The Special Needs Parent Blog
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Temple Grandin Movie Coming to HBO
by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com
My friend Marla Roth-Fisch, author of Sensitive Sam
HBO debuts their long-awaited movie, Temple Grandin February 6, 2010! 8:00 p.m.
Claire Danes stars in the title role of this HBO Films presentation of a Ruby Films/Gerson Saines production, based on the true story of the best-selling author, animal scientist and autism advocate, whose own autism has afforded her uncanny powers of observation. Directed by Mick Jackson. Watch the HBO movie trailer here.
For additional resources, parents can go to the Future Horizons, Inc. web sites:
Marla's book, Sensitive Sam
Joan Celebi
in Recommended Resources, Special Needs News, Special Needs Resources
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Escape from Overwhelm in 2010 - Your Quick Start Guide
by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com
This article appeared earlier today in my FREE Overwhelmed No More! Newsletter. To subscribe, enter your name and email address in the sign-up box to the left. You'll get practical tips and inspiring ideas every month to help you successfully navigate life as a parent of a child with special needs.
Your role as a mom or dad of a child with special needs is rewarding, fulfilling, and awe-inspiring. Yet it's all too easy to become overwhelmed by the many demands on your time and energy. And the tricky thing about being overwhelmed is that once you're there, it can be difficult to figure out how to get life back under control!
You CAN break the cycle of overwhelm, no matter how hectic your life is right now. Today's tips give you 10 simple actions you can take, in 5 minutes or less -- today and every day -- to jumpstart your escape from overwhelm. These are things you can do in small moments with minimal effort -- yet you'll be amazed at the difference they can make in your life - and in the lives of your children and family as well.
The 10 Simplest Things You Can Do In 5 Minutes or Less,
For a More Manageable, Balanced, Joyful Life
1. Breathe.
2. Stay Hydrated.
3. Stretch.
4. Smile.
5. Laugh.
6. Go outside.
7. Savor a delicious fruit or vegetable.
8. Eliminate or re-schedule an item on your to-do list.
9. Take delight in a micro-moment of joy.
10. Hug and kiss your children.
When you start with these 10 steps, and make them a regular part of your life, you'll gain clarity, you'll have more energy, and you'll build momentum - the three key foundations for a manageable, balanced, joyful life. Print this out, post it where you'll see it often, and give these steps a try in the coming days and weeks. Let me know how it goes!
Joan Celebi
in Action Steps for Special Needs Parents, Balanced Living Strategies, Parenting Children with Special Needs, Taking Care of YOU
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When There's Just NO Time for You: Three Key Tips
by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com
I received this same question from SIX different people today. I learned years ago as a teacher that if a few people are asking the same question, then there are many more who are also wondering the same thing -- thus today's article.
Today's question came by phone, email, and Facebook, from moms of children with special needs from different areas of the U.S. Each mom is struggling with the same challenge, and I'm sure we can all relate: HOW do you make time for yourself, with everything else that must be done every day? To quote one mom, "It feels like my whole life is just spent being "The Mom", like I'm not even a person."
I've definitely been there. And this is a question I often get from new Coaching Club members. When you're overwhelmed, it doesn't seem possible to find ANY time for your own needs and interests. But it is absolutely doable!
If you're thinking "Yeah but not for ME," I want to encourage you to try the tips below, which I shared with Facebook friends today. I've helped some UNBELIEVABLY overwhelmed special needs moms create manageable, balanced lives - and if they can do it, you can too!
And keep in mind: the more you take care of your own needs, the better able you'll be to keep on taking care of your children and family, as well as meet all the other obligations and expectations in your life. So when you take a small moment for yourself, you're doing it for yourself AND for others.
Here are the tips - and please join me on Facebook to continue the discussion! (Link to Facebook located at left.)
Hi - this is a very good question!
I know, it sounds impossible ... the key is in small moments. If not 15 minutes, then even five minutes of doing a little something just for you can make a big difference!
Another key to all of this is choosing which tips are the best ones for you to focus on right now. None of my clients do all of the strategies all of the time (nor do I!), but rather focus on a select few that are important at any given time.
