Tip of the Week: In his words – Patrick

Some of the most important lessons that I have learned have not been in school but in casual conversations with the kids and adults that we support. This conversation taught me that our best intentions sometimes fall short. Listen to what each child is saying, step to the side and allow them to take the steps to grow.

Patrick: I wish people wouldn’t try to solve my problems for me.

Patrice: Tell me what you mean.

Patrick: If I’m having a hard time or am facing a problem, I should be given a chance to solve it instead of everyone trying to fix it for me.

Patrice: Can you give me an example of when that happened?

Patrick: If I’m arguing with a peer, don’t make it so I’m not around him, let me talk to him and work it out. How can I learn to get along with people if everyone jumps in and does what they think is best? What’s best is for me to learn to get along and I have to do that on my own.

Patrice: I think I’m guilty of doing what you’re describing.

Patrick: You are.

Patrice: I’m sorry.

Patrick: It’s ok. You mean well.

Patrice: My job is to help you and if I’m doing something that isn’t helpful, you can tell me and I’ll stop. Ok?

Patrick: Ok. And my job is to do well in school and to be a good person. You can tell me if I’m not doing those things and I’ll stop.

Patrice: That sounds like a deal.

Patrick: Deal.

 

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi syndrome specialist. She works with Latham’s residents with PWS, their families, and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices. Do you have questions for our PWS specialist? Submit your “tip” topics or general questions to TipTopics@LathamCenters.org.

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