Why would one turn to their own Blog for inspiration?
The answer is simple.... When you go off the rails look to past experience and ideas to get you back on track.
This morning has been all about finding hope in past experiences!
Its kind of working... On the other hand I have no idea how to turn the clock back and get some
order back.
Just saying!!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
REFLECTIONS AND REASONS.
Today marks the 1 year anniversary of our trip to Israel! WOW! What a year. On reflection, if you want true honesty, what a crap year (for me that is). I guess you could say as a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend I would personally say I have failed in may ways this year! I guess may people would argue that I was wrong! The beauty of opinion. Everyone has a different one.
I have really struggled in feeling like I have failed Noam is so many ways.... There are so many things that I have promised myself I would do for him. I simply do not have the time to do them. Being a mother of three young children I have spent the last few months realising that in order for Noam to be successful our family needs to be successful.
It is true that everything we learnt in Israel was life changing. I gained a wealth of knowledge and understanding into the mind of my son. I came home understanding to some degree how to break down his frustrations and make the world a clearer place for him to explore develop and succeed in... Unfortunately all this doesn't give me a 'get out of jail' card. the therapy is ongoing the struggles and challenges evolve as fast as i can type...
Noam has grown so much in the past year.... His language had developed thanks to an amazing speech therapist. His concentration, compliance and general wellbeing has reached levels we never knew possible thanks to his fabulous OT and various natural therapists. But most of all thanks to Noam.
School has been a whirlwind of emotions. I never realised how hard the mainstream road would be. As I often walk through the school to pick up Noam I still feel a small sense of heart ace that comes with having a child with special needs in a mainstream school. But as I enter the class room to be shown his work book where Noam begins to read to me. Yes, READ TO ME! I forget the heart ace and am blow over with pride.
I wish the world would see Noam the way I did. Sometimes I feel like I underestimate him, judge him and loose faith in him. If I am being honest with myself I think these feelings stem from other peoples perceptions, ones which horrifically influence me for a flicker of a moment. We all have a lot to learn.
Someone asked me this week why I chose to put Noam in a mainstream school. Someone once said to me ' why a mainstream school? We have such a hard time helping our children with acceptance and belonging in an environment where they are more than often NOT. Why don't you just put him in a special school where he doesn't feel different'?'
This is the look I get on his face EVERY DAY when I pick him up from mainstream school. He is slowly making friends (he has two buddies) He is developing speech rapidly. He is learning to read and write. He may be doing things a little slower than others, some things a little faster than others. He is doing them and he is HAPPY!
I have really struggled in feeling like I have failed Noam is so many ways.... There are so many things that I have promised myself I would do for him. I simply do not have the time to do them. Being a mother of three young children I have spent the last few months realising that in order for Noam to be successful our family needs to be successful.
It is true that everything we learnt in Israel was life changing. I gained a wealth of knowledge and understanding into the mind of my son. I came home understanding to some degree how to break down his frustrations and make the world a clearer place for him to explore develop and succeed in... Unfortunately all this doesn't give me a 'get out of jail' card. the therapy is ongoing the struggles and challenges evolve as fast as i can type...
Noam has grown so much in the past year.... His language had developed thanks to an amazing speech therapist. His concentration, compliance and general wellbeing has reached levels we never knew possible thanks to his fabulous OT and various natural therapists. But most of all thanks to Noam.
School has been a whirlwind of emotions. I never realised how hard the mainstream road would be. As I often walk through the school to pick up Noam I still feel a small sense of heart ace that comes with having a child with special needs in a mainstream school. But as I enter the class room to be shown his work book where Noam begins to read to me. Yes, READ TO ME! I forget the heart ace and am blow over with pride.
I wish the world would see Noam the way I did. Sometimes I feel like I underestimate him, judge him and loose faith in him. If I am being honest with myself I think these feelings stem from other peoples perceptions, ones which horrifically influence me for a flicker of a moment. We all have a lot to learn.
Someone asked me this week why I chose to put Noam in a mainstream school. Someone once said to me ' why a mainstream school? We have such a hard time helping our children with acceptance and belonging in an environment where they are more than often NOT. Why don't you just put him in a special school where he doesn't feel different'?'
This is the look I get on his face EVERY DAY when I pick him up from mainstream school. He is slowly making friends (he has two buddies) He is developing speech rapidly. He is learning to read and write. He may be doing things a little slower than others, some things a little faster than others. He is doing them and he is HAPPY!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Honesty and reality v's the dream
Okay, lets be honest. If you are a parent of a child with special needs reading this you may relate to what i am about to say. If you are a parent of a 'typicaly' developing child you may have never really thought about what I am about to say.
