Siblings without Rivalry

[Guest guest]

is right " Siblings without Rivalry " was extremely helpful book for

raising all kids, not just the ones on the spectrum. It helped me with how

to divide myself so there was not resentment by my " typical " child and how

to include her in the solution for . She became one of the therapists

and signed in with everyone else. When was only seven, we included

her as part of 's educational team. would log in as one of the

therapists and teach how to play. I think I paid her $1/hour. Back

then lined up toys and obsessed over certain mechanical things. He

didn't know how to play appropriately. taught pretend play

better than any of the adults who had long forgotten how to do this. This

made feel a part of the team and a part of the solution in helping

.

Every Saturday night, and I had " our special time. " No matter what

happened during the week, she knew that on Saturday, it would be just Mommy

and her and she didn't have to share me with anyone. We would plan for this

time all week, buying the candy and treats that wasn't allowed to eat.

Our goodies were stashed in several secret hiding places around the house.

On Saturday night after the boys left for their adventure, and I would

cuddle on the coach and watch " Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman " and eat junk food

until our stomachs hurt.

Recently, I admitted to that I thought the premise of the Dr. Quinn

show was dumb. A woman doctor would never be accepted during that time

period. She got mad at me for that and immediately went out and bought the

DVD set of the series. Next, she sat me on the couch to watch it with her

(at age 22) just to prove I was wrong. Those Saturday nights together were

wonderful memories for both of us. I also loved the other book by the same

authors, " How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids will Talk. "

Marcia