I read a blog one day from a mother of a child with Down syndrome. “I love my daughter but I’m not ready to celebrate Down syndrome.” I just want to say that I hear you. And I validate you. You don't have to be a cheerleader every day. Sometimes in our special needs circles certain types of people are pushed forward as spokespeople. You’ve got the instantly accepting parent … [Read more...]
How I Respond When Someone Says, “I don’t know how you do it!
"I don't know how you do it." Special needs parents, raise your hand if this a sentiment you hear often. I hear it a lot. And I attempt a charming joke, "Not very well, that's how I do it." Small, calculated chuckles abound for five seconds making my conversation partner and I both feel good. But then the laughter dies, and I look away. I don't think the other person believes me when … [Read more...]
I don’t know how you do it
"I don't know how you do it." Special needs parents, raise your hand if this a sentiment you hear often. I hear it a lot. And I attempt a charming joke, "Not very well, that's how I do it." Small, calculated chuckles abound for five seconds making my conversation partner and I both feel good. But then the laughter dies, and I look away. I don't think the other person believes me when … [Read more...]
Special needs holiday challenge: pick one thing… And DO IT
Special needs holiday challenge: pick one thing... And DO IT The difficulty of doing After speaking to a group of moms about bridging the gap between families affected by special needs and others, one mom approaches me. "Can I talk to you? It is just getting harder to do things outside of the home now that my son is older. He gets over-stimulated in new environments, and it is … [Read more...]
Daily Bread: parenting kids with special needs
Daily Bread: parenting kids with special needs "How do you deal with the possibility that you could be a 'forever mom,' that is, that Polly and Evangeline may never leave home?" a young mom asks me after I finish sharing our family's story with her MOPS group. I get this question often. It makes sense. I have children with special needs. We are unsure of the future. Will they live on their own … [Read more...]
Setting a fly free, learning to hold on in special needs parenting from author Gillian Marchenko
Setting a fly free, musings about special needs parenting from author Gillian Marchenko When special needs parents struggles, sometimes all they can do is hold on. Because their children are worth it. I sit here on Wednesday morning, second cup of coffee in hand, greasy hair, same yoga pants from yesterday, Polly and Evangeline (who both have Down syndrome) watch Angelina Ballerina for the … [Read more...]