Homework... what is the perfect balance......?

Homework…..the lasted great debate,

…(and seemingly causing a bit of a stir on multimedia recently)…

With everyone back in full swing at school, after the holiday break and a lull in the ‘study sector’ being all but a fading memory, I thought I’d help bring you back to reality with a little food for thought…..

How would you answer these few questions? 

-how much time should be taken to do homework

-what are the expectations regarding homework

-is it only revision or do they set out work not yet covered at school

-what are your thoughts on parental input and involvement

-should we help and when do we help

-how far do we go

The school laid down precedence from the time my children were at school with the expectation of parents becoming involved in their child’s academic ability

Now, with my grandchildren in full swing at school all of a sudden they are doing a back-flip stating that we are stifling their progress, independence, and creativity by our involvement

I personally will take it all in and give one simple response….”It all depends on the child!”

Who is truly Responsible.....?

Reflecting the enormity of issues confronting Special Needs children/adults/people, through being  

‘unaware of’, ‘barricaded from’, or simply ‘having a lack of’ correct services etc required to give them the support, understanding, and assistance; and should be mandatory at ALL schools, work-placements, social sectors, and more.

We want to understand why there isn’t enough help when needed the most.

The ‘ignore it and it will go away’ attitude will not and should not be accepted any more.

We all need to stand up and demand that these systems be accountable; too many children are going through being ignored and missing out on basic educational requirements, things that should be easily obtained if given a little patience and compassion; if a child doesn’t understand an instruction no-one should state – “I’m not repeating that” or any other ‘brush-away’ comment.

Little Moments to Enjoy......

special moments with a favourite cousin 

So proud of our little man being relaxed and settled while coping with so many different changes;

Holiday mayhem hit with a vengeance and all A.J. saw before him was a lack of order or routine, having such a regimented school routine, he was confused with not knowing what needed doing, waking at the same time, and still setting up the day in a vague subconscious attempt to seem normal then suddenly seeing there isn't anything to focus on.

I helped A.J. arrange a routine schedule to help him keep everything on a calm and expected pace; he then decided to link the time schedule onto his iPad.

Although he started off trying to avoid the ‘work’ sections off his list, he easily relaxed into the process, coming to inform me of each new section, stating what needed doing as it came up on his iPad alarm.

During his schedule we arranged for homework to be included; although A.J. happily set out to do his work, at times he struggled to understand the process with some of his maths problems and became upset, working hard to stay in control he took timeout to calm and gain composure before continuing.

During break times he veered towards the one thing left to do, setting up for the day in front of his Sony system, and Minecraft (of course)......

Parents, don't forget about your time.......

As a result of the whole ‘big picture’ that our family personally entails, with my needing to be the one consistently holding the reigns, managing any Autism-related appointments, trying to juggle any household issues and family time, along with work related time, and so much more.

I had to learn how to let things go and not control ‘everything’, to enjoy every experience, regardless, without the worry and stress that things may not go to plan.

the holidays begin...

two tiny specks blue+black
as the boys wander off enjoying the day 

EASTER holidays; a great time for some Rest & Relaxation, while facing the first changes of the year, the end of daylight savings, the beginning of the winter season, etc

Setting up the roster for the holidays, A.J. happily discusses the options he wishes to be included while also willingly addressing and accepting my expectations, we both come up with an agreeable result -Including study, breaks, chores, and more…

After writing out a paper copy for his whiteboard A.J. chose to also add it to his iPad reminder list

He then requested that he didn't need the copy on his board “for all to see!”

“Like we have a stream of visitors passing through our house”

I agreed to his request and placed it on my office-room noticeboard instead.

Holiday’s - chocolate eggs -presents –Family time…

Finding ways to enjoy the break and actually get out of the house into reality

Focusing on the positives and finding ways to keeping stability and help ease any emotional overload, anxiety, changing stress levels, and Meltdowns

Helping to change the way others think

All too often we sit back and become complacent to the world we live in until something happens to explode our happy little life, and then it's all,

……….DON’T MESS WITH THE MAMMA!!!

I totally get it......... regarding how we can become so relaxed in our own little bubble, floating along doing our own thing, that we ignore everything happening outside the world we live in, believing all is good as long as we aren't being trampled or disturbed directly.

My perspective to this outlook definitely changed after our little man came into our life full time and we faced the journey into the world of Autism, understanding the struggles that families go through trying to gain the all-important Diagnosis just to get the much needed help and support.

Living in the ‘Outback’……

--front road--

The benefits of living in Australia’s country ‘outback’!

Living in the Blue Mountains area of New South Wales; some may say we are in the bush, while others say we are still part of Sydney’s city suburbs with the outback still further west.

I myself am happily stating an in-between lifestyle, with reasonably close access to many requirements, and still having the luxury of waking to watch the sun rising over a lovely rolling mountainous scenic view at our back-door, while overlooking the outstretched valley floor with scattered mountains in the distance at our front-door. To have the chance of experiencing a slow-paced lifestyle without the hustle and bustle that goes along with living in big-city dwellings.

Gathering together for breakfast as the mist clears on a glorious sunny morning, hearing the background chatter of Kookaburras laughing together chiming out in song, we regularly hear them close to the house, with visits by various birds and other wildlife, including Kangaroos.