On this quiet, gentle little holiday that somehow manages to survive between the glitz of Halloween and the commercialization that threatens the heart of Christmas, I'm pausing to reflect on my blessings, and like many of you, give thanks.
It has been an incredible year for me in many ways. Yet, I'm most thankful for the honor of still being able to serve as a spokesperson/advocate for a population of terrific kids that are too often undervalued, undersocialized and undereducated. I believe passionately in the value of each and everyone of these children, and in you, too. My amazing son, Eric, taught me well.
I am incredibly thankful that I will always be his mom.
What are you thankful for?
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
November is National Family Caregivers Month!
You may have been too busy caretaking to notice, but the President of the United States has again proclaimed November National Famiily Caregivers Month.
According to the National Family Caregivers Assocation (NFCA), this month "is designated as a time every year to thank, support, educate and celebrate more than 50 million family caregivers across the country currently providing an estimated $306 billion in "free" caregiving services."
Wow! We all know that families living with special needs give it all they've got each and every day, but those numbers are staggering. Family members often do what they do without enough time off, enough income or funding support, or any well-deserved kudos. Yet the gifts they provide their loved ones are truly priceless.
Where would we be as a country without these unselfish family members?
For more on caregivers support for your family, check out the NFCA web site: www.nfcacares.org, and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation at www.christopherreeve.org.
Taking care of youself goes a long way toward helping you care for others.
THANK YOU for all you do 24/7 to make life better for someone else!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
According to the National Family Caregivers Assocation (NFCA), this month "is designated as a time every year to thank, support, educate and celebrate more than 50 million family caregivers across the country currently providing an estimated $306 billion in "free" caregiving services."
Wow! We all know that families living with special needs give it all they've got each and every day, but those numbers are staggering. Family members often do what they do without enough time off, enough income or funding support, or any well-deserved kudos. Yet the gifts they provide their loved ones are truly priceless.
Where would we be as a country without these unselfish family members?
For more on caregivers support for your family, check out the NFCA web site: www.nfcacares.org, and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation at www.christopherreeve.org.
Taking care of youself goes a long way toward helping you care for others.
THANK YOU for all you do 24/7 to make life better for someone else!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Celebrating My Life as a Writer!
I'm about to embark on yet another hectic week of travel for in-studio media interviews, first to NYC for New Morning with Timberly Whitfield (Hallmark Channel), and Fox Radio News. Then I'm off to Chicago to chat again with Steve Cochran at WGN-AM. (more about those exciting adventures after the fact!).
I'm also throwing in a couple of extra days in Chicago to enjoy the annual Lighting of Michigan Avenue with my husband, daughter and her boyfriend. Hanging out with these two young people is one of my favorite things to do. Their creative young minds and contagious spirits always energize me!
I'm hoping the weekend's festivities will help me kick start my holiday season, because I've been stuck hard in summer mode thanks to an unusally warm Midwestern fall.
While packing for the upcoming week and trying to decide whether or not to pack my Uggs, I again found myself thinking about how much I love my work and traveling, which caused me to reflect on a question recently asked of me at a book signing.
"If you weren't a writer, what would you most like to do?"
My answer was quick and to the point. 'Sing professionally!'
I've always been envious of all those amazing humans who can open their mouths and effortlessly express powerful emotions by merging haunting melodies and meaningful lyrics. The enormous talent of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Josh Groban, Stevie Nicks, Celine Dion, the Eagles, and so many others, blesses our lives in sometimes dramatic ways.
Who doesn't love music?!
But then I remembered how powerful the written word is and that most writers are pretty cool people, too. So I tossed a quick prayer of thanks high into the heavens for the gift of being able to interweave words and facts to tell an inspiring story well. Then, I expanded on my initial gut response.
'American Idol fame may never be mine to claim, but I'm okay with that now. Because I'm doing exactly what I was put here to do-- and sometimes, if I get all the words just right, I might help enlighten others by creating greater awareness about the value of differences, and dash some terribly outdated stereotypes, and maybe even change a child's life.' (She asked)!!
Now I like to tell people that I sing with words, and that kind of performing suits this rambling writer just fine.
Have a great week, and sing out to your heart's contentment! Because that's what showers and loud background music are for...
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
I'm also throwing in a couple of extra days in Chicago to enjoy the annual Lighting of Michigan Avenue with my husband, daughter and her boyfriend. Hanging out with these two young people is one of my favorite things to do. Their creative young minds and contagious spirits always energize me!
I'm hoping the weekend's festivities will help me kick start my holiday season, because I've been stuck hard in summer mode thanks to an unusally warm Midwestern fall.
While packing for the upcoming week and trying to decide whether or not to pack my Uggs, I again found myself thinking about how much I love my work and traveling, which caused me to reflect on a question recently asked of me at a book signing.
"If you weren't a writer, what would you most like to do?"
My answer was quick and to the point. 'Sing professionally!'
I've always been envious of all those amazing humans who can open their mouths and effortlessly express powerful emotions by merging haunting melodies and meaningful lyrics. The enormous talent of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Josh Groban, Stevie Nicks, Celine Dion, the Eagles, and so many others, blesses our lives in sometimes dramatic ways.
Who doesn't love music?!
But then I remembered how powerful the written word is and that most writers are pretty cool people, too. So I tossed a quick prayer of thanks high into the heavens for the gift of being able to interweave words and facts to tell an inspiring story well. Then, I expanded on my initial gut response.
'American Idol fame may never be mine to claim, but I'm okay with that now. Because I'm doing exactly what I was put here to do-- and sometimes, if I get all the words just right, I might help enlighten others by creating greater awareness about the value of differences, and dash some terribly outdated stereotypes, and maybe even change a child's life.' (She asked)!!
Now I like to tell people that I sing with words, and that kind of performing suits this rambling writer just fine.
Have a great week, and sing out to your heart's contentment! Because that's what showers and loud background music are for...
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Buying Toys & Facing Holiday Grief
The frantic holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a tad of holiday stress. Are you feeling it yet? Here are two great resources to help reduce that anxiety, and heighten the joy and magic of this wondrous season.
GIFT BUYING FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:
When it comes to choosing a gift for kids with special needs, most people have no clue as to what's appropriate. That uncertainty contributes to additional familiy stress that leads to hurt feelings and major disappointments, especially for the child receiving gifts that are neither skill-level nor age appropriate (not to mention no fun). No matter how well intentioned, poor gift selection for a child with special needs hurts.
Key Tip: Reserve baby toys and baby talk for babies!
But thanks to retail toy giant Toys 'r Us, who has again produced its terrific annual Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids ('a toy selection guide 'for parents and friends of children with disabilities'), you're off the hook! They've done much of the special needs research required for gift-giving success for you.
By partnering with the National Lekotek Center (www.lekotek.org) in Chicago, (which includes a helpful 'Top Ten Tips for Buying Toys' on its website), the retail toy giant is again helping ensure that the holiday toy wishes of kids with special needs come true, too. The 2007 guide features spokesperson and First Lady of California Maria Shriver, on its cover. It is available now at Toys 'r Us stores nationwide and can be downloaded at: www.Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled.
