Auditory Sensitivities

On October 13, 2018October 13, 2018 By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Imagine sitting in your living room, watching TV and your 4 year old pops up and says “hey, what’s that?” But you don’t hear anything. He knows there is something and starts looking around until he gets to the window, lifts up the blinds and reveals a fly.

‘J’ has always been able to hear sounds from far away. As a baby playing on the floor, far in the distance there would be a horn honking and he would lift his head up. When we realized he had a speech delay, I was asked if I had concerns about his hearing. I said no.

Fast forward to a few months after his sister is born, the three of us driving in a car and she is hysterical in the back. ‘J’ loses it and I think he’s being empathetic for his sister. He was and still is, but he’s also negatively affected by her crying. It’s a trigger for him. As you know from a previous post, “When is it Empathy and When is it Sensory,” this was one of my first red flags and what lead me to learning more about Sensory Processing Disorder.

Another great book I came across, since I follow them on Twitter (@sensorysmarts) is “Raising a Sensory Smart Child.” In the book, authors Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske takes the reader through the various reactions to sound, how it connects to learning and the vestibular connection. I would definitely add this book to your library for anyone navigating through sensory difficulties.

I notice a change in ‘J’ when sounds are affecting him. They’re not always loud, they’re not always sudden but it can affect the way he feels or acts in a snap. Sensory Processing Difficulties are different for everyone. This is just one of the ways it affects ‘J.’

World Mental Health Day

On October 10, 2018October 10, 2018 By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

As parents, we all do so much to keep the household running. We’re responsible for tiny humans, jobs, bills, house, extended family, the list goes on. There’s not too much time for us and it’s easy to put ourselves on the back burner.

I spend a lot of time trying to talk through feelings with my kids. We work on identifying a feeling and how to navigate through it. Not an easy concept. Not even for adults. There are books, and great kids programming to help educate on feelings as well. I even wrote about the “Breathe, Think, Do” app in a recent post. All excellent items for a kids’ toolbox.

But it’s hard for us to remember to stop and breathe.

Like so many others, I’ve dealt with my own ups and downs when it comes to mental health. Even though for me, it’s been awhile since I went through it, I remember being there.

If you’re struggling in any way, there’s no shame in getting help and it’s not too late. Talk to a friend, a family member or a therapist. Like our kids, we need tools in our toolbox. The only way we get them is to keep learning and working on ourselves. It’s not easy and might be one of the hardest things you have to do. But if there was ever a time to take a big leap, it should be on yourself.

Change of Weather

On October 9, 2018October 9, 2018 By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I have horrible allergies and sinus issues. These get worse when the seasons are changing or if there’s rain. I’m also not myself if it’s a rainy day. I think many others are like that too, right? How many times do you hear ‘it’s a perfect day to stay in and watch movies.’ Knowing all of this, I shouldn’t be surprised that I notice a change in ‘J’ on non-sunny days.

When trying to pinpoint when I noticed the shift, I think it was last year during a windy day. He was having more meltdowns, seemed tired and overall was not himself. I couldn’t quite figure out what was going on until the next windy day when it happened again. Over time, I picked on cues from him on cloudy days, rainy days, a major shift in temperature, etc.

For those with sensory processing difficulties, a change in weather also means a change of clothing. Many people don’t enjoy socks on their feet or sweaters. They may feel overwhelmed in a jacket or get overheated easily with too many layers. We have these experiences on a smaller level, as ‘J’ is not a fan of tags in his clothing.

Sometimes what may not be a big deal for us or something we’ve gotten used to, will be a much bigger deal for someone with sensory processing difficulties. I hope all those that experience more difficulties during weather changes, have a smooth transition as we go from Fall to Winter!

One more thing: I should also mention that almost everyday, when we open the front door to leave the house ‘J’ will say “wow! it’s a beautiful day outside!” even if it’s not. Sometimes he can be a glass half full kind of kid.

October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month

On October 1, 2018 By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

1 year ago, I didn’t know that October was Sensory Processing Awareness Month. We were just starting the process of researching which eventually lead to approval for Occupational Therapy.

This blog was inspired by the fact that ‘J’ has sensory processing difficulties. I will be working hard this month to help spread awareness by sharing our stories.

‘J’ works so hard in Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and school. I’m so proud at how far he’s come and love watching him grow.

Click here to read where our Sensory journey began.

