Exhausted from parenting/ASD children/Welcome to Schmolland!

[iwrbnd]

Cyber school is online homeschooling. Some states even have programs that provide this service free of charge.
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/home.aspx

That's neat! How is it working for you?

 

[BBG-BLT]

We started having kids late (when our 2 yo was born I was 45!) and I'm right there with you. There are times I thank the Lord that they're here making my life richer etc. But there are times when I'm just so tired and worn out that I want to quit (but there's no one to resign to . I think everyone has days like that (or even weeks/ months/ years) even the perfect parents out there making canned organic food and crafts from recycled plants.

 

[persimmondeb]

DS is usually not terribly moody actually, although he was just in tears over one of his fishies passing away. Utterly disconsolate. Claiming he was a 'fishkiller' and they were all dying on him.

Cheered right up when it turned out one of the missing fishies was hiding behind something. I swear there are moments when I think he loves them more than he loves us!

 

[Kat77]

That's neat! How is it working for you?

LOL! I'm not cyberschooling anyone... yet....but needed to know our options jic we have to at some point. DS9 is currently homeschooled with support from our district.
I would love to hear from the cyberschoolers though. Is anyone here actually using Connections Academy? Our state has a pilot program.

 

[iwrbnd]

DS is usually not terribly moody actually, although he was just in tears over one of his fishies passing away. Utterly disconsolate. Claiming he was a 'fishkiller' and they were all dying on him.

Cheered right up when it turned out one of the missing fishies was hiding behind something. I swear there are moments when I think he loves them more than he loves us!

That's sweet about the fish! I didn't think my oldest would get attached to anything! That is until he turned 16 and got a girlfriend! I've found he's able to attach! Now I need to make sure he doesn't reproduce!

 

[kampfirekim]

Here in our Schmolland suburb of Vinland our theme song is "We like to party." (the one from the Six Flags commercial) Our chief Vinnish resident will dance to that song no matter what. He was once having a minor meltdown and I played the song and WHAMMO! He was dancing, still crying, but dancing too.
Here in Vinland we speak Vinnese, only the Chief Resident does so fluently, the rest of us are learning as fast as we can.
All of our buildings are made of leggos.

I love this post! Dancing and STILL crying? That's funny/sad/adorable/sweet all at the same time. Thanks for sharing.

We started having kids late (when our 2 yo was born I was 45!) and I'm right there with you. There are times I thank the Lord that they're here making my life richer etc. But there are times when I'm just so tired and worn out that I want to quit (but there's no one to resign to . I think everyone has days like that (or even weeks/ months/ years) even the perfect parents out there making canned organic food and crafts from recycled plants.

I thought we started late (at first birth, I was 34, second birth 36). I share your feelings. No one is willing to take my place either!? I know one of those organic food only for the baby/recycled plant etc. types. Nothing wrong with that per se, but.....she was nursing at the time and would eat the unhealthiest food herself. Kind of defeated the purpose I thought. All of our family just laughed and laughed about it! (Yes, it was a relative). Go figure.

DS is usually not terribly moody actually, although he was just in tears over one of his fishies passing away. Utterly disconsolate. Claiming he was a 'fishkiller' and they were all dying on him.

Cheered right up when it turned out one of the missing fishies was hiding behind something. I swear there are moments when I think he loves them more than he loves us!

That is so precious!

BTW: I know that JUMP has already been established as our National Anthem. But how about we add "You Spin Me Right Round" to the playlist?

BTW AGAIN: I have grown very accustomed to life in Schmolland. I can more easily navigate my way through the different villages without the use of Schmoogle Maps. I've made new friends. However, I don't think I'll ever get used to the food here. It appears my little Schmutch boy has discovered that peanut butter & chocolate flavored cereal is best served with lime juice instead of milk. I reeeaalllyy wish there were a vomiting smiley right now to express my disgust at the whole scene. And yes...he ate it all.

 

[Kat77]

BTW: I know that JUMP has already been established as our National Anthem. But how about we add "You Spin Me Right Round" to the playlist?

