Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

v NEVER shame my child.  Shame does not improve effort (they are already working hard, believe it or not).  Shame only harms a child’s academic self-efficacy and over time with enough shaming it will cause a major scar on the child’s self-esteem.

Should I tell my child they have Aspergers? Great video!

Should I tell my child they have Aspergers

These guys are GREAT!  The best people to help us understand are the ones who have been there!

Cartoon Saturday

Our divided brain~ how cool is that!

RSA Animate - The divided brain
Psychiatrist Iain McGlichrist explains our divided brain with really cool animation.  Enjoy!  If you like this go to my business Facebook page at Forest Alliance Coaching to watch a similar video on Changing Education!    

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

v It is okay if you don’t know about my child’s disability (even if you are a special ed teacher).  I didn’t know about this disability either until I had to learn when my son got diagnosed.  I will gladly share with you any information I have so please ask me.

v When I email you information about my child’s disability, do not take offence.  By sharing with you information about my child’s disability I feel like I am helping my child.  Do not take it personal, it is not about you, it is about my child.

Someone you should know! Paul Hugh Ross

I’d like to share with you a wonderful web-site that I find inspirational!   Paul Ross is a creative poet and writer living in England.  Oh yea, he’s dyslexic.  Please check out his site and view his inspiring videos, passionate blog, and more.    

Here’s the link to his blog: dyslexic thoughts in words 

Paul also has some great videos so go check out this powerful poetic video here.  

Remember Paul Hugh Ross is someone YOU should know!

Emotional Pain is REAL

We have learned through research studies with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) equipment that the emotional pain of rejection and exclusion activates the same area of the brain that is activated during physical pain.  This is what happens:  someone feels excluded and immediately brain activity occurs in the dorsal portion of the anterior cingulate cortex.  This is the part of the brain that involves the suffering component of pain.  This is why it hurts so bad to be ignored, excluded, and rejected.  Our brains perceive this as physical pain.   IT IS REAL!

The research also shows that the use of a pain reliever such as Tylenol can help reduce this emotional pain.  Of course, this doesn’t stop us from perseverating on these situations where we feel excluded and in turn causing more pain.  We need to address the whole person and not just mask the symptoms of the pain (but it helps us understand why people get addicted to pain medications).

Research studies have also helped us understand that chronic pain leads to depression and chronic feelings of rejection such as being bullied can also lead to depression.  What we need to do is develop empathy for others and never intend to make another person feel rejected, excluded, or ignored.  So, go out there today and really show you care about others!    

Cartoon Satruday

What's It Like Being Dyslexic?

What's it like being dyslexic
A great video for kids (and others) that does a great job showing what it is like being dyslexic!  One of my favorite things to do is help kids learn about their strengths. 

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

What Dragonflies and their parents want others to know.  Here are a few more direct quotes:

v When a parent learns their child has a disability they will go through the grieving process.  You may not know where I am in this grieving process because each of our situations and circumstances are different. 

v Never tell me that you know how I feel unless you have a child exactly like mine. 

The Only Disability in Life is a Bad Attitude

Must be why the Ravens won!!!  Great story!

Words from Parents and Dragonflies Wednesday

v Do not assume that I am stupid.  I am not stupid I just learn differently.  Being different from you does not make me less than you.  Your judgment about me shows your ignorance.     

The Adult Dragonfly

Being an adult with ADHD can be very challenging.  It is not only challenging for you but also for those around you.  Your adult ADHD will impact your job, marriage, parenting, friendships, and other areas of your life.  Yes, the word WILL was used!  There is no way around it; if you are a person with ADHD it DOES impact all areas of your life.  Unfortunately, you may not realize how much until it is too late.  Here’s a great article to help improve your listening skills! 

5 Ways to Listen Effectively with Adult ADHD

Motivational Monday