How to Ask For Help!

Q 1) When did you last ask for help?
I mean really, actually ask for help.

Not 'Help me unload the dishwasher' or 'Help me put the shopping away' but real pratical help.

And by help I mean any time you need help- help with work, business, ideas, housework, life, anything.

Q 2) When could it have been better if you just braved it and asked?
If you picked up the phone and asked.

I've a husband, a business, four kids (including baby twins) a new iPhone app to market, and a heap of other stuff to do.
We're all trying to do well in business, and have access to a wealth of great contacts and networks, but we often miss out on a major FREEBIE - HELP and ADVICE!
This year I've had to LEARN to ask for help to manage home life and business....not in my nature. But by doing this, (admitting I'm not super-human) I realised that people have been delighted to be asked, I've a better business, closer friends and I am more human as a result of picking up the phone!
Here's 5 reasons why and how:

1) Networking - Linkedin, Facebook etc look at the people around you in business. If you see their profile, and wonder how everyone else is doing great, you'd be mistaken. We are all in the same (or similar) boats. Be freindly and polite, do ask for advice and help, but respect people's time also.

2) Asking for help is not admitting inability, defeat or failure - it is normal. Anyone still in business right now deserves the right to ask for help and advice!

3) Friends and associates like to be asked, asking people for help and advice shows you value their opinion.

4) Fortune favours the brave! Call someone regardless of their position, (this takes courage if you don't know them). If they can't help you, they might know someone who can point you in the right direction.

5) Pride comes before a fall! Don't miss out on an opportunity to get your idea realised because you didn't ask for help with it.

P.S. I need some marketing advice/help.....anyone know how to increase app sales without trawling around for reviewers?? You may as well offer me help......I'll probably be ringing you anyway.
http://www.hometrain.ie/gth/

Claire.





 

Experiencing Out-Patients Dept - Using the Hospital App

A visit to Hospital out-patients with a child is an experience that many parents dread.

It conjures up images of bustling waiting areas, children who are hot, thirsty, hungry, bored and tired wrestling in and out of their parent's arms, parent's are trying to mangage, possibly with siblings in tow.
Add in the anxiety of the child going for a procedure - plus the anxiety of the parent who is about to deal with the anxiety of the child going for a procedure - and hey presto - you have a life experience waiting to unfold!

How can you make life a little easier for you and your child?

   1. Prepare. A little preparation goes a long way. Talk about what is going to happen, the Hospital environment, and ask your child how they feel (Pain scales in our app are good for this, and can be used to determine how your child feels about their Hospital visit). You can print Hospital colouring pages from our website: http://www.hometrain.ie/gth/



play hospital at home

  
  2. Decide a coping strategy beforehand:
 After preparing your child, decide with them how they can learn to cope with their procedure - ideas and games are all in the Going to Hospital iPhone app, and help children learn how to stay calm, take medicine, cope with discomfort and painful experiences. The Going to Hospital app includes a relaxation lesson for deep breathing (this has been tried and tested!) and a guided imagery story called 'The Magic Flower' - both of these you can listen to straight from the Going to Hospital app, and they really work!

      3. Distraction - Do it! - Learn about distraction in the Parent Info section of the app. Once you have your preparation and coping plan, use the games on the app (or your own games) to distract and entertain your child during their wait and during a procedure. The game 'Counting Sheep' is a great way to count and distract - you can read an account of using this below.

Read a parent's account of using the iPhone app 'Going to Hospital':



Going to Hospital App

"I used the Hospital app with my daughter today, she was to have a blood test and an X-Ray. We looked at the app last night and I read the information on how to prepare her. We talked about going which is something I wouldn't normally do in case she got upset and refused to go! It went well and she looked at her age-group section which she could read and relate to.
We decided to play the quizzes in the waiting area and the counting sheep during her blood test.
When we got to the hospital, there was not too long to wait, she listened to the relaxation story. We talked about the story together afterwards - what her animal was and which food she gave him. My daughter especially liked the flower in the story.
X-Ray went well and then to the blood test area! ...I could see my daughter was worried and we looked at the app again, making sure we had the sheep game ready. We estimated if she counted 20 sheep, then the blood test would be over.
My daughter was anxious, and she sat on my knee. I held her left arm (the one having the blood test) with my left hand and my phone in my right hand. She didn't enjoy the blood test, but she was able to sit tight and count the sheep - we counted 12 and the test was finished!
As we walked back to the car she said - 'That hurt, but I was SO much better than last time, I didn't even cry!'


