Pay It Forward: Handy Links

It never ceases to amaze me how an idea for a post can morph into something entirely different the moment pen meets paper. My original intention was to post a list of handy tips and resources I've culled from the Internet over the past few months.

I thought I'd add a few more links to my already burgeoning list, so yesterday I went online in search of blog posts or websites that offer information on making life a little easier, especially for parents of intellectually disabled children. And then I stumbled upon the FOX 4 News website.

“Fox 4 News is Working for You with an uplifting new series of stories. It's called "Pay It Forward," and we're giving you the chance to help change someone's life. Each week, FOX 4's Kathy Quinn shows us what happens when someone you don't expect steps up at just the right time to make someone else's life a little easier. You'll be amazed at the way you'll feel when you help us "Pay It Forward." "

I loved the concept, but as my husband often says, what's not to love? Somehow I ended up at the Random Acts of Kindness site. After scrolling down their 100 Ideas for Kindness, I realized that it’s the little gestures that sometimes count the most. “Laughing out loud often, and sharing your smile generously”; and "Extend a hand to someone in need. Give your full attention and simply listen" are two examples that are easy to put into action.

So it occurred to me that my small gesture of the day could be a list of links that I think provide real value:

1. Helpful blog posts from Beginning Reading Help.
2. Tips for teaching personal hygiene in young children with intellectual disability. in young children with intellectual disability.
3. Try This Tuesday: Showers of Independence Terri, author of Barriers, Bridges and Books, shares tips on hygiene. (‘Try This Tuesday’ is devoted to “sharing solutions that make life easier.”)
4. Resources, support and help for the child with developmental disabilities. (About.com: Special Education).
5. Procedures for Reducing Dental Fear in Children with Autism.
6. Tips for Successful Haircutting, Autism Speaks:
7. Differently Abled!: This web site is based on a guide that Amazon.com and Toys R' Us created. It is used to help people select toys for children with different abilities.
8. Musical potty training for kids with autism.
9. The President's Choice Children's Charity: Offers financial assistance to purchase equipment or services to families who have children born with disabilities.
10. Canada Benefits Website: Government-wide information about benefit programs and services for individuals.
    

That’s it for now. I'll save the rest for another time.

What about you? Do you have a pay-it-forward idea? Or a handy tip that you’d like to share with us?

Young Girl Helping Others via Noolmusic.com


Photo: latddotcom. Taken in Central Square, Cambridge, MA, outside 1369 Coffee Shop, during the Stranger Exchange's first week of launch (October 2009).