As we normalize conversations about mental health, how do we support neurodiverse kids? I love watching T and kids play tag. I’m amused by how they apply “TO” (timeout) – whenever they don’t want to be tagged or need a rest. As I thought about this more, kids should be encouraged to take a TOContinue reading “Timeout”
Tag Archives: special needs
Here Comes The Sun
“Nothing makes the darkness go like the light…” Earlier this week, the hubby and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. The day began with dark clouds and high winds. Instead of seeing it as an unlucky #13 omen, I loved that the winds brought high waves in the usually calm bay – and with theContinue reading “Here Comes The Sun”
First Sleepover
A cotton candy sunset on the beach was the backdrop to a memorable first for our boy. Our three-week family vacation is flying by. We are creating happy memories while navigating super trying moments. Last Sunday, the end of week two, T was reunited with his cousin A, who was visiting for the week. AsContinue reading “First Sleepover”
Rushing Rivers Lead to Calm Waters
When you feel like you’re being pulled under by chaos, it may be best to go with the flow. We’re still at the hubby’s parents for our annual summer vacation – and T is having a blast with his grandparents and vice versa. While T has made so many gains since last summer, his useContinue reading “Rushing Rivers Lead to Calm Waters”
Crab Semetary
A child’s ability to find fun and enjoyment is as limitless as their imagination. The calming breezy saltwater bay ushered in the next wave of our family summer vacation. After a short visit from T’s aunt and cousin, we headed off early Friday morning on a 16-hour drive for our annual visit with T’s grandparents,Continue reading “Crab Semetary”
Summer in the City
Sometimes, you only need to look at your own backyard to find lots to enjoy. The big day finally arrived: T’s cousin A’s big summer visit. He’d only been counting down since they last saw each other at Christmas. After spending the weekend cleaning, I sat down Sunday afternoon to enjoy a cup of tea,Continue reading “Summer in the City”
The Homeless Man
Slowly, our little one’s innocence will be tempered with lessons about the hardships of the world. On a drive home this weekend, we stopped at a red light and a disshelved man approached each car, with a cup in his hands. We found two loonies in our car and I rolled down the window andContinue reading “The Homeless Man”
Early Morning Goodbyes
One blessing during the pandemic was spending more time together as a family. When I was losing my mind with virtual schooling, I stopped to think when else could I take a break during work to go for a walk with T or to eat breakfast together when I’d normally be at work. This summer,Continue reading “Early Morning Goodbyes”
Finding the Calm in the Storm of FASD Parenting
Any parent of a child with FASD will tell you that “calm” is like a mythical unicorn. A few weeks ago, a Saturday morning in the playground started off well enough. Then a little girl with her grandmother came over to the slide and T didn’t want to share it. I reminded T the slideContinue reading “Finding the Calm in the Storm of FASD Parenting”
Exploring Flowerpot Island and the Grotto at Beautiful Tobermory
We kicked off T’s summer with a camping weekend filled with nature at beautiful Tobermory. The highlight was Flowerpot Island at Fathom Five National Park, known for its rock formations, scenic caves and lighthouse. Our ferry ride to the Island on Sunday morning started with a tour of sunken shipwrecks along the Tobermory coast. TContinue reading “Exploring Flowerpot Island and the Grotto at Beautiful Tobermory”
Ignite the Night and Let It Shine
We started T’s summer with fireworks. On Canada Day last Friday – T’s first day of summer break – we headed off early morning to Tobermory for our first camping trip since 2018. Once we got past city traffic and into the country, the scenery was beautiful, including plentiful fields of golden yellow canola. IContinue reading “Ignite the Night and Let It Shine”
His First A!
As flowers bloom in our garden, T reaped a sweet harvest this week. Report cards were sent home during this last week of school. The hubby and I spotted T’s very first A right away – given for reading! We were so thrilled, because of how hard T – and all of us at schoolContinue reading “His First A!”
Stewing Over Things
Letting emotions stew is never productive. Stewing with tofu is a healthier outlet! One of the most challenging aspects of parenting a child with FASD are when they get emotionally disregulated. T’s meltdowns are hard. There are days when the hubby and I feel we are being verbally and physically threatened and attacked. As lifeContinue reading “Stewing Over Things”
The Power of Anticipation
After starting his countdown right after Christmas, the big day is finally near. T had a blast spending Christmas in New Brunswick with his cousin. When we got home, he asked how many more days till her visit this July. During a recent bedtime, I told him that it was 45 days until she visitedContinue reading “The Power of Anticipation”
Part of the Pack
A coyote and pine cones. Unlikely ingredients for friendship for a 7 year old. With warmer Spring days, T and I play outside after daycare pickup before heading home. There is a group of moms and kids that are there every day. It’s amusing watching T try to initiate play. He likes to be chasedContinue reading “Part of the Pack”
Gym Coach
I will soon add wannabe basketball coach to my CV. As a student, gym was not my strong subject. I did well in sports like cross country and baseball, but basketball terrified me. Similarly, participating in class, including gym, is an ongoing struggle for T in Grade 1, his first full year of in-person learning.Continue reading “Gym Coach”
Shifting Sands: 4 Days in Dubai
Ten years ago, we visited the unique city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. After an unforgettable trip to India, the hubby and I made a stop in Dubai on our way back to Canada. We made wonderful memories in our short four-day visit. We stayed near Jumeirah Beach. The white sandy beach isContinue reading “Shifting Sands: 4 Days in Dubai”
“Maybe Pick Another Dream…”
Every morning, as part of sending T off to school, we give him a post-it affirmation to read in the car. And yes, it’s usually sickeningly positive! 😆 With the topic of dreams still on my mind, we wrote him this message this morning: “Always believe in yourself and your dreams…” After he read itContinue reading ““Maybe Pick Another Dream…””
Travel in Light Years
How do we give children the space to dream and view the world with wonder? As children, movies and TV shows often tell us that anything is possible if you believe in dreams. As an adult, I have a nuanced view, because we don’t always get what we wish for – and that’s ok. AsContinue reading “Travel in Light Years”
Thank You For Being a Friend
Life is blessed and brighter if we have a Dorothy, Rose, Blanche or Sophia in our lives. During pandemic lockdown, I watched a lot of Golden Girls reruns. It was a show I watched after school in grade school and nicely complemented the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Revisiting the show as an adult, the storyContinue reading “Thank You For Being a Friend”
My Life With T 