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Tuesday, 12 November 2024

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

    "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."

    Sunday, 10 November 2024

    Cosily Cocooned - Self Care Tips

    Because the story may be too erotic for some.

    National Sundae Day - Sweet Activities!

  • DIY Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae station with a variety of ice cream flavors, sauces (chocolate, caramel, strawberry), and toppings like sprinkles, whipped cream, fruits, and nuts. Let everyone in the family customize their own sundae creation.

  • Sundae Taste Test Challenge: Grab some unique or unusual ice cream flavors and have a blind taste test. Rank the flavors and try to guess which is which.

  • Sundae Art: Use toppings to "paint" a scene or shape on your sundae. Kids (and adults!) can make faces, animals, or patterns with sprinkles, gummy candies, and fruits.

  • Sundae Scavenger Hunt: Hide sundae toppings around the house and let everyone go on a scavenger hunt to find them. Once everyone has found their toppings, they can build their sundaes.

  • Ice Cream Cone Sundae Parfaits: Layer ice cream and toppings in a glass for a parfait-style sundae or try making mini sundaes in ice cream cones.

  • Sundae and Movie Night: Pick a fun movie, and serve themed sundaes with toppings inspired by the characters or setting of the film.

  • Sundae Topping Crafts: For a creative twist, use sundae toppings to make crafts or play sensory games with kids. Arrange toppings into shapes on a plate or “glue” (with a dab of frosting) small treats onto a piece of paper to create sweet artwork.

  • Sundae Day Sweet Movies:
    Monsters Inc
    Strawberry Shortcake: The Sweet Dreams Movie
    Meet Strawberry Shortcake
    Children's Favourites Bumper Special
    Brambly Hedge: Spring Story

    National Singles Day - Treat Yoself!

    1.Self-Care Spa Day

    • Treat yourself to a relaxing home spa day. Start with a warm bath or shower, use your favorite skincare products, and even light some candles or diffuse essential oils. You could even go for a DIY facial, a luxurious hair mask, or a foot soak.

    2. Movie Marathon or Series Binge

    • Pick out a selection of your favorite feel-good movies or series and settle in with cozy blankets. Whether you’re into rom-coms, action, or animated films, choose whatever makes you feel happiest. Bring your dog along for cuddles and make it a cozy movie day.

    3. Order or Cook Your Favorite Meal

    • Enjoy your favorite comfort food, whether that means ordering in from a restaurant you love or cooking something special for yourself. Add a sweet treat or dessert if you like!

    4. At-Home Hobby Time

    • Spend some time doing something you enjoy but may not always have time for, like drawing, writing, knitting, or playing an instrument. It's a great way to relax and unwind, and it’s even better if you have a passion project you’ve been meaning to work on.

    5. Play with Your Dog

    • Spending time with your dog can be incredibly rewarding and stress-relieving. You could try teaching them a new trick, going for a long walk if the weather’s nice, or just playing around with their favorite toys indoors.

    6. Self-Reflection and Gratitude Journaling

    • Take a moment to reflect on the great things about being single and independent. Write down things you're grateful for, your goals, and everything you’re proud of. It’s a great way to celebrate where you are in life right now.

    7. Try a New Creative Project

    • Whether it’s baking something new, starting a photo scrapbook, or finally tackling a DIY project, letting your creative side out can be super fulfilling.

    8. Set Up a Cozy Spot for Reading or Meditating

    • Gather up some pillows and blankets, find a peaceful corner, and get lost in a book you’ve been wanting to read. Or if you prefer, put on a meditation track or calming music, close your eyes, and relax.

    Movie & TV Marathon:
    The Lost Worlds Of Gerry Anderson
    Noddy's Magical Christmas Adventures
    Noddy & The Island Adventure
    Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted
    Bluey: The Sign

    Saturday, 9 November 2024

    Music: Garden Island

    Traditional Hawaiian instruments are used in this piece of music, as well as bongo drums and penny whistles.

    Music: Milk Bath

    A smooth, gentle reggae tune with a few tickly rhythms added in.

    Music: Our Mental Health Day

    Dramatic, tense music with cellos and violins when we feel stressed from our mission, then the music softens to a gentle piano when we return home and relax, doing our favourite activities.

    Friday, 8 November 2024

    Our Mental Health Day

    Today has been really stressful for Lady Penelope, Parker and me. We were forced out on a mission for International Rescue, and Parker was so stressed he almost swerved off the road. But luckily, when Penelope contacted Jeff through her compact, he told us to have a mental health day. "Head home, do what you like to do, and get yourself recharged," he told us.


    So we went home, and that was exactly what we did: have a mental health day. While Parker put his feet up with a mug of coffee, Penelope and I had a little 'us time'. We did some painting together, and while Penelope made a pretty marvellous masterpiece, I did some messy hand painting, which came in useful at one point. Later, we both had a luxurious bath with lots of bubbles - for me, it was to wash off all the paint on my body, and we just relaxed and felt the water loosen our muscles. After we've dried, we settled in our pyjamas and had 'er ladyship's favourite cocoa - it was so warm and delicious that I couldn't help but ask for a second mugful, which made Penelope giggle. To see how warm we were, we put our feet together and wiggled our toes, which made us both giggle, like we were besties for life.


    Finally, we both felt extremely tired, so we went upstairs to clean our teeth and snuggle under the covers. We were both safe and warm together in bed, dreaming of another day of fun - just us two, together.

    Garden Island

    Lady Penelope had a stressful day of going on mission after mission for International Rescue, so she needed to have a relaxing sit down in her lounge. However, it came as no big surprise to her when she found a set of golden footprints leading out of the lounge. She decided to follow them.


    Through room after room she followed them, until she found me dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, with a lei around my neck. "Follow me to Garden Island - it's a vacation you don't want to miss out," I smiled, and I lead Penelope into the garden. It was decorated in hibiscus flowers and fairy lights which glowed in the light of the dark sunset. Penelope was shocked and amazed by her surprise, and gave me a big hug. "Thank you for a marvellous surprise, little Sybil," she smiled. "My pleasure," I said.


    We spent the rest of the evening pretending to fish and cook on a pretend fire (which is actually a lantern), and relaxing, embracing how simple island life is. Penelope was so relaxed, she forgot all about the stressing mission and just enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, with me by her side...


    That is, until Parker got washed up on our 'island'. "Oh, a visitor!" I cried, "How kind. You know what, dear islander? We shan't eat him. We should just welcome him into our fray."