Erik Said:

why is dss/child protection treating me as they are?

We Answered:

CPS/DSS can sometimes act as though they have the power! but they are not "Heman" dear, speak up it's the best you can do and I hate to say it but lawyer up, one of the things you should not have done was allow them to look about your home, by doing this you may have opened a can of worms that won't go away. Listen, don't sign anything with CPS/DSS without a lawyer present, Also do NOT make agreements with them. If they continue to they this Bullcrap with you file a restraining order against them, a lot of people don't know it but you CAN do this.

Lucille Said:

Do I have a Normal/Gifted/Genius child ?

We Answered:

No, you aren't biased, you're blessed with a gifted child. Lots of parents think children are too young to learn this or that, but it's been proven that children are very bright at toddler age, and can learn many things. Their concentration levels and attention span are very advanced, but most people don't realize this, so they don't encourage it at a young enough age. You not only have a gifted child, but you are gifted yourself, for taking the time and trouble to encourage your child to learn. Be generous with your praise. She is destined for greatness when she grows up. You are very lucky, indeed.

Lynn Said:

How do you react to the World Health Organization (WHO) raising the alert level to the second highest?

We Answered:

I think we should all be very cautious. this is no time to get arrogant.

As to the raising. They are simply adjusting to the new developments. this disease can easily spiral out of control.

Lorraine Said:

Another serious health warning, or another scare tactic aimed at parents...?

We Answered:

Serious health warning.

If Bonjela contains the same ingredients as aspirin then parents need to be aware.
Reyes syndrome is rare, but it IS serious.

Craig Said:

Autism: I would like your opinion, if my grandson is autistic or not?

We Answered:

He is as far from autistic as he could ever be. He engages with great eye contact and imitates verbalizations, and laughs appropriately.
As far as the speech development goes, he is still within normal limits for his age. Try having him imitate simple words rather than nonsense utterances. Start with easy stuff, like "ball", "bye-bye", "up", etc.
FYI, even if he had speech delay (which he doesn't appear to show), it wouldn't necessarily mean he's autistic. Autistic kids develop normally until they are about 2, at which time they lose the language function they already have.
Speech delay can be due to many other reasons; not all kids with speech delay are autistic.

Dwayne Said:

No dry nights for my seven year old - advice please?

We Answered:

My daughter is 6.5 and is the same way we use the GoodNites. She has seen our doctor and actually has a small overactive bladder that they are checking for deformities because she also get a lot of UTI's, I am waiting for the doctor to call back today with the results of the last test. So some of these issues are the way their bladders formed. I would have her checked by a doctor or Urologist. My doctor told me the alarms may work but she does not recommend them. The child's body has to learn to wake up on its own and in time it will. And by the time the alarm goes off the child is already wet, at least some.
They also have medication available but since it is only night I do not see the need to put her on medicine that is mainly made for adults.
Be patient with her and see your regular physician. I do not think I would get the school involved. I have tried setting the alarm clock and getting up with her and the poor thing just cannot wake up I have to hold her up on the toilet. My doctor advised letting us both get some sleep and give her body more time.
My husband also wet the bed until he was older than my daughter and it can be hereditary.

Wilma Said:

Can a health care provider force a patient into a nursing home?

We Answered:

This is a very hard position to be in. I was in something similar not so long ago; however there were other older people to make the final decision.

There are some cases where a medical professional can deem that someone is not safe in their own home; however depending upon the legal precedents that your father set up, he may be able to get the last say.

The hardest part about this whole thing is that the world forces you to learn policy & procedure of living wills, probate, power of attorney etc.. etc.. rather than spending that time with your father, mother and family.

I think what you & your family are doing is exceptional.. and while it is just what you all would do.. there are so many people that would not.

I wish you and your family ALL of the strength in the world. I do.

Do what you feel is best.. and if it is for him to remain in his home.. then fight it. I know it's a hassle and it makes reasonable people just shake their heads.. but while the medical world acts as if they are trying to keep your father 'safe' - in actuality they are just making a ruling on a patient. This is your father, not a patient.. the man you've grown up with, the man you love - the man you've looked up to.. and for all of this.. he deserves to live his remaining time with those that love him most.

Now, if it is deemed that irrespective of all the people around that none of you are medically knowledgeable to care for him... well, then they may be able to force your hands..

No matter what.,,, let your mother know what a superior person she is. It is never easy to say good-bye; however it is even harder to have someone force their decisions on your family.

I wish there was an easy answer.. but I think what you & your family are doing is great and I extend the most sincere well wishes of strength & love.

I wish you well.

I wish you peace.