What does trying to be a "perfect mom" teach our kids?
I struggle, like a lot of moms, on not beating myself up each day on what I did right and what I did wrong as a mom. Sometimes I lose my temper and wish I hadn't immediately afterward. Sometimes I close my eyes and pray for strength and then the next day I wonder why it seemed such a big deal to me. Can you relate? ...more»
As a new mother, or expectant mom, the safety and security of your infant is your utmost priority. With newborns so vulnerable, leaving them in the care of another person when you must go back to work can be an enormous source of concern. How can you find a childcare situation that allows you to return to your job knowing your baby is getting the same loving attention you would provide? ...more»
Any mom who is guilty of still wearing maternity clothes when her "baby" is already walking and talking knows how hard it is to lose that last baby weight. Squeezing in time for a workout and planning healthy meals can become low priorities when the needs of your family, work and other obligations demand your attention. Take heart however—with baby steps in the right direction, you can lose that baby body....more»
How to make a trip to the dentist less stressful for kids with autism
Face it. You are no more excited about taking your child with autism to the dentist than he or she is about going. There are uncomfortable noises, sterile surroundings and weird instruments all around. It's a lot for your child to absorb. Fortunately there are dentists who get it and get kids with autism. They offer a few tips on how to make a trip to the dentist less stressful. ...more»
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and if you're like many parents, you'll be hiring a sitter and going out on a special date. Sounds great, but what about the other 364 days of the year?...more»
Making sure siblings of special needs kids aren't overlooked
Growing up the typical sibling to a child with special needs is anything but typical. These kids live with their sibling's diagnosis day in and day out. They tag along to countless doctor appointments and therapy sessions. Family time and money can be tight for their own extracurricular interests. They worry about their sibling's safety, quality of life and eventually their long-term care. They endure stares and darting eyes of curious strangers and hurtful remarks of peers who don't understand. While each sibling's experience is different—some good, some less so—none can truly be called typical....more»
My dad used to say life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent what you make of it. We all have challenges, some of us more than others, and will face some form of adversity during our lifetime. How you react to these obstacles tells a lot about how you view life in general. I find that if I surround myself with people who view life's challenges as an opportunity to grow and evolve that helps hold me accountable to do the same. If I let those who are negative in nature and choose to dwell on not making the most of things, I can easily get stuck trying to motivate and encourage someone who has absolutely no intention of helping themselves....more»
