You didn't? For shame. (not really) I don't talk about my past alot.
Anyways, I worked in the social services field for about 15 years. it was hard work. I worked mostly by myself, with one person or at the most with one other person.
This week the Crew Round-up is called Teaching Speical Learners. So I thought it was time for me to add my two cents worth of what I learned working with special needs folk.
1. Patience. It's huge. It's what you need. One small step working toward a bigger step. It's helped me in the raising of my boy. :)
2. SMALL STEPS are big steps. Susan made it out the door without having to go back and check her bed and go back and check her bed Five times in a row. Cause for celebration and let's go get a donut. :) Martin to hold his mouth open so you can brush his teeth hand over hand. It's a good thing that!
3. Regression is a part of learning. Sometimes we forget what we already know. You know this from your own life right? So it's no big deal so RELAX.
4. There will always be the doubters. ALWAYS. Learn to be polite or learn to be quiet. Both will serve you well in the long run. Yelling, getting angry .. it just doesn't.
5. Taking time away is a GREAT thing to do at times. That is you are working on something with a person and it just isn't working. Just backing off and doing something else for an extended period of time is not a bad thing, and when you come back to it, it can go much better.
I learned many other things, but those five seemed to be the most important. :)
For parents with special learners... Love your kids. Help your kids. Be patient and loving and kind and directive when needed. And just teach them. :) They'll always surprise you in the end. :)
Join the crew on February 11 in the crew round up .