Breathe, Think, Do

On September 27, 2018September 27, 2018 By justmymomsenseIn Uncategorized1 Comment

We often hear that screen time is bad. It’s detrimental to a child and their learning process. I’m of the belief that there’s a great balance between personal interaction, reading, playing and screen time. For me screen time includes TV, movies and apps.

One of my favorite apps I have come across is: ‘Sesame Street Breathe, Think, Do.’ This app has children help a Blue Monster through challenges. For example, the Blue Monster has trouble tying his shoes and becomes frustrated. First, the child helps the monster take three deep breaths. Then, the child can pop bubbles which helps the monster think of three possible solutions. Finally, the child gets to choose which of the three options may best help the monster.

‘J’ really enjoys this app and it’s great at teaching him to stop and think through his challenges or frustrations. He breathes along with the monster. He has fun popping the bubbles and learns how different choices can be made when approaching a challenge.

There are so many great learning apps out there. You can learn letters, numbers, shapes, spelling, the list goes on. ‘J’ has loves playing these “games” and doesn’t even realize how much he learns from them.

What I love about Breathe, Think, Do is that it addresses daily challenges and feelings, which is a lot harder to teach. Especially for someone who has sensory difficulties.

Then again, I wouldn’t expect anything less from Sesame Street.

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Daniel Tiger Does It Again

On September 25, 2018September 25, 2018 By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

It’s no secret that we’re big Daniel Tiger fans in this house.

The lessons, the songs, the content, the books that coincide, we love it all! Recently, “The Daniel Tiger Movie: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” was released and my kids are hooked!

The story centers around the introduction of a new character, Jodi Platypus. Jodi moves in next door to Daniel and lives with her mom, twin brothers and grandmother. The episode touches on topics so many can relate to:

Moving to a new house
Making new friends
Family dynamics
Losing a special toy (in Jodi’s case, a book) that would make a child feel like they’re home

With a new story and new songs, this movie is one you shouldn’t miss. And since it’s the same Daniel Tiger series we love, they continue to tie in previous content, like what to do if you have to go potty!

I also love that Jodi is a platypus, how often are platypuses used as characters?! If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check out your local PBS Kids station. It’s also available on the PBS Kids app!

JetBlue Junior Play Area at JFK

On September 24, 2018August 30, 2023 By justmymomsenseIn TravelLeave a comment

JetBlue is an airline close to my heart. It has been since it began operating 18 years ago. That’s a story for another time. For now, let me tell you about my recent trip to JFK.

Traveling with kids can be stressful. Each of ours flew for the first time within the first 6 months of their lives. We try to fly with them more than once a year. One of the most important factors of air travel is ensuring they get some energy out before being forced to sit in a seat for hours at a time.

Last week we went to Disney (yes again, because it’s in our DNA). We flew on JetBlue out of JFK’s Terminal 5. Our timing was a little tight since we went straight from picking ‘J’ up from school. Luckily the lines at security were short and we were able to get to our gate with plenty of time to spare. In order to get some of that energy out, we decided to keep walking and stumbled upon the JetBlue Junior Play Area.

Here, kids get an interactive experience of what it’s like to work for an airline. They can take a plane into the air, help it land on the runway or go behind the scenes of air travel. How cool is that?

If you’re flying in or out of T5 at JFK, be sure to check it out! Here are a few shots with our JetBlue Juniors!

Co-Pilots ready for takeoff! Next stop: House of the Mouse!

Ensuring a safe take-off!

Sometimes you need to delegate.

Or try your hand at Operations.

Soar With Reading corner!

Have you heard about Soar With Reading? The following excerpt was taken from JetBlue.com.

“Launched in 2011, JetBlue’s Soar With Reading program was designed to inspire and encourage kids’ imaginations to take flight through reading. The most recent campaign included partners – Random House Children’s Books, Magic Tree House author, Mary Pope Osborne and celebrity ambassador, Victoria Justice – to inspire a love of reading and help the mission.”

Click here to learn more about JetBlue’s Youth and Education Programs.

Our pre-flight experience just got better and I can’t wait to visit again!

The Potty Chronicles Continue

On September 10, 2018September 10, 2018 By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Since I have written about my goals of potty training ‘J’ over the summer and how those plans were unsuccessful, I thought I would provide an update. To some, it may seem weird to be writing about this. But for me, this is a major milestone in this house!

