Candy Free Easter Basket Ideas

We don’t do baskets for the older two or Squeaker, just yet, but we do make Easter baskets for T & J. This year, however, I want to try and stay away from the candy. I realize, of course, that candy is sometimes the most important part- but, it doesn’t have to be. Plus, we still have a chocolate Easter bunny from last year sitting in the cabinet. So is candy necessary for the basket? Not always. That’s why I’m offering up a few candy free Easter basket ideas based around themes. Candy Free Easter Basket Ideas for Kids Theme: Frozen With Frozen Fever released in 2015, and Olaf’s Frozen Adventure released in 2017, and the announcement of Frozen 2, it’s no wonder that Frozen…

How To Teach Values to Kids

How To Teach Values to Kids

In this highly digitized society, sometimes it’s difficult to discern exactly what children are learning from things like video games, television, peers, computer games, YouTube videos, etc. And sometimes it’s crystal clear. So how then, do we as parents, counteract what children are learning from society? How are parents supposed to compete with that? The simple answer is- we shouldn’t. Parents should be the first source when it comes to teaching values to children. But, that’s not always the case. Sometimes a parent might become a secondary source. However, by starting at a young age or reinforcing values consistently, a parent can become the primary source- as they should be. I feel it is, after all, part of our responsibility as parents to raise kids…

TV For My Toddler

Last month, I think, I remember reading a few posts on Scary Mommy and perhaps BuzzFeed about TV shows that younger kids watch. As a parent of a child with autism, I haven’t escaped those sets of shows since Sweet B was a toddler. Though they’ve changed, like no more Teletubbies (thank goodness), some are still the same. Some aren’t. Recently, Squeaker has taken more of an interest in what’s on TV. We do try to limit her screen time, but there are times that it’s on in the background and she watches in spurts. TV for My Toddler TV Shows That My Toddler Enjoys That Don’t (Always) Drive Me Crazy

Should Babies Have Screen Time?

Should babies have screen time? While perhaps a controversial topic, I believe that screen time for babies can be both beneficial and harmful. But, in order to understand both sides of the debate, I think it’s also helpful to understand the types of screen time that are involved. If it’s passive screen time, I think that’s harmful. On the other hand, active (and guided) screen time can be beneficial. In this post, I want to talk about screen time for babies and also recommend a few apps to help. Technology can be both a beautiful and harmful thing. Do babies really need screen time? For that matter, do any of us really need screen time? Well, I sound like such a hypocrite because here I…

Overcoming Hate with Love

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela Overcoming Hate with Love: A message from Give Forward Acceptance and tolerance are two of the things that I long for where it concerns my children and especially with my middle child. With her autism being what it is, I employ every public moment as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness. Ignorance, unfortunately, is all too common place where it concerns special needs children and the public. Far too often I…

Always Be Yourself

Always Be Yourself In blogging, and most importantly, in life- always be yourself; even if that means standing alone. At least you’ll know, at the end of the day, that you stood true to your own convictions and that is something to be proud of. This is something that I want to instill in my children- particularly my girls, and especially with my youngest. That’s not to slight my B, but because of her autism, I’m not sure if she would understand the concept… or if she really cares. If anyone, she’s a shining example of what it means to always be yourself. She faces each day with a fresh outlook, stimming in whatever way suits her for that moment, not caring if people are…