Mark Your Calendar for Jan. 24, 2012  

It's just about a month away now, so please get out next year's calendar and mark off Tuesday, Jan. 24, to attend our 12th annual Children's Mental Health Day in Annapolis. We have no doubt the dreaded six-letter word, b-u-d-g-e-t, will be at the top of everyone's issues list, as it has been for the last several years.

The voices of families and youth are the most powerful tools to influence legislators to protect funding for services for our children. Please join us at the Miller Senate Office Building, Rooms West 1 and 2, beginning with registration and breakfast at 8:45 a.m. We are planning an issues briefing with legislators and state agency representatives and have allotted more than two hours for you to visit your legislators personally.

Please remember to make appointments with your legislators before the 24th, between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. if possible! We also are featuring a special program for youth, who will be able to tour the state capitol and watch the General Assembly in session during the issues briefing.

You'll need to bring a photo ID to get through security; food and cameras are prohibited and cell phones must be turned off. You can park at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium off Rowe Boulevard for $5 and take a free trolley shuttle to the Legislative Services stop.

For more information and to register, please call 410.730.8267.

Tips for Navigating the Holidays    

Children with behavioral and emotional disorders can be overwhelmed by the holiday season-bright lights, hustle and bustle, holiday songs, even television and radio advertisements can seem louder and more numerous.

Here are some ideas we hope will help you and your families to have a calm, healthy, enjoyable holiday:

1. Have an escape plan. It's usually not worth it to stick it out if things are breaking down-even if you miss out on a few treasured rituals with family or friends. Have a time limit in mind from the start, and if things are going well you can always extend your visit-but also you will be ready to go at a moment's notice. If you are away from home, stay in a hotel to give your child a quiet place; if guests are coming to you, make the child's room off-limits so as to provide a refuge.
2. Don't make holiday outfits mandatory. Sure, people are going to notice if your child is in sweats or a superhero costume while everyone else preens in holiday finery. But it doesn't really matter-your aim is to have as stress-free a time as possible, and fighting over clothing isn't worth the hassle.
3. Be prepared on the food front. If you can, make sure ahead of time the holiday gathering you're attending will have something your child enjoys-and if not, then be sure to bring something you know he or she will eat. Of course, if you're hosting, you can be sure to have a favorite food or two available. Again, the goal is a low-stress day!
4. Volunteer to watch the kids. If there's a time the children are off on their own, you can be the one to provide the adult eyes-making it easy to intervene when necessary, as well as to assess your child's level of overstimulation and act accordingly. You also can ensure all children are included in appropriate games.
5. Bring supplies. Hand-held games, small toys, a stuffed animal, a book or two-even if he or she doesn't play with them, there is comfort in knowing some familiar items are available and may help your child maintain calm.
6. Keep yourself centered. It's inevitable that holiday gatherings feature a relative who thinks they know best how to parent your child with special needs-and he or she isn't shy about offering opinions and advice. Just keep reminding yourself:I do not have to apologize for being a good parent to my child. You know best what they need and providing it is your responsibility. Period.
7. Don't overbook. Many children with behavioral and emotional disabilities-especially younger ones-can only handle one or two special festivities during the holidays, so pacing yourself is a good idea. Be selective in accepting invitations that include your child; perhaps you can make arrangements to attend a gathering without your child. Friends and family members may be disappointed, but better one or two successful events than four or five miserable ones!