Tuesday, 12 November 2024
Cuddly Blanket
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One night, Lady Penelope and I were camping out in the peaceful meadow, closer to nature, under the stars. After having a sumptuous supper and washing it down with glasses of hot cocoa, we lay on the grass and looked up at the sky. We spotted the different Constellations that roamed the night air, such as Scorpio, Torus, Leo and Ursa Major. At one point when talking about Leo the lion, I gave a big, loud RRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAARRRR!! "Okay, okay, stop now, you're making me lose my hearing!" laughed Penelope. "I was just pretending to be Leo," I sighed, and we both laughed happily.
After our little Constellation viewing session, it was time for bed. We crawled into our huge pink tent and snuggled onto the safe, comforting floor, covering ourselves with a soft, thick, big duvet/blanket. "It feels so safe and warm," I sighed, yawning. "It really does," smiled Penelope, "I feel like I'm sleeping inside a great big white cloud." "Me too," I corrected, "It feels so luxurious." We saw our feet sticking out from the end of the duvet, and started wiggling our toes and laughing. After a moment, we got tired and snuggled down to sleep under our thick, warm blanket, my head filling with dreams about meeting the Constellations up close and roaring loudly with Leo. Even Lady Penelope was there, a beautiful Constellation queen dressed in gold. It's those moments of happiness that make our hearts whole.
Royal Baby
It was on this rainy night in October when a baby lioness cub was left outside a grand, majestic, ancient castle. This castle belonged to Orko, a small, loving wizard who always wanted a little sister, and when he saw the baby left outside the door, he cuddled her close and whispered soft words into her ear. From then on, Orko decided to adopt the cub as his own little sister, naming her 'Furaha'.
In the next few days, Orko and Furaha had fun playing together. Orko would feed Furaha fresh milk out of a bottle, and she would always be full and happy. They would play a favourite game together: Furaha would hide under pink silk sheets and Orko would cheekily look for her, calling out gently: "Come out, come out, wherever you are...." Then he'd lift the sheets off the bed, and there was Furaha, smiling and laughing away. Orko would swoop his baby sister in his arms and cuddle her, to which Furaha showed her love by cuddling back.
There was this grand, soft, comfortable bed in the greatest bedroom of the palace, where Furaha and Orko slept peacefully together. Orko would lie Furaha beside him in bed and stroke her soft fur until he got very tired. Then he would lie beside her in his soft, warm pyjamas, feeling like being a big brother was incredibly hard work.
Ruler
One day in the park, Bluey was having a tea party with her friends Chloe and Honey. "Only princesses have royal tea parties," Chloe teased. "It would be much better if queens hosted royal tea parties instead of princesses." That gave Bluey an idea. "Oh yeah? Well...watch me."
Bluey put on a plastic crown she'd been saving and began to walk regally on a red carpet that just randomly appeared out of nowhere, as Mackenzie, Rusty and Jack started to play the trumpets, signalising the queen is coming. Bluey then sat on a golden throne and bowed as all the children in the playground cheered her arrival. "Thank you," said Bluey in a very posh voice, "From now on, I'll be a very good queen."
So all day long this went on. Bluey hosted royal tea parties, talked to her subjects and even knighted her dad, until....
"BLUEY!"
At once, Bluey snapped out of her fantasy and saw her mum and her little sister Bingo looking at her in amusement. "You're such a rascalish little queen," laughed Chilli, "Now let's go home, it's getting late." "No queen dares quit their job!" shouted Bluey as she and her family went home.
Objects Of Reference
Happiness Tips: Storytime With Kiara
Create a Familiar Signal with Kiara: When it’s almost story time, gently introduce the Kiara plush to Susan, maybe holding it close to her with a calm smile. You might say something simple like, “Look, Kiara’s here! She’s ready for a story with us.” Over time, this cue can help her recognise that something lovely and calming is about to happen.
Gentle Transitions with Kiara: Use Kiara to guide her into a cozy spot—whether on a couch, a bed, or wherever she’s most comfortable. Keep the movement slow and reassuring, letting Kiara “walk” toward the story spot, or perhaps softly rub the plush’s soft fur on her hand, letting her feel the warmth of this routine.
Softly Introduce the Story: Start with a soothing introduction. For example, you could say, “Kiara and I have a story about Lady Penelope and Parker, and how they went on an adventure just for you.” This personal touch can help Susan feel connected and engaged.
