Indy Parent Help Blog

An article I had written “Treat the whole child” prompted Lynda Peterson (Marketing and Outreach Coordinator For ASK) to write to inform me of an organization called ASK – About Special Kids.

Lynda states “ASK serves children (birth to age 22) from mild to long term or life-threatening disabilities FREE of charge. ASK puts families in touch with medical experts and helps families navigate health insurance options, state and federal programs, school based programs and community based services.”

Wife and mother of three boys, Sandi Poulos felt like she was living in a fog, struggling to see anything clearly. “I walked around in my house like a stranger between four walls,” recalled Mrs. Poulos remembering feeling overwhelmed by the unknown with her youngest son Evan.

Evan was diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder. Despite having a diagnosis, Mrs. Poulos and her family still struggled with how to help her son. She found that practitioners and therapists didn’t always have satisfactory answers to her hundreds of questions. She turned to ASK.

ASK put her in touch with a parent liaison who could answer questions in depth about hearing impairment in addition to helping her contact the Lion’s Club for financial assistance in obtaining an FM hearing device.

In Indiana you can call ASK… AboutSpecialKids for help with therapies, treatments, transportation issues, educational needs, healthcare options, financial aid, or family counseling and respite.

Another testimonial: “ASK taught me how to stand up for my son and what his rights were under the law as well as what questions to ask to ensure his needs were being met.” Penny Jacobson

In an age where we (or our children) are often being compartmentalized it’s refreshing to know there is ASK-About Special Kids for help – treating the needs of the whole child. You may contact Lynda Peterson (lynda@aboutspecialkids.org) for more information.

Hugs!

Recently my husband Andy and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. It is a milestone by anyone’s stretch of the imagination but, more importantly, it is a testimonial to the institute of marriage, raising children and enjoying grandchildren.

Celebrating 50 wedded years gives Andy and I insightful parenting perspectives. We are able to look back and reflect on the trials and tribulations we experienced along the way. If we knew than what we know now, knowing the challenges and demands children make on us, there may have been some second thoughts. Would we do it again? Without a doubt! You, too, while in the throes of raising your children might often find yourself scratching your head in dismay, disappointment and even despair agonizing over whether or not you are connecting with your children. Looking into our parenting rear view mirror we see all the riches we have in our children and grandchildren and would not change them for the world. You have these riches before you as well. In becoming a parent advocate and child behavioral coach, I find it helpful to know that looking back is a good thing but being mindful of the daily lessons our children learn from us is the best assurance for their whole-being successes.

YiaYia’s Top Ten Lessons Learned (upon reflection):

1. Trust your instincts (your gut is your moral compass)
2. Treat your children as people.
3. Empowerment builds self-worth. Enabling is disabling.
4. Influence with integrity.
5. Speak to your children in a respectful tone.
6. Pay attention to your child’s emotional transitions.
7. Believe in them.
8. Ask of your children what you ask of yourself.
9. Keep promises made.
10. Be firm, fair and consistent.

Michael Angelo @ 87 years old said “ancora imparo”…Translation: “I am still learning”. Me too! Hugs!