I've become a self-proclaimed novice in the pursuit of [my own] happiness and in finding pockets of peace amidst the chaos of raising my 7-year-old identical twin sons who were blessed with an extra 21st chromosome (aka. Down syndrome) and my beautiful daughter (ADD) who vacillates between being helpful and being 10.
Written on
September 10, 2011 by
Maggie
My Boys & their typically developing classmates during their first week at school. Yes, I am an inclusionist! I want my children to be included in every aspect of life just the way any other child or person would be/should be included. I want my children to play, to work and to be educated side-by-side…
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Written on
August 7, 2011 by
Maggie
Kindergarten Graduation You might have read that we played hooky from Summer School this year. As a result of that post, a few parents of children with special needs have congratulated me on my first–but perhaps not last–foray into home schooling. I’ve got mixed feelings about this… See, I’ve always been a proponent of the public school system……
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Written on
August 1, 2011 by
Maggie
Four weeks into Summer school — aka: Extended School Year (ESY) — and I’ve only brought The Boys in for 2 1/2 days. Bad Mama? OR, Bad Mama! Our contained class experience this past year included My Boys’ adopting some negative behaviors from a few of their peers with special needs. As such, I’ve been working this…
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Written on
July 23, 2011 by
Maggie
104 degrees! Luckily, I have a nice, little, hard-walled backyard pool — 15′ round by 3 1/2′ deep — that we put up and take down every year. And every year, Sarge wants to set it up at the curb instead of in our yard. He hates our little pool! He wants a BIG, semi-in-ground pool. Yeah, me…
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Written on
June 11, 2011 by
Maggie
I’ve been MIA due to a viral infection. Thankfully, not my kids or me. This time, it was Dell, my darling laptop! Timing is NEVER good for this sort of thing. I was in the process of redesigning The Boys’ discreet trial curriculum, writing out my blue-sky-scenario for our encore performance of kindergarten and investigating the pros…
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Written on
May 11, 2011 by
Maggie
What app are you using to teach your child to read? How are you addressing aberrant behaviors? What math curriculum are they using at school? How did you get her to _____ (fill in the blank)? Can I see your ABA discreet trial program for _____? How did you get that into your IEP? Is there…
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Written on
May 2, 2011 by
Maggie
REGISTER NOW! MEET AND DISCUSS EDUCATIONAL ISSUES AND BEST PRACTICES WITH OTHER LOCAL MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME! 1-day Seminar THIS Friday, May 6 @ Queens College, Flushing, NY Meeting the Educational Needs of Children with Down Syndrome Amazing Opportunity to see Dr. Sue Buckley, Researcher with Down Syndrome Education International, present the best practices…
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Written on
April 24, 2011 by
Maggie
Happy belated Passover & Happy Easter to those who celebrate these beautiful traditions. I wish you all peace in the world, in your homes and in your hearts! This isn’t just another post about potty-training, per se. It’s an OMG they’re growing up post about the challenges of being potty-trained-ISH and independent toileting. Last Thursday,…
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Written on
April 16, 2011 by
Maggie
Am I the only one who can’t seem to find any time to take care of me in my life? OMG, for all the child-rearing and special needs advocating and work I’m doing, there doesn’t seem to be a moment left for me! I’m not talking about luxuries like taking a bubble bath, a night out…
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Written on
April 10, 2011 by
Maggie
There are lots of skills that a parent enthusiastically awaits mastery of by her precious children. Sleeping through the night, self-feeding, sleeping in their own bed and potty training are just a few of the hard-won battles, in my experience. A little bit of impatience is not uncommon and often can be a catalyst to helping our…
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