As Maria Shriver states in her letter of guide introduction: "These toys help to empower differently-abled kids, encouraging them with a 'can-do' attitude in a world that too often assumes they cannot."
Amen, sister!
Kudos, and extra peppermint fudge, to Toys 'r Us and the National Lekotek Center for creating such a great gift for kids with special needs! Wish I could see all the satisfied grins on the faces of kids with special needs on Christmas morning. No more excuses for poor gift selections for these terrific kids, yea!
But I can't help you with grandma and grandpa...
___________________
FACING THE HOLIDAYS WHEN YOU ARE GRIEVING:
Facing grief presents a much bigger holiday challenge than finding the perfect gift. For those mourning the passing of a loved one, this season can be especially brutal. Most of the messages at this time of year focus on warm fuzzies, sacred family traditions, noisy celebrations, sinful homemade treats, family movies, and perfectly adorned gifts.
For those endurring great loss, the promise of these often unattainable Hallmark moments can make the holidays excruciatingly painful.
Four years after my son's death, I still find the seasonal terrain a bit rocky to travel. But I've learned how to incorporate my huge loss into the festivities by being selective about how I spend my time, energy and money. Plus, I prioritize quiet time to honor my loss and reflect on my son's too-short life. I remember all too clearly that first holiday season after Eric's death. It went way beyond tough.
I feel fortunate to share a great resource with you that has helped me walk through the minefields of past holiday seasons. 'A Decembered Grief: Living with Loss While Others are Celebrating' by Harold Ivan Smith interweaves quotes and scripture to help others more successfully navigate this season of wonder amid loss. A companion journal allows readers to record their individual thoughts and memories, as they work toward reclaiming new lives. I'm sure I'll pull the book out again this year, too.
It is both comforting and healing to have an understanding friend along on such a difficult seasonal journey...
My hope is that both resources brighten your holidays.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
GIFT BUYING FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:
When it comes to choosing a gift for kids with special needs, most people have no clue as to what's appropriate. That uncertainty contributes to additional familiy stress that leads to hurt feelings and major disappointments, especially for the child receiving gifts that are neither skill-level nor age appropriate (not to mention no fun). No matter how well intentioned, poor gift selection for a child with special needs hurts.
Key Tip: Reserve baby toys and baby talk for babies!
But thanks to retail toy giant Toys 'r Us, who has again produced its terrific annual Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids ('a toy selection guide 'for parents and friends of children with disabilities'), you're off the hook! They've done much of the special needs research required for gift-giving success for you.
By partnering with the National Lekotek Center (www.lekotek.org) in Chicago, (which includes a helpful 'Top Ten Tips for Buying Toys' on its website), the retail toy giant is again helping ensure that the holiday toy wishes of kids with special needs come true, too. The 2007 guide features spokesperson and First Lady of California Maria Shriver, on its cover. It is available now at Toys 'r Us stores nationwide and can be downloaded at: www.Toysrus.com/DifferentlyAbled.
As Maria Shriver states in her letter of guide introduction: "These toys help to empower differently-abled kids, encouraging them with a 'can-do' attitude in a world that too often assumes they cannot."
Amen, sister!
Kudos, and extra peppermint fudge, to Toys 'r Us and the National Lekotek Center for creating such a great gift for kids with special needs! Wish I could see all the satisfied grins on the faces of kids with special needs on Christmas morning. No more excuses for poor gift selections for these terrific kids, yea!
But I can't help you with grandma and grandpa...
___________________
FACING THE HOLIDAYS WHEN YOU ARE GRIEVING:
Facing grief presents a much bigger holiday challenge than finding the perfect gift. For those mourning the passing of a loved one, this season can be especially brutal. Most of the messages at this time of year focus on warm fuzzies, sacred family traditions, noisy celebrations, sinful homemade treats, family movies, and perfectly adorned gifts.
For those endurring great loss, the promise of these often unattainable Hallmark moments can make the holidays excruciatingly painful.
Four years after my son's death, I still find the seasonal terrain a bit rocky to travel. But I've learned how to incorporate my huge loss into the festivities by being selective about how I spend my time, energy and money. Plus, I prioritize quiet time to honor my loss and reflect on my son's too-short life. I remember all too clearly that first holiday season after Eric's death. It went way beyond tough.
I feel fortunate to share a great resource with you that has helped me walk through the minefields of past holiday seasons. 'A Decembered Grief: Living with Loss While Others are Celebrating' by Harold Ivan Smith interweaves quotes and scripture to help others more successfully navigate this season of wonder amid loss. A companion journal allows readers to record their individual thoughts and memories, as they work toward reclaiming new lives. I'm sure I'll pull the book out again this year, too.
It is both comforting and healing to have an understanding friend along on such a difficult seasonal journey...
My hope is that both resources brighten your holidays.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Judy Winter's Fav Quote of the Month- November 2007
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FOR NOVEMBER 2007:
"The world is meant to be savored. It is filled with exquisite delights."
-julia cameron
Most appropriate given the seasonal bounty of blessings.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
"The world is meant to be savored. It is filled with exquisite delights."
-julia cameron
Most appropriate given the seasonal bounty of blessings.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Monday, October 29, 2007
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Today Released Ground-Breaking Reports on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
In yet another giant move forward in the push for identifying and treating autism, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) today released the findings of two ground-breaking reports on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The first report is designed to help pediatricians (and families) identify and manage ASD much earlier in a child's life. The second report addresses the management and education of children with ASD and stresses the critical importance of accessing early intervention services and programs.
To read the details of these important findings, visit the following AAP link:
http://aap.org/advocacy/releases/oct07autism.htm
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
The first report is designed to help pediatricians (and families) identify and manage ASD much earlier in a child's life. The second report addresses the management and education of children with ASD and stresses the critical importance of accessing early intervention services and programs.
To read the details of these important findings, visit the following AAP link:
http://aap.org/advocacy/releases/oct07autism.htm
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Saturday, October 27, 2007
National Make a Difference Day!
Today is National Make-a-Difference Day!
This popular and important yearly event held on the fourth Saturday of October is designed to get us outside of ourselves and into addressing community needs. It's a great idea and many worthy organizations and individuals benefit from the creative actions of this day.
But I also believe strongly that one person can take part in this day's mission without taking on a big event or looking beyond his/her own backyard. Given the limited time and energy, not to mention the challenges facing so many families of children with special needs, why not honor this day by taking action that makes a difference in your own home?
Start by celebrating what is cool about your kids.
Spend time with all your children, and focus on what is right with them and with your life. Watch a movie together, look at photo albums and share your fondest family moments. Give your kids the opportunity to talk about what family means to them, and don't censor their words. Instead, encourage them to speak openly about the most challenging times they have faced. Ask them what positive lessons they have learned from these moments.
Make sure you share lots of hugs and kisses. Say 'I love you often!'. Let the dirty laundry and messy bedrooms and special needs advocacy slide for another day and instead, use the time for fun. Make pizzas and cookies together, or rake leaves and pile into them. Continue the family magic with steaming hot chocolate and marshmallows or popcorn and other favorite snacks. Include all of your children in the activities wherever possible. Sing silly songs and read favorite stories. Have a slumber party complete with flannel pjs' and slippers before the fireplace!