Ooh, that's even better! It describes the national dance so perfectly!!!

O/T but interesting: Tonight I watched a BBC study of the Milgram Experiment on youtube. I'd heard of it but never watched it. If you do not know what it is you need to see this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcvSNg0HZwk&feature=related (Linking Part 1 of 3)

 

[BreTyPres87]

I thought we started late (at first birth, I was 34, second birth 36). I share your feelings. No one is willing to take my place either!? I know one of those organic food only for the baby/recycled plant etc. types. Nothing wrong with that per se, but.....she was nursing at the time and would eat the unhealthiest food herself. Kind of defeated the purpose I thought. All of our family just laughed and laughed about it! (Yes, it was a relative). Go figure.


BTW AGAIN: I have grown very accustomed to life in Schmolland. I can more easily navigate my way through the different villages without the use of Schmoogle Maps. I've made new friends. However, I don't think I'll ever get used to the food here. It appears my little Schmutch boy has discovered that peanut butter & chocolate flavored cereal is best served with lime juice instead of milk. I reeeaalllyy wish there were a vomiting smiley right now to express my disgust at the whole scene. And yes...he ate it all.

I try to do the organic/healthy thing -to a degree- I mean just recently i've tried cutting out a lot of processed foods but if my choice is make homemade food he rejects or stuff with a ton of ingredients that I can't read but he'll gobble down I'll choose the second...even though i'm trying really hard to get him away from that crap... Tonight he ate Butternut squash ravioli I was .. I can't get this boy to eat Hot dogs, chicken nuggets, spaghetti..but he's eating butternut squash ravioli?! go figure!!

Your boy must have an iron stomach because just the thought has made my stomach do flips!! But the ASD parent's motto "Whatever works" we learn that one fast.. oh and "Pick your battles" lol

I love being able to talk to mothers with similar experiences by the way

 

[kampfirekim]

Ooh, that's even better! It describes the national dance so perfectly!!!

O/T but interesting: Tonight I watched a BBC study of the Milgram Experiment on youtube. I'd heard of it but never watched it. If you do not know what it is you need to see this!

The vote already carried on JUMP as the national anthem, but I think a playlist is in order. Currently taking requests. I officially submit "You Spin Me Right Round" to be added to the PL. Schmollandites may like a little variety, except for the OCD ones, or the ones who fixate on just one thing etc....it always depends on whether it's a jumping mood or a spinning mood we're in. We have to cover all of our bases. Is there a link or can I just search Milgram Experiment? Sounds interesting. BTW: No such thing as O/T here. Dealing with out little Schmutch boys and girls, we have learned to change course at a seconds notice. Getting sleepy now... Sleep well all ye citizens of Schmolland. May the watch over you and yours tonight.

 

[persimmondeb]

Oh, he's very attatched to the fishies. He's also fond of most of his relatives and my sister's cats.

He's actually pretty sunny and sociable much of the time. I can't imagine him with a girlfriend, though. He's still horrified by the idea of attending school dances. He's intellectually 14 (at least), and his executive functioning skills are pretty decent, all things considered, but his personality is more like that of a 9 or 10 year old's. We just told him this year that there is no actual Easter Bunny, since we didn't think he was ever going to figure it out on his own and he was getting to an age where he was going to get some very odd looks if he mentioned that.

I shouldn't complain though. Not only is he not smoking pot in the garage, instead of being too cool to appear in public with his parents, he's over the moon at going to Disney again with his mom and dad. He can't wait to go swimming, play in the playground at POR, eat all the snacks he wants, buy balloons, go on rides, and just walk around Disney and spend time with us.

He keeps talking about our trip, and it is so cute, and really gets me in the mood to go. He's angling for T-Rex for our arrival night though, and I don't think I'm up to it. We'll see about spending some time in the gift shop. He likes that sand pit thing too, but he's so big that I sometimes worry if he's making the parents of the pre-schoolers nervous.

