Kristyn Crow's comments

17 Years After Tragedy Strikes: Moving On - Blog Entry

21 Feb 2007 08:19 AM

Thanks for sharing your story, Melissa!

3-Steps To Stop Whining - Blog Entry

21 Feb 2007 08:01 AM

I agree that the absolute best way to curb whining is to ignore it. Pretend like you don't understand what your child is saying, and turn your head away from him. Say, "I can't understand you when you make that sound." Then say nothing else, and turn your gaze away from him, refusing to look at him while he whines. The minute he stops whining and says something reasonable, quickly turn toward him. "Oh, what did you say?" Now give him your full, undivided attention. If he whines again, snap back into ignoring mode. Soon he'll learn the whining gets him nowhere, and you only give your attention when he's reasonable. This technique even worked with my autistic four-year-old son who had very little language. The trick is that you have to allow for several episodes of even WORSE whining while your child "tests" your resolve.

"My Child Keeps Staring into Space." Is it ADHD? Or a Seizure Disorder? - Blog Entry

20 Feb 2007 05:54 PM

Gannan has some great parents. Thanks for sharing your story. It's always a frustrating situation when you're trying to find the right diagnosis for your child. I'm so glad that your herbal remedies seem to be working. I'm a huge believer in parental instinct.

Couple Who Caged Their Special Needs Children Get Two Years in Prison - Blog Entry

16 Feb 2007 01:16 PM

I like your math, Lisa. But I do fear this may end up in the limbo of appeals for quite some time. Thanks very much for you comment!

Should You Join a Writer's Group? - Blog Entry

14 Feb 2007 12:50 PM

Congratulations Catherine!!!!!!!!!!

Should You Join a Writer's Group? - Blog Entry

14 Feb 2007 12:29 PM

I would not be published today without my writers group. The feedback I receive is worth more than I could ever put in words. I agree that you've got to take extra care to find a group of writers whose opinions you respect. And you DON'T want a group that only gives mooshy compliments and pats on the back. No, I beg my group to be brutal. I want to know what's working and what isn't. I've learned that if several people mention a particular problem with the manuscript, it's highly likely an editor would, too. I want to catch problems before they get in front of an editor. And I know that my eyes alone just can't see what fresh ones do. Anyway, I'm from the "Writers Group" camp.

Love and Genetic Imperfection - Blog Entry

14 Feb 2007 12:03 PM

HA--for me, TIME AWAY FROM THE KIDS is rare and precious. (Not that I don't love being a mom, of course.) I wanted a night away at a certain exquisite romantic place, and got three. Now let's see how I'm going to pull it off...

"My Child Keeps Staring into Space." Is it ADHD? Or a Seizure Disorder? - Blog Entry

13 Feb 2007 07:28 AM

This child does not fit the full diagnostic picture for bipolar disorder in children, however, I am often suspicious of it with her younger sister. We have had numerous assessments and I'm well aware of the look-alike symptoms in both disorders. So far, ADHD is the best fit, and it seems to be confirmed by the excellent response both girls have had to stimulant therapy designed for ADHD. This kind of medication often makes bipolar symptoms worse, but we've seen tremendous improvement. The staring has nearly disappeared.

I will certainly keep an open mind, and if new symptoms begin to manifest which send us in a different direction, we'll explore every option for treatment. Thank you for your comment.

Regardless of whether or not my daughter's diagnosis should be reconsidered, it is still beneficial for parents to understand the difference between daydreaming associated with these disorders and true seizure activity.

The Light... it's so Beautiful... ZAP! (ADHD) - Blog Entry

11 Feb 2007 10:16 PM

Linda, thanks so much for that. I think we definitely understand each other. So very glad to hear from you.

ADHD: Should it Be Called INHIBITION Deficit? - Blog Entry

11 Feb 2007 06:48 PM

Cmonet, thanks for taking the time to write. I really appreciate it.