By SusanG

BLOOM: A Unique Resource for Parents of Children with Disabilities

BLOOM
“The name BLOOM conveys our belief that every child blooms in his or her own unique way.”
“At BLOOM we celebrate difference.”

Bloom1

BLOOM
A magazine, a blog, an e-letter and speakers series written by families who have children with disabilities as well as professionals in the field.   The blog provides an international community of support.

As a parent of a child who had multiple disabilities I want to share this excellent resource because “parenting a child with a disability presents unique challenges and rewards you don’t typically read about in mainstream parenting magazines.”

I was particularly touched by a number of recent stories because they relate to my own personal experience especially in the story, The Invisible Mom.  It was written by Sue Robins a personal friend, mother of a child with down syndrome and a colleague in the field of paediatric healthcare advocacy. I am also really happy to say she has recently accepted in a new position at Sunny Hill Health Centre in Vancouver that will support patients & families and promote patient & family centred care.
How Poor are they who have not Patience
The Invisible Mom

dreamstime_s_17064261

You will Rise Bullying Project – A Resource for Your Parent Toolbox

The line gets crossed.  Playful mutual teasing becomes hurtful, unkind and intentional.  It comes in a variety of forms; psychological, verbal or physical, and it can happen in person, through social media or texting.  As parents we are all horrified when the media informs us about another child or teen who has committed suicide out of the despair caused by bullying. It is one of our worst nightmares.

Art can be a very powerful tool to help both children and youth who have been bullied regain their self-confidence and rise above it’s effect. The You will Rise Project is a website where anyone can submit artwork, short stories, poetry, or any type of creative work about their experiences with bullying.  The focus of the  program seems to be most suitable for teens and in short interviews a number of them are clear that expressing their emotions about bullying through art has helped them.

This is one of those resources worth tucking into your parent toolbox even if you have younger children.  You never know when you may need it.

 

 

Inspiring Creativity in Young Children

January is creativity month.  Our homes and surroundings are full of opportunities for creativity, although sometimes, in our busy adults worlds, it takes a reminder to be able to see it in our own lives and those of our children.  Dr. Rebecca Palacios makes some great points and reminders for parents in a Huffington Post article, “Inspiring Creativity in Young Children”.

Key points I enjoyed were, “Look for toys and think of projects that allow children to be creative and to construct, even though they might be a slightly messy endeavor” and “sometimes, the best manipulatives aren’t inside the home or classroom at all — they’re outside, provided by nature.”

Creative Common Licence - Bridgit Coila                                       Photographer:  Bridgit Coila used under Creative Commons Licence