Finding Peace, After Autism
For the first two months of his life, all my son did was cry. He cried in the morning, while I made breakfast for my three-year-old daughter, who covered her ears in annoyance. He cried from his perch in the tiny bouncy seat on the bathroom floor, as I stood in the shower and rested my aching head on the tile wall. He cried all night long, as I paced the room with his tiny body in my arms. Is he hungry? Is he wet? Is he in pain? I never knew. I never could tell! Nothing I tri
The 2 Places You Go When Your Child Receives an Autism Diagnosis
Autism Speaks recently shared one of my blog posts, “What My Kid With Autism Wants You to Know About Him.” Well, actually, it was more like my son Ryan’s blog post since it was his voice and his words. There were a lot of lovely comments from parents who “got it.” They understood autism doesn’t define their children and so much more lies beneath that label. There was one comment, though, that pierced my heart: “My son was diagnosed today. I needed to read this.” As I read thi
ADHD Behavior Therapy: Promoting Discipline & Focus in Kids
If your child has been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD, ADHD) chances are, your physician has discussed or prescribed ADD drugs. You may also have learned that behavioral therapy, also called behavior modification, may be helpful. As you try to figure out the best treatment for your child, bear in mind that these two therapies are not mutually exclusive options. In fact, they often work best together in solving ADHD behavior problems. This is clearly shown by t
3 Unexpected Ways to Help Your Kids be Mindful about Screen Time
Scientists may be debating whether our attachment to technology should be considered a formal addiction, but parents of school-aged children don't need to wait for academic consensus to recognize that our devices have in many ways transformed our lives and family dynamic. "It's an interesting question about whether we're addicted or just overly attached," James A. Roberts, author of the forthcoming book Too Much Of A Good Thing: Are You Addicted To Your Smartphone? told The H
How to Boost Your Child's Self-Esteem: ADHD Parenting Advice
Many kids with ADHD and learning disabilities also struggle with poor self-esteem. Here's how parents can help. When children feel good about themselves, everything goes a little easier for them and their parents. But poor self-esteem is a big problem for ADHD children--and an even bigger problem for the 50 percent or so of ADHD children who also have learning difficulties. To feel good about themselves, children need two things: the sense that they're successful, both social
An Open Letter to My Kids about Summer
Hey Kids, Feel free to leave your stuff wherever you want this summer. Half-finished smoothies in the family room? No problem. I got it. Socks in the hall. I'm on it. Dishes in the sink? Keep 'em coming. Legos? Everywhere? Love it. Oh, and feel free to drag your blankets all over the house and abandon them the moment you no longer want them. I'll fold them lovingly for you and return them to your rooms. And doors? Shutting them is optional. I'm right behind you, so, seriously
Characteristics of Autism Parents
You can find a lot of literature and books that list all the effective traits of being a good parent. Most often than none, those traits are very true. But what does it take to be a good autism parent? What does it take to be a good special needs parent? The parenting styles and traits are not comparable to parenting neurotypical kids with no disability. Since being a mom to two boys on opposite ends of the spectrum, I will tell you what I have learned that works with my boys
Why I Want my Daughter to Feel Entitled
Entitlement -- it's pretty much a parenting curse word, a bullet to dodge, a badge of shame to bear. Not for me. Entitlement is a parenting goal of mine; it is something to aim at and tirelessly work towards. I want my daughter to feel entitled to love and be loved. I want my daughter to feel entitled to respect. I want my daughter to feel entitled to dream. When I state these wants of mine, I feel utterly confused that anybody would frown upon this concept of entitlement for
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
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.