tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post6673387086620121375..comments2024-02-25T10:24:30.868-05:00Comments on Special needs disability parenting BLOOM: My own private gateBLOOM - Parenting Kids With Disabilitieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06901482901008135659noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-73589382644925119922009-09-08T11:49:53.773-04:002009-09-08T11:49:53.773-04:00Hi everyone -- this is such a great concept, and r...Hi everyone -- this is such a great concept, and really speaks to giving ourselves permission as parents to do what feels right in a particular circumstance.<br /><br />In addition to cancelling therapy appointments, it could mean putting the gate up to friends or family who aren't supportive, or choosing not to "educate" a member of the public on a given day, when we're feeling particularly fragile. <br /><br />Ben used to be seen by numerous specialists at our children's hospital and the visits always began with a resident interviewing us first. I'm all for education, but because Ben has a rare condition, this often meant an extra hour of time educating the resident on everything there is to know about Langer-Giedion Syndrome, even if it had nothing to do with why we were there.<br /><br />I remember the first time I "put the gate up" at a visit to the endocrinologist, and said I wasn't interested in speaking to the resident, I would wait for the specialist. It was someone we'd seen numerous times who knew Ben well, and I wasn't in the mood to go through the A-Zs of Ben's condition -- with Ben in tow -- with someone we'd never see again, as a prerequisite to getting in the specialist's door.<br /><br />The gate is an important coping mechanism! LouiseBLOOM - Parenting Kids With Disabilitieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06901482901008135659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-12567795551901355942009-09-05T07:48:04.592-04:002009-09-05T07:48:04.592-04:00I never really thought of it that way, as putting ...I never really thought of it that way, as putting up a gate. I absolutely cancel appointments for my daughter Emilia and close my "gate" so to speak. Give myself and family a carefree day. it's the best therapy sometimes.Sounds much better the way you describe it.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10792117187001612101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-73614702746127562272009-09-03T17:09:29.674-04:002009-09-03T17:09:29.674-04:00I loved your post. My son has Cerebral Palsy and ...I loved your post. My son has Cerebral Palsy and I too have put up my own gates. Canceling appointments is one of the more liberating options. Good luck to you and your family.Julie Steinberghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05749608879067906559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-35005234302249409222009-08-31T20:44:47.513-04:002009-08-31T20:44:47.513-04:00Thanks as always, Jennifer! My gate is broken toda...Thanks as always, Jennifer! My gate is broken today. LOL<br />I'm pregnant and tired and having to be a single mom most days b/c my husband is so busy at work. He's finally on the way home now and I still have to go to the grocery store. UGH.<br />But it's definitely not the end of the world. I just need some sleep. And then some more. :)Angelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11387011004798871747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-42892310785961025342009-08-31T17:19:26.656-04:002009-08-31T17:19:26.656-04:00Today my gate is up! We're baking fudge and w...Today my gate is up! We're baking fudge and watching DVDs from the library. It's lovely!<br /><br />xojennifergghttp://jennifergrafgroneberg.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.com