Practising the Counting Sheep game before a blood test

We enjoyed using the app and I think that preparing her helped."
A Parent.









'Going to Hospital' is available on iTunes, you can view it and download here: http://www.hometrain.ie/gth/

 

Why Prepare Kids for Hospital?

'Im H A P-P Y - I know I am, I'm Sure I am' - Remember that theme tune? 'Only When I Laugh' was made during 1979 - the pre-political-correctness period of comedy broadcasting - it was great.
The title was of course the answer to the question 'Does it hurt?'

Back then, children going to hospital were separated  from their parents, put in mixed wards with adults and with little or no toys.
Thankfully now, we understand and respect the needs and rights of children. We understand how and what helps children cope better. We work towards creating opportunities to provide information, play preparation and play facilities in most Children's Hospitals and wards.

As a Hospital Play or Child Life Specialist, I have from time to time, seen families shy away from preparing their child for surgery or an invasive procedure. Our role on a ward is to meet with families, discuss our role, and explain the part play preparation has for their child.
So when you're asked by a famliy to not be involved, that they will handle how their child is prepared ( or not) we respect their wishes. After this  happened (only a handfull of times, thank God) some of the post-procedure difficulties these families experience included:

• Loss of trust - child refused to look at or talk to parents.
• Fear of hospital staff - as the child wasn't prepared, anyone coming into the room could be assumed was taking them for surgery or to cause pain or harm.
• Loss of apetite - child can refuse to eat.
• Fear of post-op medication - child can refuse to take medicine.

The Benefits of Preparation:
If your child knows what to expect (if they are prepared), they are more likely to be co-operative, cope better and gain a sense of achievement. They will be more trusting and feel safer.
Preparation gives children a sense of control.
You can help prepare your child at home before you visit the hospital, we created the 'Going to Hospital iPhone app to help you do this. You can also use books and play 'hospital' with a play doctor kit with teddies and dolls.
Going to hospital is one of life's challenges - help your child begin the journey of mastering this challenge.



The other reasons we created the Going to Hospital app were to:

• Help children cope with pain, with relaxation techniques, guided imagery relaxation story and pain scale
• Advice and tips to encourage children of all ages to take medicine
• Practical information for parents
• Distraction game and distraction techniques for painful or uncomfortable procedures
• Activities and colouring pages

You can view the app details, print a poster and colouring pages here:
http://www.hometrain.ie/gth/
or scan the QR code below:

Teaching Stranger Danger to Children with Special Needs.

Right now in Ireland, our children are tucked up in bed. Many parents are wondering how to react to the news from this weekend, when two little girls were lured away from their lovely little lives.
Child abduction and abuse is not a regular occurrence. Every parent's job is to protect our kids - and the fear of any child being abducted is the ultimate 'unthinkable'.

Most kids know not to get into stranger's cars, go with, or talk to strangers, but children with social and communication difficulties may not be able to comprehend the general 'stranger danger' rules.

Shortly, in all Hometrain Social Skills Groups, we will be issuing our Group Leaders with our new 'Stay Safe' resources, which includes an addition to our Curriculums for all age groups, covering our 'No, Yell, Run, Tell' - along with information for parents.

So how do you protect your child who doesn't understand the stranger danger rules? If they are playing outside, or liable to wander or escape, you can try:





child locator

1. A 'mommy I'm here' alarm - I have one and it's great. The bear attaches to your child's belt and is not easily removed. You have the controller which when pressed, emits a shrill alarm from the bear. This means, if your child goes out of sight, you can quickly find them. Perfect for travelling.

