Parent's Eyes: Catch Them Doing Good

We don't have an interview scheduled for today so I thought I'd fill in the gap myself with my own 'Parent's Eyes'.

I say on here often how much I've learned from my kids. That's not to say I haven't learned a tremendous amount from the professionals and, of course, other caregivers out there. But our kids? They are the smart ones. They show us every day what they need, how much they need and when something isn't quite right. They may not always have the right words to tell us but they are showing us all the time. We just need to pay attention.

One thing I've realized recently is the value of the words, "I'm so proud of you!" Think of how you feel when someone acknowledges something you've done something, especially something you've worked really hard on that you didn't think you did well. Feels good, right? For kids, it's good times a million.

As caregivers of kids with special needs, it's even more important for us to take notice of those things they do well. After all, they spend much of their time being bombarded with all the 'can'ts':

I can't hold my pen.
I can't sit still in my chair.
I can't concentrate.
I can't get my body to coordinate.
Etc.

Then they hear us talking to therapists, teachers and other professionals about what they need to work on or what they struggle with. But how many things have you congratulated him for today? How many times today did you actually cheer him on for something he could do or at least made his best efforts trying to do? I know. We can't catch everything--even I forget some days. But when you do, make it a big deal about it:

"Jaimie! Look at that awesome page you did in your scrapbook! That's so beautiful!"
"Jordy, what a wonderful big sister you are. Thank you for always checking on Xander at recess to make sure he's okay."
"Xander. Did you do this cut and paste all by yourself? WOW! Your hands were listening to you today, weren't they? I'm so proud of you."
"YAY, Sophie for putting those cars away. Mama appreciates that so much!"

See? You don't need to say much. And, of course, it's always fantastic to add a hug and kiss in there too. Always remember those kudos, mixing them in throughout the day. Because when you catch them doing something good, and acknowledge it, it means the universe to them.

Take good care today!