Last week Grandma visited us. This week we’re visiting Grandma. Things are still going well (hooray for new medicine!) but this will be short and sweet if only because our computer access here is limited, and any minute now five people will be asking me for their breakfast. I wanted to let you all know…
Tag Archive: special needs parenting
Do You Wonder What Life Would Be…
When you watch other children, the same age as yours…when you watch other children in the movies, through the streets, wherever you might be, do you ponder? Do you compare? Do you wonder what life would be if only things were just a little different? Do you wonder what your largest struggles could be? Stop…
What a Difference
I’ve had emotional whiplash all week. Grandma is visiting us this week. In case you don’t know the significance of those words you can read the worst part of it here. I’ve written about our struggles with her before. Turns out she does not have Alzheimers or dementia, per se, but the neurological damage she…
Our Children Will Grow Up: What Happens When A Vulnerable Population Becomes Even More Vulnerable?
At the end of our lives, we again become vulnerable. Charged to those with hands we hope are gentle, hearts we hope are warm. Family we wish…if all goes well. But what about our children? So many times we are focused on the now, as we should be, as we need to be…with the future…
What to Do With Stolen Moments in a Continuing Crisis
Our family floats upon a cloud that delivers us from one crisis to another, sometimes playing bumper cars with the these crisis’ making them all blend into an amazing storm. I’m currently taking Certified Nursing Assistant classes for 5 hours per night (5 pm to 10pm) four nights a week for four weeks…not to mention…
Anxiety
We attended a special evening story time at our library last week that helped define one of the child’s anxiety triggers. Since her expressive language is still somewhat limited, it is hard to talk about emotional responses like these…especially since she tries to downplay it after the fact. We’ve moved beyond some triggers – like loud…
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,…
Overcoming Compassion Fatigue In Your Family
There’s a new diagnosis on the block. This time, it’s for us – the parents. A few months ago, I wrote about a must-watch stress documentary for special needs parents. Yesterday, while visiting my daughter at her residential treatment facility, I discovered a term that explains what we face even better than stress. Compassion fatigue….
Surviving “Too Many Balls In The Air”
The holiday has passed, the change of season seems to be upon us – something I am nothing short of thankful for. It’s this time of the year I get energized, my mood is much happier, the bounce is added to my step. If this morning is any indication, it’s a good thing it is….
We’re all Different…We’re all the Same
I’m writing a story with the child about the things that make us different from each other. I’m hoping this will be a soft entry to explaining her challenges and her triumphs over them in a way that is positive and yet open and honest. We’ve already talked about how even the people in our…