Keeping Special Needs Children Safe

Yesterday was End World Trafficking day. I have read books about human trafficking before but it wasn't until recently that I realized just how deep it all goes. I've shared some information to my stories. However, I went down the deep dark rabbit hole and learned some things that make it even more disturbing, although that doesn't sound possible. I did not share this stuff because it is so disturbing. I will leave it up to each person to learn that on their own. 

It did get me thinking about my little Snapper. There is so much that she doesn't understand that most kids her age do. She will wander off given the chance, she loves people and never meets a stranger, and she is so very trusting. This makes me worry for her safety. However, because of these traits, there are things we already do that aid in keeping her safe. I want to share some of these with you. They may help keep your child or a child (or special needs adult) safe. 

Note: This isn't just about trafficking. The headlines about trafficking just made me decide to do this post. If you have a special needs child, you understand how challenging this can be. 

1. I do not use my phone while the kids and I are walking around in public. If my husband calls, I park the kids. If I am on the phone, I can't give them my full attention. My son is good at staying close by, but given the chance, my daughter will wander off. 

2. We have harsh consequences. If we are walking across the parking lot or somewhere and one of the kids pulls away from my hand, they know that they lose their tablets for a week with no option of earning it back. We had to start doing this because my daughter was terrified of airplanes and helicopters and if she saw or heard one, she would run blindly, even in a parking lot. It has worked so far. 

3. Snapper has to wear her "in case of emergency" bracelet everywhere. It has on it her name, communication disorder, and mine and her dad's cell phone numbers. If she does wander off, she has that security. 

4. If we are going to be in a crowd (concert, mall, etc), she is on a wrist leash. Yes, she's almost 7, but if it keeps her safe, its what I will continue to do. We still hold hands, but it is a little extra security in a crowded place. 

5. Talk to your kids. It is so easy to let our kids live in bliss. We don't want to ruin the world for them or make them scared. But, it is necessary to talk with our children about safety. Boys and girls and not just about good touches/ bad touches and secrets. Talk to them about what to do if someone grabs them or tries to get them to get in a car. We told ours that while most people are good, there are bad people out there. If someone tries to get them, scream "fire," kick wherever they can, knock things off shelves, make as much noise as possible. We told them not to worry about hurting the person or breaking things- they are saving their own lives and that is more important. We even got them to practice. 

This was a very important talk for my children because they love people and are very trusting. They still are but they have this little bit of information and permission if they are in danger. 

6. Check out the latest technology. There are GPS trackers, kid-specific phones, phones made for people with autism, and even watches that can call in an emergency. If it is in your budget, consider investing. We bought a GPS tracker a couple of years ago, but it was not what it was made out to be. My husband and I have been considering kid phones for them. 

Do you have any tips? As I learn new tactics, I will update this post. Good luck and my prayers are with you. 

Grow A First Aid Kit

The best first aid kits are the ones you grow yourself! The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids Volume 8 shares how to grow an aloe vera plant, which has long been used for its healing properties!

Grow a First Aid Kit

PLANT OF IMMORTALITY

Ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality” and early Native American tribes called it “wand of heaven,” but we call it aloe vera. Originally grown in southern Africa, aloe vera is a succulent. Its leaves are full of healing substances that have been used medicinally for at least 6,000 years.

HOW TO GROW ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is an easy-to-grow houseplant. Here are the few steps needed:

1. Plant it in good potting soil (soil made for cacti is perfect).
2. Set it in a sunny spot.
3. Water about every 3 weeks and even less during winter.
4. Push your finger into the soil to test for dryness. You want the soil to dry at least 1 to 2 inches deep before watering.

LEAF FOR RELIEF

Using the leaf straight from the plant is the best way to get aloe’s healing properties. The gel can help to heal and ease the pain of burns, bruises, boils, canker sores, and chapped lips. It may also lessen symptoms of acne. For aloe relief:

• Remove one of the sword-like leaves from a living plant and open it along its length. Then either squeeze out the gel and apply it where relief is needed or lay the entire opened leaf side directly over the affected area and then bandage it lightly in place.
• Remove a leaf from an aloe plant. Cut open the leaf and use a spoon to scrape out the clear gel. Put the gel pieces into a blender and pulse several times, until the aloe is liquid. Pour the gel into clean ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. To use, remove an aloe cube and apply to sunburned skin, bug bites, poison ivy rash, or any other ailment that requires relief.

