Aug
06
8 Ways Simplified Living Improves Behavior for Extreme Children
While my husband and I have lived tiny with our two kids and our dog for a year now, the tiny life isn’t for everyone. Our decision to drastically downsize, Read more
Category: Motherhood
Aug
01
The Summer of “Yes”: How Changing My Vocabulary Changed My Entire Perspective
Our son received his first diagnoses three summers ago. Since then, four more have been added to his laundry list of what teachers and therapists would deem ‘special needs’. Our Read more
Jul
28
An Honest Letter to My Elementary School Son
Dear Son As You Brave Elementary School, School is so exciting to you right now, little one. You are unsure about what is to come but the unknown allows you Read more
Jul
16
Chill Out, Wives: 5 Reasons Your Husband Needs Bro Time
Ironically enough (because my life isn’t already an episode in Sarcasm Daily), I had this post set for this week before last weekend ever happened. I am learning, as I Read more
Jul
08
When Discipline Goes Wrong (Or Unexpectedly Right)
*Guest Post by Calleen Petersen of An Ordinary Mom My 5-year-old daughter’s room was a mess, like, can’t even get through the door mess. It didn’t matter how many times Read more
Jul
06
Dear Anxiety, You’re Robbing My Kids of Their Mama
I remember spending countless family dinners gathered around my grandma’s kitchen table with cousins, aunts and uncles, and my grandma…but sometimes my mom was absent. I never understood why anyone Read more
Jul
03
Summer Survival Guide for Parents of Extreme Children: Five Strategies to Enjoy Your Summer Break Together
I often write about the real life musings of raising a child with extreme behavior disorders. For other special needs parents like myself, the idea of spending two hot months Read more
Jun
22
Surviving Simplified Living With Kids: 5 Must-Know Tips
The tiny living movement is growing wildly in popularity, however, it is important to really evaluate things before you decide to downsize-especially if you have kids in tow. We have Read more
Jun
08
Overcoming Negative Self Talk When It’s The Only Inner Voice You’ve Ever Known
There is no question that going tiny has been a game changer for our little family. The decision to radically downsize has done a wealth of good for us, but Read more
Jun
05
My Secret Sanity-Saver When Traveling with an Anxious Child
Guest Post by Jaquelene Hall from Boogers Abroad We lived in Europe for three years and traveled to more than 20 countries with our boys. But one kid used to Read more
Jun
03
Dear Friend Of A Special Needs Parent
*Guest Post by Colleen Petersen of An Ordinary Mom blog You are likely wondering why I’ve disappeared from our friendship. It’s not you. It’s me. You see, right now I’m grappling Read more
May
23
ADHD And Bedtime: How To End The Ongoing Nightmare
Bedtime for most kids can be a pain, but trying to calm and soothe your ADHDer into a deep sleep can sometimes feel impossible. In our house, our son (who Read more
May
22
The Fine Line Between Loner and Lonely: 5 Reasons Why Some Kids With Behavior Concerns Struggle To Make Friends
Raising children with special needs is truly a calling that can change the way any run-of-the-mill parent views rearing kids. Our concerns and fears move quickly from Will they be picked Read more
May
16
Why Your ‘Harmless’ Comments Are So Hurtful To Parents Like Me
* Guest Post by Jaqueline Miller *Originally Posted on Scary Mommy As the mom of a child with dyslexia, I find myself dodging thoughtless, verbal grenades from people who don’t have Read more
May
08
Dear Mom, Sorry I Was A Total Sh*t Teenager
Seriously, how did you not kick me out by 16?! I was a pretty decent kid. I minded the rules, got good grades, the typically predictable behavior of a Type Read more
May
07
Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids
*by Margaret Latham Your kids may not be able to do all the same chores that you do around the house, but they can probably help out a bit. You Read more
May
04
Gifts Mom Will Love
Motherhood is arguably the hardest job any woman will ever accept. The seasons of motherhood ebb and flow from that first trimester tired to sleepless nights of teething, the awkward Read more
Jan
31
Dealing With The Diagnosis: 4 Ways to Overcome the Grief After Your Child’s Mental Health Diagnosis
I remember June 4th, 2016 with great clarity. It was the appointment we’d simultaneously hoped for and dreaded for years. Between my husband and I, we have over 30 years Read more
Jan
30
The Lord’s Prayer For Busy Mamas
Let’s call it what it is. While I do not wish to be sacrilegious or disrespectful by any means, some Sundays I am wishing they’d really let my whole cup Read more
Jan
29
Impostor Syndrome: Life as an Imperfect Parent
I don’t always pick the healthiest foods, or respond to my son’s ADHD meltdowns with the kindest words. But I’m not an impostor — I’m doing the best I can Read more
Jan
28
Dear Parent of A Gifted Learner: A Letter From A Desperate Teacher
Dear Parent of A Gifted Learner: A Letter From A Desperate Teacher, Moms and dads, first let me thank you. My endless praises go out to you for reading to Read more
Jan
26
Our Mirrors Are Tarnished: An Interview with Moms About Beauty
Fat, tall, thin, curvy, petite…we would all use different vocabulary to describe ourselves. But as I talk more openly with stark vulnerability, I am finding that my readers and even Read more
Jan
25
8 Tips For The First-Time Homeschooling Parent
Making the decision to homeschool your child is not one usually made lightly. Many families pray and pine over their choice. Will my child become socially awkward? Will my child Read more
Jan
24
In A Motherhood Slump: 8 Steps to Being YOU Again
In my twenties, sappiness was for suckers. I was driven. I was career-hungry. I was empowered. I didn’t have time for emotions! Now, ten(ish) years later, I can cry at Read more