Noam Started school last week! We made a decision to mainstream him full time. A dream come true! Dreams are something people usually have for years and years. This dream has been mine for six years now! This time last year I was not sure it the 'dream' would become a reality. It has.
Many people may believe that Noam should be in a special school.. previous comments that have come my way sound a little something like this. "I am happy for there to be kids like Noam in my child's class, as long as they are fully supported so they don't take anything away from my child' .....................
We are all selfish when it comes to our children and so we should be.
As i spent the holidays shopping for school uniforms, name tags, lunch boxes and the list is endless I didn't have the same excitement as many of my friends! Not only was i nervous and anxious, I was prettified and emotional. Like many others around me my baby, my first born son was starting prep at the local primary school. The only thing that set me apart from them was the fact that my son happens to have Down Syndrome.
I wont lie and say that the past six years haven't been challenging. There have been sad and hard times but most of all I have celebrated a life that to this day astounds me, makes me proud and challenges me in every amazing way possible!
I spent the later part of 2011 listening to people around choose schools and talk about the next transition in their child's life as this major event (which yes it is). The major concern for most seemed to be the schools demographic. Stories after stories of which school is closer to home, which one has more people they know. blah blah blah... I was agonising over special or mainstream school. Will my child be able to attend mainstream how much aid time they will be given, meetings before school started, chats to the and the list goes on and on and on! WIll my child be at school when i go to pick him up as he has a tendency to abscond?! Oh gee i think i could sit here all night and list off. What I do understand now is that life brings challenges and emotions to everyone! It's all 'relative'.
Three weeks in
It has been three weeks since school started. We have had our ups and downs. I have had my moments of 'this just isn't going to work' and WOW this kid can do this. I feel blessed to have the support of an amazing school and I have come to realise that I am not alone in my worrying. In Noam's school, there are three other children with Down Syndrome. It's hard to explain but walking through those gates and knowing I am truly not alone takes my life to a whole knew level.
Noam Started school last week! We made a decision to mainstream him full time. A dream come true! Dreams are something people usually have for years and years. This dream has been mine for six years now! This time last year I was not sure it the 'dream' would become a reality. It has.
Many people may believe that Noam should be in a special school.. previous comments that have come my way sound a little something like this. "I am happy for there to be kids like Noam in my child's class, as long as they are fully supported so they don't take anything away from my child' .....................
We are all selfish when it comes to our children and so we should be.
As i spent the holidays shopping for school uniforms, name tags, lunch boxes and the list is endless I didn't have the same excitement as many of my friends! Not only was i nervous and anxious, I was prettified and emotional. Like many others around me my baby, my first born son was starting prep at the local primary school. The only thing that set me apart from them was the fact that my son happens to have Down Syndrome.
I wont lie and say that the past six years haven't been challenging. There have been sad and hard times but most of all I have celebrated a life that to this day astounds me, makes me proud and challenges me in every amazing way possible!
I spent the later part of 2011 listening to people around choose schools and talk about the next transition in their child's life as this major event (which yes it is). The major concern for most seemed to be the schools demographic. Stories after stories of which school is closer to home, which one has more people they know. blah blah blah... I was agonising over special or mainstream school. Will my child be able to attend mainstream how much aid time they will be given, meetings before school started, chats to the and the list goes on and on and on! WIll my child be at school when i go to pick him up as he has a tendency to abscond?! Oh gee i think i could sit here all night and list off. What I do understand now is that life brings challenges and emotions to everyone! It's all 'relative'.
Three weeks in
It has been three weeks since school started. We have had our ups and downs. I have had my moments of 'this just isn't going to work' and WOW this kid can do this. I feel blessed to have the support of an amazing school and I have come to realise that I am not alone in my worrying. In Noam's school, there are three other children with Down Syndrome. It's hard to explain but walking through those gates and knowing I am truly not alone takes my life to a whole knew level.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I'm Back
It's been months since i have blogged! For many reasons it seems that I have not had the time, motivation nor desire to hit the blog spot! Something in the past few weeks has had me thinking to get started again. Something today has made me do it!
So many things have happened since coming home from Israel. The good the bad (and in fear of being tacky) the UGLY! I have so much i could write and say in retrospect,but I wonder how much of it is worth repeating to an audience who simply weren't there....
I can't remember what I wrote in my last post so i hope I don't repeat things but here's a little about the months that have passed!
After a rough transition back into everyday life for all of us life started to settle a little around September. We started seeing these amazing changes in Noam..... I guess we will never know what influenced these changes but I would say a little bit of Israel and little bit of home, a little bit of love and A LOT of Noam! As the year came to an end i think the whole family had exhausted 2011. Grumpy, angry and tired seemed to be on top of the list. It was time to re group as a family. We have had a great holiday and now starts the next chapter!
