Ages & Stages

Wobbling Toward Grace :: Milestones In Parenting A Neurodivergent Child We took the kids to the West Baton Rouge Library’s Lego Club a few Fridays ago, and as we were trying to corral them to leave our younger son pointed at the ground and went, “AHHH!” That’s his way of letting us know he has seen something out of the ordinary - revolting (a cockroach), surprising (a sock or a package of chips his brother has thrown into his visual range), or delightful (an almost-forgotten toy that has disappeared for a while). I followed his pointing finger to a small beige shape in the dark green industrial carpet weave of the library floor. I squinted at the block and said, “well, let’s...

Honor Roll Mom :: Keep Your Expectations Reasonable My oldest child is smart. Like mind-blowingly smart. At 14, I don’t remember a single time he ever had to study for a test. He’s able to remember vast amounts of knowledge and the adults in his life regularly look to him for guidance whenever they have a question about history or geography. He’s been on the honor roll ever since he was old enough to be on it and I’ve been the proud mom, sitting in the front row cheering him on every step of the way. With a child like this, you get used to seeing the A’s and as much as you don’t want to be “that parent," any time...

Tips For Surviving Back-To-School In Boiling Pot Temperatures Being a mom during back-to-school season can be challenging, especially in the Louisiana heat. Add the excessive heat warnings to the typical Louisiana temperatures and more than prices will cause you to feel faint. The combination of shopping for supplies, coordinating schedules, and managing the increased demands can feel overwhelming. It's important to remember to take care of yourself during this time. Here are some tips to help you navigate the stress of back-to-school while beating the heat: 1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay cool and prevent dehydration. Encourage your kids to do the same. (More water less margaritas!) 2. Dress appropriately: Choose lightweight and breathable clothing for both...

ADHD Kids And School Mornings Back to school mornings can be hectic and overwhelming at the best of times. If your child has ADHD, it can be even more stressful. There are things you can put into place to make mornings go much more smoothly. We use a lot of these techniques with my seven year old and it has drastically improved the overall mood of our mornings. Things have calmed a lot, and we aren't so rushed and panic filled in the mornings anymore. Establish a morning routine Set up a schedule. Times for waking up, Breakfast, teeth brushing, getting dressed, getting on the bus, or a set time to leave. It helps them know what to expect each morning, so...

Disclosure :: affiliate links are included below. Must Read Back To School Themed Books For Kids As the days of summer start to wind down, it's time to transition into back-to-school mode and begin preparing for a successful school year. And what better way to do so than by picking up some back to school themed books for kids? While shopping for new clothes and supplies can be exciting, arguably one of the best ways to prepare your kids for their return to studies is through reading – plus, it’s an activity that both you and your kids are bound to have fun with! To help make getting ready more enjoyable (and educational!), here is a list of our favorite must read back...