ALOE FOR HAIR AND SKIN

• To condition hair and leave it healthy-looking and shiny, scrape some gel out of the leaves and massage it into your hair. Wait for about 5 minutes, then rinse it out with warm or cold water.
• To use aloe as a skin moisturizer, just scoop out the gel or rub a freshly cut leaf over your skin and let it dry.

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Editor’s note: This information comes from The Old Farmer’s Almanac for Kids Volume 8.

Getting Our Home Ready For Dad In Charge: 5 Ways To Prepare

Last year, when my son was in the hospital for a week, things got a little crazy in our home. It was quick and we were in no way prepared. After he was released, I started preparing in case it happened again. Some things cannot be prepared ahead of time, but I've figured that out too. I'm still making changes around the house to help in case dad finds himself wading the waters alone(ish) again. 

Please don't take any of this as my husband isn't involved. That is not the case. I work from home, he does not. I'm also a type-A personality. He is not. Also, he just didn't want to call me with questions while our son was in the hospital. He would, but he would feel bad about it. I've done these things as a way of also helping him cope. That experience shook us both and preparing in case it happens again gives us both a little security. 

Here are some changes I have made that I think will prepare us in case this happens again, or any other number of things that could happen to put us in the same situation. 

1. I wrote a list out of things that would be needed at the hospital. That way, if the doctor sends us, I can stop by the house and grab things. If it is a big emergency and I can't go by the house, I can give the hubby the list and he can bring us things. 

Here are 10 ways to help kids cope in the hospital. Some items here might be good to add to your list. 

2. I also have a list of things to prep ahead of time if I can. I made this list because at a checkup, I was afraid they were going to put him back in the hospital. I prepare a few days of clothing for the other child- I put clothing, hair bows, accessories, and undergarments in a Ziploc bag. I then put a sticky note with what day it is for and which shoes to put with them. This was really handy when miss priss was going to public school and Dad had to get her ready. He also had a note with times he needed to know, what she needed to get on the bus, and school phone numbers. If this happens again, I will make a list of what the other kid needs to leave the house- backpack, mask, water bottle, etc. Everything goes into a basket that he can access easily. I also prep medications for the week. 

3. Stay on top of housework. This may seem like a given. However, sometimes we get behind. One thing that keeps me from getting too far behind these days is knowing what I came home to after Bomb was in the hospital. I was so very behind on laundry. We had been having a lot of family time and I just hadn't done it. I wasn't expecting a hospital stay. My husband had his hands full while I was gone with our daughter. By the time he was released, it was like everything was dirty and took me forever to get caught up. Now, every time I get behind on laundry, I think about that and get caught up again. 

4. Organized a kid shelf. This not only makes it easier for him but for me too. The kids' special dishes, lunch box items, snacks, drinks, and medications all go on the shelf (my kids don't mess with meds, but if yours do, take that into consideration). Everything is labeled. Two large baskets have snacks- one is labeled "help yourself" and the other "ask first." Anything with sugar or that has to be cooked (popcorn) is in the ask first bin. Everything else, they can help themselves to. However, they still have to ask if they can have a snack because we don't want to fill up before meals. We don't limit snacks though- just make sure we have healthy-ish options. 

Medication baskets are- weekly meds (has everything I need to set meds up for the week and their weekly pill containers), Kid meds (Tylenol, Benedryl, ibuprofen, stomach meds, pain relief cream, etc). There is also a plastic shoebox with medications for when they are sick, as well as the extra stock of other medications. I really need to size this one up. 

Also on this shelf is our "sub folder" for school with review work that can keep life a little normal. I can grab some for the kid that needs it and dad can hand out work to keep our other one on track and give some normalcy to life. It also has a bible for quick reference, the home inhaler pouch (inhalers are always in hot pink bags for easy spotting), nightly reading, and soups and sodas for sick kids. 

5. I try to keep a few freezer meals on hand that the hubby can just throw in the oven and cook for him and the little. Yes, he is perfectly capable of cooking for them, but if I can do something simple to help out, why not?! Also, I try now to make sure that we stay up on stocking the freezer and pantry. We don't want to run out of everything. 

A note from me on this: 

Most of these things actually benefit my anxiety more than anything. My husband is perfectly capable. When something like a child in the hospital happens, it throws everything off and no one is on top of their game. It also created new anxiety in me. I worry now and doing things like this helps me to not worry so much and if it does happen again, my husband will feel more in control. He felt helpless with Bomb in the hospital. 