Website link: http://www.mommyimhere.co.uk/prd103ChildLocatorAlarm.shtml




2. Have an outdoors 'buddy' system - where your child is only allowed out to play with a friend or sibling who knows to remain close by and understands the stranger rules. Explain to them that your child does not understand the 'what to do rules'

The 'what to do' rules to remember:  
No! Yell! Run! Tell!

 

Could you work at The Hairy Planet??

Position Vacant: Play Specialist/therapist
Sessional work available - Immediate start. Saturdays
Location: Hometrain's Hairy Planet Salon, Navan, Co. Meath.

The Hairy Planet is our specialist salon for children who find hair cut time difficult. It has a relaxed atmosphere and the key element of it's success is in therapeutic play, combined with behavioural strategies to help children learn how to cope with hair cuts, hair touch, brushing, combing and wetting hair.

We have a wide client base, ranging from 2-30 year olds who experience a wide cross-section of difficulties. This could be fears and phobias, sensory dysfunction, or working to undo a history of negative experiences.

The ideal candidate should have experience of working with special needs, and have experience and knowledge of the following:

• Distraction therapy
• Sensory Dysfunction
• Therapeutic play strategies
• Understanding of child development 2years upwards
• Knowledge of ABA techniques
• Using a range of communication methods, including PECS.
• Knowledge and understanding of working with fears and phobias in children

Although the above is important for this role, the candidate should be fun, open, and able to communicate well with all age groups, abilities and the families of the children attending.

For more information, please contact Claire Whyte:
Tel: 046 9070100 or Mobile: 087 6907663 or e-mail: info@hometrain.ie

This post will be a great opportunity for a Hospital Play Specialist, Play Therapist, OT or other related occupation.
Closing date is Friday, 4th May 2012.


 

New Services - including our Toy and Teaching Resource Library

To celebrate moving into our own premises - we are delighted to announce that as well as the usual Social Skills Groups, The Hairy Planet Salon and our shop - here's details of new Hometrain services:

1) Teaching Resource and Toy Library. Borrow from our range of toys, equipment and educational games for just 20 Euros per year. (See images and more info below, call in to join)
2) Rent fully-equipped Teaching and Therapy rooms - you can now use our rooms for home tuition (Available for July provision also) and therapy. Suitable for 1-1 and small groups (see images below)
3) Demo Desk and shop open 10-5pm Monday-Friday for customers.

Hometrain is now based at:
Number 23 Blackcastle Shopping Centre,
Navan, Co. Meath.
Phone: 046 9070100 and Mobile: 087 6907663

Visit Hometrain’s Teaching Resource and    Join Today!

Join now and you can borrow teaching resources today.

Our Library service includes:

 books, puzzles, games and teaching resources suitable for home tuition and school.

Borrow upto 3 items every 2 weeks.

 

Open 10-4 Monday-Friday

Part of our resource library

Room available Mon-Fri for teaching and therapy sessions

Resource room available for teaching, meetings and small groups.

For Toy and Resource Library - or any of our rooms and services at Hometrain, Call us: 087 6907663

A Parent's Diary of The Hairy Planet

I heard of The Hairy Planet from a lady who saw an article in the newspaper and I decided to go. My child does not like getting her very thick hair brushed and a clump of matted hair had formed at the back of her head as a result. To be honest, we were both at our wits end with it and it had become such a challenge to try to brush it out daily that I had to give up.
I rang Claire one night and told her our dilemma - and she is one of the most approachable women I know. She listened with empathy and recognised the behavioural issues surrounding this without me feeling I had exposed my child too much. This is great as a parent because you can begin to feel all you say regarding your child is negative.
I thought it would be a struggle to get her there, but my child was relieved and we set off.