I guess you could say the Noam had an average year at kinder this year... but all in all he did it and he is moving on! He starts mainstream school in approximately four weeks and believe it or not i am actually feeling a little excited... So stay tuned as Noam's life of WOW continues.
So many things have happened since coming home from Israel. The good the bad (and in fear of being tacky) the UGLY! I have so much i could write and say in retrospect,but I wonder how much of it is worth repeating to an audience who simply weren't there....
I can't remember what I wrote in my last post so i hope I don't repeat things but here's a little about the months that have passed!
After a rough transition back into everyday life for all of us life started to settle a little around September. We started seeing these amazing changes in Noam..... I guess we will never know what influenced these changes but I would say a little bit of Israel and little bit of home, a little bit of love and A LOT of Noam! As the year came to an end i think the whole family had exhausted 2011. Grumpy, angry and tired seemed to be on top of the list. It was time to re group as a family. We have had a great holiday and now starts the next chapter!
I guess you could say the Noam had an average year at kinder this year... but all in all he did it and he is moving on! He starts mainstream school in approximately four weeks and believe it or not i am actually feeling a little excited... So stay tuned as Noam's life of WOW continues.
Monday, June 20, 2011
The update you have all been waiting for
Where to begin?
Well that last few days in Israel were like on of those emotion charts! full of every emotion possible! Happy and Sad were the two major ones! All the therapists and I got together for an official closing discussion. Their thoughts opinions and ways to continue. It was wonderful and teary. The last day was very hard for me. I was getting close to coming home (just had the weekend to get through) and i was so excited but I had to say goodbye to the people that helped me and supported me. We had a little party for Noam and another little girl who also attended the institute from England! Noam gave everyone a flower and a big hug and really understood that he was heading home!
I had a meeting with the Rabbi Raffi Feurenstein... that was exciting, it gave me more motivation and hope for the future and the trip home!
The weekend was great and long! We were both anxious and ready to get home! Noam had some last minute fun with my family! Horse riding, swimming at the beach! Just beautiful!
HOME
Lucky for me i bumped into some friends of mum and dad's just before boarding the flight home! They flew all the way home with us and that was a blessing!!! great to have help and a familiar face!
Noam was great on the plane but by the last leg was full of energy! Good old Qantas and their amazing staff... lets just say, they all knew Noam by the end of the flight!
Melbourne Airpot walking through those doors and I got it!! the hugs I had been waiting so long for. Mika, Shuly, Naish and my Dad ( mum was in bed it was an early flight).
It's been two weeks now and things are starting to settle.. Noam had a hard start sleep wise but as the days went on he got better and better! It was so great to be home and even better to be able to share the experience finally with Naish and the rest of the family! What has been even better has been the changes they have seen! Noam has settled back into school and kinder and it will be interesting to see how those changes carry though....
I am back into running a household, being a mother, a wife a friend and a girl on a mission to find the support and therapies to keep this kid growing!
There are lots of exciting things coming up in the horizon and I promise to keep update happening through my blog!! ( especially seeing as 130 people viewed it yesterday)
It wasn't really until I got home that I realised how much I had changed! Two weeks in and i am realising that some things you can't change, some things you have already changed, some things you don't want to change!
Well that last few days in Israel were like on of those emotion charts! full of every emotion possible! Happy and Sad were the two major ones! All the therapists and I got together for an official closing discussion. Their thoughts opinions and ways to continue. It was wonderful and teary. The last day was very hard for me. I was getting close to coming home (just had the weekend to get through) and i was so excited but I had to say goodbye to the people that helped me and supported me. We had a little party for Noam and another little girl who also attended the institute from England! Noam gave everyone a flower and a big hug and really understood that he was heading home!
I had a meeting with the Rabbi Raffi Feurenstein... that was exciting, it gave me more motivation and hope for the future and the trip home!
The weekend was great and long! We were both anxious and ready to get home! Noam had some last minute fun with my family! Horse riding, swimming at the beach! Just beautiful!
HOME
Lucky for me i bumped into some friends of mum and dad's just before boarding the flight home! They flew all the way home with us and that was a blessing!!! great to have help and a familiar face!
Noam was great on the plane but by the last leg was full of energy! Good old Qantas and their amazing staff... lets just say, they all knew Noam by the end of the flight!
Melbourne Airpot walking through those doors and I got it!! the hugs I had been waiting so long for. Mika, Shuly, Naish and my Dad ( mum was in bed it was an early flight).
It's been two weeks now and things are starting to settle.. Noam had a hard start sleep wise but as the days went on he got better and better! It was so great to be home and even better to be able to share the experience finally with Naish and the rest of the family! What has been even better has been the changes they have seen! Noam has settled back into school and kinder and it will be interesting to see how those changes carry though....
