Tag Archives: planning for kids

Resisting Early Labels

As single parents, we are often all that stands between our children and the outside world—this goes for doctors, teachers, institutions, etc. While we are normally, or ideally all on the same side when it comes to doing what is best for our children, ultimately we parents have to be the strongest and most informed advocates. I am of the opinion that we live in such a label-happy world; it seems everyone is eager to assign labels to children (and adults) regarding whether they are ADHD, have learning disabilities, are gifted, or whatever. And all of this labeling is getting … Continue reading →

Sticking Up for Yourself

Single parenthood is not synonymous with being a doormat—whether it is with our children, our exes, or our work, family, or other institutions, for many of us single parents, one of the big lessons we can learn is how to stick up for ourselves and not let ourselves get taken advantage of or walked over… There is a difference, of course, between being assertive and having an aggressive chip on one’s shoulder. But, for many of us, we have been either raised to think that we should be nice and accommodating, or we have been through such a rough time … Continue reading →

Responding and/or Combating Others’ Assumptions

Let’s face it—people make assumptions all the time—they make assumptions about other people, situations, institutions, the weather—you name it. As a single parent, we are often on the receiving end of other people’s assumptions and we can either ignore them, or find a way to respond and counter those assumptions with a reasonable dose of reality. How we respond and whether we respond at all will depend on our own personalities and what the circumstance requires… While I definitely do not think that stereotyping and making assumptions is limited to single parents, we do have a tendency to get our … Continue reading →

Five Ways to Empower Your Child with Special Needs

Kids with disabilities can accomplish amazing things when we believe in them. Here are five ways you can empower your son or daughter: 1. Expect your child to be responsible. In a recent blog I shared the story of Ben Underwood, a teenager who is totally blind. I was impressed that he told his mother, “But mom, I’m blind,” and she replied, “You’re going to do chores just like everybody else.” And in an interview for CBS, his mother said, “Why should he get a break? I don’t get any.” Ben has gone on to live an active, full life, and … Continue reading →

A Little Hope Over Lunch…

Yesterday I had the opportunity to have lunch with the Executive Director of the Utah Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Another children’s book writer and I are pitching the idea of creating some illustrated books which could perhaps go into the “Bags of Hope” which are given to newly-diagnosed kids. All of our work would be donations to the cause. I’m excited about the project and the director seemed very receptive and encouraging. As we spoke over lunch, we talked about my two sons with juvenile diabetes. The director told me she could “count on one hand” the … Continue reading →

The Case File

When the state has chosen you to adopt a child, one of the things you should be receiving is a case file on them. Though state or county laws vary, typically you should receive any information pertaining to the child that your state’s children’s services has. Some things that might be included in this are: • Copy of the birth certificate (often a photo copy) • Social Security card • Social services case narrative • Case summaries to the judge • Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) document • Proof of reasonable efforts to provide birth parents with services • Court … Continue reading →

Advocating for the Rights and Needs of Children and Young People.

Advocacy is speaking up for someone, something, or fighting for a cause. It is a process of negotiation to assist in having rights and needs met. Advocacy can take many different forms. There’s individual advocacy, citizen advocacy, systems advocacy, parent advocacy, self-advocacy and cause advocacy. Every time you stick up for a child or relay information about what has happened for a child, you are advocating for that child’s rights. Every time you make a suggestion for improving playground access for a child with a disability, you are advocating for the rights of people with a disability. Every time you … Continue reading →

Planning School Parties

We talked about becoming a room mom on Friday. When it comes to planning your school holiday parties, there is no time like the present. For instance, we’ve already started brainstorming ideas for the Winter Holiday party, which won’t take place until mid-December. Among the ideas we have include a Winter Wonderland theme. While it may seem cliché, remember, we are planning for a kindergarten classroom. Among the ideas we have in mind are an ice machine that makes fruity snow cones for a treat and ordering foam pieces that allow the kids to build their own snow men as … Continue reading →

You Are Your Child’s Advocate

Issues that arise in kids that have been adopted can vary so greatly. They can be genetically caused, or environmentally. Too many times there are combinations of these issues. Children who’ve been exposed prenatally to drugs often have a difficult time getting a proper diagnosis. Their symptoms could be a result of neurological brain damage or something else. Regardless, you know your child and should be their number one advocate. I have found those with children biologically will sometimes down play some of my concerns stating their kids did similar things. Usually it’s meant to reassure me. It’s important to … Continue reading →