 

[kampfirekim]

I try to do the organic/healthy thing -to a degree- I mean just recently i've tried cutting out a lot of processed foods but if my choice is make homemade food he rejects or stuff with a ton of ingredients that I can't read but he'll gobble down I'll choose the second...even though i'm trying really hard to get him away from that crap... Tonight he ate Butternut squash ravioli I was .. I can't get this boy to eat Hot dogs, chicken nuggets, spaghetti..but he's eating butternut squash ravioli?! go figure!!

Your boy must have an iron stomach because just the thought has made my stomach do flips!! But the ASD parent's motto "Whatever works" we learn that one fast.. oh and "Pick your battles" lol

I love being able to talk to mothers with similar experiences by the way

I think the organic healthy thing is great! We could all stand to do better I feel. Our laugh-o-meter pegged out b/c darling cousin was nursing at the time and eating HORRIBLE foods herself thereby feeding it to DS. I don't think she got the concept. She is a great mom and intelligent to the extreme. Musta been having a BFF (double brain fluff).

Wish my DS would eat butternut squash. He does actually eat a good variety of things.....it just doesn't include veggies except for the occasional butter bean. If you think the thought of pb &choc cereal doused in limejuice SOUNDS bad....you should have SEEN it. ICK!

We all love to share stories here. It just seems to help give you a little lift when you need it. Whether it's a funny story, a sad story or just a plea for help....we have come to love each other to pieces in this land of Schmolland.

I shouldn't complain though. Not only is he not smoking pot in the garage, instead of being too cool to appear in public with his parents, he's over the moon at going to Disney again with his mom and dad. He can't wait to go swimming, play in the playground at POR, eat all the snacks he wants, buy balloons, go on rides, and just walk around Disney and spend time with us.

I'm glad to know there's no pot smoking in the garage, at least not by DS! No one else was mentioned. Doesn't it make you feel good that he's sooooo excited about the trip? When will you be there? We'll be there July 22-Aug 6. Maybe our paths will cross.

 

[iwrbnd]

Oh, he's very attatched to the fishies. He's also fond of most of his relatives and my sister's cats.

He's actually pretty sunny and sociable much of the time. I can't imagine him with a girlfriend, though. He's still horrified by the idea of attending school dances. He's intellectually 14 (at least), and his executive functioning skills are pretty decent, all things considered, but his personality is more like that of a 9 or 10 year old's. We just told him this year that there is no actual Easter Bunny, since we didn't think he was ever going to figure it out on his own and he was getting to an age where he was going to get some very odd looks if he mentioned that.

I shouldn't complain though. Not only is he not smoking pot in the garage, instead of being too cool to appear in public with his parents, he's over the moon at going to Disney again with his mom and dad. He can't wait to go swimming, play in the playground at POR, eat all the snacks he wants, buy balloons, go on rides, and just walk around Disney and spend time with us.

He keeps talking about our trip, and it is so cute, and really gets me in the mood to go. He's angling for T-Rex for our arrival night though, and I don't think I'm up to it. We'll see about spending some time in the gift shop. He likes that sand pit thing too, but he's so big that I sometimes worry if he's making the parents of the pre-schoolers nervous.

You're son sounds sweet and reminds me of mine...before the age of 14 or 15! He was always so much socially younger than his peers and content to be with us. I don't know what happened around 14 or 15 but OMGhe became a teenager! And a teenager with issues is like a teen magnified by 1000! At least in our case! Mine is pretty mild ASD (we call him "splashed" by the pool of autism) so I think that's why we also get to experience the teen behavior! Lucky us! He's 17 now and much better but his executive functioning skills are still horrible! Last night he didn't eat a potato because nobody cut it and buttered it for him! I started noticing his poor self-help skills early. I remember when he was in preschool I got him some cereal and later noticed he was still sitting at the table staring at it. It turned out he couldn't reach it without scooting the bowl closer to him or the chair closer to the table. So, he just sat there and stared at the bowl for 30 minutes! I knew I was in trouble at that moment! I think the executive functioning skills are the hardest thing I deal with! Oh, and he doesn't show much affection. Never has. I say "I love you" and he says "K". So sweet. (That might just be teen DNA, though)

