I wrote this blog post in February 2009. One of the first thoughts when my head hits the pillow is "Did I handle the day's parenting challenges wisely?". Did I discipline the best way? Did I give grace or mercy at the right time? Did I use each teachable moment that occurred? Friends joined us today for a playdate. ...
Sensory Processing Disorder
We Need Answers
Five years ago we were in the middle of a valley. Bubs (8) was failing the 2nd Grade, Little Man (4) was in a defiant rut, and ABCJLM was demanding focused attention. I felt alone, exhausted, and helpless. See if you can relate to this post I shared in 2013. I just finished writing a long note to Bubs' speech therapist. We are between a ...
When Your Children Don’t Match Your Parenting Dreams
For several months in my life, I had a severe "pity party." I was angry toward God because He refused to match my self-prophesied life plans. Ridiculous. I know... But in talking to other parents I find that I am not alone in my bitterness struggle. Parenting is not what we expect. The days are long. The work is brutal. Of course, there are ...
Why Early Intervention is So Important
You don't have to travel far into a conversation with me to know that I am a firm believer in early intervention. I've seen firsthand the difference it makes. I've also seen the struggles that occur when professional services are not sought for a child. Early intervention provides a child with the professional help he or she needs to address ...
Encouraging Your Child
If you watch the ABCJLM YouTube Channel, you know that I believe children need firm boundaries draped in love. But in having children with disabilities, I have learned that sometimes discipline is not the answer. Let me explain with a blog post that I wrote six years ago... Bubs struggles with new things. New foods, different places, and ...
Simple Ways to Provide Sensory Input When Away From Home
Several times on this blog, I have talked about the amazing transformation that occurs when my boys jump on a trampoline. From complete meltdown to controlled behavior and focus. Something happens in their brains while jumping to help them regain control and obey. Sometimes I wish I owned a portable trampoline. One that would fit in my purse ...
Guest Post: The Unexpected Journey Part 2
Her 13-month-old daughter refused to eat any solid foods and was not growing. For all moms, this statement takes our breath away. But this is exactly where Cindy found herself two months ago. Did you read her story? Today Cindy is returning to update us on her Unexpected Journey. To make a long story short, something "clicked" for my baby ...
Guest Post: The Unexpected Journey {The Beginning}
Are you in a time of waiting? Waiting for answers? Waiting for God to move? We've all been there. But I think it is especially hard when the waiting involves our children. Today I invite you to a story of interrupted expectations, unknown answers, and waiting. I asked Cindy to share her ...
Ways to Serve Parents of Children with Special Needs
Throughout life's challenges, we have had people tell us "Let us know if you need help." I have learned that people either say this to make themselves feel better - like offering to help takes them off the hook - or they say it because they really don't know what to do. One area of my life that I have received many blank stares is coming along ...
Creating a {Do Not} Worry Book for Children and Adults
The outward appearances are different but the internal feelings are the same. Fear. Anxiety. Worry. For Bubs, it manifests itself in him tensing his body and opening his eyes very wide. In Peanut and my niece, their fingers go to the mouth. For me, worry results in tense muscles and a pounding headache. All signs of worry about a present ...