Laugh often!
A few hours spent honoring all that is good about your children, and your life, will go a long way toward making a difference in your challenging parenting world in the week to come- while adding needed smiles to everyone's face (great for stress release and good health!).
Having fun is something that too often gets buried under the tough realities of special needs parenting demands. Today, your challenge is to put fun back into your life and into the lives of your children. These are the moments that they will remember most fondly, and so will you.
Simplistic, perhaps, but what have you got to lose by trying to take a break from all the serious stuff to have a little fun for a change?
Afterall, charity really does begin at home...
You can find out more about National Make-a-Difference Day at:
http://www.usaweekend.com/diffday
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Need: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
This popular and important yearly event held on the fourth Saturday of October is designed to get us outside of ourselves and into addressing community needs. It's a great idea and many worthy organizations and individuals benefit from the creative actions of this day.
But I also believe strongly that one person can take part in this day's mission without taking on a big event or looking beyond his/her own backyard. Given the limited time and energy, not to mention the challenges facing so many families of children with special needs, why not honor this day by taking action that makes a difference in your own home?
Start by celebrating what is cool about your kids.
Spend time with all your children, and focus on what is right with them and with your life. Watch a movie together, look at photo albums and share your fondest family moments. Give your kids the opportunity to talk about what family means to them, and don't censor their words. Instead, encourage them to speak openly about the most challenging times they have faced. Ask them what positive lessons they have learned from these moments.
Make sure you share lots of hugs and kisses. Say 'I love you often!'. Let the dirty laundry and messy bedrooms and special needs advocacy slide for another day and instead, use the time for fun. Make pizzas and cookies together, or rake leaves and pile into them. Continue the family magic with steaming hot chocolate and marshmallows or popcorn and other favorite snacks. Include all of your children in the activities wherever possible. Sing silly songs and read favorite stories. Have a slumber party complete with flannel pjs' and slippers before the fireplace!
Laugh often!
A few hours spent honoring all that is good about your children, and your life, will go a long way toward making a difference in your challenging parenting world in the week to come- while adding needed smiles to everyone's face (great for stress release and good health!).
Having fun is something that too often gets buried under the tough realities of special needs parenting demands. Today, your challenge is to put fun back into your life and into the lives of your children. These are the moments that they will remember most fondly, and so will you.
Simplistic, perhaps, but what have you got to lose by trying to take a break from all the serious stuff to have a little fun for a change?
Afterall, charity really does begin at home...
You can find out more about National Make-a-Difference Day at:
http://www.usaweekend.com/diffday
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Need: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
WGN-Chicago Interview Rescheduled
My interview with Steve Cochran of WGN-Chicago (wgnradio.com) has been rescheduled to Monday, Oct. 29th at 7:38 p.m. ET. Hope you can listen in as we discuss the important role played by siblings in families facing special needs
Sibs are my heroes!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Sibs are my heroes!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Casting Call for Baby with Down Syndrome for Lifetime Movie!
This is an exciting possibility for a family of a baby with Down syndrome to find their little darling cast in a major tv movie for the Lifetime Channel!!
This request also shows how far we have come when a major tv producer is looking to both cover this subject and cast a person with a disability, not just an actor playing a role. Please help me spread the word on this cool request from my good friend Gail Williamson, ex. dir of the Down Syndrome Assoc of Los Angeles! She has been the key voice/advocate in helping actors with special needs find employment, and in educating the industry about the value and importance of doing so.
Gail Williamson rocks- and so does this opportunity.
Just don't go turning into a nightmare stage mom or dad, okay?
From: Gail:
Please help me out and forward this email to anyone you know anywhere in the US and Canada that might have contact with a brand new Caucasian baby girl who has Down syndrome.
The book “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter” is being made into a film for the Lifetime Channel. It is shooting in Nova Scotia in November. They are looking for a baby girl born in October 2007 to appear in the film as the new born Phoebe. They only found one baby with DS born in Nova Scotia in 2007 and she is 6 months old. In Canada it is a law to screen every expectant mother for DS not just a guideline, scary isn’t it?
I need to hear from any parent of a newborn who might want the opportunity for their little one to work in Nova Scotia in November 2007. I would also consider older babies weighing under 8 lbs. I know from my son Blair being a preemie he didn’t hit 8 lbs until he was about 4 months old.
I have an agent that would negotiate all the details making sure to get appropriate pay and travel for the family. Please have anyone interested contact me at the DSALA office at 818-242-7871 or they can reach me by email at gail@dsala.org.
Thank you for helping me with this search, and watch for the film on Lifetime next spring.
Gail Williamson
Executive Director
Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, Inc.
315 Arden Avenue, Suite 25
Glendale, CA 91304
818-242-7871 voice
818-242-7819 fax
gail@dsala.org
www.dsala.org
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
This request also shows how far we have come when a major tv producer is looking to both cover this subject and cast a person with a disability, not just an actor playing a role. Please help me spread the word on this cool request from my good friend Gail Williamson, ex. dir of the Down Syndrome Assoc of Los Angeles! She has been the key voice/advocate in helping actors with special needs find employment, and in educating the industry about the value and importance of doing so.
Gail Williamson rocks- and so does this opportunity.
Just don't go turning into a nightmare stage mom or dad, okay?
From: Gail:
Please help me out and forward this email to anyone you know anywhere in the US and Canada that might have contact with a brand new Caucasian baby girl who has Down syndrome.
The book “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter” is being made into a film for the Lifetime Channel. It is shooting in Nova Scotia in November. They are looking for a baby girl born in October 2007 to appear in the film as the new born Phoebe. They only found one baby with DS born in Nova Scotia in 2007 and she is 6 months old. In Canada it is a law to screen every expectant mother for DS not just a guideline, scary isn’t it?
I need to hear from any parent of a newborn who might want the opportunity for their little one to work in Nova Scotia in November 2007. I would also consider older babies weighing under 8 lbs. I know from my son Blair being a preemie he didn’t hit 8 lbs until he was about 4 months old.
I have an agent that would negotiate all the details making sure to get appropriate pay and travel for the family. Please have anyone interested contact me at the DSALA office at 818-242-7871 or they can reach me by email at gail@dsala.org.
Thank you for helping me with this search, and watch for the film on Lifetime next spring.
Gail Williamson
Executive Director
Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, Inc.
315 Arden Avenue, Suite 25
Glendale, CA 91304
818-242-7871 voice
818-242-7819 fax
gail@dsala.org
www.dsala.org
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Catch Judy Winter on the Steve Cochran Show WGN-AM Chicago
You can catch my interview about the valuable role of the siblings of brothers and sisters with special needs on the Steve Cochran Show on WGN-AM Chicago on Tuesday, October 23rd at 5:38 p.m. ET.
I love Steve Cochran, Chicago's deep-dish pizza, and those remarkable special needs sibs!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
I love Steve Cochran, Chicago's deep-dish pizza, and those remarkable special needs sibs!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Blog Action Day!