Covid-19 Check In: How We are Dealing With It and Doing Our Part.

When all of this first started, we were heartbroken because that meant plans were canceled. It also meant that extra precautions would have to be made because of immune issues within the family. My kids both have immune disorders. My mother-in-law is a cancer patient. My dad is diabetic. My husband's grandfather is diabetic, has Parkinson's, and has other health issues. On top of that, my daughter and mom both have asthma.

We knew in the beginning that we would take whatever measures possible to keep our loved ones healthy and safe. In doing that, we are protecting the others around us.

Here are some of the things we do to help.

1. My kids have still not left the house. They are homeschooled and have been able to have virtual doctor appointments. It isn't ideal and soon my daughter will have to have testing. But, we are doing our best and minimizing their exposure.

We are trying to keep things exciting for them. We had just put them in a sandbox, so it was perfect timing and we have always tried to make sure they have plenty of things to do outside. They've gotten more toys and surprises than usual, but they're stuck at home, so we are trying to make things fun.

2. We wear masks. This is not a mask argument. I'm not for or against masks- do what you want. We have been wearing masks (especially my MIL and kids) since November for flu season and its the first year my kids haven't been sick twice a month for the whole cold and flu season.

3. Vitamins. On top of their prescription meds and melatonin, the kids always take elderberry, a multi-vitamin, and vitamin c/ zinc. I've had to pay more at times for it because of people stocking up, but we've kept the kids on their vitamins.

4. Sanitize. When the adults are out, we are constantly sanitizing our hands. At home, we wash our hands a lot. The kids do too.

We sanitize everything that comes in the house- things we ordered and groceries. We simply fill a bowl with a cap of bleach and water. We use a rag and wipe everything down.

5. Pray. We pray as a family. We pray for our safety, for the safety of our loved ones, for the safety of those we do not know. We pray for doctors, teachers, nurses, and everyone else who is working to keep the country going. We pray for our leaders.

More Homeschool Improvements: Thanks Carson-Dellosa

Disclaimer: I am a Carson-Dellosa Brand Ambassador. I receive items to facilitate projects and to review. All opinions are my own.

Last year, I was preparing my family for school. I was preparing for a 3rd grader to be homeschooled and a kindergartener to go to public school. It may not seem like a big deal, but it got kind of crazy. (Especially when she caught the bus at 6 and got off the bus at 4). It completely threw my planning off. When we finally got into the swing of things, I made a deal with myself. I would start school earlier in the year and even if everything was not complete, we would still start and I would continue to plan. 

Fast forward to this year. I have two being homeschooled (4th and 1st). I'm so glad I made that deal with myself. We started school last week because it gives us more freedom in our calendar for sickness, deaths, and even impromptu family time. (over the last couple of years, I've lost 2 aunts, a cousin, my son was in the hospital for a week, my MIL had cancer, I had a cancer scare, and my daughter had a lot of medical issues, so it taught me to give myself time in our calendar). I am still completing some projects and getting our organization on point, but I'm so glad we started anyway. I've learned that we are never 100% ready. 

Once again, Carson-Dellosa came to the rescue! 

This year, I've moved my kids' daily supplies into clipboards. Their other items (that they don't use every day) are in their file holders on the bookshelf. They are labeled with adorable stickers and contain supplies in a pouch, sketchbook, extra notebooks, and items I want them to have access to but are not needed each school day. 

We've also added a fun social studies book and some cutting practice to our resources, which I am so very excited about! We also added in shoe tying practice. I cannot teach anyone how to tie their shoes. Everyone tried to teach me, but I couldn't get it either. My kindergarten teachers' aid showed me one time and I got it. But, I'm not good with cute rhymes and things and I never have been. I guess practice makes perfects, so we are going to try it out. 

Amazing Facts in U.S. History

Bring history to life for students in grades 4 and up with Amazing Facts in U.S. History!

Students will love using this captivating resource book to explore little-known historical facts, folklore, and factoids often taught in school that are either untrue or undocumented.

Topics covered in this 128-page social studies book include the following:

the Fountain of Youth

the first Thanksgiving

the colonies

the Revolutionary War

George Washington

the Cherokee nation

the Gold Rush

the Wild West

American Presidents

The book includes questions, explanations, historical mysteries, quizzes, puzzles, logic problems, and answer keys.

Let's Learn To Paste

Spectrum Let’s Learn to Paste builds fine motor skills and teaches basic skills through fun cutting and pasting activities.

