While struggling to do everything we could to help my son with high functioning autism/Aspergers progress and meet the ever changing goals we had for him, my husband and I wrestled with how and when to tell him his diagnosis. When he was little, we were so focused on his progress it was hard to […]
I will always remember sitting at the small table with my son’s kindergarten teacher in his classroom, knees knocking, heart beating, as she gently discussed the concerns she had about my son. She handled the moment so sensitively when she suggested I have him evaluated, but it is never easy to hear something could be […]
I’m writing as a happy parent in SFUSD who has counseled numerous families over the years during the assignment process. For a moment, as school settles in, posting some lessons learned as a parent advocate. While roughly 80% of families receive a choice on their list, the remaining 20% quickly enter a painful process of […]
The weeks leading up to school assignments are challenging for many, especially those of us in San Francisco, where our public school assignments go through a lottery of sorts. Given recent events, including delayed communication of school assignments to both parents and schools and changes to the process for twins (and perhaps other changes), I’d […]
Whether it’s snow, sleet, rain, or a younger sibling’s nap time, there are times when weather or other challenges call for indoor play at home. Here are 11 ideas for fun activities for young children at home. Make a blanket fort with old sheets, blankets and pillows with stuffed animals Build the biggest block tower […]
Spending precious time with extended family during the holidays is filled with joy and traditions but by its nature can bring anxiety to children who are shy or have special needs. Starting with the customary hugs and kisses and obligatory, “look how much you’ve grown!!”, can bring unintended discomfort at the intensity of attention and sensory […]
Any time your child is sick in the hospital is beyond hard. But during holidays usually so full of happiness and family traditions, it is a true test of the heart. Add to the mix worrying about giving your other children and family members some semblance of a holiday leaves you feeling literally split in […]
I’m a single mom of two. My current childcare is preschool and elementary school, both with aftercare and rarely any help at home. My kids are not morning people, nor am I truthfully. To make this work, I had to become much more organized. Prepare everything the night before: Prepare the coffee maker so it […]
If parenting isn’t a snap on an average day, it can truly be a marathon when your child needs to be in the hospital. Whether a short one-time stay or a more serious, lengthy situation, here are pragmatic and coping tips to prepare for and help your child through a hospital stay based on my experiences. […]
I like to think of the start of a new year as a fresh slate and a great opportunity to reflect on what is most important to me. I have mixed feelings about New Year’s resolutions. I used to look to them as a chance to improve myself, but found my inevitable big resolutions to […]