Last week I wrote about the unfortunate, ongoing trend of parents who don't listen to their kids, invariably leading many of them into depression. Or worse. Today, I want to share some practical strategies to help parents, should mental health issues ever surface in our children. It'll also be my way to archive valuable info … Continue reading Mental Wellbeing #2 of 2: Parents, listen without prejudice!
Tag: Spirituality Family Parenting
Mental Wellbeing #1 of 2: Parents, we must listen. Now!
Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day. It takes place every year on September 10. Three days ago, I posted about one possible emerging trend related to suicide. One that, if not addressed, might make matters worse for grown men everywhere (feel free to check it out here if you've yet to). Today I want to … Continue reading Mental Wellbeing #1 of 2: Parents, we must listen. Now!
Parenting Motivations #4 – Sibling Solidarity
Source: Writer's Photo Album (August 2021) One thing that warms the heart of any parent is the opportunity to watch their children happily playing with each other. For me, it's a combination of joy as well as relief. Of late, the latter mostly, because that means I can finally take a break! Sigh...caring for C … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #4 – Sibling Solidarity
A “council of wise men” for my sons?
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?
A Tragic Musing – More than words can say
[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
Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #12 The PR Snobs
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
From ‘Aware’ to ‘Accept’ – my unfinished autism journey
[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
“Happy Valentines Day son!” – Letter to him when the time comes
Happy Valentines Day, son!Yes, your dear old man can't help but notice that February 14 is here again.Since you're now of age to date, I thought it's high time I shared my Valentines Day experience with you, in hopes it'll help you navigate the sea of love.I remember well the stress I had as a … Continue reading “Happy Valentines Day son!” – Letter to him when the time comes
Staying home for my son with autism – one dad’s life outside of a job title
Looking back, I guess we always suspected Caleb had special needs, which we later found out to be autism. This was a suspicion that we already sensed when he was a baby. He didn't sleep easily, drank milk with great difficulty, ate little, but cried a lot. Everyone we knew assured us a second child … Continue reading Staying home for my son with autism – one dad’s life outside of a job title
How soaked bibs, leaked diapers and supervised showers are my daily lessons in acceptance
There are three things you'll typically hear in my household on any given day or night: "Caleb! Is it (his chin) dry? C'mon Caleb, swallow your saliva, please. Look, your bib's all wet!!" Night: "Caleb! Come and shh-shh (pee) now before bedtime. Then wear your diaper properly before you get into bed. … Continue reading How soaked bibs, leaked diapers and supervised showers are my daily lessons in acceptance