Child's View...

Too cute! I could not resist sharing this video... Ever wonder what kids recognize and see in a constantly stimulating environment?

See how a 5-year-old views some of the logos around us...

We Are All Able!

Recently in Kuwait, there has been growing attention to issues regarding children with special needs.  One project which has been well received is "Journey of Hope":

Journey Of Hope is a daring experience carrying a global humanitarian and heartfelt message for the benefit of those with intellectual disability.  Under the Patronage of H.H. Sheik Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah the Amir of The State of Kuwait, at 12p.m. 12/12/012 a sailing expedition will begin from Kuwait heading towards Washington D.C. and back with the sole purpose of raising awareness of its cause and spreading its message. We hope that everyone will support this great journey.

The idea was conceived by a group that has been working under the title of “The Special team for Sporting, Social, Media and Cultural Activities dedicated to the intellectually disabled” since 2003. Comprised of parents that experienced great success in dealing with their intellectually disabled children who are inflicted with cases such as Down Syndrome and Autism. Although their activities were based in Kuwait, their influence and reach has spread to other countries. The group concluded that their message needed to echo to the masses worldwide and wish to crown their initiative with a global expedition. More than their personal initiative, the aim of the Journey is to bring into light Kuwait’s contributions and advances care for special needs. It is aimed at bringing international awareness to the Country’s initiatives as a whole.

Do visit their website to find more information on this original and massive project.  We are lucky to be in a country that is well educated and wealthy, but we are still behind when it comes to providing good education, medical-therapuetic support, and psycho-behavioral intervention for special needs children.  The following is a video I just came across, which was shared by Training Gate (another great resource for awareness and support for children with disabilities) in April 2011...

P.S. The lyrics in the beginning are a translation of the lyrics sung in the video for my non-arab speaking audience:)

Mellow Parenting

Expecting??

Pregnancy can be hard.  It can be even harder if you are worried about your health, your baby’s health, how you are going to cope, or simply about how to be the best mother you can.

Mellow Bumps is a 6 weeks programme designed to provide support, information, and care to expectant Mums.  The group is for women between 20 and 30 weeks gestation and is designed to reduce stress and anxiety whilst preparing you for your new arrival!  It is not only for first time Mums, but for all expectant Mums.

Sign up NOW!  Mellow Bumps groups are now accepting registrations at the SOOR Center.  For more information or to book your place on a group, call the center on 2290 6711 or email drrose@soorcenter.com.

Be Belly Sweet

What I'm about to share is not really psychological advise, but this is important for the psychology of women... Pregnant women that is.  I am sharing the advise from a funny but oh so truthful article from http://www.babble.com.  The article listed "The things you should never tell a pregnant woman".  In a society like ours, we are both privileged and cursed by how many close relatives and friends we are frequently in touch with.  These relatives and friends provide support and a sense of unity, but they can often meddle, judge and give "unsolicited" advise... If we want that to change, then we must start by changing ourselves.  Read the list from the article; reflect, laugh, and say "hallelujah", then share any comments and/or stories you may have endured:) 

Pregnancy Etiquette

Things You should never tell a pregnant woman

1. "Was it planned?"
2. "Did you take fertility drugs?"
3. "You look like you're ready to pop"
4. "Are you sure there aren't twins in there?"
5. "Can I touch your belly?" (unless you are close enough)
6. "Have you picked a baby name yet?"
7. "Enjoy ---- because once the baby comes you can kiss it goodbye"
8. "You shouldn't be drinking/eating that"
9. "I never had morning sickness"
10. "I was sick the whole 9 months"
11. "I was ripped open from end to end"
12. "Get an epidural!"

Be empathetic, be interested and be supportive...

  

KALD winter camp for boys

A great opportunity for all our boys with Learning Differences AND their friends and brothers who are looking for something to do during the government schools' winter break (14-17 years only)...

The Kuwaiti Association for Learning Differences- KALD is organizing its 1st Winter Camp  at Al Rimal Resort- Al bedae (Kuwait) for boys with Learning Difficulties, their brothers and friends aged between 14 and 17 years old.

