“They don’t want to play with me!” She yells, stomping up the stairs and throwing her book bag down the hall. As is my daily habit, I wait until she blows off steam and it’s calm in her room again. Then I walk in, plop on the floor next to her where she’s creating an…
When Online Meets In “Real” Life
When we moved to Toronto over 4 years ago, we left behind our families, friends and support system. Since we were moving into a new place where I didn’t know many people, coupled with an 8 month old daughter, I was isolated a lot and began reaching out via the internet to make some connections….
Choices!
Every time I write about inclusion, there are as many who reply that it doesn’t/wouldn’t work for their child as there are who share my inclusive vision for My Boys, and another bunch playing around the middle ground by choice or by force. I, personally, advocate for inclusion as I am an inclusionist (not by Wikipedia’s definition). I want…
…But What About the “Other” Kid?
Jack is homebound currently. We are anticipating him entering a virtual school next fall. If not, then he’ll homebound some more. Jack isn’t my only child. I have a very neuro-typical child. As a matter of fact, she’s the most wonderful kid in the whole world. She’s bright and compassionate and funny (just like her…
Getting Included in the Mainstream Classroom Despite SPD
Every school year proves to be different than the one before; this year is no different. This year though has proven to hold an interesting change; J’s teacher wants him. Now, that simple statement is convoluted and confusion. I’m sure some of you might be saying ,”of course J’s teacher wants him” or “does that…
Progress Report
About eight months ago I shared a story about the challenges of my daughter interacting with neurotypical peers on the playground after school (and presumably during school, though I am not there to witness it.) At the time she was trying to master the game of bar tag, and all of the social intricacies surrounding it,…
Special Exposure Wednesday – Vote For Kayla
No photo of the boy today. Instead, I’d like to ask all of you to help one of our kids, Kayla, win “The Most Beautiful Eyes” contest. All the details are here. To go straight to voting, just go here. As a thank you, here are some flowers & chocolates, 🙂 Share what you managed…
Helping Siblings Deal with “Survivor” Guilt
A month ago my 8 year old entered a residential treatment facility. Three weeks and 6 days ago, my 9 year old began to feel horrible about it. No matter how hard things had become at home with her little sister’s behaviors, her absence brings anxiety. Partly because said 9 year old has challenging behaviors…
Beginning to Loath The IEP
As special needs parents, we all find ourselves fighting for our children. (Even ‘typical’ parents do.) Adam and I often look at each other and comment that raising a special needs child shouldn’t be so hard. Why are there so many hoops to jump through? I’m tired just trying to keep up with the girls….
I Went to the Dark Side…
I did it. I went to the Dark Side. All this time, I’ve been super vocal about the difference between being an advocate and being a…. well, you know. Yesterday, all that changed. (To read the whole drama, go here) I felt bad about it all day. I felt like I had worked so hard…