Gods Precious Gift

A ver special day for me.

2010-11-02T00:16:00.000-07:00

The school annual day was on Saturday the 30th.The day was one of my special days to cherish. Abhi sang on the stage as part of the School Choir. Another happy event was, as part of the school annual report presentation, the bird photos taken by Abhi was displayed and his name was announced. There were no words to describe my happiness.

Photography is his latest interest. My aim is to give maximum exposure for him and I have to make sure that he is not left out in this fast world.

Today when I went to school, the teacher in charge of the Choir, appreciated me for my effort in bringing up Abhi. That made me to think – is it my effort or is it his enthusiasm that needs a great pat. Infact his enthusiasm and self inspiration is what makes me go about. By Gods grace let that light be always there in him.

One day you can be a singer or writer

2010-07-22T01:20:00.000-07:00

This month is the time when I feel so down with regard to Abhi. Because July the school has Sports Day. Till 5th class, he was able to participate, because there were small games or some cultural dances, where he was given small roles. But from 6th onwards, its real sports, atheletics etc and Abhi cant participate in these. During the practice sessions, almost for 2 weeks, I used to send him story books for reading.

One day I almost cried, when he asked "Amma, why cant I also join?". Another sad part for him is , I opted him out of Scouts. I asked him to join choir. I always try to give positive replies, telling him that, "Everyone may not be good in everything. May be you can sing , write etc - One day you can be a singer or writer, if you concentrate on these". Though I tell such things, I can see and understand how bad my son must be feeling inside.

This is one disappointing thing I find when we include special needs children in normal stream. Atleast in India. Everyone still need to accept others in the society who are not as fast as themselves. I dream of someday, when everyone slows down a bit to give chance for such co-citizens. Not only in schools, but in all walks of life. Though there are many changes and awareness happening these days, I feel India is backward with regard to this.

Another year has gone by!

2010-05-11T04:48:00.000-07:00

Another academic year has gone by and Abhi has been promoted to Class VII. Every year it is one my joyous moments, which words cannot express. Tommorow I have to pay the fees for class VII. Sometimes I still cannot believe this. Let me pray to GOD and thank him for all the helping hands he is giving.

GOD's hidden hands.

2009-09-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

When every academic year starts, I will have anxiety, because Abhi will have new teachers. I will have to explain the problems to them and get excuses for his incompleted class works etc. Though by now most of the teachers know him.
This year, since he is now in middle school (!) he will have regular exams. The mid term exams he was not able to complete papers like English, History etc. The class teacher asked me to meet the Principal. With apprehension I enetered her room. But she is one of the very understanding and supportive teachers I have seen. She said she can give 1 hour extra time for Abhi for the exams, which the Govt themselves allows. If he is able to complete within that time then well and good. We will see for the quarterly exams how he fares. She was very encouraging in telling that she has seen much improvement in Abhi and if this doesn't work well, we will see what else can be done.
My mind became relaxed and I am now confident that Abhi will be able to write better.

I have complete faith in GOD and believe that this is his way of doing things.His hidden hands will be with us to Help when required.
Power of GOD is great!

Abhi started swimming lessons!

2009-07-13T00:53:00.000-07:00

Every academic year, I get the same feeling, tension, anxiety etc. What the new teachers may tell... Whether they will accept abhi's difficulties. The start of this year, the new reason for my anxiety was that the school have made sports activity compulsory for every child from class VI onwards. The students will be taken to YMCA grounds, as the school do not have enough ground space for different sports like cricket, football etc.

With a heavy heart, I went to talk to the Principal. She said, Abhi can join swimming and try it out. May be it will do good for him.She said she has watched him for the past years and definitely he will enjoy with the other kids. He would not want to be left alone. Infact, her confidence on Abhi, was the real confidence booster for me. Also she said I can accompany to the pool if I feel so. I came out of the room, thanking God, that there are people around us who understand, support and care.
I talked with Abhi and he was excited about swimming. The first day, he was very much scared. Though the water level was upto the chest only, he was not having the grip of the feet. I talked with the coaches also. Let him learn in his own pace.

Water therapy is a very good for improving the muscle strength, coordination etc. It works on almost all the muscles i think. As the Prinicipal has told, it may be really good for Abhi.

Bird watching!

2009-06-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

Start of this Summer vaccation , we had an unexpected opprtunity of bird watching from our terrace.

Abhi also enjoyed it. I think they were some type of herons. They have built their nests on the tamarind tree near our house. We could watch them from our terrace.

We used to go to the terrace in the evening, with snacks, water and all. Have a mini picnic there watching the birds. Sometimes Abhi's friends also join. We took many photos of the birds.

