Why It's Important to Make Your Bed when You have ADHD
In May 2014, Admiral McRaven gave a commencement speech at the University of Texas. In this inspiring speech, he gave the graduating students 10 Life Lessons on how to change the world. These life lessons came from his career as a navy seal. Seals are known for their physical and mental strength and their ability to perform warrior acts in brutal conditions. So it was fascinating to hear the first lesson was to make your bed in the morning. It seems to be such a simple thing
Hilarious Montage Highlights David Letterman's Best Moments with Kids
[Video available to view at the link below.] On the final episode of the "Late Show with David Letterman" this week, the iconic television host shared a hilarious video montage of his best onscreen moments with kids. The video is compilation of demonstrations from kid scientists, adorable Q&A's with little ones and some incredible bedtime stories. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To finish reading the full article and watch the video clip, visit the Huffington Post: Community Kind
I Hope my Children feel Loved even on my Toughest Parenting Days
Even during my worst parenting moments, I will not call myself a bad parent. It not only diminshes all of the good parenting I do, but it's just not true. I am not a bad parent, but I am far from a perfect parent. Some days, on the really, really hard days like we had recently, I didn't think I knew how to parent at all. Having young kids is tough, but usually the whining, crying, food throwing, and messes quickly transition to giggles, hugs, and goofy toddler behavior. The d
"I'm Too Upset to Learn" - Handling Difficult Emotions at School
Sometimes, our children will be faced with difficult emotions at school -- and be unsure of how to handle them. Teaching them these techniques can help them feel in control. One evening, several months ago, my 10-year-old son, Mark, was getting upset over simple things. After the second meltdown, I knew something was up. We went for a short walk and had a talk. "Tell me what's really going on." "I spilled my drink!" "I know that's upsetting. But you're having a '10-mile react
10 Things I Swore I'd Never Do when I became a Parent...I Do Every Day
For today's Top 10 Tuesday, I thought I would share some of my stellar parenting moments... I miss the days when I was a perfect mother with a perfect child...you know, when I was childless and still swimming in self-righteous parenting ignorance. I'm pretty sure the saying, "Never say never.", came from parents saying it to non-parents. So far, almost all of my pre-parent, I will nevers... I have done. Here are 10 of my top "Nevers" that I do and say on a regular basis... 1.
The Job Offer Letter We Should Send All New Autism Parents
Dear Liz, Congratulations on your successful appointment to the position of "Autism Parent." We understand you may be confused by this appointment, as you never actually applied for the post in the first place. You may also be concerned that there are no contact details in this letter, so you cannot write, call or email us to turn the position down. Your concerns are to be expected and will lessen over time. However, we would like to make clear right away that being an autism
To Be a Mom on Mother's Day
It's almost Mother's Day. Even in the wake of burying my beautiful, beloved mom, it is still my favorite day of the year. It's not becuase of the #1 Mom masterpieces, the cereal-and-brown-banana breakfasts in bed, or even the sweet kisses and declarations of love. It's because I am fortunate enough to be a mom. Motherhood is not a gift all women receive. And I know some moms don't get enough time on earth to fully raise a child. Each morning, I have the privilege of waking up
More Than A Mom
The moment you were conceived, you made me a mom. But as you started to grow, I grew too....and you made me more than a mom. 9 long months of pregnancy. I watched as my flat mid-section turned into a delightful baby bump...and then into a not quite as charming distended belly -- a belly that pinched nerves, aggravated joints and bullied surrounding organs. My once dainty feet swelled from bearing the weight of two humans, then merged upwards into barely identifiable ankles an
To the Women who Birthed my Children: Mother's Day is for You, Too
Each Mother's Day before church, I pose for a picture with my three children. Their little, sticky hands are cupped around a shoulder and my neck. Later that day, they present me with handmade cards, a dessert and the promise of an afternoon nap. I shower them with kisses and hug them tightly. My children don't have my eyes or my husband's thick hair. Each of our children is a beautiful mix of nature and nurture, a culmination of their birth families and us, their forever fam
I Dreamt of being Something Great, Now I'm a Mother
2002. The year of spaghetti strap tank tops, flavored lip gloss and $1 gasoline. Diet Coke added lime to their cans. Michael Jackson dangled a baby over a balcony and Nickleback ruled the Billboard. So, yah -- a few regrettables, but altogether it was a good year. I was a senior in high school and graduation was around the corner. Our school newspaper published The Senior Edition, a tongue-in-cheek prequel to the yearbook. The graduating class voted for "Who's Who" in silly c