My Low-Expectation Parenting Goals for the New Year
Every new year, Husband and I make goals for everything. And I mean everything. Spiritual, financial, personal, business-related, marriage goals, family goals, reading goals, learning goals. All kinds of goals. StartFragmentWe don't like resolutions, because resolutions are something you make and then break. We like goals, because goals are something we work toward and may or may not accomplish throughout the course of a year, but at least we know we tried -- and just trying
The Gifts Autism has Brought Our Family
He snuggles in closer, smelling of baby shampoo with a hint of something sweet mixed in. His head still fits perfectly on my shoulder, warm and precious as we read "The Polar Express" for the millionth wonderful time. As I begin to turn the page that will lead the protagonist to the train, he puts his hand on mine and says, "Mom, religion doesn't matter to Santa Claus. Everyone who's good should get a gift." Amen to that. StartFragmentI have no doubt the magic of Santa will p
My 10 Ground Rules for Christmas Vacation
You are a mere two weeks away and I find myself a bit giddy thinking about all of the possibilities. I am so excited to capture every moment with my kids in the days leading up to Christmas. StartFragmentI made a promise to them that this year I will enjoy our time. I vowed to slow down and listen more. I expressed my excitement about reading Christmas books, eating cookies and sleeping under the tree.EndFragment I declared to thousands of people that "this year will be diffe
When Christmas is Both Exciting and Anxiety-Inducing for Your Child
Christmas was my favorite holiday when I was a child. It was a holiday that touched almost every aspect of our culture, both inside and outside the home, in a way that no other holiday did. META DATA DATA StartFragmentEverywhere I would go and everywhere I looked, things would be changed for Christmas, from holiday music and Christmassy store displays to seasonal crafts we did at school.EndFragment We brought a live tree into our home and covered it with lights and bright, p
10 Tips for a More Peaceful Christmas with a Special Needs Child (or Any Child)
I remember when my now 19-year-old Caleb was a young boy and how difficult Christmas was for him. Everything changes on such a big holiday. There are different foods; sleep schedules are off; people are in and out of the house; you are in and out of different houses. It can be a very loud and confusing time for a child with sensory difficulties. StartFragmentFor a while I tried to do everything like a neurotypical family. I failed. This made me stressed out and both Caleb and
How Our Holidays have Changed since My Son's Autism Diagnosis
"I want a roll," my son said through clenched teeth, anxiously staring at all the food laid out on the table. META DATA DATA StartFragmentLet's try some turkey too...just a little," I coaxed, feeling embarassed that my sister had slaved all day long, making a huge Thanksgiving meal for us, and my son was about to meltdown over there not being "anything to eat." EndFragment "No," he said firmly. "A roll. And then I will have some pie." StartFragmentAnother member of my family
To the Loved Ones who Don't Get Why We Leave Holiday Dinners Early
Right around this time of year, I start to get a warm feeling coursing through my blood. I love everything about the holidays - the sights, the smells and most definitely the foods. Most importantly I love watching the utter joy light up my son Brock's face. There's not much that can really put that look on his face, but the holiday season sure does. My holiday season looks much different then what I imagined when Brock was born. I imagined we’d spend days traveling back and