Gratitude
What’s a parent to do? One day the toddler is taking all of your time, then, the teen suddenly appears. During adolescence, many developments are occurring to the body chemistry that may be the cause of some behavioral changes.
Teenagers are looking to define their individualism. They seek novelty and take foolish risks. They’re growing past obeying you just because “I said so.” Moral, legal, ethical, compassionate behavior seemingly takes a life time to learn. Encourage your teen to figure out why you set certain rules, how they broke them and what consequences there should be for not obeying rules. This is all part of the process of growing a successful teen.
Recently I visited one of the SAFIR (Supporting Adolescents and Families in Recovery) meetings during their celebration of sobriety. This event happens each month at the various six sites throughout the county. The parent presents a token to the student and the student reveals how he or she is working the program to remain alcohol and drug free. Sobriety becomes a basis for meeting the challenges in their everyday lives.
These families learn that in life we have a spiritual existence which gives us the confidence to face anything. Involvement and effort is needed to see this as a family issue and be grateful for the opportunity to change. One by one the youth expressed their gratitude for the support they had received. They expressed feelings of joy for the moment. On that day I celebrated gratitude with them and hope for the days to follow.
The words of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy comes to mind “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” “If it works, work it.” And SAFIR works!
We invite your questions or comments.
Marie Miehls, Director, Community Service Programs
Friends Fur-Ever at Stein Education Center Adult Services
Tags: Stein Education Center Adult Services, developmental disabilities, animal interaction, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, animal therapy
Here's Harley!
On a recent fall day at Stein Education Center (SEC) Adult Services, consumers are anxiously anticipating the arrival of a special guest. It is Harley! Harley is used for animal therapy. The consumers are willing to accept small social challenges from him, and their stress levels appear to be greatly reduced when he enters the room. Harley is a French bulldog who is well trained and has his AKC Canine Good Citizenship Training certificate. Harley regularly visits Stein Adult Services as part of our animal interaction program.
Positive Interactions For the entire day Harley roams the facility and interacts with the consumers. The canine-human contact for people with developmental disabilities is well-studied and shows positive therapeutic affects, especially for those who find human-human interactions challenging. There is also marked change among consumers with severe cognitive disabilities who immediately become more focused and aware of their surroundings as they reach down to pet Harley.
Expanding the Animal Interaction Program The Stein Education Center hosts other animals, such as birds, fish and even horses, through various formal and informal animal interaction programs. Love on a Leash is a non-profit organization that brings a Wheaton Terrier named Arthur monthly to the site. Arthur is specifically trained to interact with the disabled population correctly, for example, by placing paws on the knees of a person sitting in a wheelchair. Arthur is trained to respond to clients as they make the terrier perform tricks and obey commands. The staff at Stein has noted that the presence of the animals has a calming effect on clients, improves social skills and teaches positive interactions.
About Vista Hill Stein Education Center Adult Services SEC Adult Services serves individuals with developmental disabilities such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy and other neurological disorders. The program provides vocational opportunities, skill development and training, and socialization skills in a meaningful and creative manner both on site and in community-integrated settings.
Every Day is “Make A Difference Day” at Vista Hill
At Vista Hill we are fortunate to have wonderful volunteers who make a difference for our client families throughout the entire year. We celebrate their important contribution on “Make A Difference Day,” but truth be told, we could celebrate their contributions every day of the year. they come faithfully to work as our front-desk receptionists doing all kinds of projects in the program office as they treat our clients and staff with kind attention and respect;
- they run the ParentCare Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard to help clients with food and emergency supplies; and they distribute gently-used clothing and household goods which have been collected by other dedicated volunteers;
- they read to our children and help them learn while serving as mentors to their moms;
- they bring new presents, help wrap them, provide refreshments, and help us make sure that every Vista Hill program has a nice holiday party; they make “goodie stockings” for our children; they take photos of our children with one of our dedicated volunteer Santas;
- they work with our skilled staff members at the SEC Adult Services Programs to help with art projects, equestrian therapy, the Tippett Picnic, and the annual Stein Education Center Walkathon for children and adults with developmental disabilities;
- they run food drives in their neighborhoods or at their businesses; they glue invitations and stuff and stamp envelopes; they edit newsletters; they purchase new bicycles for our children and put them together to be distributed throughout our many programs;
- they donate beautiful children’s books, they knit baby blankets, scarves, and afghans, and they collect hygiene articles, socks, and underwear for our client families;
- they serve on our Friends of Vista Hill boards and committees to help us raise money and raise awareness for Vista Hill; and they sell tickets, collect prizes, work on decorations, and seek underwriting year after year;
- they ask their relatives and friends to get involved with Vista Hill; they help educate and inform the community in order to remove the stigma of mental illness, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities; and they are our ambassadors in every way possible.
