James has a new obsession… It started at Christmas and has continued into the New Year… It was probably triggered by all of the bright shining lights that he so enjoyed seeing on the Christmas tree, around the fireplace, on the outside of the house, on the large bush we have outside our front door… … Continue reading Why All The Lights Are On In Our House
Perhaps never before has humanity lived in such a self-centred, self-obsessed, self-serving, narcissistic, selfish society as we do now. Advertising and marketing media is filled with slogans such as ‘Because you’re worth it!’, ‘It’s all about you!’, and recently that dreadful advert from TUI (formerly Thomson Holidays), where an entourage of lackeys serve the every … Continue reading Because He’s Worth It!
Christmas has come and gone, with all of its celebration, joys, and maybe some trials and tribulations thrown in for good measure… Racing up next we say goodbye to the old year and cheer in the new; but how that makes you feel might well depend on the kind of year you’ve had, and any … Continue reading … And A Happy New Year?
In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re in nativity season! A stress fuelled time of rehearsals, costumes, children trying to learn their parts, performances, tears and tantrums (and that’s just the adults!) Tensions are running high, no one can find the stuffed sheep, and someone has to tell little Jack that the actual shepherds didn’t wear Buzz Lightyear dressing gowns…So, what part is there in the nativity play for a disabled child?
Sometimes, we do things that can make very little sense at all... Sometimes, we do those things unthinkingly, because “It’s always been done that way…”. Sometimes, it’s only when we are challenged to really think about it, that we realise that there might be a better way… That’s the journey I’ve been on when thinking … Continue reading Church Children’s Work: Do ‘Age Groups’ Or ‘Interest Groups’ Work Best?
Jesus is surely the greatest story teller the world has ever known. His stories, also known as parables, are lively, exciting, challenging and filled with teaching. Every time we read one of Jesus’ parables, we learn something new through them… they speak into our lives like no other storyteller has. We all have our favourite … Continue reading Children With Additional Needs Are NOT Second Best To Jesus
‘Return of the Night Drives!!’ No, not a new film, but a recommencing of night time nocturnal adventures with James, the first for a few weeks! We were out earlier this week for well over an hour, having a wonderful time exploring the local area in the dark, visiting the airport, finding other places where … Continue reading Treasure In The Darkness
There have been a few times lately when I’ve felt that God has been pulling me up by the bootstraps and telling me that he has everything under control, and that worrying about things isn’t actually a productive or helpful use of my time or energy… That hasn’t always been an easy message to receive, … Continue reading Don’t Worry: God’s Peace In The Storm
A couple of days ago something extraordinary happened… something totally unexpected… something that in its own way was delightful and wonderful… James had a bath! An hour-long soak! Now granted, expecting any 15-year-old lad to have a bath isn’t a given… but James isn’t any ordinary 15-year-old. James is autistic, and also has learning disabilities, … Continue reading Jesus At The Pools Of Siloam, Bethesda, And Our Bath!
As I headed upstairs to get James up this morning, I heard him giggling… Normally, this is a sound that thrills my heart, but I know James all too well and at 07:30 in the morning it is rare to get so much as a grunt out of James…. Giggling meant trouble; my heart sank… … Continue reading Dealing With The Yukky Stuff; Loving, Living And Serving Like Jesus
Delightful Handmade Dog Products and Gifts
An additional needs Dad and Son baking adventure...
Special Education Teaching Resources, Sensory Stories and SEND Information
The Additional Needs Blogfather 