Class project

2009-04-22T02:18:00.001-07:00

Abhi's class V project on public places like Roads, buses, public buildings, parks etc.

Pictures from old books were cut and pasted on to cardboards. Thermocol was used for base as well as for cutting out buildings.

Tree shapes were cut from carboards and coloured. We enjoyed making the project together.

Abhi's Kaoake

2009-03-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

There is a saying "when one door closes another one opens." Everyone will have some talent in them.

I found that Abhi is very much interested in music. Who knows what he may become in future. The video shows Abhi singing his favourite"oh oh sanam" song from Dasavatharam movie. This was taken during the New year 2009 programs organized in our apartments.

Improving Fine motor movements of fingers

2008-08-27T23:40:00.000-07:00

With Abhi, the main problem is with his fine motor movements using his fingers. I could make out the difference with his right hand fingers. He wont be able to do a smooth movement of his fingers. I could see the stiffness of the muscles when he tries to do drawing curves/circles etc. What ever comes quite naturally for any child, it seems not at all possible for Abhi. I have to sit with him and make him practice doing the activity.

As I have always found that to make the children sit for sometime, especially with a dull activity which you mention as exercise or therapy, is very difficult. Our therapist also know that. So we device art techiniques which include many activities. So depending on the child’s interest we have to change the approach to make them do the activity.
One very good activity to improve muscle strength of fingers is to make dough from the wheat flour etc as for chapathi/roti.
An alternate and interesting variety will be to prepare paper maché. This involves more than one activity for fingers.

Tearing of paper with tip of fingers
Mixing glue and water (wrist movement)
Mixing the paper/tissue pieces with glue-water and making dough
To make the activity more interesting make shapes out of this dough and colour them.

To get an idea see the below link.

http://homecraftideas.blogspot.com/2008/08/paper-mach-art-secret-pen-holder.html

One more thing which I realised is, if I make Abhi do OT as exercise or OT activity, I also get disappointed or frustrated thinking,"God, how long I have to continue this to see the improvement in him". Like the doctor has said once, it wont happen in a day as miracle. So I also stopped to say about OT activities, instead tell only about what all way you can do ART.

Colours n shading n sticking

2008-06-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Abhi's OT therapist has asked him to do lot of shading activity using crayons and colour pencils. This improves his finger steadiness and coordination for writing drawing etc.

As usual, to make abhi sit and do an exercise or OT acitivity is difficult. But MAY BE doing an art is possible. And it worked, he was interested to make a photo album.

See the post to make a KIDS PHOTO ALBUM :

http://homecraftideas.blogspot.com/2008/06/kids-photo-album.html

Passing Madhyama Hindi Exam

2008-03-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

March 1oth 2008, the result for Madhyama exam by Hindi Prachar sabha was on the net. I was very very happy to see Abhi's and his friends roll numbers in the list of students who have successfully passed the exam.

As I have said before, attempting the competitive exam itself was an achievement. It is a really a very good effort from his part and is a great encouragment and inspiration.

The other side of the story, he keeps asking for more computer game time for each of his good marks. (thats the deal between us!)

Working with beads

2008-02-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

The occupational therapist suggested threading the beads for abhi, to improve his concentration and fine finger controls.
So to make it more iteresting, i got beads of different colours and sizes. With my little help, he made few garlands. These I used those garland for guruvayoorappan's photo, one he gifted to our neibour's little girl. And another chain with a matching bracelet. And abhi was very happy that he made those gifts.

http://homecraftideas.blogspot.com/2008/02/bead-garlands.html

Another achievement for Abhi ....

2008-02-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

Today Abhi and his friend Adithya, wrote "Madhyama" Hindi exam. I was very much happy that he wrote to his best, though I chided him for leaving few known questions in the second paper. But I really felt sad when he told that he couldn't get time. I know that with his speed, he could do only 60-70% as any other child of his age.

Actually towards the last lap of the study, I myself felt whether it was too big a chunk for Abhi. As before, he wanted to do along with his friend. So I dont want to let him down. Attempting the exams without fear itself is a good achievement.

Dakshina baratha Hindi Prachar Sabha

Children like collecting junk....

2008-02-07T22:06:00.001-08:00

I am very sure that at one point of time, mothers lose patience over the collections of pebbles, shells, bits and pieces which the kids bring in. Even many of us also do. Turn the junk into new useful, decorative pieces.

But dont discourage children. Give them ideas and make them build something new from their collections like the link below shows!! Decorative things like this "kiddy Aquarium" below, hand painted paper weights, small gifts etc can be made.