I can't believe that I actually missed Blog Action Day, which was yesterday, October 15th! Better late than never!
The day was designed to encourage mass blogging on one critical topic- the environment. With 15,000 blogs and 12 million readers, that's a great way to distribute good press to a deserving topic that impacts us all!
In honor of that day, here's my entry:
Congratulations to Al Gore Jr. and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Control (IPCC) on being jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize!
Per Nobelprize.org: The award is given "for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change."
I admit I sleep better knowing that Al Gore is relentless in his efforts to save our planet, while sharing simple ways that we can all contribute to needed solutions. Go Green!
Well deserved, Mr. Vice President!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Myspace.com/judy_winter
The day was designed to encourage mass blogging on one critical topic- the environment. With 15,000 blogs and 12 million readers, that's a great way to distribute good press to a deserving topic that impacts us all!
In honor of that day, here's my entry:
Congratulations to Al Gore Jr. and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Control (IPCC) on being jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize!
Per Nobelprize.org: The award is given "for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change."
I admit I sleep better knowing that Al Gore is relentless in his efforts to save our planet, while sharing simple ways that we can all contribute to needed solutions. Go Green!
Well deserved, Mr. Vice President!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Myspace.com/judy_winter
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Judy Winter's Fav Quote of the Month-October 2007
Those of you familiar with my website, know that until recently, I've shared my favorite monthly quotes with you there. I'm now continuing that practice right here on my blog. I hope the insightful wisdom shared by others inspires you as much as it does me.
Feel free to send along your favorites and I'll try to include them. The words we run through our brains each day are mighty powerful. Choose wisely!
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FOR OCTOBER 2007:
"What we need is more people who believe in the impossible."
-theodore roethke
Amen!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Feel free to send along your favorites and I'll try to include them. The words we run through our brains each day are mighty powerful. Choose wisely!
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FOR OCTOBER 2007:
"What we need is more people who believe in the impossible."
-theodore roethke
Amen!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Introducing the Question: DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY?...
I'm introducing a new monthly comment on my blog. I'll try to do my best to update it more frequently if the muse proves willing, awake, active and I'm not out-of-town doing a book signing or media interview!
Consider these musings my simple attempt to add a bit of humor to help balance out all the dicey, not-so-funny world news circulating around out there.
(Note: as a journalist, it's important that I remain ever observant of what's happening around me, or so I've been told. It's supposed to make me a better writer. I like to think that it does. Plus, I'm really nosy- both a curse and a blessing).
I'm calling this new rambling: DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY?... simple words easily understood by the masses, followed by examples of exceptional life moments that either deserve an answer or defy any possible sane explanation. You decide which take works for you each time, then comment freely, including around the water cooler, or while you're getting dinner on the table. You can even e-mail me your own ramblings to include here! But please, keep them clean.
DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY?...
Some people think it's okay to invade your privacy (and their own!) by having cell-phone conversations in public bathroom stalls?!?!?!
Does anyone really want to hear what's going on in there, and are people offended when I chime in 'cause I think they're talking to me?
Just asking...
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Consider these musings my simple attempt to add a bit of humor to help balance out all the dicey, not-so-funny world news circulating around out there.
(Note: as a journalist, it's important that I remain ever observant of what's happening around me, or so I've been told. It's supposed to make me a better writer. I like to think that it does. Plus, I'm really nosy- both a curse and a blessing).
I'm calling this new rambling: DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY?... simple words easily understood by the masses, followed by examples of exceptional life moments that either deserve an answer or defy any possible sane explanation. You decide which take works for you each time, then comment freely, including around the water cooler, or while you're getting dinner on the table. You can even e-mail me your own ramblings to include here! But please, keep them clean.
DO YOU EVER WONDER WHY?...
Some people think it's okay to invade your privacy (and their own!) by having cell-phone conversations in public bathroom stalls?!?!?!
Does anyone really want to hear what's going on in there, and are people offended when I chime in 'cause I think they're talking to me?
Just asking...
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Updating My Website
Heads up to all those visitors to my website who have noticed that a few things on my site need updating! You're right on! Fact is, I'm in the process of a new website redesign with my creative team, so I've been holding back on additions/deletions until then. In the meantime,I'll try to keep you up to date and current (including fav resources, news, media, etc) here on my blog, which is much easier and much less expensive to update! Stayed tuned for new great changes to come! I promise they'll be worth the wait (hear that promise dear creative team? No pressure there)!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Monday, October 08, 2007
The Sandwich Kid- A Great New Film about Siblings in Special Needs Families
I am honored to be featured in the just-released film 'The Sandwich Kid,' about the lives of siblings of kids with special needs. This timely and powerful film is produced by Keri Bowers and her son Jace (normalfilms.com), whose older brother Taylor has autism. Taylor is a talented filmaker whose first film with his mom entitled 'Normal People Scare Me,' has already won rave reviews.
You can see a ten-minute promo of 'The Sandwich Kid' by visiting You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bMg-dGzVeU. The film is available for purchase (as is 'Normal People Scare Me') at www.normalfilms.com.
Please pass this info on to everyone you know! The film isn't just for those facing special needs, it is a great tool to help build greater awareness of and sensitivity for the special needs population, while giving my heroes- the sibs in special needs families- a well-deserved voice. We are all richer because of the efforts of this talented filmaker family.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
You can see a ten-minute promo of 'The Sandwich Kid' by visiting You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bMg-dGzVeU. The film is available for purchase (as is 'Normal People Scare Me') at www.normalfilms.com.
Please pass this info on to everyone you know! The film isn't just for those facing special needs, it is a great tool to help build greater awareness of and sensitivity for the special needs population, while giving my heroes- the sibs in special needs families- a well-deserved voice. We are all richer because of the efforts of this talented filmaker family.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Jenny McCarthy & Autism
I promised to blog about my take on Jenny McCarthy's recent media appearances to discuss her book and her son's autism, from which she now declares him recovered. I've waited a while to comment on this because I wanted to catch more than one interview before forming an opinion. Plus, I needed to let the dust and my thoughts, settle first.
In a nutshell, here's my take.
Through her celebrity status, Jenny McCarthy brings tremendous awareness to this topic. God bless her for that!
Her celebrity allows helps her open doors to major media that most parents/authors/advocates only dream of. But I am concerned by the renewed focus on 'curing' children with special needs and/or 'recovery' and how such terminology may be interpreted by others.
I am not alone in my concern. In spirited conversations I have had with people since Jenny's appearance on Oprah and Larry King Live (among others), I've heard such concern repeated often.
This e-mail came to me from Lisa, a mom of a child with special needs:
"I want to comment about Jenny McCarthy on Oprah. In my opinion, she focused too much on curing the child. She did qualify her statements by saying that the treatments may not work for everyone. But I still thought the focus could have been more on how she adjusted to the diagnosis and maybe given more emphasis to good educational programs and giving attention to the many foundations set up to help children with special needs. I wish Oprah would have a show with mothers of all types of special needs. This way everyone will have someone that he or she can relate to."-- Lisa G, M.S.,CCC-SLP
Well said, Lisa.