I'm glad yours has entered his teen years well! He sounds like a lot of fun and you'll have a great time at WDW! Mine never got into it. Too much imagination and fluff for him.He's only been once and he was 6 yrs. old. The moment we got into Magic Kingdom on the first day he said "Can we go back to the hotel now and get my Pokemon cards?" He's going with us this summer because we're doing the shuttle. At least the rest of the family likes Disney! Right now I'm having a hard time knowing what is normal teenage behavior and what is ASD. Since he's our first we don't know typical real well. Many times I'll think something is normal kid behavior and then my 2nd one will reach that stage and I'll think "Now THIS is how it's supposed to be!"

But, we love him and he's maturing more every year! I say parenting him is like walking in the mud...a lot of work, you fall down a lot, go really slow but eventually you get there! Parenting my typical son is like riding a skateboard...a lot of fun, some work on the hills and you still fall down but mostly it's easy and you get there a lot quicker. At least that's how I've always pictured it in my mind!

Oh, and your Easter Bunny story was cute! We finally told my son about Santa when he was in junior high so he wouldn't get teased. Guess what? He didn't belive us! We are sitting there saying we put the presents under the tree and he kept telling us all the facts on how we were wrong! We do love lots of our memories with our "splashed" son! Many of them make us at the time and then later make us !

 

[steph124ny]

I've totally stolen the line about my son being "splashed" by autism. It describes him exactly! If you just met him, you might not know something was wrong until later. A lot of people say that they had no idea until I tell them....until they see him fussing with shoelaces for 45 minutes, or refusing to eat chicken because he is convinced it is raw.

 

[iwrbnd]

I've totally stolen the line about my son being "splashed" by autism. It describes him exactly! If you just met him, you might not know something was wrong until later. A lot of people say that they had no idea until I tell them....until they see him fussing with shoelaces for 45 minutes, or refusing to eat chicken because he is convinced it is raw.

It does work, doesn't it? Even his doctor said he's been using it with other patients! Nobody would know I have 2 kids on the spectrum either. Most of their issues are hidden but when they appear they are a pain in the %$#$!!!

Did you read one post where the mom said hers was swimming in the pool like a dolphin? There are days I'll say mine took an olympic dive in and then other days where I'll say he just dipped his little toe in the pool! My DH knows what kind of day I've had by how wet I say my son got! (But, his official diagnosis is really just "splashed"!)

 

[steph124ny]

It does work, doesn't it? Even his doctor said he's been using it with other patients! Nobody would know I have 2 kids on the spectrum either. Most of their issues are hidden but when they appear they are a pain in the %$#$!!!

Did you read one post where the mom said hers was swimming in the pool like a dolphin? There are days I'll say mine took an olympic dive in and then other days where I'll say he just dipped his little toe in the pool! My DH knows what kind of day I've had by how wet I say my son got! (But, his official diagnosis is really just "splashed"!)

I think the biggest problem with being splashed is that it is extremely difficult to tell what is a water stain and what is him just being rude! And most people outside the family just assume rude. Of course my ex reinforces that by telling everyone that my son acts the way he does because I'm a bad parent. Didn't see him stepping up to the plate to help out any....

 

[iwrbnd]

I think the biggest problem with being splashed is that it is extremely difficult to tell what is a water stain and what is him just being rude! And most people outside the family just assume rude. Of course my ex reinforces that by telling everyone that my son acts the way he does because I'm a bad parent. Didn't see him stepping up to the plate to help out any....

That is soooo true!!! I'm constantly wondering if a behavior is because of ASD or just a typical discipline problem!!! That is the hardest thing about having a child mildly affected! (And "water stain"...what a great analogy!) I'm so sorry your ex doesn't help!

 

[BreTyPres87]

I think the biggest problem with being splashed is that it is extremely difficult to tell what is a water stain and what is him just being rude! And most people outside the family just assume rude. Of course my ex reinforces that by telling everyone that my son acts the way he does because I'm a bad parent. Didn't see him stepping up to the plate to help out any....