Visit my post http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=2024

I am inspired by my son

2007-11-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

Everyone will have (or should have) a person who have inspired in life - a role model. or sometime more than one in different stages of life. Thats what exactly happening to me.

For me it has been mostly my father who has inspired me. But these days I know my inspiration comes from Abhi also. I always wonder at his self inspiration. Also he does not like to be discouraged. Inspite of his health issues, movement restrictions, he wants to try out everything - possible.

If we ask him what he want to become, his prompt answer will be pilot!

These days he is practising yo-yo along with his friend Adithya. He wanted to do all the yo-yo tricks as his gfriend does. So I have to learn first and then teach him!!!!!! And I thinks in another angle also - it is gong to improve his concentration and hand movements!

Yes..I am proud to tell that I am inspired by Abhi.

Paper cutting

2007-10-25T00:34:00.001-07:00

Paper cutting is a good exercise for hand eye coordination.

Draw pictures and shapes with thick marker pens. Use craft scissors which the child will not get hurt. When kids use knife or scissors, always be present with them. Adult supervision is essential.

http://homecraftideas.blogspot.com/2007/10/making-ginger-bread-men.html

Working with different materials and texture - create an Art

2007-10-25T00:27:00.000-07:00

As I have told in my previous post, using different materials and different activities the children
with a little help from parents can enjoy doing art.

To enjoy creating a art from tits and bits around your home, visit
http://homecraftideas.blogspot.com/2007/10/simple-and-interesting-junk-art-for.html

Children will enjoy collectin all the things required.

The art involves,
using sand which can be spread by using different fingers and thumb. This improves the finger movements.
paper cutting - hand eye coordination. If cutting is difficult on pencil drawing, draw with thick marker pens.
colouring - using of brushes, colour combinations
paper boats - doing the paper folds will improve finger movements , hand-eye coordination and concentration

Sky is the limit for our imagination!

Working with different materials and texture

2007-10-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

Different materials found in and around our home can be used to improve hand sensitisation, finger movements, concentration etc. Some things which I use are listed down

Sand, salt, kolam mavu, rice flour etc can be used. Our good old tradition putting kolam or rangoli is a very good activity for improving the fine finger movements! Even though for kolum we use thumb and index finger mostly, for our activity the children may be asked to use one by one finger and the thumb.

Simple paper cuttings. Draw figures, shapes etc on coloured, textured papers and cut along the lines. Initially thick lines can be drawn with marker or thick sketch pens.

Sticking beads, pebbles, grains, seed etc in a particular design

Sorting Variety of beans

2007-09-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

This is a very good activity for the finer movements of the fingers. Mix different size and color beans and sort them into as many boxes or containers.

The problem I find these days is that when I tell we have to do some exercise, abhi's face changes and he does not show interest to do the activities.

One way to make the activity interesting is , sit along and do it as a game as who sorts first, who wins more no of games etc. i think for sometime this will work....!

Pallanguzhi

2007-08-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

Pallanguzhi is an ancient indoor game, mostly played by the women of older times, who were mostly tied upto the inside of their homes. So natuarally kids learnt from them.

My grandmother had a very old Pallanguzhi made in teak wood I beleive and also a set of Manjadi kuru and a set of chozhi (small shells). Now I regret that didnt realize the value of the game and preserve it. We also used pulliyam kottai, beads etc. During summer holiday afternoons, we are not allowed to play under sun, and we will have countless rounds of pallanguzhi!

When Abhi's physiotherapist suggested playing pallanguzhi for his fine finger movement and his hand and eye coordination, I literally searched many toy shops in chennai to find a suitable one made in wood. But I still didnt get the old type of board. I specifically wanted wood, because the of its natural feeling. I use manjadi, white channa, dried peas, beads etc. This will give a variety to the game as well as for finger movements.

Another important aspect of this game is you get more skilled in mental arithmatic. When i play with Abhi, i even play with only 2 seeds in a hole, so that it is easy for him to calculate mentally. The more both players calculate and play, the more interesting the game will turn out.

If we analyse our ancient games, we will find the good reasoning behind each, which improves our body and mind.

Wet clothes and sponges.

2007-08-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

Wet clothes and sponges give a good exercise and massaging to the fingers. Keep aside one or two new table wipes, big sponges or cotton clothes in different colours for the children to use. Make sure that the cloth or sponge is bigger than their palm.!

How to :

Request them to help you in wiping the table, wash the car, wipe the mirrors etc.
After each wipe ask them to dip the sponge in the water and squeeze the water out.
For the car wash, add little soap and I am sure they will enjoy!
Ask them to help you in washing their socks, handkerchiefs etc while you are washing their uniform.
Tip them with small gifts, story books or coins for their piggy banks, once they are done with helping and squeezing the sponge.

