Holiday Survival for Special Needs Parents christmas holidays special needs parenting

We had a wonderfully low-key Thanksgiving this year. Lots of food, lots of fun, and lots of downtime–the perfect combination for this introverted mama. And a recipe for success for Joey, who can get a little overstimulated and a lot grouchy when life is turned on its ear, even for fun...

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Sometimes I forget – Now on The Mighty! down syndrome down syndrome awareness special needs parenting the mighty

Sometimes I forget.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t actually forget my son has Down syndrome. It is with us every day when we slog through reading basic books, every time I struggle to understand what he is trying to say, and every time I wonder if he doesn’t understand...

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Dear Walmart... special needs parenting the special needs mom

Dear Walmart…

Dear Walmart,
Six years ago, my family was forever changed by the birth of my son Joey. He is sweet and funny and has a smile that lights up a room. People are drawn to his amazing personality, his...

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Supposed to be: Intention matters down syndrome hope joseph perspective purpose special needs parenting supposed to be

This isn’t how it’s supposed to be. We’ve all uttered those words at some point, but for a while they basically became my mantra. This morning I read through some old posts and journal entries from the days (ahem, months) following Joey’s Down syndrome diagnosis,...

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Created to be special needs parenting the special needs mom

Sometimes we find ourselves living a life full of plot twists we never imagined. We set out on a path in our youth, certain that we know where it is headed–when the Playwright of our lives has something entirely different in mind. A broken relationship, a traumatic accident, an...

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Better ways to approach a special needs parent special needs parenting the special needs mom

We have had quite an exciting time here in this little corner of the blogosphere this week! On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to share an article on The Huffington Post encouraging parents to talk to their kids about people with disabilities. And wow, what a response it has gotten! I am...

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“What’s wrong with that boy?” Now on The Today Show blog! disabilities disability awareness down syndrome special needs parenting today show

Friends, if you have been around for a while, you may have already seen this article, but I have BIG NEWS! I got an e-mail yesterday that this post is now being featured on The Today Show’s parenting blog!!! So may I humbly ask you for a favor? Please click on the link below, which will...

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When my daughter asked about her brother’s Down syndrome diagnosis – Posting at The Mighty down syndrome sibling love special needs parenting the mighty

“Mommy, can I ask you a question?” I could tell this was not going to be a simple yes or no question. I was packing her lunch, feeding her breakfast, and giving the baby a bottle. It wasn’t a great time for a heart-to-heart but I saw the thoughtful look in her eye and knew I...

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