Welcome to “On the Horizon”
Issue 40: Help for the Holiday Hmm’s
On the Horizon is an award winning weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.
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Toys Can Be Educational and Fun
 A Note from Nicole: 20% Off Your Entire Order
Idea of the Week: Build a Fort
Feature Article: Help for the Holiday Hmm’s
The Horizons Team Recommends: Parent Success Cards; RDI® Program
Upcoming Events: Parent Chat; Sibshop; HANDLE® Intermediate Training
Hi Everyone!
I’m here in my office with tears of joy in my eyes watching a portion of an assessment I did recently and thinking about how far this family has come. Both parents have established such a wonderful relationship with their son, and he has grown tremendously in his ability to relate to them, think about what is going on around him, actively participate in activities with others, and genuinely enjoy life. For those of you who have experienced this process either as a parent or professional, it’s an indescribable feeling. I am so humbled by the amazing work I have the opportunity to do with families.
Since the holiday season is upon us, Michelle has written a great article this week about holiday gifts. You’re definitely going to get some fabulous shopping ideas, and a few thoughts to keep in mind as you shop for the kids on your list this year.
Just a reminder that time is running out to take advantage of our holiday discount on everything in the Horizons store. You can save 20% off your entire order by using the coupon code HOLIDAY08 – but only until the end of the day on December 19th. We’re working hard to keep up with all the orders, as we know that most of you want to have these items in time for the holiday. Take a look at the store here and see who you can cross off your shopping list by placing your discount order today.
Have a great rest of your week!
Looking to the horizon,
Build a Fort
Your kids may feel cooped up from being inside and want something fun to do when they can’t play outdoors. A fort is a great thing to build together with your kids because they may need your help. Decide on a good spot to build it – you’ll want to use tall furniture to help build your fort, so you may want to choose a space where there is a table or chairs nearby. Assemble the furniture in such a way so you’ll have enough space for your fort. Next, you’ll need blankets and sheets to cover everything up, making sure that you’ll have enough room to get inside. Then decide what you want to bring inside your fort to hang out – be creative and have fun!
Help for the Holiday Hmm’s
By: Michelle VanderHeide, BSW
If your life is anything like mine near the holidays, it’ll probably sound a little like this: “Mom, can I get that for Christmas?” “I’ll put it on your wish list honey.” As the next commercial comes on, “Mom can I get that for Christmas?” “That does look like fun. I’ll put it on your wish list.” The television, newspapers, and billboards are inundated with advertisements for all the hot toys and gadgets for this year. As parents, aunts or uncles, and grandparents, it can be very overwhelming to know what gifts to buy that will be both fun and “educational.” Knowing what gifts will be best for our children – that they’ll enjoy – leave many of us going “hmmm.”
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for all children:
Parent Success Cards
For RDI® Program families, these cards provide reminders of the main principles of RDI® such as the importance of experience sharing, guiding, slowing down, staying focused on the marathon, finding small moments for remediation, and much more. You will find them an invaluable source of inspiration and guidance as you focus on remediation.
Set of 50 heavyweight full-color cards in a sturdy box with lid – $24.95
Purchase the set or view more samples here
CORE Approach Program!
Finally – Hope and Real Improvement is Possible for Individuals with Autism and Their Families!
If your child has been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, or with a related neuro-developmental condition, you simply cannot afford not to investigate the RDI® Program. If you are ready for a change; ready to step away from the status-quo; ready to stop doing things that aren’t getting you where you want to be; ready to really understand the core deficits creating obstacles for your child; ready to significantly impact your child and your family for the better – then you are ready for RDI®.
Watch the video and learn more here
Please join us!
- Our office will be closed for the Holidays on Dec 24, 25, 26, 31, and Jan 1 and 2
- Horizons Parent Chat: Objective Support with Michelle & Courtney (Horizons Families Only)
Monday January 5, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday January 17 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday March 14 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- HANDLE® Intermediate Training
April 6-11, 2009 and May 4-9, 2009
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday May 16 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday July 18 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
See our Event Calendar for more details…
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