December 31, 2010

Solving Problems...And My First Giveaway

This year has been a lot about problem solving. Moe is only 3 1/2 so we're still pretty new at understanding his particular brand of autism. I'm looking forward to spending some time reading all of my past blog posts and summarizing some of the problems we've encountered and where we've succeeded or failed. I think it will help us have a more manageable 2011.

But before I do that, I want to write about one more problem we had and how we've remedied it. Moe has always been a pretty good eater, but over the past few months, we couldn't get him to sit still at the table. He outgrew one booster seat, and we got him a really comfy one, but he still never seemed quite comfortable. He was always squirming or sitting sideways. We figured out that the main issue is that his feet dangle. As someone who is quite vertically challenged myself, I understand that this is uncomfortable. But how do you fix this on a 3 year old?

We decided to get a Tripp Trapp chair. I've always like the aesthetic of the chair. I love child-friendly furniture that doesn't look like baby furniture but wasn't sure we needed it. It is just expensive enough that I had to really justify it. But the great thing about this chair is that both the seat and footrest are height adjustable, so it can continue to be an ergonomically correct chair for Moe. And if he gets tired of it someday, it also works as a chair for adults, so I can reclaim it for a desk chair. I'm picturing it at the little computer nook in my fancy new kitchen in my big new house. (That last part may be pure fantasy, but a girl can dream.)

We got it in the walnut finish, with the Fresh Stripe cushion, so it matches our decor perfectly.My only complaint is that I wish the cushion were an oil cloth or more wipe-able fabric. But it is machine washable. I love this chair so much, I got a second one for Jelly. No more high chairs - hooray!

We later mentioned this to our occupational therapist, who said that when a kid's feet are dangling they are focused on that and not on whatever they are supposed to be doing, whether it is paying attention in class or eating a snack. I'm not sure why we didn't just ask her in the first place. But we felt pretty proud of ourselves for analyzing the problem, brainstorming solutions and finding a really great answer.

And now for the best part! If you want a Tripp Trapp chair, or any other modern furniture or accessories for your kids (or yourself), I'm giving away $35 to AllModern. If you'd rather buy something for yourself, you can use the card at any CSN store! Just leave a comment below about a great solution you've discovered for your child, or really anything you feel like saying.

Giveaway open through Sunday, January 2, 2010. Winner will be announced on Monday, January 3.

The winner will be given a promo code worth $35 for use at any CSN Store. Cannot be used toward shipping. I was not given the Tripp Trapp chair, nor was I compensated in any way for this review. 

18 comments:

  1. That chair is really cool! Even cooler is that you found a great solution to a problem--great job, Mom!

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  2. I have always loved that chair, but like you said, it is hard to justify since it is pretty expensive! Maybe we should look in to one....Thanks for sharing the tip with us:)

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  3. I found your blog a few months ago and love it! My son, Sam, is on the spectrum and it's good to find someone who understands. I haven't come up with anything mindblowing lately but I did finally find something that keeps Sam's hands busy-a small plastic dog. How revolutionary. :)

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  4. What a great fix! It's wonderful when something that works can look so good at the same time.
    My kids are all older now but my middle one had such issues with his feet and anything that touched them. I learned to always turn his socks inside out because they were smoother on that side.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

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  5. That's perfect! Great idea!
    aubreyfick@yahoo.com

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  6. What a great idea! Those chairs are so pretty compared to plastic high chairs :) scg00387 at yahoo dot com

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  7. What a stylish replacement for the big and bulky highchair. I'll keep this in mind when we're ready to make the switch.

    megryansmom@sbcglobal.net

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  8. We have the same problem with Hallie, and not just for eating either. Like a lot of kids on the spectrum (and a lot of premature kiddos), she is low tone throughout her body. Unless she is seated 90-90-90 at a table, with her feet and arms stabilized, she cannot concentrate on eating (which she hates anyway), drawing (which she likes) or doing anything. So the Tripp Trapp chair is a great potential solution to those sorts of problems

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  9. My daughter Cameran has low tone due to Down syndrome. We have a bunch of those plastic high chairs that strap to chairs, but they are all super ugly compared to this chair!

    On another note, Cameran is very sensory-seeking, and bathtime was an ordeal. Cami loves the pool, but not her baths. One day when I figured she was gonna cry no matter what I decided to cool down her bath water to the point it was leaning away from tepid to downright cool. She loves it. Who knew? It's been smooth sailing since.

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  10. I think these chairs are super cool looking. I would love to use one in the future for my son. I have found that quick easy stimulating tasks for my daughter to do while I am on the phone or computer are helpful. (ie- go and find 10 things that have green on them, find a toy that starts with the letter "s", etc. It seems to help when your in a pinch.
    Thanks for the great giveaway.

    emsfsemsfs at gmail dot com

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  11. That chair looks really cool!

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  12. That's really a good idea! I hope it is working and continues to work!
    CSN stores are AWESOME! I LOVE this puzzle piece mirror! http://www.csnstores.com/Graham-and-Brown-42928-GAB1199.html

    stephanie_dunbar07(AT)hotmail(DOT)com

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  13. We have a Tripp Trapp chair for Audrey...I too was hesitant about the cost so my mom surprised us with it. She is now a tall almost 7 year old and it still works for her. You will easily be able to justify the cost because you will use it for years.

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  14. i can't stop talking about this chair after reading your blog. it does seem rather expensive, but it makes sense to use with kiddos like ours. thanks so much for always keeping me on the up-and-up in terms of items to purchase. happy, healthy new year. i know that good things are in store for moe and griff.

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  15. Love that chair! My daughter's little security item is a little stuffed elephant rattle and she will NOT sleep without it and panics a bit when we can't find her. As a result, she's filthy and it was hard getting her to part with it when I wanted to wash it. I made up a story that Nelly needed a "spa" and I showed her playing in the water, physically taking the toy and diving it through the fountain or water and pretending to swim, etc and even did a silly voice yelling, "Woohoo! I'm having so much fun!" Now she gets excited to give Nelly her "spa"! Funny what works.

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  16. What a cool looking chair! Thanks for the giveaway!

    eemoody77 at gmail dot com

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  17. Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway! That chair looks so neat! I love CSN's stores and how they have so much variety.

    gina.m.maddox AT gmail DOT com

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  18. We have converted our living room into a bedroom for our daughter and although we didn't know if it would work, it has! Thanks for this great giveaway!

    bridgestranslation at yahoo dot com

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