 Tell
us your own story of how you used the cards, and we'll post it on this page
for others to read |
Kids! You can receive a cool Hanes 
T-Shirt and Iron-On Transfer just like this one when you submit a story about how Parent Coaching
Cards helped you. Be sure to mention that you want to be entered into the
T-Shirt contest when you write your story below. |
| As I completed a part time elementary counseling contract today, I left the school and said a prayer of thanks for you for creating and sharing the Parent Coaching Cards. Over the past four months, I've served part time as the only counselor for over 500 students in grades one, two and three in a public, rural/urban school district. The children are lovely and their needs dramatic. From the first day, I used the Parent Coaching Cards as a guide and resource for sessions, with immediate and positive results. Often, the next day or later after a session, students would see me in the halls, smile and unsolicited greet me with an unsolicited headline from one of the cards, like: Don't Take The Bait! The coloring book pages were often requested, as well. Most popular was Don't take The Bait. "I'm no worm." kids would often joke with me. On behalf of these and all children, Thank you Dr. Steve. Best, Dr. Rosie Bellace, 6/02 (NJ) www.coachingconnections.org |
| I knew that I was impressed with these cards when I received them, but the real test was for Sheamus, age 10 with PDD/Aspergers syndrome, to try them out. Or at least hold his interest. The first card we read was how to be flexible. I read it to him, and also acted out some physical flexing along with it. This provided a great visual for him, and he thought Mom looked quite hilarious, too! Shortly after that he received a call from his father and at the last minute he was changing a plan the two of them had. For those parents of children with ASD, you know the sudden change is cause for meltdowns. I could hear what was going on in the conversation and immediately went into my flexible physical routine for him to see. The next thing I knew he was willing to be flexible and could make an alternative plan. He also said that he was working on his reacting side and this assisted him in his flexibility! Well, it practically brought tears to my eyes. These are a wonderful tool, and I have introduced them to his teachers, and other Autism support groups, too. Every little bit helps with these children, and these cards have been a social life saver at times. Maureen McDermott Ontario, Canada |
| One day my Mom and I had a small argument. I was just having a quick recovery when all of a sudden: WHAMMO. My Mom lost her temper and I really got upset. But then I actually remembered something: when my Mom was my coach, she always read some cards and said soothing words just like she should. So I started doing what Mom did: imitating her coaching actions. I said, "Mom, take ten deep breaths, count to ten each time, and I'll read you some cards." So I did what I said, and Mom started calming down. Finally she calmed down completely and we went out and had some dinner at McDonalds, and had a happy ending." by Jewel H., age 11, (PA) |
| When my Mom would wake me up for camp I used to get all cranky and yell at her and scream. I also used to blame her that I was so tired. Then I'd get so angry that I'd have a big melt down. Then my Dad would come in and say," What's going on? "Later, I picked up the Cooperation card and read it. Now I cooperate and do nothing like that. I help myself not do that by saying:"Eli, it's not my Mom's fault that I'm all cranky. I can cooperate .It'll make the morning go better." Eli R., age 8, (PA) |
| "My son has used the Coaching Cards and they really have made a significant difference for him. Of all the cards, the Beat Your Fear card has made the biggest difference for him. Here is the story: Ryan, age nine, had always been deathly afraid of swimming and of going into a pool. When he read the Beat Your Fear card with me (his mom) we talked about how it could be used for his water fear. He was taking private swimming lessons, but was still deathly afraid and cried when it was time for him to leave for the lesson. We began to discuss all of the suggestions on the card as we went every week to the lessons. I gently reminded him before each lesson about "Beating The Fear." And somehow, it seems to have worked. He is no longer fearful about going swimming. Infact, he reminds all of us that it's lesson day. He even told others that he really likes going for his lesson and has also asked about swimming at other times. I am very impressed with the cards. They truely are effective for everyone, not just children. Thanks for such a great product." The Cain family, Jenkintown, PA |
| "We have indeed had a chance to check out the Coaching Cards! I must say, what a great reaction they got from Logan, my 8 1/2 year old son. He thinks they are pretty cool and can REALLY relate to them and understand exactly what the message is. He likes to flick through the book by himself from time to time. We both find the messages are easy to recall and to refer to when the need arises. He wants the T-Shirt: When Words Pop Out - Watch Out!" Lisa Lubar, New South Wales, Australia |
| "I must tell you my 3 boys (14 AS ADHD, 12 ADHD, 8 AS ADHD) like the cards. We have them on the kitchen table. I introduced the cards about 2 at a time. Now they know them all and love to do a card review. On will get the cards and say. "BLANK Your BLANK For BLANK BLANK Just BLANK BLANK" and have the other guess. One will shout, "Show Your Love For People Not Just For Stuff....I took the Cards to Homeschooling group support meeting and they were a big hit.I would appreciate as many brochures as you could send for our upcoming Book Extravaganza" Nedra Irwin, Orlando, Florida |
| "Well, both of my kids are now enjoying the Coaching Cards and the coloring books. ...Funny story...I had the Parent Coaching Cards package sitting around and it was open. The cards ended up in my 7 year olds room because she thought that it looked like it was for a kid, and she wanted to know what it was all about. We talked about using the coloring book, which she wanted to color in. My 9 year old who NEVER colors anymore, insisted on her own coloring book so I opened the other package. ...They/I love the Cards. My 7 year old said to me today after I lost MY temper a little bit,'Mom, you are not using yout thinking side!' I apologized and then we discussed why HER behavior pushed my buttons and we then discussed it calmly, and laughed about the Parent Coaching Cards." Trish Adler, Orange, Ohio |
| "My son, age 11, has been wanting to try gymnastics, but completely afraid of failing. In fact, he has shied away from many activities because of feeling like he will fail, be made fun of, or be discovered that he might not be able to do things other kids have. After several false starts, he told me he was going to try gymnastics, no matter what. After a great deal of lip biting, Alex went, had a great time, and is now enrolled in class. When I asked him what was different this time that he was able to get over the hurdles he announced, 'I decided to beat my fear, it's one of the Coaching Cards!' Need I say more..." mother, Allentown, Pennsylvania |
| "Just wanted to say how impressed I am with the Coaching Cards. I agree that it is all how it is introduced to the child. I'm glad I followed your suggestions (in the Parent Instruction Packet). My son and I enjoy using these cards and yes, I tell him how I have been in the situations as well, what I did, and what I COULD do. He likes that part! :-) You've done a great thing by creating these cards. THANK YOU! Just wanted to let you know that I think they will be quite helpful with my son who has AS. Wendy Watts, Durham, New Hampshire |
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