to email me.

Be real,

Joy