PTSD

Things I Want My Child’s Therapists to Know About Families Raising Kids with Disabilities

Things I Want My Child’s Therapists to Know About Families Raising Kids with Disabilities

In a recent viral social media post, Rachel Olstad expressed what she and many other families with children with disabilities would like to express to those who help care for their children.

How Can I Make You Feel Safe?

How Can I Make You Feel Safe?

Our job as caregivers, whatever the age of those in our care, is to make them feel safe. Which is why we should ask the same question every day–How can I make you feel safe?–and observe the words and behaviors of our loved ones, so we can create the secure environment they need.

Mommy Can’t Right Now: An Open Letter to My Touch-Dependent Child

Mommy Can’t Right Now: An Open Letter to My Touch-Dependent Child

Joanna French writes an open letter to her youngest child, whose love language is very different than hers, and also causes her emotional distress.

Ten Ways to Prioritize Mental Health While Quarantined with Special Needs and 8 Kids

Ten Ways to Prioritize Mental Health While Quarantined with Special Needs  and 8 Kids

The time quarantined with 8 children, including five teenagers and one child with profound special needs, has been intense. Prior to the worldwide pandemic, my husband Ryan and I successfully prioritized self-care. We understand how fragile our mental health can become in stressful circumstances, having each experienced bouts of overwhelm, PTSD, and anxiety. May is Mental Health Awareness month. Here are ten routines we have incorporated to preserve the integrity of our well-being that may be helpful to others as well.