-insert long string of very bad words toward your ex- my ex has just totally erased my son from his life except for once a month when he asks if he's talking yet. He lives in Hawaii we live in Maryland so he never sees him BUT he insists on giving me periodical parenting advice on what I can do and laugh at the situations that I am venting about and the one time that I tried to get him to understand what its like he said "It can't be that bad" this coming from the same person who gave my son to his mother when I had him watch him for a week after the second day (he was 3 months old at the time)... so ugh to exes and their judgem judgmental ental but absent ways!

 

[mommatomase]

WOW... three pages ago, someone asked me how cyber school works. We use www.k12.com and we use the specific acadamy in our state. It is free in our state because it is public school.

We no longer have to worry about sitting still, bright lights, air vent noises, hall noises, other kid noises, etc. We can sit on the floor, sit outside, school in the car, bed, bathtub... wherever we want to!

Also, we no longer have to worry about a phone call that he was touched with peanut butter and on his way to the emergency room... the school served PBJ every day!

We are assigned a teacher and have a curriculum... I researched the eleven cyber schools on our state and I LOVE k12! Very challenging for an Aspie mind... We must get assignments done, but we can do them when we are focused enough to do them and we can take a break when we want to also.

Cyber school has been the BEST decision we have ever made for our sons education... the BEST!!! We have get togethers with other K12 Kiddos twice a month, at least and they do all kinds of fun stuff.

We are finishing up our second year... and last week for the first time (since being tramatizes in brick-and-mortar) in two years my son was asked by his teacher what he likes most about Agora (his cyber schools name) and he said, "What is there NOT to like about Agora?" That, ladies, is the icing on the cake... and lots of icing too!!!

I don't know how to do the quote thing yet... so I hope whoever it was that wanted to know this... finds me...

PS... Disclaimer... my spelling is terrible!!!

 

[kampfirekim]

It does work, doesn't it? Even his doctor said he's been using it with other patients! Nobody would know I have 2 kids on the spectrum either. Most of their issues are hidden but when they appear they are a pain in the %$#$!!!

Did you read one post where the mom said hers was swimming in the pool like a dolphin? There are days I'll say mine took an olympic dive in and then other days where I'll say he just dipped his little toe in the pool! My DH knows what kind of day I've had by how wet I say my son got! (But, his official diagnosis is really just "splashed"!)

You've discovered a medical mystery and have even affected the speech patterns of doctors...IMPRESSIVE! I love it. Don't be surprised if being "splashed" makes it into a medical lecture somewhere.....I'm serious!

I think the biggest problem with being splashed is that it is extremely difficult to tell what is a water stain and what is him just being rude! And most people outside the family just assume rude. Of course my ex reinforces that by telling everyone that my son acts the way he does because I'm a bad parent. Didn't see him stepping up to the plate to help out any....

I have the same problem. My oldest is typical developing, but they are so different that I have a hard time determining what is autistic and what is normal. It seems like it all runs together after a while.

Good mom...BAD ex! I have my torch and pitchfork ready.

-insert long string of very bad words toward your ex- my ex has just totally erased my son from his life except for once a month when he asks if he's talking yet. He lives in Hawaii we live in Maryland so he never sees him BUT he insists on giving me periodical parenting advice on what I can do and laugh at the situations that I am venting about and the one time that I tried to get him to understand what its like he said "It can't be that bad" this coming from the same person who gave my son to his mother when I had him watch him for a week after the second day (he was 3 months old at the time)... so ugh to exes and their judgem judgmental ental but absent ways!

I have extra torches and pitchforks if needed! Since no flaming is allowed in Schmolland, I may have to sneak over the border for a moment to do any necessary flaming!

 

[persimmondeb]

He's very sweet! He's also quite affectionate. And his executive functioning skills are quite decent, except for a few little quirks. Like he's quite capable of organising himself to do his homework on the bus, except he's not allowed to any more, because he eats pencils, and the bus driver has gotten kind of tired of finding pieces of chewed-up pencil all over the bus.