It was 2014 and I was (once again) driving to the Christian preschool my son was attending to deal with a disciplinary issue. Once again taking time out of my respite because he wasn’t succeeding. “Broken Hallelujah” was popular that year, being still a new(ish) release to Christian radio. I found myself raising hands and … [Read more…]
As part of our Special Needs Survival series, I am going to be honing in on one of my son’s diagnoses: ADHD. Ezra was diagnosed almost 2 1/2 years ago now. We have undergone hours upon hours of behavioral therapy, and I want to share THE BEST tips we have learned along the way. Today, I’m … [Read more…]
When Ezra was in day treatment (behavioral therapy), we were taught that there are four main reasons that children misbehave: 1) they are seeking attention 2) they are seeking power or control 3) they are seeking revenge or 4) they are feeling inadequate. Once we were able to categorize Ezra’s deeds by their why, it … [Read more…]
“The boys are both still asleep! You wanna get up and have morning coffee with me?” My sleepy brain tries to wrap itself around the paradoxical words as I roll over in bed to view my half-dressed husband grinning tenderly at me. “No. I just need more sleep. I was up a lot with the … [Read more…]
This past Sunday night, after a long battle with my digital TV antennae, I settled myself down in the basement couch to watch the USA Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Trials. I found myself a little overcome with emotion. Four years ago, I watched the Fierce Five win gold from the same couch set in our little … [Read more…]
In contrast to years 2013 and 2014, I didn’t write at all about my one word for 2015 – hope. Partially because I sort of forgot. Partially because I was blogging less. Partially because I was busy. I thought about just leaving it in the archives and letting it die. But yesterday, I was driving … [Read more…]
Since Ezra received his ADHD diagnosis, I’ve had several friends and readers come forward with questions and concerns about their own children. “How did you know when to look for a diagnosis?” “How did you know it was more than just ‘typical’ toddler problems?” “I think there’s something wrong with my child. What do I … [Read more…]
Rather than giving an incentive such as desert for eating dinner, reward bite-for-bite with foods that are desirable to the child.
I’ve written this, my story – my son’s story – for all the moms out there who are in this awkward state of quasi-“special needs” but have no real claim to the title. For the moms who have put in the hours at the doctors office or the school district and had the evaluations, but come up empty. For the moms who are seeking help and answers, but can’t seem to get anyone to listen.
For the mom who feels alone in the typical world, but still remains on the outskirts of what seems like a privileged “special needs” community. You know your friends are exhausted, running ragged from therapy to therapy – but sometimes you envy them, because at least they have an answer, they have professional help. You’re just left with your child, alone in your quest for answers.
So, to all of the moms of all of the difficult children out there: It will probably never be easy. But it will always be worth it.