65 DAYS!!
We have gotten into quite the little routine around here.
-There is our family meeting time.
-Review of the days activities for everyone ( assignments, workouts, zoom calls etc….)
-Devotional
-Then Elizabeth and I make her schedule for the day.
Due to her special needs of Global Dyspraxia and Sensory Processing Disorder, this pattern is comforting and the schedule of the day helps her plan for her online times with teachers, therapists and friends.
We have been trying to use a daily schedule with times on it for the hour and half hour. We then put down on it our days plans and color in the time to let her know how long a certain activity will take. This helps her see the day, her free time and helps her grasp the concept of time which for her and others with special needs is hard to do.
Oh and we take a walk together for 2 miles everyday. I forgot that. I love that time of day with her.
But….
I have noticed a significant increase in her difficulty transitioning to her online activities.
Once on the calls or chats, she has a great time. She is heard laughing and is really engaged. But the transitioning time is challenging right now. I know that this is part of her disorders so we are working on this.
We talk about her feelings.
To help her with this, we put a timer on her phone to go off 20 minutes before the actual call or meeting. This allows her to stop her current activity and talk through her feelings prior to signing on.
I will let you know how this goes.
But now things are changing.
Our state of Ohio is gradually reopening. This means that there will be many new things coming our way. The routine we have will now have changes made to it.
At least in some form because we don’t know the answer to the questions of how it will open, when it will open and the rules of this “new normal”
So as we mark the day count at 65, I have to say that I am somewhat anxious as to how we will help Elizabeth face the reopening of her world.
Masks, sanitizer and social distancing.
All things that need to be talked about and taught.
The conversations are beginning here although without the benefit of any real plans or answers…yet.
The day count will continue but we will be busy adding in the time needed to talk about these new things as Elizabeth will be required to do them.
Corona Day 65.
A certain peace comes from the routine we have established. A peace that will change as the reopening presents itself.
I hope to help Elizabeth make the adjustment with as little anxiety as possible.
I hope you are all safe!
Michele Gianetti author of:
I Believe In You: A Mother and Daughter’s Special Journey
Elizabeth Believes In Herself: The Special Journey Continues
Special Needs Essentials Blog 