Drumming!
the rhythm tree is an awesome resource and how-to guide for music therapy with kids of all abilities and ages. We finally arrived at drumming by mimicry and a more recognizable trend to one little guy's pursuit of experiencing the world through sound. He is not only willing but able to concentrate on songs, dance, and rhythm. There are so many benefits to time spent with a drum in a group.
We have been spending a lot of time communicating about needs, observations of each other's needs, and how our behaviours or needs impact the behaviours out of those around us. A great supporting tool for parents of children with over-the-top social behaviours is Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka. There is also a facebook page you can follow, of the same title.
Another adjustment we have been focusing on is curiosity and safely exploring interests and pursuing ideas with little to no demands but plenty of readiness. there are opportunities throughout our home for them to act out their interests and be hands-on with their ideas. Since they both do have narrow areas of persistent interest or talent, this helps them get it out of their system and able to absorb new experiences and information, and share with others securely. It really shows acceptance, and normalcy of their interests in all parts of life, and that they are indeed justified in how each sees the world, offering assurance that we want to help, not stifle. For me this is closely tied to homeschooling, but if the child is in the most compatible educational setting, it can be done anywhere.