Other ideas

Give them water colours, sponge and charts. Show them how to dip and use sponge to make pictures on the chart, like leaves of trees, water, sea, sky etc
Ask them to imagine and do pictures of their own. Do not tell rules that you have to paint like this, let them use their own imagination.

Note: Many times children's imagintion is very wild. It may not match ours, as we think more towards reality. They may paint the leaves red, flowers blue. But try not to restrict their imagination.

Making Paper rolls

2007-08-02T22:13:00.001-07:00

Making paper rolls from used paper or news paper is a very good activity to improve the finer motor movements of the fingers.

Initially Abhi found it ver difficult to use his right hand thumb and index fingers to roll. So I used alter with right and left hands. Also I gave him pencils or straws to start the roll. Soon he picked up on the rolling. Slowly do rolls with papers of different thickness.

This activity can be made interesting for the kids, if it is done as a creative project or art. Visit the below link to check how to make a vase from the paper rolls.

http://homecraftideas.blogspot.com/2007/08/paper-roll-flower-vase.html

Fun with Clay

2007-07-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

Using clay is a very good activity for improving finger movements. Olden days children used to play with mud and clay outside our home. Now a days we are more worried about hygiene, cleanliness etc!

Artificial clay which is available in any stationary shop can be used and reused for a longer time. Usual activities done using clay includes:

Making balls of different sizes with finger tips, palm etc
Making strings, flattening the balls with thumb, flatting with rolling pin etc
Make different shapes of different sizes and colors.

Alternate ideas which may interest the child to do the activity:

When dough is made for preparing roti, ask to help by making balls and also for making rotis using the rolling pins. The round mouth of a glass or other shapes can be cut to form different shaped rotis.

Buy M-seal available in hardware shop. Make small balls and arrange to form flowers, make leaf shapes, twines etc. This can be used to decorate pots etc. This requires adult attention. The work has to be done faster as the m-seal dries up faster. Also care should be taken so that the children don’t put it into mouth. Wash hands thoroughly once completed.

See the below post for a similar m-seal art work

http://homecraftideas.blogspot.com/2007/07/m-seal-art.html

Occupational Therapy

2007-07-23T02:47:00.000-07:00

Physio therapy is generally like doing rigorous exercises, which will improve the muscles, flexibility of the body etc, catering to the overall structure of the body.
Occupational Therapy is more specialized therapy designed to enable/improve the individual to work with their arms and hands and achieve to function as independently as possible in their daily living activities. Generally it focuses on developing functional skills related to sensory-motor integration; coordination of movement; fine motor skills; self-help skills (dressing, self-feeding, etc.); learning alternative methods like using computers. The trained occupational therapist will be able to guide depending on the person’s abilities.

I have noticed with pain, it is so difficult for Abhi to do many activities which most of us do quite naturally. And the most difficult part for the other members of the family is the test of patience. We need to give more time for them to do by themselves. Also restrict ourselves from doing it for them, when we see them struggle to do.

Working out with a OT therapist is required. Many of the activities can be things we do with out much awareness or effort. So initially it did not even cross my mind that I will have to train Abhi or make him to practice doing these activities separately. In this aspect, the therapist will have many ideas and suggestions to guide. Going to V-Excel for OT has been very helpful.

Coming blogs, I will write some of the activities which we do and which I believe has improved Abhi’s motor skills and his daily activities.

Practising Yoga Everyday.

2007-06-27T23:10:00.001-07:00

“Practicing Yoga helps the integrated development of body as well as the mind.” says Yoga masters.

I took Abishek to Yoga master at Trivandrum , which is my native place. He taught Abhi around 15 Asanas to be practiced regularly. These asanas improves the suppleness of the muscles, joints etc and strengthens the spinal column in due course of time. The type of asanas reduces the stiffness in the joints especially shoulders, ankles, fingers etc.

It was advised to practice Yoga in the early morning or after sunset. We start with few minutes of deep breathing and follow with the asanas. It takes around 30-45 min every day. Some of the asanas like Makarasana, kids will enjoy doing themselves, while some others which requires more strain needs an adult help.

Bhujangasana
Artha Meru Dandasana
Yoga mudra
Padahasthasana
Pavanamukthasana
Rajjukharshanasana
Arthasalabhasana
Sasangasana
Garudasana
Makarasana
Artha Matsyendrasana
Arthakadi Chakrasana
Uthkalasana
Dhanurasana
Dola asana
Naukasana
Patmaasana
Shavasana

I also learnt yoga for my problems of wheezing and ligament problem in my knee. The effect is very good.
Yoga has to be learnt from a Guru or Master. Self learning is generally not advised.
There are websites which give information and other details on asanas.

http://www.yogasite.com/postures.html
http://www.bikrammissoula.com/postures.html
http://www.sivananda.org/

There is good book “Yoga Education for Children” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, which explains many aspects of practicing Yoga, the postures for children.

