This morning I realized that T.G.I.F. (Thank God It’s Friday) no longer holds the same meaning for me. We just came from the clinic where Billy Ray had lab work. I heard some folks saying T.G.I.F. I mused to myself that for me it is more like O.N.I.F. (Oh No It’s Friday).
We have help with Billy Ray weekdays. The transition from having another person doing the routine things like brushing teeth and assisting with his bath or taking him for community activities is confusing to Billy Ray. Each weekend we are asked “where’s Ronnie” about every five minutes. He cannot accept “it’s his day off”.
I enjoy having Billy Ray to myself on the weekends but they can be a bit exhausting. If he is having a difficult time I am ready for T.G.I.M. (Thank God it’s Monday) when Ron returns to spell me for a few hours each day.
Until tomorrow,
Peggy Lou Morgan
www.parentingyourcomplexchild.com
www.lighthouseparents.com
Everything Upside Down!
12 years ago
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2 comments:
Hi, it's Liz from I Speak of Dreams--I wonder, does Billy Ray "get" pictures enough for you to use them to orient him to who will be on the job? I am envisioning a set of squares, akin to a calendar, with pictures of BR with his toothbrushing helper, his bath helper, his community activities helper etc. --with a special frame around "today"--I'm thinking at the start of the day, you move the frame so he knows (or can see) what is the plan for the day--who will be there, and (by absence) who will not.
I can relate to the O.N.I.F and the T.G.I.M since I have Griffin all on my own for the weekends. It can be exhausting but oh so fulfilling too. We have been working on some TEACCH method work at home and it helps keep his mind occupied, wears him out more mentally, and keeps the boredom away.
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