TIP of the WEEK: Back to School

A new year brings new opportunities to succeed but also brings new challenges. Changes in routines, expectations and environments can be so difficult for our kids but here are some ways to make the transition a little smoother.

Start their new routine ahead of time. If your child is used to waking up at 8am but getting to school on time will require her to get up at 6am, start waking her up at 6am a week or two in advance.
Back to school brings back to school clothes which can be challenging for kids with PWS. Favorite summer clothes will have to go away and be replaced with new, clean and unfamiliar attire. Let them wear their new clothes before that first week of school. The sensation of tags and stiff material can be unbearable for them. Cut the tags and wash the clothes several times before introducing them.

Ask for permission to enter the school and classroom before the first day. Do dry runs to and from school, especially if the school and/or classroom will be different than last year. Let your child sit at her desk, explore the environment and find the bathroom, lunch room and nurses office before the predictably hectic first day.

Write down your child's likes and dislikes for the teacher and aide. They have many children to care for and having this information written down will help them to remember what works best for your child. If you can't arrange for your child to meet their new teacher ahead of time at least have pictures for them to look at. Pictures or even better, a play date with their new classmates will take some of the pressure off of the first day.  The less surprises the better!

Let your child know your expectations ahead of time. The best intentions do not always mean that everyone will get it right all of the time. Let your child know that you have told the school staff about their needs but if the teacher or aide forgets that does not mean that it is ok to react badly. This may not work the first time or every time but making your expectations clear will help them manage the inevitable mistake.

Always remember that we are here to help if you need advice or are running into problems with your child's school. Children with PWS need extremely dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced teachers and aides. We can help if you need it. We get it.

Submitted by:
Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services

TIP of the WEEK: On the Lighter Side

I have gotten many requests to post more low calorie/low fat summer treats and as we are right in the middle of the dog days of summer, I thought now would be a good time.
We have had one of the hottest summers on record and these cool summer treats will help to beat the heat!

Frozen Fruit Tart

Buy or make a graham cracker crust.
In a 9 inch pan bake crust for 10 minutes.
While the crust is baking let light or sugar free vanilla ice cream and mango sorbet soften on the counter.
Spoon a layer of ice cream in pan followed by a layer of sorbet. Repeat several times.
Put pan in freezer overnight.
Place the tart on a plate and arrange fruits on the top- nectarines, kiwi, mango- anything will work!
This is a light but very refreshing treat.

Flat Bread with Fruit
This one is easy and really good!

Roll out store bought pizza dough into an oval shape and brush with olive oil.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Cover generously with berries and cook for another 10 minutes.
If you really want to make it a special, occasional treat sprinkle some confectionery sugar on top.

Grilled Nectarines
Don't knock this one until you try it. It's amazing!

Spray one side of sliced nectarines with non stick cooking spray.
Place directly on grill until slightly charred (no more that 2 minutes).
Place in a bowl with strawberries and fresh ginger. You won't regret it!

And finally something for the grown ups

Drunken Strawberries

In a saucepan heat 2 cups of port wine, 1 cup of sugar and a cinnamon stick on medium heat for 10 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes.
Melt dark chocolate in the microwave or in a sauce pan.
Place wax paper on a cookie sheet.
Dip strawberries into melted chocolate one at a time and place on wax paper. Place in fridge for at least 15 minutes.
Drizzle berries with port syrup and serve immediately. This recipe is also great with figs. Enjoy!

Feel free to send in your own recipes and as always keep the requests coming!

Submitted by,
Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services

TIP of the WEEK: Caring for Yourself

As parents  you spend so much time caring for your loved ones, worrying about their well being, their health and happiness that you often forget about your own. Your child comes first, his or her health needs, behavioral management and endless hours of advocacy come before your own basic needs. You know every hair on your child's head, every bug bite ( and lose one hour of sleep for every bite as you worry how badly that pick site will become).  I'm willing to bet that you haven't gone to get your hair done or had a cup of coffee that wasn't gulped down in a travel mug on your way to something having to do with your child in a very long time.

You are the parent of a child with PWS. A role that you didn't ask for but one that you embrace with all of your heart. You deserve the world for all of the trials and heartache, the pure joy, pride and worry beyond what most of us could imagine. And all of this work and worry can lead to stress and stress can lead to illness in the worst case and in the best case can cause a less effective you. Take time, even if it is 15 minutes a day for you, just you. Prioritize this time, you are worth it and you will be better for it. Here are some ideas that will lower your stress level, give you more energy and improve your overall well being:

• Breathe. Take a few minutes a day to take several deep breaths, eyes closed and think of something beautiful. Sounds simple? It is and it works.

• Taking a bath has wonderful relaxation results but few have time for that. Instead take a spray bottle of water with a few drops of essential oil and spray it on your skin after a shower. Use lavender for lasting calming effects.

• Go green. Green is the most calming of all of the colors. Use in every chance you can. Whether it be clothing, wall color, drinking glasses- the more the better.

• Take a walk. Get your MP3 player and put your favorite songs from high school on there. I guarantee smiles, great memories and a few minutes of zero stress.

Anything that you can do for just a few minutes a day that's just for you, no one else, will ultimately make you better for everyone else. You deserve it.

Submitted by:
Patrice Caroll
Manager of PWS Services

"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward." 

~Spanish Proverb