Also, there's a system to all of this, which doesn't really come through in the quick daily tips I post. It applies life coaching principles to life as a mom of a child with special needs. It helps you get life under control and running smoothly -- so you can make time for things like taking care of you! I wrote it all up in my book, Overwhelmed No More, as a self-paced, step-by-step guide - might be a great way to start out the New Year as a gift to yourself! ;) Many moms with the same challenges swear by it.
For now though, especially during the holidays when things get particularly hectic, I would say if you can find a few minutes here and there to do little things for yourself, you'll definitely notice a difference.
For example a quick walk up and down the street, call a friend to say hi, read a short magazine article, have a cup of tea, do a bit of stretching, etc. - If you're musical or artistic, play one song, or draw one quick sketch in a little sketchbook ... Anything you enjoy that you can fit in during small bits of time during the day...
Hope this helps - I definitely know how hard it is, especially with the holidays upon us. There's so much more I could say - but I don't want to keep going on and on! Try this for a while and let me know how it goes!
Warmly,
Joan
So if finding time for you has been impossible lately, give these ideas a try! This would make a great New Year's Resolution, as one Facebook friend told us she was doing. In a couple of weeks, we'll talk more about making New Year's Resolutions that really work. Until then, have a wonderful holiday - and don't forget to take a little time out here and there!
Joan Celebi
in Balanced Living Strategies, Family Matters, Parenting Children with Special Needs, Taking Care of YOU
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My latest book is now available! Visit www.BalancedLivingAllYear.com - for families with children with special needs
I'm so excited to announce the launch of my latest book! To celebrate, I'm offering a VERY special package of discounts and bonuses. But only for a few days!
Scroll down for details!
Balanced Living All Year, For Families With
Children With Special Needs
Balanced Living All Year is your month-by-month guide to successfully navigating life with a child with special needs.
- quick, easy chapters that are both enjoyable and filled with how-to's for the challenges that often arise in a year in the life of a parent of a child with special needs.
- handy lists, inspiring quotes, step-by-step guides, and more!
Here are just some of the themes and topics in this unique book:
- Starting the new year off on the right track
- Creating a low-stress, happy family environment
- Solutions for holidays that may be tricky for your children
- Getting through the IEP process with greater ease
- Ways to manage your many roles and responsibilities
- Caring for the caregiver (that's you!)
- Arranging summers that are memorable and fun for all
- Complete back-to-school planning and preparation
- Keeping life simple and running smoothly
- Thought-provoking reflections on life as a special needs parent
- A special recipe each month to enjoy with your family
- And plenty of inspiring quotes!
Balanced Living All Year also makes a great holiday gift.
The discount on 5 or more books makes this an inexpensive gift - yet one that's enjoyable, meaningful, AND useful! Great for moms, dads, friends, family members, teachers, specialists, and your favorite special needs resource library. Support group leaders: this would be a wonderful gift for the members of your parent group!
Find out what the special discounts are - and discover the
ELEVEN Free Bonus Gifts you'll receive when you purchase Balanced Living All Year!
Learn more and order here:
Joan Celebi
in Balanced Living Strategies, Family Matters, Parenting Children with Special Needs, Recommended Products, Recommended Reading, Recommended Resources, Special Needs Resources, Taking Care of YOU
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Registration Now Open! December Free Lunchtime Teleseminar for Parents of Children with Special Needs: Surprisingly Simple Gifts, for Everyone On Your List!
by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com
Next Free Lunchtime Teleseminar:
Surprisingly Simple Gifts, for Everyone On Your List!
For Families with Children with Special Needs
Wednesday, December 16, 12 noon Eastern Time
Trying to think of some great gifts to give this holiday season? Need some last minute gift ideas that are quick and easy, but also wonderful and memorable? I have some ideas for you!
Gift giving poses unique challenges, and also unique opportunities, when you have a child with special needs. Join me as I share some ideas for gifts that are simple yet creative; small, yet deeply meaningful; free or low-cost, yet priceless. There's something for everyone on your list: teachers, friends, and family!
Free Lunchtime Teleseminars last 30 - 45 minutes, with time for discussion and your questions. The call will be recorded, so if you can't make it to the call, no worries! We'll email you the link to the recording, so you can listen later on at your convenience. Note: you must register in order to receive the call recording.
To register, click here: December Free Teleseminar: Surprisingly Simple Gifts
Upon registering, you will instantly receive the phone number and access code to call in at the scheduled date and time.
I look forward to having you on the call!