A Practical Guide to Down syndrome and Special Needs Parenting
When virtual schooling gave way to in-person learning last year, I underestimated the stress of having to get Grace ready and to school on time each day. Many mornings ended in tears. Sometimes she cried, too. I realized that while some of her stress and resulting behaviors stemmed from separating from me, much of it... Continue Reading →
If you’re anything like me, awaiting IEP meetings is always nerve-wracking. I’ve found it critical to remind myself is that I am an important member of the IEP team with valuable input. As such, I’ve found that being prepared and knowledgeable about what I would like my daughter’s IEP to look like before going into... Continue Reading →
I’m not one for new year’s resolutions; frankly, January 1st is just another day closer to spring for me. But I am all about new beginnings and manageable, valuable life improvements. Today is the perfect day to start taking better care of yourself. Self-care is NOT selfish; it is not a luxury. It’s a way... Continue Reading →
It took me more than six years of parenthood to prioritize self-care in my life. Like you, probably, I’d heard about it many times. I could rattle off lists of common activities that would constitute self-care. And I perpetually promised myself I would prioritize it - as soon as I had time. I can’t be... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 