My friends and I, now in our 40s, think fondly about a class that we took 30 years ago in Grade 9, which remains one of the most useful classes ever. “Personal Life Management,” or PLM for short, covered practical life skills, including financial literacy, through reflective discussions, journaling and assignments. I thought about PLMContinue reading “Teaching Kids Personal Life Management”
Tag Archives: FASD
When a Child Loses A Pet
Our sweet Lanaya unexpectedly left us this week, the first time T has experienced the loss of a pet. Lanaya was a wonderful part of our family for 10 years and for almost all of T’s life. She came into the hubby and my life on Canada Day 2015, when we adopted her and ourContinue reading “When a Child Loses A Pet”
Meeting a Karen
“Aren’t Karens mean?” T asked when I let him know we found him a tutor. It was not the first time he’s made such a comment. The other time was directly at a grocery cashier named Karen. Thankfully, in the case of his new academic support, she has been wonderful and kind so far. FindingContinue reading “Meeting a Karen”
It’s All in the Details
An important lesson that school teaches kids is that details and presentation matter; and they help move average towards excellent. Two weeks ago, we learned that T had to complete a diorama about a Canadian region of his choice and accompanied by a research report and presentation. My first thought was “What fresh hell isContinue reading “It’s All in the Details”
Lost in Translation
Learning a new language is hard. Having a laugh with it, intentional or not, makes it fun. Like other Grade 4 public school students, T started French class this year. It’s a good thing the hubby is fluent, so he can help T with the work, as needed. His CYW shared photos of T’s presentationContinue reading “Lost in Translation”
This Grateful Heart
When chaos disrupts my peace, gratitude helps reframe my focus to face the challenges ahead. On our recent flight home from a wonderful family vacation in Mexico, T had a full-blown meltdown during boarding. The hubby had deleted his favourite game from the phone, which I had advised the hubby against giving to T beforehand.Continue reading “This Grateful Heart”
On the Edge of Saturday Night with Kylie Minogue
An ice storm couldn’t keep us away from a night 16 years in the waiting with pop queen Kylie Minogue. The Australian icon brought her Tension Tour to North America, with her first stop at Toronto’s Scotiabank Centre on March 29. The weather was miserable; freezing rain and ice storms further north of the city.Continue reading “On the Edge of Saturday Night with Kylie Minogue”
The Deadly Walk
Writing helps me process my world. Reading T’s school writing work, I see he might’ve done the same. As an ice storm descended in our city, I settled into my Friday evening and noticed an artwork that T had created in his school folder. Upon closer inspection, it was an image of what looked likeContinue reading “The Deadly Walk”
Another Lap Around the Sun
I celebrated my 44th birthday weekend with my two favourite guys on a rare Saturday night out at a glow-in-the-dark trampoline park. We piggybacked on one of T’s peers’ birthday party. It started at 8:30 when I am usually getting ready for bed. 😂 I enjoyed sitting on a couch watching T have a blast.Continue reading “Another Lap Around the Sun”
March Break in Mexico
For March Break last week, our family returned to Cancun, Mexico and had a blast. The week leading up to the trip, T’s excitement was palatable. On the Friday before the break, I picked T up from school at lunch, to let him relax in the afternoon, as we had to get up at 2Continue reading “March Break in Mexico”
The Exceptional Caregivers Life
I’m excited to share that a podcast I worked on has launched! The Exceptional Caregivers Life features real and compassionate conversations about the highs and lows of caring for individuals with disabilities and complex needs. Created by Surrey Place’s Family Advisory Council and hosted by members Liz Phipps and Wendy Robertson, our podcast features stories ofContinue reading “The Exceptional Caregivers Life”
Awards Season
We all need recognition sometimes, as it boosts confidence, motivation and self esteem. It’s Sunday night and T is taking a bath while I’m relaxing with the Oscars. They just handed the first award to Kieran Culkin for Supporting Actor and he gave a joyful speech. Oscars night has changed since my 20s when friendsContinue reading “Awards Season”
Full STEAM Ahead: Nurturing Creativity and Curiosity in Neurodiverse Kids
It turns out our sweet T has burgeoning skills other than driving me batshit crazy. I say this with love and fondness. 😇 I recently watched the documentary “I’m Tim,” about the rise and tragic loss of EDM artist Avicii, whose upbeat music T and I enjoy. It struck me how supportive his parents wereContinue reading “Full STEAM Ahead: Nurturing Creativity and Curiosity in Neurodiverse Kids”
Lean on Me
Who we lean on during the hard times. That is the definition of family. A few days after T’s birthday party, I got quite sick. Fever over 40 and after a day sitting in Emergency, I was prescribed antibiotics for pneumonia. Yes, twice in less than two years. Fun! During the four days I wasContinue reading “Lean on Me”
At Age 10, We Threw Our Son his First Birthday Party
Our little guy is 10! 10, double digits, how is this possible?! It was just yesterday that he was learning to walk, we had just started potty training and I was counting with one hand the number of words he could say. T had his first-ever birthday party on Saturday at Skyzone Trampoline Park. I’veContinue reading “At Age 10, We Threw Our Son his First Birthday Party”
His First Real Sleepover
A weekend in December gave T his first taste of a beloved childhood tradition. As a parent, I wish for T to enjoy all the common childhood experiences, such as camping, birthdays and sleepovers. He had his first “sleepover” two summers ago at his grandparents’ cottage. He slept in a tent outside with his AuntContinue reading “His First Real Sleepover”
Window to His Soul
Art is healing, inspiring, a form of self expression and for caregivers, a glimpse inside their children’s thoughts. Before Christmas break, T’s teacher sent home his fall school work, which included his journal. This past week, I started reading his daily journal entries and they are a delight. I remember my very first journal, aContinue reading “Window to His Soul”
Finding A Big Brother Mentor for Our Neurodiverse Son
This is a tale in two parts and one tail. One of our goals for this school year is to help T build positive peer and social relationships. These are often cited as challenges for individuals with FASD for reasons that include dysmaturity, regulation and impulsivity. As kids with FASD get older, research has shownContinue reading “Finding A Big Brother Mentor for Our Neurodiverse Son”
Visiting the Real Life Schitt’s Creek
We kicked off 2025 with a daytrip to the real-life Rosebud Motel from Schitt’s Creek, located in Orangeville, an hour drive from Toronto. The drive was relaxing. The highway and roads were quiet and there was light snow further north. Schitt’s Creek is a beloved Emmy-winning Canadian comedy series that ran from 2015 to 2020.Continue reading “Visiting the Real Life Schitt’s Creek”
You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile
Christmas was full of relaxation and melancholy. We kept plans to a minimum – family dinner on Christmas Eve and dinner with friends tonight – and otherwise, lazy days at home. On Christmas, I opened my eyes at 7 am and T’s head was poking through our door like a ferret. I quickly shut myContinue reading “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile”
My Life With T 