Expectations for the Child and Siblings

The week is meant to be fun for the whole family.  The entire family helps generate each day’s plan of activities, and we are able to address a family’s concerns in almost any environment.  For example, if a family struggles with a bossy, controlling child, those issues and behaviors can present themselves in the home environment or during an outing.  Or, if a child tends to withdraw from social engagement, this tendency occurs in both the home and in the community.  Thus, each family picks activities that reflect their typical opportunities at home and in their community.  Portland has a lot to offer and the PACE staff can guide your family’s learning while at a book store, the Children’s Museum, or grocery shopping.  So, from the child’s perspective, this need not be a week of “therapy.”  This is a week of adventures.

Despite the effort to create a fun, adventure-filled week, there is no doubt that many of the children are challenged to their potential during the week at PACE Place.  Although the backdrop of the week is a series of family-friendly activities, there can be some frustrating moments because we are addressing your child’s areas of difficulty.

You are encouraged to bring your other children as it will help us better understand your entire family system.  Like “real life,” all of your children will participate in the day’s activities as much as possible.  Like many families routinely practice, sometimes a “divide and conquer” strategy is employed to optimize learning.  We do not provide or arrange for child-care for your little darlings.

Many siblings are grateful for the week’s experience at PACE Place.  As often is the case, siblings are expected to be very flexible, compensating for a non-flexible sibling.  Often siblings are extraordinarily compassionate and are eager to help; they are thrilled to have an effective role with their brother or sister.  All too often, siblings are frustrated by the amount of time their parents spend with their brother or sister and are relieved that some new strategies may give their parents a better handle on the child with challenges and free up time for the other children.