I am back into running a household, being a mother, a wife a friend and a girl on a mission to find the support and therapies to keep this kid growing!
There are lots of exciting things coming up in the horizon and I promise to keep update happening through my blog!! ( especially seeing as 130 people viewed it yesterday)
It wasn't really until I got home that I realised how much I had changed! Two weeks in and i am realising that some things you can't change, some things you have already changed, some things you don't want to change!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
HOME
We are home with still lots of stories to tell! I have promised many to keep this blog going so that I will do! just give me a few days to get my act together!
Both Noam and I were very excited to get home! kisses for everyone and non stop hugs!
Both Noam and I were very excited to get home! kisses for everyone and non stop hugs!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Thank you!
We were so blessed to be given this opportunity! The generosity of work colleges, family and friends and people we haven't even met, was then as is still now overwhelming. I will be forever grateful to everyone who has helped us get here both finically and emotionally.... I can honestly say with all my heart that you have given Noam a new beginning.. you have given Noam direction and knowledge to see the world through clear eyes. To know, to understand and be a part of a world that every person deserves to be apart of! I have to say it again THANK YOU!!
Tomorrow is our last day at the Institute! WOW! Five weeks have past, I have learnt so much and so has Noam. We had final meeting with all the therapists and me! They each went around and spoke about what they have been doing with Noam, why and where to go from here. I have filmed it so that I can share it with everyone in melbourne that works with Noam and for me to keep the inspiration and motivation flowing within me! I also spoke about my experience, how we got to Israel, how the trip has effected me and how I see the changes in Noam... My goals for the future
This trip has taught me to believe again.. It has opened my world to a sea of opportunities for Noam and made me believe in a child whose future 6 weeks ago I was not to certain of! I have learnt to have faith in Noam, let him be the five year old he is! Give him the independence he deserves and send him on his way to be wants and needs to be! (with a little help from me)
I can't forget to say a big thank you to a few other people! My amazing family here in Israel who not only have embraced Noam but have cherish him supported us and honestly helped me get through the toughest 6 weeks of my life!
To the therapists at the Institute! ( I know some of you have found this blog) Your support and dedication infectious! Each and every one of you has something unique and inspirational to offer.. Keep doing the amazing work that you do and always remember that you are changing the lives of so many families and so many children who will be forever grateful. You have not only given me hope you have given Noam Life.... You have shown him what the world has to offer and taught him to embrace it!
There are no words to describe to you all how grateful I am! I am going to miss you all and I prey that one day I will be back with Noam to continue this amazing Journey!
Tomorrow is our last day at the Institute! WOW! Five weeks have past, I have learnt so much and so has Noam. We had final meeting with all the therapists and me! They each went around and spoke about what they have been doing with Noam, why and where to go from here. I have filmed it so that I can share it with everyone in melbourne that works with Noam and for me to keep the inspiration and motivation flowing within me! I also spoke about my experience, how we got to Israel, how the trip has effected me and how I see the changes in Noam... My goals for the future
This trip has taught me to believe again.. It has opened my world to a sea of opportunities for Noam and made me believe in a child whose future 6 weeks ago I was not to certain of! I have learnt to have faith in Noam, let him be the five year old he is! Give him the independence he deserves and send him on his way to be wants and needs to be! (with a little help from me)
I can't forget to say a big thank you to a few other people! My amazing family here in Israel who not only have embraced Noam but have cherish him supported us and honestly helped me get through the toughest 6 weeks of my life!
To the therapists at the Institute! ( I know some of you have found this blog) Your support and dedication infectious! Each and every one of you has something unique and inspirational to offer.. Keep doing the amazing work that you do and always remember that you are changing the lives of so many families and so many children who will be forever grateful. You have not only given me hope you have given Noam Life.... You have shown him what the world has to offer and taught him to embrace it!
There are no words to describe to you all how grateful I am! I am going to miss you all and I prey that one day I will be back with Noam to continue this amazing Journey!
Monday, May 30, 2011
There is nothing more magical than Erez Israel. ( the land of Israel) Tonight we stood and watched a city unite on the eve of Yom Yerushalayim ( Jerusalem Day) . We walk the streets in pride, waving the Israeli flags and sining about a country that means so much has given so much.
There is nothing more magical than watching your child flourish amongst crowds. Become a boy who understands, is intrigued and excited and who I honestly believe felt the pride all other Yerushalmi's (people of Jerusalem) did today!
Noam asked me to 'walk with the people'..... He told me he wanted a flag.... And as he watched the tractors drive by he waved, said shalom and talked about the tractor he went on with his cousin Motty to see the 'SHEEP'....