Situated in the countryside, the environent was enough to create calm and on entering the sunny waiting room, it was our turn. Jenny the hairdresser is young and hip and my child related to her immediately. Claire has such an open face and a practical way about her that my child truly didn't have the opportunity to kick off with refusal.
Claire sat, and together they set out goals in the form of a wish list, non-demading, just wishes.
This really appealed to my child as it was not rule-bound and all her own choices. I was not part of this process which gave my 8 yr old a different freedom. For me it took the position of 'bad guy' away. After the dreamlist was written, Jenny took a look at my child's hair while she played the Playstation (massive incentive!!), and started to make sense of her hair, forming a plan to work on. My child and I left with leave-in conditioner and a plan for the next week. My child actually enjoyed herself.
The following week a reward chart was introduced and a pattern of hair brushing began.

I cannot tell you how this changed the dynamics surrounding her hair in my house. She no longer got frustrated and annoyed at me, she realised it was her hair and we needed to work together. I brought her a new WII game that was only played when it was hair time - on advice from Claire, and together we began to work things out.
Claire rings every Friday to see how it was going and her encouragement, support and validation are priceless. So I didn't feel isolated, and got good advice - REAL advice, and someone I could tell my fears and inadequacies to.
We really looked forward to the Saturday trip and the routine of a comic for the car and crisps for the way home.

Today is our last appointment. The clump was removed last Saturday and today Jenny is going to show my girl different styles. We are happy and we are sad.

You see, when you have a child bound by her anxieties and insecurities and aspergers, it is masively difficult for her to see the positive.

Going to The Hairy Planet, to Claire and Jenny, my child had a special, safe place where one of her 'things' was being managed in a positive, nurturing way. All she heard and experienced there was positive, compliments, and it's not all being 'enforced' by me.

It took all the stress out of the picture and now I have this happy, confident little girl, who will take her hair down and let her friends brush it, who is no longer ashamed of her hair and negative.

I personally feel such a sense of relief not having to try to camoflage the clump every day when tying her hair up. I would highly-recommend The Hairy Planet if your child has ANY hair issues at all - it is worth so much for the priceless result.
Any sensory issues are decreased with Claire's individual plan. I just can't say enough - for my child, the outcome is magnificent and we have a forward-plan and routine for the future which will prevent the clump from ever occuring again.

I hope this is ok - it's hard to put in words how successful this has been and how extremly grateful we are.
xx

My daughter after The Hairy Planet!

http://www.hometrain.ie/hairyplanet/ for bookings an more info.

 

Children's Heads, Hair and Nails - Deep pressure to help tactile defensiveness

Many of the children we see in our Hairy Planet salon have sensory dysfunction and so have tactile defensiveness, finding it very uncomfortable and flinch when their scalp is touched or going to be touched.

This is often coupled with behavioural difficulties developed over years of children resisiting to have their hair touched, and parents understandably avoid touching or brushing, and can tend to keep  their child's hair short (if they are able to attend to hair cuts at all).

There are several ways of helping with this - and families that attend our salon are shown different techniques to help de-sensitize the scalp.

Sometimes, it's a using a different type of brush or comb - and applying deep pressure massage to your child's head regularly (daily where possible).

Avoid light touch as much as possible - it exaggerates the tactile defensiveness further.

Nails:

You can apply the same principals for nail cutting - apply deep pressure and finger exercises before nail cutting. A good time to cut nails is after a bath, when their nails are soft.

As well as using your hands to massage, other ways you can apply deep pressure to heads are:

• Pulling strings of a hooded top
• Using an elastic headband
• Using a stretchy cap or hat
• Ask your OT about a weighted cap or hat - you can get these in thinkingtoys.ie

For further advice, and to book an appointment, you can contact us at the Hairy Planet via Hometrain: info@hometrain.ie

Following a great open clinic day in Cork - we are holding an open clinic day on 11th Feb in Dublin - with resources, advice and a 6-week programme tailored for each family. Not to be missed! Call us to book your appointment: 087 6907663

More about The Hairy Planet here: http://www.hometrain.ie/hairyplanet/

Claire.