A Practical Guide to Down syndrome and Special Needs Parenting
Watching Grace navigate kindergarten this year has given me a newfound appreciation for occupational therapy. It's not just the handwriting, it's opening a crayon box, drawing, turning pages of her math book, opening snack containers, using the restroom...the list goes on. Fine motor skills equal independence, friends. So give your little ones some opportunities to... Continue Reading →
Because of DS, Grace often stays in developmental stages longer, and I realized a few years back that this sometimes made me forget to challenge her to be independent in small manageable ways that helped us both. This is a list of a few products that have been invaluable to us in promoting her independence... Continue Reading →
Once Grace started walking, I'll admit that we focused less on gross motor development in favor of working on other skills. Often, I'd check off the physical therapy box at the playground, with obstacle courses set up around the house, or during free play . When we have decided to add a new toy to... Continue Reading →
Board games offer a fun way to spend family time while teaching children many valuable skills. Beyond counting, color identification, literacy, and hand-eye coordination, board games are a screen-free way to learn how to follow instructions, engage in problem-solving, promote teamwork, increase focus, and teach kids how to be gracious losers. We have an overflowing... Continue Reading →
Clockwise from upper left: 1)Doll by Little Wonder and Co.; 2)This is Ella book by Krista Ewart; 3)Kids Like Me... Learn ABCs by Laura Ronay; 4)Quilt by Downright Charming; 5) T-shirt by Littlest Warrior; 6) Tote by Dance Happy Designs. As a parent, it's often a challenge to choose gifts that are both meaningful and... Continue Reading →
Let me lead with a thank you. Thank you to all of you who have read, commented, shared posts, and shared thoughts with me on what you’ve found here in the last year. This blog is a years-long dream of mine realized, but you (yes, you!) are the reason I continue. I’m proud to have... Continue Reading →
Grace "reading" the pictures in a book during virtual kindergarten What? A sheet or booklet with important information to familiarize staff with your child and facilitate interactions to maximize success. Why? For me, It makes me feel more comfortable having staff be familiar with GraceThey have always appreciated the insightWhen people know Grace better, it... Continue Reading →
I had one item left on my very modest summer bucket list: a local hike-in swimming hole. It was the last day before school, and we finally got out of the house hours later than I’d planned. We ran into both obstacles I’d hoped to avoid: lots of people and a sky full of dark... Continue Reading →
About a year ago, my daughters started noticing other peoples' uniqueness: what does it mean to be blind? Why does he use a wheelchair? That friend looks like Grace! When they inevitably ask "Why?" after I address their inquiries, I have adopted a script to which they chime in on response: “Because we're all....” “Different!”... Continue Reading →
Masks! Love them, hate them, or protest them, the CDC recommends that, in addition to keeping six feet of distance from others, people over the age of two should wear them to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Great! I wear a mask when I go to the grocery store (the only place I venture)... Continue Reading →
The Extra Life 