This is a boy who's world has been opened up not only to language but to everything it has to offer. I realised today as I walked with Noam that he is no longer a passive member of society but an active one!
There is nothing more magical than watching your child flourish amongst crowds. Become a boy who understands, is intrigued and excited and who I honestly believe felt the pride all other Yerushalmi's (people of Jerusalem) did today!
Noam asked me to 'walk with the people'..... He told me he wanted a flag.... And as he watched the tractors drive by he waved, said shalom and talked about the tractor he went on with his cousin Motty to see the 'SHEEP'....
This is a boy who's world has been opened up not only to language but to everything it has to offer. I realised today as I walked with Noam that he is no longer a passive member of society but an active one!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
When I come home and Noam sleeps i have been reading a lot on this theory that has intrigued me so much. Today i came across a piece of writing that just put it all together for me.
' THE STUDENT IS OFTEN TREATED AS AN EMPTY VESSEL INTO WHICH KNOWLEDGE MUST BE POURED'
(my husband being a librarian I should probably quote that properly but that would mean having to go back through my papers... another time maybe)
I could probably try and summarise what this means for you but I think i may just put the link to the site I have been reading and if you are interested have a read! ESPECIALLY people out there who have children!
Just to clarify.. the child is often and just shouldn't be! When mediating it's also about changing yourself for the child, looking at the individual child, setting the environment for the individual child and 'stimuli' - looking at what will motivate the individual child and using that knowledge to extend learning!
(hope that makes sense)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
So you would like to know how all this learning and mediation has helped Noam? well let me tell you.
Tonight we had to take Noam to the doctor! A suspected ear infection diagnosed by myself! Noam HATES doctors and never ever cooperates. As expected when she went to check his ear he carried on, screamed no no no and wouldn't let her look! I asked him to listen to me and I asked him if his ear was sore? he said yes! I basically explained to him that 'if you want it to feel better then you need to let her look so she can give you some medicine!' He said NO! I asked him if he wanted to go home and see daddy and Mika and Shuly in a week? He said YES! so I explained ' We need to check your ear so we can give you medicine, otherwise you can't go on a plane home to see them! he said OKAY! he sat and let the doctor look. He then said THANK YOU! So now I think I can say this trip is really going to change our lives!
Thank you!
Tonight we had to take Noam to the doctor! A suspected ear infection diagnosed by myself! Noam HATES doctors and never ever cooperates. As expected when she went to check his ear he carried on, screamed no no no and wouldn't let her look! I asked him to listen to me and I asked him if his ear was sore? he said yes! I basically explained to him that 'if you want it to feel better then you need to let her look so she can give you some medicine!' He said NO! I asked him if he wanted to go home and see daddy and Mika and Shuly in a week? He said YES! so I explained ' We need to check your ear so we can give you medicine, otherwise you can't go on a plane home to see them! he said OKAY! he sat and let the doctor look. He then said THANK YOU! So now I think I can say this trip is really going to change our lives!
Thank you!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
When things get tough you generally feel like packing it in! Well that's how I felt at the beginning of this week! Really I did, you can ask the girls at the institute, you can ask my husband who I sobbed too and you can even ask my mum and dad who for no reason I got angry at! Most of all you can ask NOAM! To whom I really cried too. It seems like he listen as today he had a truly amassing day! Lots of great talking, lots of great sequencing, planning and co operating! And yes today not only did he eat chicken, he also ate mashed potato! ( i know i am getting carried away with the eating chat but really guys, it is AMAZING as this is a kids who just never eats anything!
What Have I learnt so far? I ask myself this question every day. The answer is simple! The more you expect the more you get! The more you talk the more he understands. The more you mediate the more chance he has of reciprocating through language play and motivation. Most of all I have learnt that Noam needs to treated like he is 5 years old!!!!
Here are some pics of what Noam did today! Tomorrow I will explain in a little more detail how and why!
What Have I learnt so far? I ask myself this question every day. The answer is simple! The more you expect the more you get! The more you talk the more he understands. The more you mediate the more chance he has of reciprocating through language play and motivation. Most of all I have learnt that Noam needs to treated like he is 5 years old!!!!
Here are some pics of what Noam did today! Tomorrow I will explain in a little more detail how and why!
 |
| I DID IT!!! |
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I wasn't going to blog today! But here I am. I felt like I didn't really have much to say and didn't want to bore anyone with words of nothing. I am so tired that i am finding it hard to fall asleep. My mind is full of endless thoughts. The trip is coming to an end with only 7 Days left at the institute! where to go from here and how am I going to get him there? If you have a chat with Naish I think he would agree that my mind is in overload... I have been emailing home with instructions to make appointments for when we get home and there are even some that he doesn't know I have made! I am so excited for the future and determined to give Noam even more!