Bottom line? They make a huge and positive difference for the children and families of Vista Hill…and that’s a great reason to celebrate! If you want to help, click on the donate button. We’ll put your gift to very good use!
School Report Cards: 4 Easy Ways to Improve Your Child’s Grades
School Report Cards: Is your student making the grade?
The Vista Hill Learning Assistance Center helps kids with behavioral health issues do better in school and we help parents every day build bridges with their school.
Report card season is here and schools are sending out the first progress reports. This can be very stressful for students and parents alike. A new school year does mean a fresh start for our kids. New teachers, new subjects, new papers to sign, classroom rules, and a new opportunity to do well in school. When I look over the report card, as a parent, I am reminded that it is a fresh start for me as well. How can I help my kids be more successful in school? Hopefully without driving me crazy?
I know what you are thinking. Parents are already busy with work, meals, picking kids up, dropping them off, activities and more. We don’t have time to take on the school system as well. Here are some ideas that may help you build bridges with the school that just might help your child get better grades.
1) Meet the teacher. Stop by after school, before school, or just send an email or note. Introduce yourself; let them know that you care about your child’s success in school and that their learning is important to you. Knowing that there is a parent at home who cares about education will help the teacher be your ally. Your child’s grade will benefit from this alliance.
2) Homework. Yes this is a major trial for families. The best thing here is to set a routine. Pick a time, pick a good spot (light, quite, no distractions) and make it a habit. A good routine will shorten the time you have to do homework. Have your kids report to you when finished. If you feel homework still takes too long, talk to the teacher about this challenge.
3) Attendance. The two biggest factors of good grades are attendance and homework. Make sure your child attends school every day, on time.
4) Take Action. So what if your child brings home a bad grade? You have to take action. The school is your partner and they want your child to succeed. If things are not going well ask for a meeting with the teacher. The school has resources to help your child do better and can develop a team plan. But you, the parent, must be the driving force of that team. Call your school and pull the team together to develop the best plan for your child to succeed.
Your child’s success in school can mean all of the difference in their future. Make a fresh start and become your child’s partner in school success.
October is Physical Therapy Month
According to the National Physical Therapy Association, this years’ focus for National Physical Therapy Month is “sports injury prevention across the lifespan.” Physical Therapy, as with Occupational Therapy, aids in improving and enhancing an individual’s mobility, balance, and ultimately improves a person’s overall quality of life. Here at Vista Hill’s Stein Education Center, our Occupational Therapy and after school Special Care Services Programs, offer services which address individualized plans to improve the physical mobility of those we serve. Our specialized services seek to promote physically active lifestyles for our children and young adults who are diagnosed with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
There is an extensive amount of literature written on the importance of active lifestyles. Educators and therapists alike understand the importance of maintaining active lifestyles to achieve the benefits of improved muscular functioning, weight management, enhanced cardiovascular systems, and increased self-esteem. Mobility development includes working on balance, motor planning, strengthening exercises, and coordination, to name only a few.
When it comes to individuals born with developmental and intellectual disabilities, motor planning, language and balance, typically are delayed or impaired. Therefore developing treatment plans to address their personal needs is crucial to enhancing their quality of life. At the Stein Education Center we understand the importance of physical mobility, but we also know that it is not a “one size fits all approach,” therefore; we assess the individualized needs of each child or young adult that enters our program and seek to personalize everyone’s program to meet their unique needs.
