For and family--game plan for now?

July 3, 2012

I woke up early this morning and thought of a few things that (may) be helpful

since you and your wife have the same book we are reading here in our home.

I skipped ahead in the book on a really challenging day and on pg 208 found When

should parents make an " issue " of something.

I used this every day and have gotten much from doing this exercise. Recalled

it again this morning and hope it may bring some help to you and your wife. It

doesn't make everything better, but it did help give me a game plan.

Best wishes to your family

Re: Beginning The Process

- very gracious for your response.

First my son is 13yo. No doubt early teen behaviors and body changes are

adding to the challenge.

Coincidental since I just began reading the same book last night and re-read

the " Welcome to Holland " story several times. I am personally tempted to do the

same as you did. I also ordered a couple of books off of Amazon that were

suggested on the Int'l OCD Foundation site. But I realize that with an

appointment next Monday, we have to walk very tentatively until then. The

Director did talk to our son for a couple of minutes to establish some early

rapport and assess whether our son is showing some signs of willingness. Major

progress to get this far after zero willingness until this weekend. That is the

reason I am going to hold back. Every parent has to make calls on what to do

based on their own situation. At the end of the day, we will make mistakes, but

as long as we understand we are doing the best we can, that is all we can ask.

There are too many experts out there that has made me totally confused about

what to do. They range all over the place,

so I am sticking to the basics, get to treatment, start CBT and be okay with

medication (which was a major struggle for us).

It is a great story and one I plan on sharing when the time is right. But at

his age, I am going to let him drive as much of this as possible. We set the

ultimatum, he can set the pace as long as he stays willing and involved. So much

easier said than done since I am not a disciplinary parent at all.

I love what is happening with respect to the involvement of your child with

other children who are handicapped. Since we are relatively new to San Diego, we

are not aware nor have connections to other children with disabilities. As it

was for me as a former volunteer, being around others with handicaps is a

powerful learning experience and in this case can help a child to understand

they are not alone. I hope that the opportunity develops for us as well.

Thanks for the affirmations. So much needed in these times of doubt,

confusion, and frustration. Thank you for sharing and just being there!!

McGinnis

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