Many attempts were made over the summer, as well as on and off for the last two years. Over the summer we’d take a couple of days where ‘J’ would hold it, and go while he was sleeping since I still had a pull-up on him. Other times he would feel like he had to go and become so overwhelmed and hysterical it was hard to continue because I didn’t want it to be a bad experience. You definitely don’t want your kid traumatized when it comes to bathroom habits. You also don’t want them going to High School in a diaper.

We went through lots of ups and downs and then two days before his first day of school, a Tuesday, he finally did it! It was so exciting and I think he got to see that it wasn’t so bad. Granted, the whole next day he refused. Thursday was his first day of school. Considering he had only gone once, I definitely wasn’t sending him in underwear. I didn’t need him freaking out about that on top of first day of school jitters. Once I picked him up and as we were driving home, I told him that after his nap we were going to try the potty again. That was 5 days ago. He’s now gone 4 nights and 4 full days without wearing a diaper.

It definitely helps that we had no weekend plans and no services or school today and tomorrow in observance of holidays.

It’s hard not to be too excited so I’m trying to stay cautiously optimistic. We’ve put a sticker chart into play which he’s excited about, he hasn’t asked for a diaper and he’s… um…done #1 annnnnnd #2. I’m still in disbelief.

Over the last two years I’ve tried everything. No pants, just underwear, standing, sitting, sticker charts, rewards, no rewards, peer pressure, trying to talk out his fears, reading books, watching potty episodes of his favorite shows, the list goes on.

What we’re experiencing now has never happened. Even over the years when he would go, it would be random, one and done and not again for months.

I’m not sure what clicked for him even thought I always knew it would just click at some point. But when you’ve been changing diapers for 4 years and 3 months for 1 child, you start to doubt it. I think the combination of him realizing it wasn’t so bad once he did it, then going to school two days later and seeing that all the kids were using the potty may have pushed him into gear. Whatever it is, I’m happy and so proud of him. Seeing the fear, the hysterics and knowing how overwhelmed he would get, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s hopefully behind us.

1st Day of School Blues

On September 6, 2018September 6, 2018 By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Today is ‘J’s’ first day of Pre-K. The big question is: Who is handling it better, me or him?

For nursery school last year, he went two days a week for 2.5 hours each day. This year he’s still going 2 days a week but this time for 5 hours. So much time (for me)!

Of course I have the normal mommy fears and I want him to be happy and have a good day. Selfishly, I hate leaving him and I want to keep my baby with me. I know that although the transition time may be rocky, he’ll be into the routine in no time and hopefully loving it as much as he did last year.

I left the classroom with him playing with a new friend. Last year, I left him as he was crying so we’re already a step up! I just hope it continues throughout the day. On the drive, he was saying he wanted the “same school” with his teachers from last year. Luckily one of his teachers is the same from last year, which I think will help.

Stay tuned to hear how his day went!

What Happened to Summer?

On August 27, 2018 By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I think something is wrong with my calendar. It seems as though we’re in the last week of August, summer is coming to an end and school starts next week.

It went way too fast. I had ideas for the summer, things I would be doing with the extra time we’d have everyday and most of those things didn’t happen. Don’t get me wrong, we had fun, saw friends for playdates, saw immediate family and some of our adult friends. At the same time it seems like we should have done more. But in the paraphrased words of Carrie Bradshaw, we shouldn’t “should” all over ourselves.

Let’s recap what I had hoped for from my pre summer posts.

Potty Training
- Attempted, no success
A daily schedule
- Written out, happened twice
A road trip to visit some of our friends
- I can’t remember if I wrote about this one but regardless, it didn’t happen

Here we are at the end of summer. As I await details of ‘J’s’ class information, I wonder how his adjustment back into the routine will go. Monday and Wednesdays he’ll have Speech and OT again and Tuesday/Thursdays will be school. He went two days a week last year for about 2.5 hours a day. This year, he will be there for 5. I wonder which of his friends will be in his class again and my hope is that he’ll love it as much as he did last year. I know that won’t always be the case so if we cant hang onto it for now, that would be great. As for ‘Baby J,’ we’ll get back into a Mommy and Me class routine and I’m sure she’ll be missing her playmate around the house during the day.

A schedule is great but I want to hang onto these summer days just a bit longer.