This hands-on workbook offers step-by-step instructions for parents working with children ages 2 and up and includes engaging activities to delight the youngest learners.

Its 64 full-color pages captivate children while enhancing their fine motor skills and teaching important skills necessary for preschool and kindergarten.

Cut And Paste The Alphabet

In Cut & Paste the Alphabet, your child will practice safely using scissors and glue to make his or her own alphabet book. Your child will develop the fine motor control needed for kindergarten while simultaneously learning to recognize each letter and its sound!

I Can Tie My Shoes

Improve fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination while learning to tie shoes!

This fun learning game set includes 6 colorful shoes and boots (each 7” x 4.25”), 6 laces (each 36”), and directions in English, Spanish, and French. Perfect for ages 4 and up, these photographic lacing cards don’t require reading for kids to enjoy.

Key Education products are intended to engage and educate young and special learners, as well as assist teachers in building a strong and developmentally appropriate curriculum for these children. The product line—comprised of teacher/parent resource books, photographic learning cards, and other activity- and game-oriented materials—is designed to assist in “Unlocking the Potential in Every Child."

Organizing Kids With Order Out Of Chaos

Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own.

I have always been very organized. As a kid, my books were alphabetized and I even made my brothers "check out" and sign out books if they wanted to borrow one. I know that sounds a little crazy, but organizing has always been how I dealt with anxiety, so at times I did go overboard.

When I was about 8, I started using a calendar and would basically copy what was on the family calendar and had it in my room. It helped me feel more in control. At about 10, my mom bought me a filofax style personal planner. I was in heaven. For years, I had watched my mom work in her planner and now I could be like her. I took it everywhere with me.

Honestly, it was a type of therapy. If I was feeling overwhelmed, I could pull out my planner and look through it, maybe even write some thoughts down, or plan something out. It would help me take a break from the anxiety and get in control of myself. I still do this to this day. In fact, when Tbomb was in the hospital for a week, I grabbed my planner at the last minute and was so glad I did. I could take the time to work through things and it is normal for him to see mom working in her planner.

My son doesn't like feeling like he is not in control either. I've tried different things and some things work ok, but nothing has been a big game-changer. When Order Out Of Chaos contacted me, I decided to try the planner route. It might also help him learn organizational skills. Me organizing things for them might not have been such a good idea because neither kid is very organized.

When it arrived, Tbomb was so excited. I think because I use mine every day, it makes him feel grown-up. He was excited to write things in it and use stickers. He started asking me about all of the dates that he should know. His excitement was contagious, so we sat down together and had fun with putting dates in.

The Order Out of Chaos academic student planners have a feature I love and I'm trying to work out how to do it in my own planner. At the sides, the kids write their subjects once- for the whole year. The paper is smaller so that the subjects show as each page is turned.

I also love that after school is separate, helping kids visualize things. The cover is also plastic, making it sturdy enough for kids to use. The spiral is durable as well. There is also a clear pocket in the back to keep up with things.

Tbomb was also sent some accessories- a sticker sheet, month tabs, and a bookmark, as well as an erasable highlighter. These accessories are really making a difference!

Because we homeschool and the kids don't really have homework (although they do have things to do on their own time like practice math facts), Tbomb uses his planner a little different. He writes down exciting things from the day and things he doesn't want to forget to do the next day. He has been writing down to practice his facts and read as well. I've been very proud of him.

One thing I have really noticed is his grasping of dates. He asks me the date and finds it in his calendar. Today, he asked me if he had the date right, and he did. I was so proud of him. Because he hasn't had a need to keep up with the date, it isn't something he has really grasped yet. This Order Out of Chaos planner is making all of the difference.

Thank you Order Out Of Chaos for giving us this resource! Be sure to check out their website for lots of resources and videos to help you get your kids organized and to stay organized!

My Parenting Success Moment

Like everyone else, I'm pretty much winging this parenting thing. In honesty, most days I feel like a failure. Every night I pray that I do better the next day. All I want is to be the best I can for my children. Good enough? Never, but the best I can be is what I am for.

Several months back, I did have a winning moment. When I asked Snapper what she wanted to be when she grew up, her answer amazed me. I was expecting ballerina, teacher, princess, surgeon, or even astronaut. What she said, I was definitely not expecting.

She said she wanted to be a mommy. What?! She didn't stop there. "I want to be a mommy, just like you." My heart swelled and I knew then that I was making a difference in my children. I may go to bed exhausted with a heavy heart, but my children think I'm a winner. All in all, that is all that matters!

