source: jjjj56cp Parenting a child with mental health issues is the hardest thing I've had to do. Parenting techniques don't apply, and trying to reason with a child who is convinced a shark will attack her while she sleeps means sleepless nights for the parents, too. It's … [Read more...] about Joy in the Midst of the Messy by Ellen Stumbo
Special Needs
What Is Special Needs Parenting? by Ellen Stumbo
I heard someone say, "All children are special, and all children have needs." While parenting children with disabilities does present an extra set of challenges, I do think it is helpful to think about the commonalities of parenting. Many special needs parents feel isolated, … [Read more...] about What Is Special Needs Parenting? by Ellen Stumbo
What about All This Awareness? by Ellen Stumbo
October is Down syndrome awareness month, but it is also spina bifida awareness month, and mental health awareness month, and sensory processing disorder awareness month (not to mention breast cancer awareness month). In short, there is a lot of awareness happening during … [Read more...] about What about All This Awareness? by Ellen Stumbo
The New School Year Can Be Terrifying by Ellen Stumbo
It's that time of the year when kids go back to school. A new year. A new teacher. Perhaps even a new backpack or wardrobe. But it also means new classmates. New friends. As a special-needs mom, the new school year can be terrifying. I am not sure what your experience was, but … [Read more...] about The New School Year Can Be Terrifying by Ellen Stumbo
When Adopted Kids Need Therapy by Ellen Stumbo
"Just pray for her, and God will restore her heart." I have a confession. When we adopted our daughter from Ukraine, we believed her cerebral palsy would be our biggest challenge. Sure, we knew she would have some emotional difficulties due to spending the first four years of … [Read more...] about When Adopted Kids Need Therapy by Ellen Stumbo