A previous blog discussed reading problems with adopted children and an article stating the prevalence of language delays.

What are some additional ways we can help our kids with reading?

Encourage any interest – for about any interest your child can have, an enthusiastic trip to the library for (matching) books is a great... more

I LOVE to read!

Blogger Coley shared her love of reading her blog yesterday. With my innate passion for reading, I’ve been baffled, then, that most of my adopted children do not share my enjoyment. I read in this adoption article that the most common delay for adopted children is in language development! The most common issue isn’t in physical development or even... more

What about other homework hassles? One blog addresses a child’s outright refusal to do homework. Is it really possible for even the PARENTS to finally say no more? I think so! Among the comments on that blog, Kelly addresses a recommendation given to her by a therapist that the teacher handle school issues and the parent handle... more

What sounds like a minor problem can often turn into quite a large homework issue. The problem is how do we help a child who constantly wanders or has difficulty sitting still to do homework? In particular, how can we help an adopted child who may have special issues to work around?(The following suggestions can work well a child with ADHD or a child without ADHD.)

If the child is wandering because he has a case of “wiggles”, it can help if mom offers an additional homework “assignment” of getting the wiggles out. For example, ask... more

So, you have the routine set up in a way that should work for your particular children and family. What do you do when your child resists the routine?? With over two-thirds of my children having an actual diagnosis of RAD (reactive attachment disorder) and/or ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), resistance is the norm at our house rather than the exception. Here are some ways we’ve handled this, at least as far as their resistance impacts their homework.

As discussed in the previous... more

In a previous blog, Homework Hassles, homework challenges were discussed. I'll say it again, I don't like homework. Whether I love it or not, fourteen of my children plan on having homework five days a week. Routines are crucial in order for homework to ‘work’ in our family. The daily schedule is the same from day to day, with very few exceptions or changes. I’ve found that all of my children thrive on rigid structure and scheduling, particularly those that have... more

In reading through the Adoption.com forum topics, I noticed a recurrence of threads on the subject of homework hassles. What parent has not ever faced homework hassles?? I’d venture to say that every parent of a school aged child has encountered the subject more than once! I have 26 children, including 20 still at home and 18 of those being school aged. You can imagine that homework is no small issue here. I am often asked how I handle homework issues,... more

Yesterday was International Children's Book Day! I love any opportunity to celebrate books, so looked around to see if I could find more information about what we would celebrate...and hoped for some great new reading recommendations.

At the promotional site for International Children’s Book Day, I read these statements from Margaret Mahy, a children's author.

"I will never forget learning to read. Mind you, there were some surprises. Reading gave me power over... more

"Vacuuming too often weakens the carpet fibers." Say this with a serious face, and shudder delicately whenever anyone mentions Carpet Fresh.

Okay...after typing "Great Housecleaning Tips" for the THIRD time, I'm starting to feel a little shame at using the word "great" so much. So, they're ordinary ideas - but used with gusto, you can feel better and have your home look nice, too! (Does that sound less pompous?)

8) Everyone helps! This includes everyone. At our house, we use a chore list for... more

"If God had not intended empty pizza boxes to be used for furniture, He wouldn't have made them so sturdy."

More of my favorite housecleaning tips! (Tips #1-4 in Part One)

5) Try line of sight cleaning. This uses the same principle as #4 – maximizes the use of minimal effort. Stand at your front door. Look around. Act as if you were a guest to your home. What do you notice right away? Concentrate on those things;... more