A Life of Care Giving – Becoming an Enlightened Caregiver

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

The popular book, Fine Motor Skills for Children with Down Syndrome is now available in an expanded new edition. Written by an occupational therapist who has worked extensively with children with Down syndrome, and is also the mother a teenager with Down syndrome, this book explains the best practices and procedures for helping children master daily living skills for home, school, and an independent future.

The author presents a thorough overview of the building blocks of fine motor development and how the characteristics of Down syndrome can impact the acquisition and progression of fine motor skills.

She also explains the building blocks of fine motor development: Stability
Bilateral coordination
Sensation
Dexterity
Early arm and hand control
And covers important daily living skills for home and school: Dressing & grooming
Eating & drinking
Cutting
Grasping a pencil
Preprinting skills
Drawing
Printing
Cursive handwriting
There are instructions for dozens of easy home- and school-based activities, which help children gradually overcome delays and learn the fine motor skills mentioned above. The author suggests ways for parents to incorporate these exercises into as many day-to-day activities as possible, recognizing how impractical it is to constantly be in “therapy” mode with a child.

New material includes a chapter on problems with sensory processing for those who are over- or under-responsive to touch, or have unexpected reactions to sound, pain, or other sensations. Being aware of these sensitivities can open pathways to better behavior and responsiveness to therapy. Also new is information about a critical developmental step–determining when a child is ready for preprinting activities. These and many other additions make this the most up-to-date, comprehensive resource on fine motor development for children with Down syndrome.

Visit merchant

Every couple has arguments, but what happens when recurring battles begin to feel like full-scale war? Do you retreat in hurt and angry silence, hoping that a spouse who “just doesn’t get it” will eventually see things your way? Spend the time between skirmishes gathering evidence that you’re right? Demand some immediate changes–or else? Whether due to innate personality traits or emotional vulnerabilities, there are some aspects of our behavior that are difficult to alter. But these differences do not have to get in the way of healthy, happy, and long-lasting romance. This practical guide offers new solutions for couples frustrated by continual attempts to make each other change. Aided by thought-provoking exercises and lots of real-life examples, readers will learn why they keep having the same fights again and again; how to keep small incompatibilities from causing big problems; and how true acceptance can restore health to their relationships.

Visit merchant

This unique book supports parents who are struggling with the heartache of having a teenager or an adult child who is troubled, angry, or distant. Such rifts can cause unspeakable sorrow that parents too often must bear alone. Psychologist and parent Joshua Coleman, Ph.D., offers insight, empathy, and perspective to those who have lost the opportunity to be the parent they desperately wanted to be and who are mourning the loss of a harmonious relationship with their child. Through case examples and healing exercises, Dr. Coleman helps parents:

• Reduce anger, guilt, and shame
• Learn how temperament, the teen years, their own or a partner’s mistakes, and divorce can strain the parent-child bond
• Come to terms with their own and their child’s imperfections
• Maintain self-esteem through difficult times
• Develop strategies for rebuilding the relationship or move toward acceptance of what can’t be changed
• Understand how society’s high expectations of parents contribute to the risk of parental wounds

By helping parents recognize what they can do, and let go of what they cannot, Dr. Coleman helps families develop more positive ways of healing themselves and relating to each other.

Visit merchant

The Conflict Resolution Training Program Leader’s Manual offers a step-by-step approach for teaching dispute resolution techniques to both new and seasoned negotiators, mediators, and arbitrators. This hands-on manual is filled with a variety of exercises, activities, worksheets, role plays, and other interactive techniques that are readily accessible for teaching the skills needed to resolve conflicts. Trainers can select the sections of the flexible program that best meet their specific objectives and goals.

Visit merchant

Learning Nonviolent Communication (NVC) has often been equated with learning a whole new language. The NVC Companion Workbook helps you put these powerful, effective skills into practice with chapter-by-chapter study of Rosenberg’s cornerstone text, NVC: A Language of Life. Create a safe, supportive group learning or practice environment that nurtures the needs of each participant. Find a wealth of activities, exercises and facilitator suggestions to refine and practice this powerful communication process. Whether you’re learning on your own, in a group or in a classroom, this workbook will serve as an exceptional resource.

An exceptional resource for: – Individuals: Includes useful activities and ideas for employing the liberating principles of NVC every day. – Group Practice: Find guidance for getting started, group process, and activities. – Teachers: Provides the basis for developing your own courses, or augmenting an existing curriculum.

Visit merchant