It's already been a long summer. My six-year-old son James is out of his routine and out of sorts. For a week he even went through a phase of getting up before dawn, only wearing green shirts, and would melt down when we asked if he wanted to swing (both in our backyard and at the park). Of course, it was also the week my husband was out of town. I felt alone and exhausted. In Exodus we … [Read more...]
101 Ideas for Keeping Your Child with Special Needs Busy All Summer
Already wondering how you're going to fill those long summer days? We've got 101 fun ideas to keep you and the kids (or grandkids) busy! Plant a garden Find a pen pal Start a new collection Climb a tree Make crock-pot apple sauce Play in the sprinkler (affiliate link) Pick strawberries Water balloon toss Try essential oils (tips on using lavender from My Blessed … [Read more...]
In Honor of Autism Awareness Month: How We Can Help Each Other
Soon after James was diagnosed with autism, I knew I had to learn as much as I could so we could get him as much help as possible. I researched therapies, diets, doctors, sensory toys, and safety measures. I spent hours figuring out what would work for him and tried anything that sounded promising. I switched from worrying mom to warrior mom. In 2011, the LA Times wrote a four-part series on … [Read more...]
How Friends, Families, and Churches Can Help Special-Needs Families
If you have a friend, family member, or church member who has a child with a special need or disability, here's how to help. The days after parents hear their child has a disability or special need can be difficult days. Most parents go through a mourning process. The expectations and dreams they may have had for their child die and new ones must take root. Some are in a whirlwind of doctor's … [Read more...]
Encouragement For the Days You Forget How Far You’ve Come
"Bye James! Have a good day at school. I love you." "Love you. See you morning." "No, not 'see you in the morning.' It's school time, not bed time." "James do you want an apple?" "Want apple?" "No, say 'yes' or 'no.'" "Yes or no." "No James, say 'yes apple' or 'no apple.'" "Yes or no." Some days I grow weary from the same-ness. From teaching the same lessons. From working on the same … [Read more...]
Your Child’s Differences Can Make a Difference in the World
One of my favorite women from the the Christmas story is Elizabeth. Luke tells us Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah were "both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years" (1:6). But an angel visited Zechariah and told him he and Elizabeth would have a son. But … [Read more...]