The past two days were hard. Noam regressed a little in behaviour and was struggling a little to cope with the demands on him. I was struggling to cope with the demands on me! Lucky for us we are surrounded by a support network of amazing individuals who lets just say 'saved the day'. It was time for a quotes and the quote of the day had to be 'ROME WASN'T BUIL IN A DAY'. No it wasn't and although tacky is was the perfect thing for someone to say to me!
Noam has come so far... It is only natural that he regresses a little. I see it as 10 steps forward 2 steps back 20 steps forward 1 step back! His anger and frustration in the past seemed to be for no reason! It seems that now Noam's ability to understand this world around him together with his desire to be surrounded by a world of language has refocused his anger to 'real' frustration in not being able to 'talk' and use language as a tool of communication. He is trying so hard and in time I am sure in will succeed!
Today he ate a PLATE of schnitzel! WOW
The past two days were hard. Noam regressed a little in behaviour and was struggling a little to cope with the demands on him. I was struggling to cope with the demands on me! Lucky for us we are surrounded by a support network of amazing individuals who lets just say 'saved the day'. It was time for a quotes and the quote of the day had to be 'ROME WASN'T BUIL IN A DAY'. No it wasn't and although tacky is was the perfect thing for someone to say to me!
Noam has come so far... It is only natural that he regresses a little. I see it as 10 steps forward 2 steps back 20 steps forward 1 step back! His anger and frustration in the past seemed to be for no reason! It seems that now Noam's ability to understand this world around him together with his desire to be surrounded by a world of language has refocused his anger to 'real' frustration in not being able to 'talk' and use language as a tool of communication. He is trying so hard and in time I am sure in will succeed!
Today he ate a PLATE of schnitzel! WOW
Friday, May 20, 2011
I have a story to tell!
Considering everything Noam has been through in the past few weeks he has really been amazing! One thing is for sure that I now know that i didn't really prepare him enough for this Journey. In preparing him i mean that I didn't really talk to him about what where we were going. I didn't explain to him why or how, and most importantly I didn't ask him how he felt about it!
As I have discussed in earlier posts the institute has taught me the importance of mediation. Mediation through play and interaction. Today Noam had a so so day! To be totally honest so did I. By the time it came to 6.30pm he was so worked up and angry that I couldn't calm him down to put him to bed. I managed after 15 minutes to get him to lie down. I lay down next to him and patted his head! I began to talk to him like I never have before. It went a little something like this.
ME - "Noam I feel like you are angry, are you angry with Mummy?
NOAM -he looked me straight in the eye and said "NO".
ME 'Are you angry with Daddy?
NOAM - NO..
ME -Shuly?
NOAM - 'NO"
ME - Do you miss daddy? I do!
NOAM - NO (but I think he does)
ME -What about Shuly?
NOAM - NO!
ME - And Mika?
NOAM- NO! - 'play' -
ME -"Do you want to play with Mika?"
NOAM - YES, MUMMY, PLAY MIKA!
This may sound like a simple discussion especially for a 5 year old! For me and Noam I honestly believe this was the best discussion we have ever had!
He actually got his feelings out with the help of mediation.
Once I understood what he was feeling I was able to explain to him that Mika would also love to play with him and we will go home on a plane in two weeks and see everyone.
He went to sleep feeling calm and with a smile on his face! And so will I
I am going to sleep thanking EVERYONE for giving us this opportunity to learn. I am thanking EVERYONE for giving me my dream, although a simple one, I had a conversation with my son. THANK YOU!!!!
Shabbat Shalom
As I have discussed in earlier posts the institute has taught me the importance of mediation. Mediation through play and interaction. Today Noam had a so so day! To be totally honest so did I. By the time it came to 6.30pm he was so worked up and angry that I couldn't calm him down to put him to bed. I managed after 15 minutes to get him to lie down. I lay down next to him and patted his head! I began to talk to him like I never have before. It went a little something like this.
ME - "Noam I feel like you are angry, are you angry with Mummy?
NOAM -he looked me straight in the eye and said "NO".
ME 'Are you angry with Daddy?
NOAM - NO..
ME -Shuly?
NOAM - 'NO"
ME - Do you miss daddy? I do!
NOAM - NO (but I think he does)
ME -What about Shuly?
NOAM - NO!
ME - And Mika?
NOAM- NO! - 'play' -
ME -"Do you want to play with Mika?"
NOAM - YES, MUMMY, PLAY MIKA!
This may sound like a simple discussion especially for a 5 year old! For me and Noam I honestly believe this was the best discussion we have ever had!
He actually got his feelings out with the help of mediation.
Once I understood what he was feeling I was able to explain to him that Mika would also love to play with him and we will go home on a plane in two weeks and see everyone.