We should also remember that Jenny McCarthy's son is still very young, and while I am thrilled for both of them at his apparent progress (as well as for the hope she's providing millions of other families), I can't help but wonder what future challenges this child and mom may still face, especially during the challenging school years.
Is he really as saved from this diagnosis as she now believes? And if not, then what?
I also find it interesting that high functioning Asperger's syndrome has not even been addressed in any of the author's lengthy interviews (partly because the interviewers are probably not fulled versed on their subject matter either). My belief is that the interviews Jenny has given have been far too limiting given the complexity of the topic.
Still, one can clearly hear the loud sigh of relief from millions of frightened parents hoping beyond hope that Ms. McCarthy is the new autism Messiah who's right on with her story of courage and hope and yes, recovery.
Are these families being well served? Or is it far too early, and misleading, to call Jenny's son 'cured,' even recovered, and is it important that we do so? Or are we again in danger of perpetuating stereotypes that there is something wrong with these children and because they have a disability they need fixing? Could we better spend valuable media time and discussion talking about how to best address having a child who struggles in any way in all its richness and complexity?
One thing these discussions make clear, the research for a cause(s) and potential cures for autism must continue. Families are struggling and they need and deserve both answers and support.
Which brings me to my own hope that the millions of families whose attention Ms. McCarthy has now commanded will not forgo other important early intervention programs and services and limit themselves soley to what are still unproven treatments for autism. Such a decision could cost some children valuable time and developmental gains they cannot get back later. Early intervention is critical to these children, as it is for many children with a wide range of special needs. I know without a doubt that it made the difference in my own son's life.
I believe a more valuable approach to addressing autism would be a discussion that opens up the possibility of new treatment and causes, in conjunction with the use of proven programs/services.
Jenny McCarthy's emotion and deep love for her son have clearly played a key role in his developmental success, something which drives home my belief in the power of a parent's love to move developmental mountains! Kudos to her for her example.
But I also believe she must become better educated about the definition of autism itself (a definition she struggled with when asked on Larry King Live), as well as challenges facing the disability community, if she is to continue to speak effectively to the topic given the sacred platform to which she has now committed herself as a spokesperson and advocate.
Self education goes with the media blitz & advocacy territory that comes with being an effective spokesperson for any important social cause. Those of us who have been doing this work for years understand the demand well. Unfortunately, with it's focus increasingly on celebrity guests, the media often loses sight of this.
I've been writing, speaking and advocating on special needs topics for nearly twenty years. It's a complex discussion not given to easy answers or simplistic solutions, especially as it involves autism. Ms. McCarthy has helped open the door to valuable discussion. My hope now is that the media will look past her celebrity and expand this discussion to include the voices of parents who have walked this road as long-term advocates and spokespersons.
Perhaps then we will be able to share with other not only the hopeful emotion and love that this mom in particular speaks to well, but also the needed facts and resources about a wide range of disabilty. The challenges facing these families are often universal, but too rarely discussed when we focus soley on one disabilty. There is power in numbers...and disabilty numbers are huge.
Jenny has been given an amazing opportunity to inform and educate the public. She must be prepared to do justice to that role, or risk having her valuable story and experiences easily dismissed as little more than an emotional mother who is not facing the reality of her son's diagnosis (an argument most parents have heard against their hopeful declarations at one time or another!). I admit that too often I found her answers a combination of clear relief at her son's progress, a mother's mountain-moving passion, and well, Jenny McCarthy being Jenny McCarthy on camera.
I wish this loving mom and her son the very best in the future, and hope Jenny continues to bring awareness to a difficult and frustrating diagnosis. I also hope that her son continues to thrive while serving as an inspiring example of what is possible for other children. I applaud this gutsy, famous mom for what she is doing with her talent and celebrity, and for fearlessly addressing special needs- no easy feat when you live in La La Land, where human perfection too often determines human value.
(One footnote: I am impressed with Holly Robinson Peete and look forward to hearing more from her).
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
In a nutshell, here's my take.
Through her celebrity status, Jenny McCarthy brings tremendous awareness to this topic. God bless her for that!
Her celebrity allows helps her open doors to major media that most parents/authors/advocates only dream of. But I am concerned by the renewed focus on 'curing' children with special needs and/or 'recovery' and how such terminology may be interpreted by others.
I am not alone in my concern. In spirited conversations I have had with people since Jenny's appearance on Oprah and Larry King Live (among others), I've heard such concern repeated often.
This e-mail came to me from Lisa, a mom of a child with special needs:
"I want to comment about Jenny McCarthy on Oprah. In my opinion, she focused too much on curing the child. She did qualify her statements by saying that the treatments may not work for everyone. But I still thought the focus could have been more on how she adjusted to the diagnosis and maybe given more emphasis to good educational programs and giving attention to the many foundations set up to help children with special needs. I wish Oprah would have a show with mothers of all types of special needs. This way everyone will have someone that he or she can relate to."-- Lisa G, M.S.,CCC-SLP
Well said, Lisa.
We should also remember that Jenny McCarthy's son is still very young, and while I am thrilled for both of them at his apparent progress (as well as for the hope she's providing millions of other families), I can't help but wonder what future challenges this child and mom may still face, especially during the challenging school years.
Is he really as saved from this diagnosis as she now believes? And if not, then what?
I also find it interesting that high functioning Asperger's syndrome has not even been addressed in any of the author's lengthy interviews (partly because the interviewers are probably not fulled versed on their subject matter either). My belief is that the interviews Jenny has given have been far too limiting given the complexity of the topic.
Still, one can clearly hear the loud sigh of relief from millions of frightened parents hoping beyond hope that Ms. McCarthy is the new autism Messiah who's right on with her story of courage and hope and yes, recovery.
Are these families being well served? Or is it far too early, and misleading, to call Jenny's son 'cured,' even recovered, and is it important that we do so? Or are we again in danger of perpetuating stereotypes that there is something wrong with these children and because they have a disability they need fixing? Could we better spend valuable media time and discussion talking about how to best address having a child who struggles in any way in all its richness and complexity?
One thing these discussions make clear, the research for a cause(s) and potential cures for autism must continue. Families are struggling and they need and deserve both answers and support.
Which brings me to my own hope that the millions of families whose attention Ms. McCarthy has now commanded will not forgo other important early intervention programs and services and limit themselves soley to what are still unproven treatments for autism. Such a decision could cost some children valuable time and developmental gains they cannot get back later. Early intervention is critical to these children, as it is for many children with a wide range of special needs. I know without a doubt that it made the difference in my own son's life.
I believe a more valuable approach to addressing autism would be a discussion that opens up the possibility of new treatment and causes, in conjunction with the use of proven programs/services.
Jenny McCarthy's emotion and deep love for her son have clearly played a key role in his developmental success, something which drives home my belief in the power of a parent's love to move developmental mountains! Kudos to her for her example.
But I also believe she must become better educated about the definition of autism itself (a definition she struggled with when asked on Larry King Live), as well as challenges facing the disability community, if she is to continue to speak effectively to the topic given the sacred platform to which she has now committed herself as a spokesperson and advocate.
