Quirky is normal in our family. We are a crazy noisy mix of dyslexic, ADHD and "gifted" individuals. Parenting is not easy at the best of times, but when you're parenting kids "on the spectrum" it's even tougher. I always wondered what I was doing wrong as a parent, why I couldn't seem to make strategies work consistently, and why ideas that seemed to work for Super Nanny were a giant FAIL for us. Now I know - some kids are harder to parent than others. Especially when the parents are just as quirky as the kids!
Below, I've collected a bunch of posts I've written over the years - which might be helpful or encouraging to other parents on the same journey. Some of them are specific to our "spectrum" journey, others are written earlier, before we knew what was going on in our family, and still others might just be generally of interest. All the posts here are part of our journey and our struggles. I hope you enjoy reading them and find encouragement knowing you're not alone...
Dyslexic Brains are Good Brains Too
The Perils of Thinking Straight
Grateful to finally Know - I'm Dyslexic
Below, I've collected a bunch of posts I've written over the years - which might be helpful or encouraging to other parents on the same journey. Some of them are specific to our "spectrum" journey, others are written earlier, before we knew what was going on in our family, and still others might just be generally of interest. All the posts here are part of our journey and our struggles. I hope you enjoy reading them and find encouragement knowing you're not alone...
dyslexia
Dyslexic Brains are Good Brains TooThe Perils of Thinking Straight
Grateful to finally Know - I'm Dyslexic
adhd
In defense of Ritalin (and ADHD kids)Baby turns Eight (and mum ponders his school struggles)
The Life and times of Action Girl
Groundhog Day at A&E
Singing in the Storm
parenting quirky kids
Youth Mental Health Crisis - A Parent's Survival GuideThe Squeaky Wheel Gets the Oil (learning to speak up)
Detours, Road Blocks & Getting there Eventually
The Upside of Imperfection
This is Normal, Apparently (family life on the Spectrum)
Growing up, Change and New Schools
Meanness, Vulnerability and Kids on Social Media
When Being the Youngest gets Tough
Flying a Kite is a Bit Like Parenting
"The Days are Long but the Years are Short"
Mums, We Need to Stick Together
Detours, Road Blocks & Getting there Eventually
The Upside of Imperfection
This is Normal, Apparently (family life on the Spectrum)
Growing up, Change and New Schools
Meanness, Vulnerability and Kids on Social Media
When Being the Youngest gets Tough
Flying a Kite is a Bit Like Parenting
"The Days are Long but the Years are Short"
Mums, We Need to Stick Together
helpful ideas
Turning my Reluctant Readers into Book LoversAppreciation Training
Printable Reward Routine and Chore Charts
Ten Tips to Survive Travel with Kids
Tidy Up Song
Manner Jar
Backyard Camping Solution
If you're struggling and want to connect, you can email me at greatfun4kids@live.com. If you're in New Zealand, you can also join the (very helpful) Facebook support groups and share your struggles with a bunch of other parents who get it. (It takes a village, after all).
I've also battled the Black Dog of Depression & Anxiety - my posts on that topic are collected here
help & support
If you're struggling and want to connect, you can email me at greatfun4kids@live.com. If you're in New Zealand, you can also join the (very helpful) Facebook support groups and share your struggles with a bunch of other parents who get it. (It takes a village, after all).I've also battled the Black Dog of Depression & Anxiety - my posts on that topic are collected here