The Camp will start on the 3^rd February and end by 10^th February. Many educational and entertainments activities are included, in addition of field trips, contests and meeting famous Kuwaiti athletes (Sleep over will take place in the resort’s villas with 3 meals provided a day)

Registration fees 300 KD per person (However KALD will pay half as a gift to participants and parents are required to pay the other half- 150KD/ with 10%discount for siblings)

For more information, pls. call Mrs. Dana Nahas at: 1832000 ext 300 – 94427262  

تنظم الجمعية الكويتية لاختلافات التعلم " مخيم كالد الشتوي "  للطلبة الذكور  من ذوي صعوبات التعلم وأشقائهم ورفاقهم  من عمر 14-17 سنة في الفترة من 3 – 10 فبراير 2012 بمنتجع رمال – البدع, والذي يحتوي على الأنشطة الترفيهية والرياضية والثقافية ومسابقات متنوعة للطلبة.

بتكلفة 300 د.ك للفرد وستغطي الجمعية نصف التكاليف مناصفة مع ولي الأمر (150 دك للطالب)

و هناك 10% خصم لأقارب وأصدقاء الطالب المنتسب للمخيم.

لمزيد من المعلومات الرجاء الاتصال على الجمعية الكويتية لاختلافات التعلم

 94427262 – 1832000 داخلي 300

Inspirational Group...

I just got back from the 2nd adoption support-group meeting hosted by the wonderful adoptive mother, Zeina Sultan... The attendees were other adoptive mothers, professionals and supporters.  It was an inspirational and educational meeting, which will hopefully keep growing and reaching all adoptive families.  These meetings aim to provide information sharing between the mothers, but professionals have attended to lend professional advise when needed.  There is an understanding of confidentiality, so names and pictures will not be distributed except with appropriate consent.  

Here is a list of some of the topics that were covered tonight:

• How to address prejudice and lack of education within our society
• What, when, how?...Telling your adopted child about the adoption.
• Difficulties in the adoption process
• The importance of finding a support network

These are common questions that will be addressed on a regular basis.  Parents are encouraged to send in their questions before hand.  They are also welcomed to share any materials, resources or references that have found useful. 

In a previous post I had mentioned the group "Special Mothers" (link), a group which Zeina hopes can provide information and support for parents who are not able or ready to join the support-group meetings.  You may also find the blog www.myfosteringlife.blogspot.com helpful.

If you are interested in learning more about the special mothers group and/or the meetings, you may contact Zeina by emailing her at: zeina.ben.essa@gmail.com.  

A dream realized....

I cannot wait to attend the opening of BACCH this week!!!

What is BACCH?

Bayt Abdullah Children's Hospice is a dream based on the promise made to Abdullah which will allow children with terminal conditions to be looked after at home or in the hospice itself.

KACCH has brought hundreds of Kuwaitis and expatriates together to make that dream a reality, each contributing to the extent of their ability and talent in the common belief that Bayt Abdullah will help each family enjoy many special times together, free from pain and other symptoms, when every moment counts for them.

You can share this dream by contributing your talents, your money, your skills and experience to make Bayt Abdullah Children's Hospice a reality in the lives of the children and families who are in need of its services.

The Hospice:

The individual needs of the child and family members will be the focus of all services provided at Bayt Abdullah ensuring a speedy and sensitive response to changes in the child's condition or family circumstances.

To that end, Bayt Abdullah will offer all families registered with the hospice: 

a) A specialised professional service, free of charge for all children in Kuwait who meet the criteria for admission to the hospice, regardless of nationality or religion.  
b) The choice of home, hospice or hospital based care, or a combination of all three, depending on their needs.   
c) 24 hour support at the end of a telephone or in the family home.  
d) Respect for individual preferences of children and families in relation to treatment and intervention.   

The opening is invite only, but with permission I will give you some details about the opening after attending... Do visit their website and find out about this wonderful dream that has finally become a reality...