Self education goes with the media blitz & advocacy territory that comes with being an effective spokesperson for any important social cause. Those of us who have been doing this work for years understand the demand well. Unfortunately, with it's focus increasingly on celebrity guests, the media often loses sight of this.
I've been writing, speaking and advocating on special needs topics for nearly twenty years. It's a complex discussion not given to easy answers or simplistic solutions, especially as it involves autism. Ms. McCarthy has helped open the door to valuable discussion. My hope now is that the media will look past her celebrity and expand this discussion to include the voices of parents who have walked this road as long-term advocates and spokespersons.
Perhaps then we will be able to share with other not only the hopeful emotion and love that this mom in particular speaks to well, but also the needed facts and resources about a wide range of disabilty. The challenges facing these families are often universal, but too rarely discussed when we focus soley on one disabilty. There is power in numbers...and disabilty numbers are huge.
Jenny has been given an amazing opportunity to inform and educate the public. She must be prepared to do justice to that role, or risk having her valuable story and experiences easily dismissed as little more than an emotional mother who is not facing the reality of her son's diagnosis (an argument most parents have heard against their hopeful declarations at one time or another!). I admit that too often I found her answers a combination of clear relief at her son's progress, a mother's mountain-moving passion, and well, Jenny McCarthy being Jenny McCarthy on camera.
I wish this loving mom and her son the very best in the future, and hope Jenny continues to bring awareness to a difficult and frustrating diagnosis. I also hope that her son continues to thrive while serving as an inspiring example of what is possible for other children. I applaud this gutsy, famous mom for what she is doing with her talent and celebrity, and for fearlessly addressing special needs- no easy feat when you live in La La Land, where human perfection too often determines human value.
(One footnote: I am impressed with Holly Robinson Peete and look forward to hearing more from her).
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Monday, September 17, 2007
Jenny McCarthy & Holly Robinson Peete on Oprah Tuesday, Sept. 18th
Just a heads up to those of you who want to catch Jenny McCarthy and Holly Robinson Peete's discussion about their children's autism on Oprah. The program airs tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 18th.
McCarthy is no doubt making the major media rounds with the release of her new book Louder than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Austim. The book is already #1 in special needs titles on amazon.com and I would not be at all surprised to see it hit #1 in overall titles after the Oprah appearance. That's the kind of exposure to a cause that celebrity (and Oprah!) can bring, and such exposure can be great for awareness and understanding of the diagnosis, if it is handle well.
Like many of you, I will be watching the program closely, curious to see what the hour's focus will be, and hoping that it isn't so much about 'fixing' children, as it is on how to best accept such a diagnosis while working to give your child every opportunity for life success, regardless of the challenges presented.
Autism is an especially challenging diagnosis for many families. Let's hope this hour is time well spent and that it proves of value to the millions of families who tune in searching for needed support for their children, and for themselves.
I'll blog more on this after the program airs.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
McCarthy is no doubt making the major media rounds with the release of her new book Louder than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Austim. The book is already #1 in special needs titles on amazon.com and I would not be at all surprised to see it hit #1 in overall titles after the Oprah appearance. That's the kind of exposure to a cause that celebrity (and Oprah!) can bring, and such exposure can be great for awareness and understanding of the diagnosis, if it is handle well.
Like many of you, I will be watching the program closely, curious to see what the hour's focus will be, and hoping that it isn't so much about 'fixing' children, as it is on how to best accept such a diagnosis while working to give your child every opportunity for life success, regardless of the challenges presented.
Autism is an especially challenging diagnosis for many families. Let's hope this hour is time well spent and that it proves of value to the millions of families who tune in searching for needed support for their children, and for themselves.
I'll blog more on this after the program airs.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Friday, August 24, 2007
LETTER TO ERIC- Back to School Inspiration for Parents of Kids with Special Needs
It's that time of year again when back-to-school advice is everywhere you turn.
If you check out my previous blog, you'll see that I've added my strong voice to this discussion as well. But getting ready for school is about more than new backpacks and jeans and IEPs and figuring out how to work with brand new team members. It's also about attitude adjustments and big parenting dreams.
This is often a highly emotional time, especially for families of children with special needs. It's a time when guards are up, and a parent's expectations are often questioned by others who may have never met their children, yet act as if they already know all about them and their future outcomes.
Not all back-to-school needs can be met at Wal Mart.
So I've pulled a sacred letter from my writing archives to provide you with some back-to-school inspiration to help calm some of those frayed nerves that might be working overtime right about now. It's a letter I wrote my son as he left the safety of our family nest to test his fragile wings at his neighborhood school in 1995.
Talk about an unnerving time...
Instead, it turned out to be the beginning of a challenging and rich journey filled with life lessons that remain deep in my heart and soul today, powerful experiences that continue to fuel my work as a writer/speaker/advocate. They have molded me into the person I am today, someone of whom I hope Eric is proud.
Unfortunately, my son passed away in 2003 at 12, ending our back-to-school adventures. But every Fall, I feel Eric's special presence, smell his sweet hair, see his enchanting smile, and remember with deep love and gratitude the back-to-school adventures that we took together. They turned out to be the adventures of a lifetime.
May these heartfelt words of one mother inspire you in much the same way as they continue to touch me. Perhaps you'll even be moved to begin your own letter-writing tradition. I highly recommend that you do just that.
Now, please pass the Kleenex......and have a wonderful first day of school!
LETTER TO ERIC
August 28, 1995
Dear Eric:
Today, as you begin kindergarten, I’m writing you a letter, a tradition I began with your big sister, Jenna, seven years ago.
The first day of school is a fall rite of passage, like brilliantly changing leaves, crisp evening air and earlier bedtimes. For our family, it also represents hard-won success. Some professionals believed the physical challenges of cerebral palsy would prevent you from learning in a regular school environment. Armed with cold, hard statistics, they warned of a life of segregation. But our family doesn’t bank on statistics. We invest in the human stuff, like love, faith and hard work.
We chose a different road.
From the moment you first dramatically graced our lives, we’ve focused on your ability. In turn, you have exhibited a spirit of survival that astounds me. We’ve endured too many moments of grief and ignorance. Yet, what I remember most is your first smile and giggle, your first word and your success at a regular preschool.
You are a wise and handsome child, with inquisitive brown eyes that miss nothing. Much of your ability to positively impact others has come from their first impressions of you as a cute child. Your long and lanky frame holds just thirty hard-won pounds, but you are far from being a lightweight in this life. There have been critical hospital stays, invasive procedures and moments when your life was in peril. But today, we celebrate school and a powerful lesson in letting go.
Today, our family is no different.
In your back-to-school outfit of GAP overalls, white Mickey-Mouse T-shirt and black Oshkosh shoes, you charm me. But there will be challenges. The ground we tread is fresh, presenting a challenge to those uncomfortable with inclusion, a word promising equal educational opportunities for all children. Some people won’t understand our fight and won’t want too. Yet, other educators will also teach from their hearts.