As we age, we naturally slow down and this ultimately will affect our health care. Therefore, take the first step today and work on your health. Get out there and walk, run, bike, swim, or do anything that involves physical activity. Begin small (with 10 to 15 minutes a day) and work your way up. Improving your mobility will improve your daily activities, lifestyle, and help maintain a healthy heart!
RELATED RESOURCES
California Physical Therapy Association
Occupational Therapy Association of California
American Occupational Therapy Association
September is Baby Safety Month
As a trade-related effort, sponsored by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), the celebration has, understandably, most often centered upon infant products which if used incorrectly (or manufactured unsafely) could lead to injury or death. Various years, since 1983, have examined practices and products related to Drowning Prevention, Car Safety, Crib Safety, and, of course Home Safety – Yikes!!
There are a number of good sites available for child safety guidelines and practices, including the JPMA, Red Cross, and Pediatric Association websites. And while it is certainly a worthy celebration to focus on Baby Safety, so is “Parent Awareness” – what about you?!
As a parent, I can vividly recall the anxiety filled moments of my daughter’s first years. There was soooo much to be worried about… How were we supposed to have any time to enjoy these wonderous times? I think it is as important for parents to find a balance that both allows for full concentration on the joys – as well as the dangers. When our lives are too stressful we cannot possibly be as focused on that sublime beauty of our growing children.
The practical safety issues are essential (don’t get me wrong) but given that we and our kids survive this period…what, then, is the nature of your relationship with your child-your partner, or your family? What gifts have you imparted to your child, in terms of early life lessons, about laughter, joy, family, and general wellness?
Make a personal commitment to being your best both for your happiness and the modeling of these values throughout your families’ lives. If parenting wasn’t enough of a challenge already, depression (post partum or recurring), anxiety, sleep, relationship problems, and psychiatric concerns can make it seem like a daily struggle for survival. Please take a little time to care for yourself. Take some needed deep breaths, seek family support and, if needed, seek professional consultation. Do it for them…Do it for yourself- Everyone benefits!
Vista Hill ParentCare’s Incredible Families Program (IFP) was designed to consolidate needed services, and improve outcomes for children and their families involved in East County Child Welfare Services (CWS). Utilizing proven methods from the evidence-based Incredible Years model, the goal of the program is safe and successful family reunification (for families of children in foster care), improved family functioning, and improved mental health functioning for referred children.
RELATED RESOURCES
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) at 800-433-9016
Access and Crisis Line (San Diego) at 800-479-3339
Consumer Federation of America at 202-387-6121
Home Safety Council at 202-330-4900
International Association For Child Safety (IAFCS) at 800-598-8911
International Consumer Products Health Safety Organization (ICPHSO)
National Alliance For Mental Illness (NAMI) http://www.nami.org
National Safe Kids Campaign at 800-441-1888
National SIDS Resource Center at 703-821-8955
Rose Brooks Center at 816-523-555
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at 800-638-2772
Vista Hill at www.vistahill.org
September is Recovery Month
Every month there is a new theme of the month celebrating a different and very important cause close to Vista Hill. A very important one to the Vista Hill Family is September. It is our opportunity to celebrate a cause that is close to all of our hearts. Recovery month is a time for our ParentCare Families to celebrate recovery.
Everyday the impressive families that we work with struggle with sobriety. They are brave and courageous to attempt the very hard process of changing everything about them. In the 12-Step Program they must change people, places and things. Think about having to change your friends and family you spend time with, change the places you go to and the things that you love so you can get better. What a huge undertaking!
Additionally, people talk about relapse, especially with popular TV shows like Intervention and Relapse. How many of us have every started a diet and then went back to our old ways and gained the weight back? Most of us. It is the same theory for our clients. It is amazing that our families are able to do this and I am in awe of them on a daily basis. I am so proud of our alumni that are able to stay clean and sober, reunite with their families and give back to our community.
Get a sneak peek of their work that was displayed at the Recovery Happens event in Balboa Park on September 10th at Recovery Happens.