He went to sleep feeling calm and with a smile on his face! And so will I
I am going to sleep thanking EVERYONE for giving us this opportunity to learn. I am thanking EVERYONE for giving me my dream, although a simple one, I had a conversation with my son. THANK YOU!!!!
Shabbat Shalom
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The end of the third week
As we reach the end of out third week at the institute the bad news is that I am an emotional mess! Missing Mika, Shuly and Naish and the rest of my amazing family and I am struggling at times to stay strong and motivated. The good news is A) that is totally normal and B) Noam and I are both learning more than i ever expected!
I guess the most important thing to remember is that I am not coming home with all my problems solved or with a kid that can speak fluently. What I am coming home with is with a kid who now see's the world through different eyes and a mother who has been given the tools to teach him to continue the vision.
I have so much more to learn and to gain from my time here and for the rest of my life. I guess in a way I am now a little scared to leave an environment that has given me so much support and knowledge. A big part of me wants to stay and learn and a bigger part of me can't wait to get home and continue.
The week saw Noam grow, making me even prouder if that is at all possible! Not only is he cooperating but he is also learning, taking what he is learning and relating it to every day life skills and understanding. Today with Ayelet ( Noam's cognitive yoga teacher) we discussed briefly Feuerstein's theory of muscle strength and it's relation to the mind! Unfortunately we were unable to discuss this at length but we have taken a rain check for Sunday. I can't wait to fill you all in.
There was a lot of buzz around the institute over the past few days as Noam managed to do a little disappearing act... I wont elaborate on the details as my heart is still feeling the effects of the event. Let me just say it has given a few of the therapists (actually all the therapists even the ones that don't know Noam) a mission to teach Noam danger! they believe they can teach him to stay with mum, hold hands and not run away! All I can say is I HOPE THEY CAN!!
I guess the most important thing to remember is that I am not coming home with all my problems solved or with a kid that can speak fluently. What I am coming home with is with a kid who now see's the world through different eyes and a mother who has been given the tools to teach him to continue the vision.
I have so much more to learn and to gain from my time here and for the rest of my life. I guess in a way I am now a little scared to leave an environment that has given me so much support and knowledge. A big part of me wants to stay and learn and a bigger part of me can't wait to get home and continue.
The week saw Noam grow, making me even prouder if that is at all possible! Not only is he cooperating but he is also learning, taking what he is learning and relating it to every day life skills and understanding. Today with Ayelet ( Noam's cognitive yoga teacher) we discussed briefly Feuerstein's theory of muscle strength and it's relation to the mind! Unfortunately we were unable to discuss this at length but we have taken a rain check for Sunday. I can't wait to fill you all in.
There was a lot of buzz around the institute over the past few days as Noam managed to do a little disappearing act... I wont elaborate on the details as my heart is still feeling the effects of the event. Let me just say it has given a few of the therapists (actually all the therapists even the ones that don't know Noam) a mission to teach Noam danger! they believe they can teach him to stay with mum, hold hands and not run away! All I can say is I HOPE THEY CAN!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
It's not the first time in the past five years that someone has said to me 'Limor, you have to stop being such a good mother'. It's also not the first time these words have brought tears to my eyes. Why?
For those of you who know me well and know my relationship with Noam you will know that we are very close. I will do anything in the world to protect all my kids, to give them the best life I can give them... sometimes the protection is something they just don't need, Noam in particular. For a few years now we have been working on language with Noam. I would have to agree and it is something that the institute and it's wonderful people have pointed out that Noam doesn't have a need to talk. I and we as a family talk for him.. without knowing it we are actually hindering his speech development as well as creating a field of behavioural issues which we play into ( especially me)! I am learning about the capability of a child who every day surprises me.
Today we had some big tantrums. I'll admit that I got to a point where i fell into the trap of yelling and getting frustrated. going head to head with Noam simply feeds into his seek of attention. Slowly I am discovering that the world of speech and explanation (mediation) actually eliminates frustration, lack of communication and most of all anger! I guess I am human and at times struggle as any parent does but the more I learn the more he succeeds!
Today Noam showed me is ability to develop new skills. His ability to learn listen and succeed!
May I also add that participating in the group sessions at the institute have once again wowed me!! Noam not only enjoyed every minute he thrived! using three word sentences interacting with kids who don't even speak his language! and wait for it, eating CAPSICUM and RICE WITH CHICKEN.
Oh and before I forget, the surprise i wasn't telling you about was a big flop so their is really no point writing about it! sorry, i know you were all getting very curious but really don't loose any sleep over it.
