Search Results for: blog parents try something new for a change in perspective

Blowing Off Steam

Having an ex adds a lot of undue stress in your life; have children with that ex and the stress multiplies by about a hundred…thousand…ok, it’s more like an infinite amount of stress that never ends with the signing of the decree. You’d think it get easier now that you’re not together, but it’s actually a lot harder when neither one of you is trying to make things work anymore. My ex and I try to keep things as civil as possible when it comes to Logan. I don’t want him to ever feel caught in the middle of his … Continue reading →

Encouraging Your Child to Keep Going

We sign our children up for activities and sports because of the fun and the education. Often we allow the child to pick a sport or instrument to gage their interests. Some parents get discouraged when a child seems to have a lack of interest in any extra-curricular activities. The reason is simple. A child does not have the experience or knowledge to know what he may like. The same way we make them try different foods or know the right Christmas gift even when the child gave no direction is how we guide extra-curricular activities. Yes, you simply pick … Continue reading →

Celebrate Autism Pride Day

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How will you be celebrating Autistic Pride Day? It takes place on June 18th every year. The purpose is to shift people’s views from thinking about autism as a “disease” to understanding it as a “difference”. It celebrates neurological diversity, and recognizes the value of those whose brains are not “neuro-typical”. There are many parents who truly feel devastated when they learn that their child has autism. I find that to be incredibly sad. I realize that there are a lot of people who simply do not have a good understanding about what autism is and that it comes in … Continue reading →

Loving an Angry Man

I’ll never forget a conversation I had with my husband early in our relationship regarding his anger issues. I was trying to ascertain whether or not he understood the impact his volatile temper had on his personal and professional life. When I realized that he didn’t necessarily consider his anger a negative attribute, I asked him, “How do you figure your temper helps you?” His answer was swift and decisive: “People are afraid of me, so they usually do what I want.” He was a little slower in answering my next question: “And how does it hurt you?” Like most … Continue reading →

Change What You’re Looking At, and Change Your Perspective

Sitting in the same desk, looking at the same wall, or having the same photos of your kids as babies staring back at you can be reassuring. You know what to expect and you feel comfortable and at home. It can also get boring, stifling, and keep you from seeing the world from a fresh perspective. It might be necessary to change what you look at while you work in order to get new inspiration. This strategy of changing the environment to jump-start inspiration is not new. In fact, it is the philosophy behind retreats, vacations and even going out … Continue reading →

Autism: Select a Good Doctor

I am astonished at some of the latest autism findings. There is evidence that some children with the diagnosis have been able to break free of their symptoms and live relatively normal lives, after receiving the right dietary and medical intervention. Some medical experts are suggesting that autism can be cured, in many respects. Since I have a son with autism, you can imagine that for me this is a very exciting thought. “I used to be autistic.” Recently I met an interesting gentleman at a writer’s conference. He is an actor, writer, and a storyteller, who performs for children. … Continue reading →

It is Okay to Say Things Out Loud (In Fact, It Helps)

How can we solve problems and face challenges if we don’t even know what they are? Or, if we do know in the deep recesses of our minds what the problem is, but don’t actually say it out loud and get it out on the table, how can we face it, tackle it, and get on with things? It seems that in dealing with our children, or with family issues in general, often the first and hardest step is stating the problem or issue out loud so that everyone can work on it. Unstated problems have a lot of power. … Continue reading →

Balancing Expectations With Reality

Having expectations is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, our expectations can guide us in the direction of our dreams, help us strive to become better people and develop new skills, and expectations can be a form of hope that gives us reason to get up in the mornings. It is also natural for parents to have expectations when it comes to their children—behavior, academics, sports, talent, etc. can all be areas where we carry expectations for our children. It is important, however, to find a way to balance our expectations with reality. In moderation, I think that letting … Continue reading →

I Can Take a Little Criticism

I fully acknowledge that I am a work in progress—especially as a parent. Even with a couple dozen years under my belt, there are days when I feel like a complete novice. This doesn’t mean that I don’t take my own advice and try to trust my instincts and have some compassion with myself—but I have had to learn how to take a little criticism when it comes to my parenting. Interestingly enough, a big hunk of that criticism comes from my kids. My kids are constantly letting me know now what they will and will not do “when they … Continue reading →

Ask Yourself—Is this Behavior Intentional?

“I just know he’s doing it to make me mad!” How often have we felt absolutely convinced that our child’s behavior (or that of a friend, coworker, spouse, family member, etc.) is intentionally directed toward us? How often do we discover that the behavior was not only NOT intentional, but it didn’t really have anything to do with us anyway? When facing behavior issues in our children, it can be a positive and important step to first try to determine motivation and figure out whether or not the behavior is intentional. Sure, there are plenty of times when a child’s … Continue reading →