Manage Your Money

Financial goals are the specific things you want to do with your money within a certain period of time. Goals give targets for different periods in the future. Goals need to be in writing and SMART.

S- Specific. Set goals you can clearly name.

M- Measurable. Determine the amount of time and money it will take you to reach them. Mutual. If you share money with other family members, goals that you agree on will be easier to achieve.

A- Attainable and Achievable. Maybe it’s impossible to save $100 a month right now; adjust your time and try for $25.

R- Realistic. You may need to be more     practical about the goal you have set. Relevant. Make sure your goals fit your needs and situation.

T- Time bound. Set a target date.
    For example NOT “spring 2012”
    BUT April 16, 2012

"A few manners every child should be taught"

1.  When asking for something, say "Please"

2.  When receiving something, say "Thank you"

3.   When you have doubt about doing something, ask permission first

4.   If you bump into someone, say "Excuse Me"

5.   Cover your mouth when you sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public

6.   As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else

7.   When people ask how you are, tell them and ask them how they are

8.   Don't reach for things at the table, ask to have them passed

 Cindy Webb

9.   Do not make fun of anyone for any reason, it is crue

10. When asked to help an adult, do it without grumbling

Loving my "Parents" magazine...

Running for Cindy

 You may remember reading from a few weeks ago that I, Deborah am running a 10k to raise funds for Partners In Learning.  Well, I am still training and planning to run a 10k on April 16, 2011 however the focus of my goal has changed.  Recently our co-worker Cindy has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will have surgery one week from today to remove both breasts.  We will be giving all proceeds from this blog donation  directly to Cindy, please share this with your friends and co-workers or anyone else you know who has been touched by Cindy.

How many times have you seen this?

What a common occurrence.  These two young children obviously do not have the social skills to express their feelings without using physical expression.  They have also not developed the problem-solving skills that would give them the social competence to successfully manage challenging situations such as this one.  When parents or teachers step in to resolve these challenging behaviors, they are missing the opportunity to teach children strategies to resolve their own social challenges.

A week in the life of a parent with a child with special needs

As I was trying to schedule some sessions this week, I realized how difficult it must be for the families of children with special needs.  Below are two emails from two of our families that we serve.  Can you imagine?  We need to support these families that are doing everything possible to help their chld succeed. 

I read your email early this morning but was not able to reply at that time.  Let's get in the make up time next week.  I will come out to the center one time if that is ok with you.  Here is my schedule for next week.  It is pretty much open and flexible.  Monday is Shelby (Speech Therapy) is coming at 1:45.  Tuesday morning I have a doctors appointment with my husband. After that Tuesday is clear.  Wednesday is our time at 1:00 (play therapy). That same day I have occupational therapy at 3:45 (at Salisbury Ped's).  Thursday Shelby (speech therapy) is suppose to come back in the morning.  That afternoon and Friday is also clear.  - Parent of a child with autism

So the schedule could work like this for the week:  - Parent of a child with Downs Syndrome

Monday: Open

Tuesday: Physical and Speech Therapy

Wednesday: CBRS in the classroom

Thursday: Speech Therapy

Friday: Occupational Therapy in pool with Beth