This will be a year of new challenges. When people assume physical challenges include mental impairment, you’ll be the first to forgive. I pray that others in this new world take time to discover how gifted and talented you really are. I want to meet the new friends willing to look past your wheelchair and into your eyes—and into your soul. I eagerly await book fairs, walking down school hallways and making red finger Jell-O at Christmas.
As your special bus disappears from sight, I’m a wreck. In a rare moment, I doubt. Are you ready? Am I ready? Your bus is equipped for wheelchairs and separates you from your able-bodied classmates. Someday, that too must change.
You grin at me through the tinted bus window. You are more ready than I am.
As the bright, yellow school bus disappears from sight, as its larger version did with Jenna many memories ago, I’m overcome with emotion. Safely inside, I release the tears of far too many harsh moments spent in the presence of people wrongly judging your value. But my tears of frustration and anger give way to unconditional love for the wise little soul who has become my greatest life teacher.
You are much wiser than most.
As you begin this new journey, son, you must continue to grow increasingly independent, just like other children. But I promise that dad and I will be right beside you ready to dry your tears on the roughest days, and thrilled to champion the dreams that others will try to tarnish.
Forgive them.
On this exceptional day, words can only begin to express what I feel in my heart, Eric Richard Winter. Thank you for coming into my life and teaching me more than I ever thought I had to learn. I’m incredibly proud to be your mom.
With much love always,
Mom
p.s. Have a wonderful first day in kindergarten!!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
If you check out my previous blog, you'll see that I've added my strong voice to this discussion as well. But getting ready for school is about more than new backpacks and jeans and IEPs and figuring out how to work with brand new team members. It's also about attitude adjustments and big parenting dreams.
This is often a highly emotional time, especially for families of children with special needs. It's a time when guards are up, and a parent's expectations are often questioned by others who may have never met their children, yet act as if they already know all about them and their future outcomes.
Not all back-to-school needs can be met at Wal Mart.
So I've pulled a sacred letter from my writing archives to provide you with some back-to-school inspiration to help calm some of those frayed nerves that might be working overtime right about now. It's a letter I wrote my son as he left the safety of our family nest to test his fragile wings at his neighborhood school in 1995.
Talk about an unnerving time...
Instead, it turned out to be the beginning of a challenging and rich journey filled with life lessons that remain deep in my heart and soul today, powerful experiences that continue to fuel my work as a writer/speaker/advocate. They have molded me into the person I am today, someone of whom I hope Eric is proud.
Unfortunately, my son passed away in 2003 at 12, ending our back-to-school adventures. But every Fall, I feel Eric's special presence, smell his sweet hair, see his enchanting smile, and remember with deep love and gratitude the back-to-school adventures that we took together. They turned out to be the adventures of a lifetime.
May these heartfelt words of one mother inspire you in much the same way as they continue to touch me. Perhaps you'll even be moved to begin your own letter-writing tradition. I highly recommend that you do just that.
Now, please pass the Kleenex......and have a wonderful first day of school!
LETTER TO ERIC
August 28, 1995
Dear Eric:
Today, as you begin kindergarten, I’m writing you a letter, a tradition I began with your big sister, Jenna, seven years ago.
The first day of school is a fall rite of passage, like brilliantly changing leaves, crisp evening air and earlier bedtimes. For our family, it also represents hard-won success. Some professionals believed the physical challenges of cerebral palsy would prevent you from learning in a regular school environment. Armed with cold, hard statistics, they warned of a life of segregation. But our family doesn’t bank on statistics. We invest in the human stuff, like love, faith and hard work.
We chose a different road.
From the moment you first dramatically graced our lives, we’ve focused on your ability. In turn, you have exhibited a spirit of survival that astounds me. We’ve endured too many moments of grief and ignorance. Yet, what I remember most is your first smile and giggle, your first word and your success at a regular preschool.
You are a wise and handsome child, with inquisitive brown eyes that miss nothing. Much of your ability to positively impact others has come from their first impressions of you as a cute child. Your long and lanky frame holds just thirty hard-won pounds, but you are far from being a lightweight in this life. There have been critical hospital stays, invasive procedures and moments when your life was in peril. But today, we celebrate school and a powerful lesson in letting go.
Today, our family is no different.
In your back-to-school outfit of GAP overalls, white Mickey-Mouse T-shirt and black Oshkosh shoes, you charm me. But there will be challenges. The ground we tread is fresh, presenting a challenge to those uncomfortable with inclusion, a word promising equal educational opportunities for all children. Some people won’t understand our fight and won’t want too. Yet, other educators will also teach from their hearts.
This will be a year of new challenges. When people assume physical challenges include mental impairment, you’ll be the first to forgive. I pray that others in this new world take time to discover how gifted and talented you really are. I want to meet the new friends willing to look past your wheelchair and into your eyes—and into your soul. I eagerly await book fairs, walking down school hallways and making red finger Jell-O at Christmas.
As your special bus disappears from sight, I’m a wreck. In a rare moment, I doubt. Are you ready? Am I ready? Your bus is equipped for wheelchairs and separates you from your able-bodied classmates. Someday, that too must change.
You grin at me through the tinted bus window. You are more ready than I am.
As the bright, yellow school bus disappears from sight, as its larger version did with Jenna many memories ago, I’m overcome with emotion. Safely inside, I release the tears of far too many harsh moments spent in the presence of people wrongly judging your value. But my tears of frustration and anger give way to unconditional love for the wise little soul who has become my greatest life teacher.
You are much wiser than most.
As you begin this new journey, son, you must continue to grow increasingly independent, just like other children. But I promise that dad and I will be right beside you ready to dry your tears on the roughest days, and thrilled to champion the dreams that others will try to tarnish.
Forgive them.
On this exceptional day, words can only begin to express what I feel in my heart, Eric Richard Winter. Thank you for coming into my life and teaching me more than I ever thought I had to learn. I’m incredibly proud to be your mom.
With much love always,
Mom
p.s. Have a wonderful first day in kindergarten!!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Monday, August 13, 2007
QUICK TIPS for Back to School & Special Needs Students!
I can't believe that summer is almost over, but with the back-to-school media and retail blitz beginning in earnest, it must be true! So, I'm coming in from the beach briefly to give you my seasonal input on this important subject- I can't completely let go of the summer sand, surf and blazing sun quite yet....even if it has been too darn hot and humid!
Global warming anyone?
We all know we shouldn’t judge others based solely on outward appearances and physical beauty, right? But fact is, in today’s celebrity obsessed universe, looks do matter more than ever before— especially when trying to lay claim to a coveted place in those unnerving and rigid school social hierarchies, including at the lunchroom table!
Remember some of those awkward moments and the guts it took just to show up, much less eat the food???
Navigating school social systems can be tough reality for kids with special needs at greater risk for teasing and bullying because of their differences. The social challenges facing these students hoping to fit it with their peers can make the annual rite of back-to-school preparation extra important.
So here are five simple back-to-school tips for parents to help get their children with special needs off to a great school year start—allowing them to navigate the often unnerving school hallways with a tad more confidence:
•Get your child a good haircut in a current style.
•Go back-to-school shopping with your child and allow him/her to select a cool backpack, the necessary school supplies, and their clothing.
