Page 24 - Laker Connection Fall 2016

it helped them to grow into strong, well-adapted individuals. Even with endless options to modify their home to be more accessible as they reno- vate their fixer upper, they have plans to remodel their home at standard heights doing almost all the work by themselves.
The Johnston family navigate the world around them using creative methods to meet their needs. When the children were younger, Trent used mi- ni-blind wands to help the children be able to flip light switches easier. Now, the kids often help Am- ber in the grocery store by climbing in the shop- ping cart to reach higher items. They also use stools throughout the house to aide reaching the counter.
“We try not to be helicopter parents. We really want the kids to work out their problems themselves”
While pedal extenders for automobiles are com- mercially available to adapt the gas and break pe- dals for someone of smaller stature, Trent prefers to make his own. Even as his eldest child began learning to drive this past year, he took the time to create Jonah’s pedal extenders.
“We try not to be helicopter parents. We really want the kids to work out their problems themselves. If it’s trying to reach something in a high cabinet and they come to me and say I can’t get it, I always say, if you want something bad enough, you will figure it out. The kids have learned to grab a mop or a spatula to reach things. They are learning to adapt,” says Trent.
The parents have started guiding their children down their future career and educational paths by helping them channel their interests.
“There is nothing in this world that is free...you have to study and learn that material to make tho- se grades...do the work to earn the money. I call it tough love sometimes, but it’s lessons the kids need to learn. Like every parent, we want best for our children,” says Trent.
Trent says it’s not only tough love, but also truly the love they have for each other and their chil- dren that is absolutely evident in every episode of their show. He says they simply keep it real with no script. Their show is built around what is actua- lly happening in their lives.
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We live by the mantra to use your resources, to think creatively and be personable