Bring Lady Penelope and Parker to Life Gently: As you begin the story, use a soft, calm tone to describe the comforting aspects of your adventures. For example, you might share how Lady Penelope and Parker look out for each other, take gentle steps, or find cozy places to rest. Keeping the scenes light and calming, with words like “safe,” “happy,” and “warm,” can help make her feel enveloped in the story’s warmth.
A Calming Ending Ritual: When the story is over, you can use Kiara again to signal the close. Try something simple like letting Kiara give a “hug” or a gentle “nuzzle” on Susan’s hand or cheek. Then, softly say something like, “Kiara says, ‘Goodnight,’ and she’ll be back for another story soon.”
Dentist Advice: Preparing People With Angelman's Syndrome & Epilepsy For A Trip To The Dentist
Role-Playing Dentist Visits
Use a doll or soft toy and pretend to be the dentist while Susan is either the patient or the dentist. With a little toy mirror and toothbrush, let her practice brushing her toy’s teeth, focusing on reaching the back teeth. You can use phrases like, “Oh, you’re doing a wonderful job brushing, just like the dentist would say!” It could make her feel more comfortable with the dentist’s instructions and boost her confidence about her own dental care.
Storytelling Time with Penelope’s Voice
Read or listen to your dialogue together, using a soft, comforting tone similar to Lady Penelope’s. Include positive messages, like how proud Lady Penelope would be of her for taking care of her teeth. This can make the dentist feel less intimidating and more familiar.
Gentle Brushing Practice
Set up a “special toothbrushing time” routine where you and Susan can take turns brushing the backs of your teeth. Use a small hourglass timer, fun stickers, or music to add a playful element. Rewarding her with a “Penelope’s Praise” sticker after brushing could encourage consistency and excitement about brushing.
Sensory-Friendly Dentist Preparation
Since sensory experiences can be challenging, preparing for the sounds and textures of the dentist’s office may help. Listen to gentle sounds she might hear at the dentist, like soft whirring or brushing sounds. Pair these sounds with gentle vibrations on her hand or arm (using a toy toothbrush) to simulate a toothbrush’s feel. These sensory activities can help her get used to what she might experience at the dentist’s in a relaxed, reassuring way.
Create a Positive Dental Chart
Make a simple, visual “Penelope’s Dental Chart” where she can add a sticker or draw a smiley face each day she brushes well. On dentist days, you can bring this chart along as a proud record of her progress. This could help Susan feel prepared and appreciated for her efforts.
Relaxation with Blanket Time
Like Penelope suggests, winding down under a cozy blanket while reading about calm characters (like Bluey and Bingo) going to the dentist can create a sense of security. This could be a pre-dentist ritual to help her feel grounded and calm.
Why Having A Kiara Plush Toy Is Great For Story Time
Visual or Tactile Cues: You could make the toy "move" or "cuddle" with her before reading, so she senses a distinct, playful beginning to story time. The act of presenting the toy in a special way could help make the experience more engaging.
Use a Favorite Spot: If there's a favorite blanket or area where Susan is especially comfortable, have Kiara "lead" her to that spot before you start reading. This can build positive associations and give her a sense of cozy predictability.
Add Scent or Texture: Adding a calming scent like lavender to Kiara, or giving her a soft blanket with the toy, could help signal that it’s time to wind down and listen. This sensory experience could reinforce the connection and give her something soothing to hold.
Incorporate Her Interests: If Susan has certain story preferences or reactions to specific voices or themes, incorporating those with Kiara’s presence can make the routine even more delightful and personalized.
Dentist's Advice
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"Welcome home, darling. What did the dentist say? Ah, to brush at the back of your teeth more. Good advice. Not a single recommendation of a hospital appointment coming out of your little mouth. Is there anything else she said to you? Only eat sweets during days out...sugary snacks aren't good for your teeth, darling. So remember, only eat them when you're out and about, you hear? Good.
Oh, it's so good to be home after a long and busy day. Mind you, I've had busier days than this, being kidnapped by vicious men who want to take all my money and jewellery, going on missions for International Rescue...but at least I get to come home unscathed to you. My little sister. My little honey-bunny. The one I love out of all other people. Speaking of the dentist, I've seen Bluey and Bingo play at being dentists with their father while their aunt Trixie went to have a filling done. It's not an easy process, but it's natural to know that Bluey and her sister did more torture to their dad's teeth than a certain little girl had her's done by some sinister wolves.
Anyway, let's not talk about this incident now. You're safe here with me, and that's all that matters. No fillings for you, I'm sure there is nothing for you to worry about. Let's relax now and settle under a blanket. I'll teach you to brush the backs of your teeth later."