How much should I do ?

2007-06-14T23:08:00.000-07:00

Many times I have wondered how much should I work out with Abhi, so that I can make him better and reduce his difficulties. I have shared similar feelings with other mothers who have children with special needs. We want to give our children the best possible to make them near normal child. But in the run, the child should not be get stressed out or exhausted.

When I take my son out to park, social functions, gatherings etc, advises pour in abundance.
"I did that to my son, he got cured completely, now he is..."
"Do oil massage every day for 1 hour..."
"Send him for this and there will be difference in 15 days " and so on.

When I hear all these initially I used to get perplexed or feel guilty. Am I not doing enough for abhi. If I do that also, will it be beneficial.? But I found that I cannot do (or make him do) all these apart from his daily routines, reading/writing, school work etc etc. Worrying will only make me down and I feel dejected and irritated.

I slowly started to look in a different perspective. We are the best judge. I began to see from abhi's angle also. If he is comfortable or if he enjoys, we do that more - like cycling, paper cutting, working with clay and beads etc. Somethings I have to remind him often that it is good for him - like Physio therapy, Yoga etc.

More about Yoga, exercises and other activities in later posts...

You cant expect a miracle in one day!

2007-06-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

When Abhi was identified with his muscular&motor problems, we took him to one of the leading pediatric orthopedic surgeon. The above statement was his words, when we asked him when abhi can walk normally.

Any parent will undergo three phases, I think, anger or guilt, depressed and acceptance, when they come to know that their child is having a problem. At that time,we were in the initial state of mind and the doctor's words hurt us very much. Now I feel we have matured and have arrived at the acceptance level and we understand the statement well.

Yes. There cant be a miracle happening overnight. But definitely I feel the presence and kindness of GOD during many occasions. We bought a house and we never knew at that time that there is a school closeby where Abhi will be studying. The goodness of teachers, my best friends, therapists, and others who support us, enhances my trust in GOD. And most of all, Abhi's classmates and friends who understand him, support him and LOVE him.!

The Obvious difference...........

2007-06-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

Due to the muscular spasticity, Abhi requires more effort and training for his physical movements and activities. I could see how he struggles for even a very small movement, which comes so naturanlly for any other child..! Many a times I have controlled my emotins, so that he dont see my tears and feel disappointed or discouraged.

Recently one day we were practising smooth pencil strokes for the alphabets. He had to take lot of efforts to do that...finally he asked me - Mom, Why is it so with me, I am not able to do like others? I have to give him some explanations as to convince him for the effort he has taken.

What ever said, it always pricks and pains to see my child struggle. As the days go, does the difference show more? Will he be able to overcome ...?Things I can do is to give him the support required, Make him physically and mentally strong, and as independent as possible.

Everyday my prayer to GOD is to give me the mental strength required. GOD has bestowed in Abhi, lot of self inspiration and zest for Life, which I believe is the strength for him.

Gods Precious Gift - A Prologue

2007-06-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

Some one told that a mother's world is always revolves around her children. HOW TRUE...
I have dedicated this blog to my son and his achievements

A short introduction to us....

My son Abhi, was identified to be a child with mild cerebral palsy (CP) at the age of around 1 and a 1/2 years. He has gross and fine motor problems. Luckily (GODs grace) he have a good IQ.

I am always touched by the article of Emily Perl Kingsley "Welcome to Holland". She has described the feeling exactly - what every parent of a special need child undergoes.

After 10 years of software career, I decided to take a break from the career for the good of my son. So that I have more time for his physio, exercises and studies. Definitely I beleive it has done good. Atleast I have that satisfaction.

As of now he goes to normal stream school at Akshayah Matriculation School. The teachers and his friends are all very supportive. Abhi is very soft, helpful and a sweet child. He talks a lot. He likes to participate in school events. He like to do whatever the kids of his age does. He passed Dakshina Baratha Hindi Prachara sabha' s Hindi "Prathamic" examination. He wanted to learn and write the exam along with his friends. He showed me that he can do!

He is definitely "Gods Precious Gift" to us. God has chosen us as his trusted parents to take care of this delicate but precious gift with utmost love and care. One of his favourite teacher once told me "Abhi is so good,You are Lucky to have him as your son".