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    • Jul

    30

    A Challenging Week

    Filed Under from the heart, life changes, local, new things, sadness | 16 Comments

    Today was not a good day - the assessment from the cardiologist about our 31 week ultrasound indicates that our little one likely has a congenital heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). It is very rare and serious. Without surgeries or a heart transplant, it is fatal within several days.

    In addition to this, one of my best friends is visiting from Tennessee. She flew out for my baby shower on Sunday, and was en route when she learned of the tragic events at her home congregation, Tennessee Valley UU Church. Fortunately, a UU fellowship nearby held a vigil Monday night that we were able to attend. You can read The Columbian newspaper article about that here.

    All in all, not the best few days of my life, but we’ll see what the morning holds, and the coming days, weeks, and months. In any case, the DH has been encouraging me to write more and publish things, so I’m going to make the effort, sincerely. Apologies to the commenters to my last post on ODD - I’ve been reflecting on everything written as the comments came in, and will respond soon.

    Popularity: 66% [?]

    Jul

    17

    Is Your Child ODD?

    Filed Under humor, pop culture, rants | 3 Comments

    So today I was browsing the mommy boards when I came across a post by a woman who works in a children’s hospital. The topic was the rampant diagnoses of children with psychiatric problems like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Well, this woman remarked on the latest dubious psychiatric label: “Oppositional Defiant Disorder” - which she termed as: “You need your a$$ whooped!” I didn’t even believe that she was serious (and I don’t condone corporal punishment) but sure enough … from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (emphasis mine):

    Children With Oppositional Defiant Disorder

    No. 72; Updated December 1999

    All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults.   Oppositional behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents.  However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child’s social, family, and academic life.

    In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster’s day to day functioning.  Symptoms of ODD may include:

    • frequent temper tantrums
    • excessive arguing with adults
    • active defiance and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules
    • deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people
    • blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
    • often being touchy or easily annoyed by others
    • frequent anger and resentment
    • mean and hateful talking when upset
    • seeking revenge

    The symptoms are usually seen in multiple settings, but may be more noticeable at home or at school.  Five to fifteen percent of all school‑age children have ODD.  The causes of ODD are unknown, but many parents report that their child with ODD was more rigid and demanding than the child’s siblings from an early age.  Biological and environmental factors may have a role.

    Click on link above for more, including the possible “treatments” - which mainly seem to be GOOD PARENTING. Seriously … what will it be next? And those percentages seems very high! And wow - “biological and environmental factors may have a role?” Ya think? I mean, what ELSE would have a role if not one or both of those things?

    **flabbergasted**

    Popularity: 50% [?]

    Jul

    7

    Who Knew the Common Cold Could Be So Cute?

    Filed Under humor | 6 Comments

    I know it’s been two months since my last post, and to re-enter the blogging world with a post about plushies that look like viruses and bacteria may not make much sense … but this is just too adorable for words.

    I think we will definitely have to get one of these for our child …. Or maybe for me.

    Images courtesy of ThinkGeek.

    The Common ColdThe Bookworm

    Popularity: 56% [?]

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