•Outfit your child in stylish, up-to-date clothes and include a sharp new first-day-of-school outfit. If your budget is of concern, shop discount stores, sale racks, second-hand shops and garage sales in upscale neighborhoods. Make preparing for the school year FUN for both of you!
•Pay close attention to your child’s personal grooming every single day—that includes clean hair, clean body, and clean clothes.
•To help reduce stress and alleviate those first-day jitters, visit your child’s school before the school year begins and allow him/her to meet their teacher, principal and bus driver. Talk about the first day of school in advance.
Also, as most of you know by now,the choices made by parents of children with special needs are often the key to determining that child’s educational— and life success.
Here are five tips to help parents become increasingly empowered and effective child advocates:
•Believe in your child’s value—no matter what!
•Believe in your child’s right to an appropriate education, and to their right to attend their neighborhood school whenever possible.
•Check your child’s school file to make sure that the information included is accurate, up-to-date and appropriate. If it’s not, take further action.
•Foster your child’s growing need for independence; don’t further disabled your child—enable him or her!
•Educate yourself about your child’s needs and their educational rights under the law. It’s tough to advocate effectively without such knowledge.
Now, I've got to go get the sand out of my ear....
For these tips and more for families of children with special needs, check out my book Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations (Jossey Bass/Wiley Publishers, copyright 2006), or visit www.JudyWinter.com
Global warming anyone?
We all know we shouldn’t judge others based solely on outward appearances and physical beauty, right? But fact is, in today’s celebrity obsessed universe, looks do matter more than ever before— especially when trying to lay claim to a coveted place in those unnerving and rigid school social hierarchies, including at the lunchroom table!
Remember some of those awkward moments and the guts it took just to show up, much less eat the food???
Navigating school social systems can be tough reality for kids with special needs at greater risk for teasing and bullying because of their differences. The social challenges facing these students hoping to fit it with their peers can make the annual rite of back-to-school preparation extra important.
So here are five simple back-to-school tips for parents to help get their children with special needs off to a great school year start—allowing them to navigate the often unnerving school hallways with a tad more confidence:
•Get your child a good haircut in a current style.
•Go back-to-school shopping with your child and allow him/her to select a cool backpack, the necessary school supplies, and their clothing.
•Outfit your child in stylish, up-to-date clothes and include a sharp new first-day-of-school outfit. If your budget is of concern, shop discount stores, sale racks, second-hand shops and garage sales in upscale neighborhoods. Make preparing for the school year FUN for both of you!
•Pay close attention to your child’s personal grooming every single day—that includes clean hair, clean body, and clean clothes.
•To help reduce stress and alleviate those first-day jitters, visit your child’s school before the school year begins and allow him/her to meet their teacher, principal and bus driver. Talk about the first day of school in advance.
Also, as most of you know by now,the choices made by parents of children with special needs are often the key to determining that child’s educational— and life success.
Here are five tips to help parents become increasingly empowered and effective child advocates:
•Believe in your child’s value—no matter what!
•Believe in your child’s right to an appropriate education, and to their right to attend their neighborhood school whenever possible.
•Check your child’s school file to make sure that the information included is accurate, up-to-date and appropriate. If it’s not, take further action.
•Foster your child’s growing need for independence; don’t further disabled your child—enable him or her!
•Educate yourself about your child’s needs and their educational rights under the law. It’s tough to advocate effectively without such knowledge.
Now, I've got to go get the sand out of my ear....
For these tips and more for families of children with special needs, check out my book Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations (Jossey Bass/Wiley Publishers, copyright 2006), or visit www.JudyWinter.com
Monday, July 16, 2007
2007 Maui Writers Conference
Attention all you writers and wanna be authors out there!
There's still time to sign up for the Maui Writers Conference retreat and/or conference held Labor Day weekend. According to the official MWC website, New York Times bestselling author John Saul calls this 'simply the best writing conference in the world.'
Lots of other talented and accomplished people in the writing/publishing world seem to agree. The organizers are especially skilled at attracting accomplished, and yes, even famous individuals representing a wide range of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting, publishing, etc.
Access to top agents and publishers (for a fee) is always a big draw, making it easy for starry eyed writers to get caught up in the intoxication of an exciting, face-to-face career opportunity. It may help lessen the sting of rejection if you understand upfront that few writers will leave with an agent or book deal in hand. Fact is, many writers and their works may not be ready yet. Still, the opportunity to get top-notch professional feedback on your work is priceless, and yes, it can be life changing for some. My advice is to listen carefully to professional feedback that can help make your work even stronger and increasingly marketable.
The MWC has been especially good to me, and I've always had a fantastic time while attending, especially once I've learned to slow down the pace (it's way too hot to multi task there, something the locals discourage anyway!). True, I found my agent at the MWC and a book deal soon followed. But I have also benefited from many terrific sessions and outstanding guest speakers. In addition, the professional comaraderie shared easily among the writers in attendance pays off handsomely in lingering professional inspiration (and valuable contacts) throughout the year. I have also formed some cherished, lasting friendships.
Unfortunately, a previous commitment will keep me away from the enchanting Island this year. But I will be in Maui in spirit. Once you have gone, it's hard not to remember the experience fondly.
The MWC is a motivating, inspiring, at times electric experience that improves each year, one worthy of the investment. It's an event I highly recommend, and the views alone are pure inspiration! You can find out more at wwww.mauiwriters.com.
Aloha!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
There's still time to sign up for the Maui Writers Conference retreat and/or conference held Labor Day weekend. According to the official MWC website, New York Times bestselling author John Saul calls this 'simply the best writing conference in the world.'
Lots of other talented and accomplished people in the writing/publishing world seem to agree. The organizers are especially skilled at attracting accomplished, and yes, even famous individuals representing a wide range of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting, publishing, etc.
Access to top agents and publishers (for a fee) is always a big draw, making it easy for starry eyed writers to get caught up in the intoxication of an exciting, face-to-face career opportunity. It may help lessen the sting of rejection if you understand upfront that few writers will leave with an agent or book deal in hand. Fact is, many writers and their works may not be ready yet. Still, the opportunity to get top-notch professional feedback on your work is priceless, and yes, it can be life changing for some. My advice is to listen carefully to professional feedback that can help make your work even stronger and increasingly marketable.
The MWC has been especially good to me, and I've always had a fantastic time while attending, especially once I've learned to slow down the pace (it's way too hot to multi task there, something the locals discourage anyway!). True, I found my agent at the MWC and a book deal soon followed. But I have also benefited from many terrific sessions and outstanding guest speakers. In addition, the professional comaraderie shared easily among the writers in attendance pays off handsomely in lingering professional inspiration (and valuable contacts) throughout the year. I have also formed some cherished, lasting friendships.
Unfortunately, a previous commitment will keep me away from the enchanting Island this year. But I will be in Maui in spirit. Once you have gone, it's hard not to remember the experience fondly.
The MWC is a motivating, inspiring, at times electric experience that improves each year, one worthy of the investment. It's an event I highly recommend, and the views alone are pure inspiration! You can find out more at wwww.mauiwriters.com.
Aloha!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
