Seasonal mood changes in children are a real concern for many families. After years of trial and error, we are heading into a season that us typically quite difficult for my own child. Here is what has helped in the past and what are planning for this year. Understanding Mood Shifts In Your Child It…
When it comes to writing Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, it’s easy for the conversation to drift toward what a student can’t do. We talk about areas of weakness, need-based areas of focus, and particular needs requiring therapeutic support. But when we start with student’s strengths, the entire IEP process shifts and, in the long…
When we first began homeschooling, curriculum was sort-of an afterthought. After three years in public school, the mechanics of homeschooling were what concerned me most, not what we were actually learning. It seems strange now, but it looking back, it makes sense. When you are teaching in a traditional school, there aren’t really a ton…
The constant stress and pressure of special needs moms is real. And we need help. I had a dream last night. In it, my son was in pain, but I couldn’t understand where, or what was causing it. I was calm, but focused. I kept trying to ask him questions about his body in a…
The holiday season can be one of the most difficult times of the year for families of children with differences. Travel, different routines, extended family and your child with unique needs are not always a good mix. This is our story. Another mom asked me last week if I have any memories of tough times…
It often surprises people to learn to homeschoolers can also have IEP’s through their school districts. This is our story. This is what it’s really like when your child has an IEP. I recently completed a mid-year IEP meeting for my youngest son. It went about as well as it could go. And it was…
Blaming moms for their children’s anxiety helps no one. This is our story. Just over four years ago, the psychiatrist said out loud what I knew he had been thinking for months. “You are too wrapped up in his anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms. You are making it worse. I suspect you are just feeding off…
“What Are The Qualifications For Homeschooling A Child With Special Needs?” It’s a question I am asked all the time. “Aren’t you worried that you are keeping him from really getting the help he needs?” “You don’t want your son to miss out on the professional help the school system provides.” “How can you possibly…
My son needs significant accommodations in his learning. Does this give an unfair advantage? What about the other children who do not receive accommodations? As my son completed the neuropsychological evaluation, the doctor pulled me aside. “It’s difficult for us to get a full picture of his attention issues. He has learning accommodations in place…
Making the decision to homeschool your child, special needs or not, is a big one. Here are 101 reasons to stop worrying and jump in. I hear from so many moms and dads who are considering homeschooling for their child with special needs. I completely understand the concern, the hesitancy and the fear woven throughout…
Because occupational therapy centers around everyday life, it is a natural option to practice occupational therapy at home. Here’s how do it. The first time my son and I walked into an occupational therapy gym, I had no idea what to expect. He was nine years old and had been struggling for years. Noises –…
You might think that finding creative ways to help my children learn is the most difficult part of homeschooling for me. It’s not. The hardest part about my decision to homeschool is dealing with doctors and therapists who don’t understand and disagree with it. My child ate kleenex in his therapy session last week. He…
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