For those of you who know me well and know my relationship with Noam you will know that we are very close. I will do anything in the world to protect all my kids, to give them the best life I can give them... sometimes the protection is something they just don't need, Noam in particular. For a few years now we have been working on language with Noam. I would have to agree and it is something that the institute and it's wonderful people have pointed out that Noam doesn't have a need to talk. I and we as a family talk for him.. without knowing it we are actually hindering his speech development as well as creating a field of behavioural issues which we play into ( especially me)! I am learning about the capability of a child who every day surprises me.
Today we had some big tantrums. I'll admit that I got to a point where i fell into the trap of yelling and getting frustrated. going head to head with Noam simply feeds into his seek of attention. Slowly I am discovering that the world of speech and explanation (mediation) actually eliminates frustration, lack of communication and most of all anger! I guess I am human and at times struggle as any parent does but the more I learn the more he succeeds!
Today Noam showed me is ability to develop new skills. His ability to learn listen and succeed! |
| I DID IT!!!! |
Oh and before I forget, the surprise i wasn't telling you about was a big flop so their is really no point writing about it! sorry, i know you were all getting very curious but really don't loose any sleep over it.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Now I did video a session with Shoshana the phycologist today! What a woman!! the session was amazing and we learnt lots about Noam. She also managed to get about three or so FULL sentences out of him. I cant seem to upload it on here!! NOT HAPPY!
I also thought i would quickly add some pictures of the Yoga cards I was talking about the other day just incase anyone is interested!
Tomorrow we are doing something i am really looking forward to... shh it's a secret can't tell anyone yet!
Tomorrow we are doing something i am really looking forward to... shh it's a secret can't tell anyone yet!
Where to begin? I often write what I think. Most of the time I have no idea if it makes any sense to anyone else... somehow getting it down on paper works for me. Today is no different! We had a fantastic day at the institute today. We continued with the old and added some new. Noam worked with a new therapist today I was a little apprehensive when I looked at the weeks schedule and saw that he had some new therapists. My theory was that we had gotten through two really tough weeks, finally he was settling with the therapist he knows and now they go changing them on me! Well good thing they did. Not that I don't love the others because I do, but this lady was fantastic. She taught me a lot about following through. She worked on behaviour as well as cognitive abilities. We discussed Furensteins three stages of thinking. There is the input and data gathering stage, the processing stage and the output stage through intentional mediation Noam is able to restructure his thinking and in tern develop a greater skills in learning abilities. She explained to me why Noam needs more input and how it will help his overall understanding as well as behaviour. She showed me the difference practically and once again it all just fell into place!
Today i discovered the importance of constantly doing things differently with Noam. Noam is a creature of habit if something is done one way once or twice then thats the way it will be forever! The therapist tried getting him to spell his name with letters.. She had his name on a pice of paper then had individual letters. He had to match them. He did because Noam knows his letters however placed them on top of his name rather than on the board. Noam is used to matching by placing on top! Today after three attempts he learnt a new skill!
Now for the best part of the day! Noam joined a group of five children at the institute. These sessions are run by OT's, Speech therapists, special Ed teachers and I am sure some others.. The idea was to leave him to give me a break! when i left he SCREAMED!! I cried like a baby!! When I came back i could hear Noam from out in the corridor. he was having fun! He came out of the room and was so excited to see me. One of the boys who also has DS a good few years older than Noam asked him if he would like to join them in the class room? the therapist translated for Noam and Noam said YES. Loud and clear YES YES.. he didn't even look back. He went with the boy to the class and sat with the five children.
He actively participated in the group session for 30 minutes. Dong everything all the kids did and interacting! The therapist to my amazement ran the class in english and hebrew!
I got some pictures of the group session but they are a little blurry because I had to hide!
Today i discovered the importance of constantly doing things differently with Noam. Noam is a creature of habit if something is done one way once or twice then thats the way it will be forever! The therapist tried getting him to spell his name with letters.. She had his name on a pice of paper then had individual letters. He had to match them. He did because Noam knows his letters however placed them on top of his name rather than on the board. Noam is used to matching by placing on top! Today after three attempts he learnt a new skill!
Now for the best part of the day! Noam joined a group of five children at the institute. These sessions are run by OT's, Speech therapists, special Ed teachers and I am sure some others.. The idea was to leave him to give me a break! when i left he SCREAMED!! I cried like a baby!! When I came back i could hear Noam from out in the corridor. he was having fun! He came out of the room and was so excited to see me. One of the boys who also has DS a good few years older than Noam asked him if he would like to join them in the class room? the therapist translated for Noam and Noam said YES. Loud and clear YES YES.. he didn't even look back. He went with the boy to the class and sat with the five children.He actively participated in the group session for 30 minutes. Dong everything all the kids did and interacting! The therapist to my amazement ran the class in english and hebrew!
I got some pictures of the group session but they are a little blurry because I had to hide!
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