This is the time of year when everyone wants to know how DJ and I manage all the Halloween mania. As parents know, October can be tough on special needs kids. Uncomfortable costumes, sensory overload and an innate fear of overly excited children can combine to create disaster. So, I thought I’d share a few pictures of… Read More Snaps of Halloween
Any mother, if she’s truthful, will tell you she goes to bed most nights rolling a movie through her head of all the things she did wrong that day and how she could have done better. The special needs mom falls into bed with this same movie while simultaneously praying her child sleeps through the… Read More The Joan Zone: Facing dreams vs. reality
As you all know I have been in the throes of my yearly pre-school breakdown. Our homeschool starts on Tuesday and despite the annual nervous fit I have, I generally at least have the bulletin board done by now. Not so this year. This year I decided to be Mommy, teacher, therapist, nurse, AND writer. Why?… Read More School Saved by …. Pokemon?
How did this happen? How did summer end and school begin without my permission? Granted I have more freedom because I homeschool. But because I homeschool I’m also more frantic! I need a homeschool 911. You know someone I could call to write my lesson plans and figure out the schedule. I’m willing to teach the… Read More School – AGAIN??!!
We’ve all had the days when we get up late, can’t find the car keys, spill coffee after slamming on the brakes for the car in front of us and wind up 15 minutes late to work stressed out. That’s every day for a kid with sensory issues. Add changing schools or classes to that… Read More Joan Zone: Your student’s map to success
To read my latest Winchester Sun column click the words in bold. Another box will open up with the link then just click on that. Do You Know Someone Special As always, please interact on the Winchester Sun website by liking or commenting on the column to show your support. Thanks everyone.
A few years ago comedian Chris Rock did a bit on his show titled, “How Not To Get Your Ass Kicked By The Police.” Though it has foul language so parental guidance is suggested, it is a humorous yet honest look at how to avoid a confrontation with the police. Unfortunately, the majority of police… Read More Teach Your Child How To Behave With Police
You know those girls who all they ever wanted to be was a mommy? They talked about it, dreamed about it, babysat every kid in town and just never got enough of all things baby-related? They were so cute and adorable. Yeah, I wasn’t one of them. So, how did I wind up parenting five… Read More The Joan Zone: Motherhood better with more
I cannot begin this post without first expressing my deepest condolences to the victims in Orlando. Our focus should be on praying for and finding ways to support and encourage victims of senseless crimes, rather than pushing political agendas. But considering the agendas are already flying and this is a presidential election year, I feel compelled… Read More Crosshairs of Change
It hardly seems possible, but it has been ten years since I had my first publication on a national level. It was also the first time I opened myself up, allowing readers a front-row seat to witness the raw emotions of learning to parent a special needs child. American Life League’s magazine Celebrate Life, took… Read More I’m DJ’s mommy: How a special needs child saved me | CL Magazine