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A post shared by Cari | Chief This Handler💭 (@cari_on) on Jul 2, 2020 at 5:58am PDT

New Homeschool Additions with Carson-Dellosa

Disclaimer: I am a Carson-Dellosa Brand Ambassador. I receive products to try out. All opinions are my own.

This year, Owl Creek Academy will look a little different. The kids will do their morning time, Bible Study, Social Studies, and Science together. They will be separate for math, reading, writing, and snapper's speech practice. This is an experiment and I'm not sure how it will go. However, I have a good feeling about it because they do everything together, so I think it will work.

I have some Carson-Dellosa Publishing items that I think are going to help me keep the kids organized through this change.

Center Organizers Pocket Chart

I'm going to use these pocket charts to organize each kid's work for the week. It will have their packets to work through, along with any games or additional items they will need. I'm really looking forward to seeing how these will work for the year. I think they are going to work great. My mind reels at the possibilities-- if we had a schoolroom.

I think the windows on the front will be good for site words, math facts, and so many other things to reinforce ideas. It would even be good to keep a list of daily work in, then the kids could use dry erase markers to mark things off.


Colors Mini Bulletin Board Set

This set is going to be wonderful. Because my kids do not go to a formal art class, there are things that have been forgotten in our art studies. I will be addressing that this year. They love art and do a lot of art, but the formal lessons will be improved this year, starting with the color wheel.

This color wheel set is going to help reinforce lessons on mixing colors. From there, we will build on other concepts involving color mixing. When the color wheel is put together, it fits inside of a gallon ziploc bag for dry erase and storage.



-20 to 20 Student Number Line

I am absolutely in love with these number lines. I fold them in half for my little who is learning addition and subtraction. I use the whole line for my older one that is beginning to get into negative values.

They are very sturdy and wipe-off as well, just use a dry erase marker. You can attach them to a desk, or leave them loose. I have them in the kids' clipboards with their other daily items.

Not only do they help with addition and subtraction, but also numbers' relationships to the other numbers. I am really looking forward to using these.


Galaxy Magazine File Holder

This magazine file holder has been an organizing lifesaver. I have small books and resources that get lost in amongst the bigger books and resources. I put these smaller items in the holder and they no longer get lost.

The holder is very sturdy and will stand up to lots of use. It was very easy to put together as well. The color is a beautiful teal blue.

They could also be used to organize items for each child. Put the child's name on it and store their workbooks and resources inside. I'm considering doing this as well.


Route 66: A Trip Through The 66 Books Of The Bible

I'm very excited about this resource. I really want to get the kids studying the books of the Bible and their authors. I believe starting them on this early will get them digging deeper into their Bible study as they get older.

This book has lessons and activities that introduce The Bible, Old Testament, New Testament, and teach about every book of the Bible.

There are resources for children of a variety of ages- that means that all your kids can participate and learn.

I'm so excited!

Science File Folder Games

This is going to be a game-changer for my little. She is a hands-on learner and needs to reinforce what she learns. Tbomb remembers everything he hears or reads- he moves fast. These games are going to help me keep them both on track to learning together. She gets the reinforcement and can continue to let the concepts sink in as we move along.

This is going to be the hard part about teaching science and social studies to them together- they each learn so differently. I think these file folder games will make a difference as we move along.


I will continue to share the changes we are making, as well as the additions to Owl Creek Academy. 

Student Reference Sheets With #BarCharts

Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own.

I love having reference sheets for my kids in their school notebooks. We don't have a classroom, so it's like having personal bulletin boards instead, especially since they are going into 1st and 4th grades (how did this happen?).

This year, one of my big focuses is to get the kids to realize their physical relationship between where they are and where the places that they are learning about are. I set my sights on finding the perfect map for them. I found it and so much more, thanks to BarCharts!

They each have the map, which has the world on one side and the United States on the other side and tons of facts. They also each have a grade-specific math reference and writing reference (4 pages each). Tbomb has a pocket periodic table guide because he is obsessed with the Elements!

Each chart is laminated (heavy-duty) and punched for a 3-ring binder. They also fit perfectly in our storage clipboards! I love that because they are laminated, the kids can use their dry erase markers on them, especially with the map one! 

These charts are very sturdy and they will be used for years to come and also have wonderful price points. If you are looking for options for your learners, these are amazing!