As the new school year begins and I watch my youngest kids enter grades 9 and 7 and my oldest start his first year in college, I can’t help but think of all of the moms and dads with children entering kindergarten. My heart goes out to you if you’re the parent of child who doesn’t fit the “typical” mold. Perhaps your kid has dyslexia, like our oldest, or they struggle with … [Read more...]
The Way My Special Daughter Told Me She Loves Me
Today I was struggling to figure out what to write, and I fell back on a typical strategy, I begged my kids for suggestions. My 15-year-old daughter -- whose significant special needs make communication very challenging -- looked up at me with her big brown eyes and said I should write that she loves me. “Mom, that’s so sweet. You should do that. You should write the piece … [Read more...]
Graduating Tom: The Thrill of Seeing Our Child With Dyslexia Accomplish What His Test Scores Said He Couldn’t
Yesterday my husband and I sat in a crowded auditorium and watched our first child cross the stage and accept his high school diploma. This capped off a month of seeing him receive two special awards and a scholarship. To say I was proud would be an understatement. It was amazing to see my son recognized for all the hard work he put into his academic career. As I sat … [Read more...]
Sometimes When I Guide My Special Needs Daughter Understanding Can Be The Hardest Thing To Find
“Hi Mrs. Radigan. Is Lizzy toilet trained? Do you need a cup for her to leave a sample for her physical this morning?” My expression reflexively said, “Of course she’s toilet trained, she’s 15 and not only is this the same practice that’s been taking care of her since she was born, you personally have known her this whole time.” But I remained silent despite my anger, … [Read more...]
My Daughter and I: the Day to Day Reality of Raising a Child With Special Needs
Today my daughter and I used a birthday gift card from her godfather to the hair-accessory-jewelry-everything-a-pink-loving-girl-could-possibly-want store, Claire’s. As Lizzy and I managed our way through the racks of headbands with flowers, gems, and bows, I got very anxious. All Lizzy wanted to do was be left alone to pick out what she wanted. That’s a very normal thing … [Read more...]
