This past week, I hit a wall. I'm calling it the "teen wall"! You see, I can no longer deny it. I do indeed have a teenager living under my roof now. And to top it all off, it's of the male persuasion too! A double whammy for me. I still remember a time when … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #3 – Demolishing the “teen wall”!
When my wife and I first made C's glasses 26 months ago, the lenses were at 200 degrees (each!). No doubt high for an eight-year-old. But since we ourselves were bespectacled (his brother too), it wasn't surprising. Disappointing yes, but not surprising. Sadly, four days ago, we were dealt another blow when we visited the … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #2 – Never “take your eyes off the prize”
Ever since Avengers Endgame, I've taken to telling my sons each night before bedtime that I love them "3,000". Those who watched the film will know what I mean. {For those who didn't, stay with me til the end of this post and I'll tell you.} Since they were babies, I've always tucked my boys … Continue reading A “council of wise men” for my sons?
[With permission granted to Salt&Light, a version of this post titled "Tragedy and grief in our schools, but the language of friendship speaks healing and hope" appeared on 27 July 2021 here] Usually, I alternate my Saturday blogs strictly between the topics of autism and parenting. But this has been a week like no other … Continue reading A Tragic Musing – More than words can say
On Father’s Day 2021, my musings on the losses and gains of being a stay home dad {A version of this post first appeared here in a local news publication Todayonline. Also, check out a reader's beautifully written and resonating response to my piece here.}When it comes to parenting, one truth remains today: Fathers are, … Continue reading ‘Worth in the Hearth’ — A New Masculine Identity?
"A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away...." These now-immortal words really need no introduction. Certainly for my first-born J, Star Wars: A New Hope, began for him an adventure and a love that's stayed for more than half his lifetime now (he turned 12 last month). Yes, he definitely has me to … Continue reading Clinging to childhood with legos and lightsabers!
Hey boys This is it! We made it. The last email, in this long-running series that began more than six months ago, is finally here. So on the count of three, let's heave a collective sigh of relief shall we? One... Two... Three!!! Sighhhhhh.... Alright, now that we got that outta the way, let's recap … Continue reading Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #12 The PR Snobs
YEAH ME! This time I did not forget the anniversary of my blog, unlike last year when I nearly did! And this time, since it's the second anniversary, I'm going to write not one but two commemorative posts! You know, it still amazes me how I've persisted this long. While two years may seem like … Continue reading My blog turns 2! (Part 1 of commemorative)
[An edited version of this post first appeared here.] C: “Mister Miss Fairy!” Me: “Carrots and Potatoes…” His older brother: “…with Beef Stew!” These are words my sons and I say to each other whenever C is upset, feels threatened, or thinks he’s in trouble. And to diffuse the situation and reassure him, I would respond with the … Continue reading From ‘Aware’ to ‘Accept’ – my unfinished autism journey
Photo by Alireza Attari on Unsplash It was rather unexpected. There we were, at what was only our third or fourth meeting in 2019. As mentioned in an earlier post, this rag-tag bunch of fathers who have special needs children, were still getting to know each other. Gathering to bond over shared parenting experiences and … Continue reading Do I say “my son HAS autism” or “my son IS autistic”? It’s really up to him
