So far this year we have developed and are in the process of developing a PBS for Managers Workshop series, a Toilet Training Workshop series; a Sleep Workshop series; a Positive Solutions Course for Homeshare Families and Positive Solutions Course for ASD Preschool Staff. We continue to look for training partners to link with so we can reach more people. Let us know if you are interested!
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The time flies when you are growing your training base! Contact us as a professional if you want to access materials in Positive Behaviour Support or are interested mentoring support for running groups in your setting. We have had some great collaboration this year with preschool principals and disability multidisciplinary team members. It is rewarding for us when we see families begin to understand behaviours of concern, find solutions which work for themselves, and share this knowledge with others.
The blog below provides an overview of some of the Positive Parenting sessions that were held in Roscommon from 2013 to 2015; and access to a wealth of resources related to the topics discussed in those sessions. The website is now evolving to accommodate projects underway in the Brothers of Charity Services nationally. Feel free to continue to let us know what you are interested by filling the form on Home page.
Today's video clips were great for showing how powerful the positive and negative attention we give our children can be. Children can show a range of behaviours which can be strengthened when they receive either a positive or an angry reaction from parents. We talked today about how to withdraw your attention when behaviour emerges that you do not want to see, how to redirect the child into another activity, and how to return positive attention when they begin to behave well again.
Alice facilitated an informal discussion on the topic of communication temptations today, how to draw your child into communicating. The group looked at different forms of communication and what is needed to communicate successfully. There were some great ideas generated to include into every day routines. It can be hard to find the balance between encouraging independence and incorporating communication temptations into everyday day life, particularly with teenagers. One point highlighted was that for older children it is important to follow their lead and join in their interests rather than the parents setting up situations that only involve requesting. Shared experiences including opportunities for commenting and turn taking. Strategies used to overcome frustration resulting from a break down or lack of communication were discussed, such as the use of token boards and visual supports.
Thanks to all who participated for sharing their ideas and invaluable experience. We looked at Positive Psychology this morning and examined the practices of Resilient, Optimistic people. Thank you to all who contributed and shared their practices. The practice of Mindfulness builds resiliency. Mindfulness is about bringing the self back to the present moment. We use the breath to do this because the mind is often busy examining the past and planning about the future. We used the opportunity this morning to sample a Mindfulness exercise (from the Tony Bates CD) using our breath. Thanks to all in the group who took part. You are to be congratulated!
For more information on the research behind the psychology of Resiliency see www.moodwatchers.com. There is a questionnaire on signature strengths which once identified can be used to motivate us and propel us on through life. We had a loosely structured session again today. Parents reported that it was great to learn about others' experiences of working with schools, we generated ideas for games that children play in school and there was lots of encouragement that it is possible to get children staying in their own bed all night, we shared ideas on this and parents reported enjoying the chat generally. Many thanks to the person who brought along the chocolate bars! Over the next few months we will have a mixture of session formats, the next session will be facilitated by Verona McStay (Educational Psychologist) and Rebecca Purcell (Pscyhologist in Training) and will include practicing mindfulness.
Following feedback from parents about our sessions up the summer, today we had a more free flowing session. We had plenty of chat and with some "solution focused facilitation" we moved from a focus on problems towards parents generating lots of supportive ideas for themselves and for one another. Great energy today! Keep coming back! The group will always welcome new people.
We had a great discussion this morning about a wide range of areas related to growing up in 21st century Ireland. Today's group welcomed the opportunity to discuss this topic, which can be a tricky one to negotiate for everyone involved. We looked at a wide range of resources that can be used to support children to understand themselves and their relationships with people around them. One the main points highlighted was that children need to learn about growing up gradually with plenty of time to develop their understanding, and knowledge. It is good to introduce the subject before puberty rather than just planning a once off talk. Again video and pictures are very helpful. Parents need to be aware of educating and monitoring children to ensure safety online (Facebook etc.) too.
Here are some resources that can be helpful: Online resources - click on the link to bring you to the materials Teenagers are Stinky Youtube Video Ten Tips for Talking about Sexuality with Your Child Who Has Developmental Disabilities Busy Bodies, a book about puberty for you and your parents. Topics covered are: Introducing Puberty, Why does puberty happen?, What happens to girl? What happens to boys? Making babies, Enjoying Growing Up. Published by the Health Promotion Department at the HSE South. Free to download by clicking the blue link or order a booklet online at: http://www.healthpromotion.ie/publication/fullListing?category=Sexual_Health Busy Bodies video clips. Scroll down the page for videos to support the busy bodies materials. Sexuality Meets Intellectual Disability - What Every Parent Should Know Sexuality Education for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities, an instructional manual for parents or caregivers of an individuals with developmental disabilities. The Healthy Bodies Toolkit for Boys The Healthy Bodies Tooklit for Boys appendix of pictures The Healthy Bodies Toolkit for Girls The Healthy Bodies Toolkit for Girls appendix of picture_s Autism Speaks: Puberty, Autism and Health Guide Video on internet safety for children from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre Other books and resources you can order Talking Together about Growing Up, a workbook for parents of children with learning disabilities. Authors: Lorna Scott and Lesley Kerr-Edwards. Family Planning Association. This book is aimed toward children at the age of level of about 9 upwards. Topics covered are: The Life Cycle, Body Parts, Public and Private, Keeping Safe, Feelings, Growing Up and Looking Ahead/What are relationships? 81 pages. http://www.fpa.org.uk/product/talking-together-about-growing about £12 Talking Together about Sex and Relationships, a practical resource for schools and parents working with young people with learning disabilities. Authors: Lorna Scott and Lesley Kerr-Edwards. Family Planning Association. Topics covered are: Preparing for Adulthood, Learning to Keep Safe, Relationships, All about Sex, Sexual Choices and Sexual Health, What does the Future Hold? 120 pages. http://www.fpa.org.uk/product/talking-together-about-sex-and-relationships £15. You, Your Body and Sex: a sex education DVD with English subtitles. This is a sex education DVD by people with learning disabilities. It features information for men, women, boys and girls. Individual topics are explained through a series of animated sequences. www.lifesupportproductions.co.uk |
AuthorCiara Maye, Behaviour Specialist with a special interest in parents supporting one another. Archives
September 2018
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