Understanding Autism

Being a parent can be very difficult especially if you add autism to the mix. For me that is a challenge, one I am not too fond of. Today I find out if my third son is on the spectrum, which in a Way makes me nervous. If he is diagnosed that will make it three for three. I have five kids, three boys and two girls. None of my boys have escaped the burden of autism so far and the first screening we had with our last was not good at all.

It is so discouraging at times to watch my sons struggle everyday. My nine year old struggles the most and it just breaks my heart. Knowing that he gets bullied at school doesn’t help at all either. It is definitely a hard transition for my babies when it comes to interacting with their peers, strangers, or other social experiences. It’s sad to watch them get overwhelmed when I take them out into the store knowing many are probably viewing him as a bad kid and not one that needs comfort and understanding.

My goal here is to help bring awareness for Autism. So many don’t understand it!!! I hate when people say ‘they don’t look autistic’, well no duh, Autism is so much more involved. Every child, adult, person is different on the spectrum. First ask questions, do research but don’t judge. Until you know the struggle and heartache just pray and be more understanding. Also feel free to check out my website, The Family Way

Managing the Chaos

 

Managing stress can be a difficult task, especially if you have a lot of factors contributing it!  Finding ways to help alleviate the anxiety and overwhelming feeling of stress can be a great way of overcoming it.   Recently baking has been my stress outlet, I have been making a lot of different kinds of muffins.  It seems like they are a hit considering when I do bake them they vanish.  Baking cookies also has been a delight to try.  It’s fun to experiment in the kitchen, I just love making new creations.  It is also a good way to connect with your little ones as well.

There are so many ways to bring on stress and so many ways to counteract it also.  Sitting down and playing games, coloring pictures, and silly songs with your little ones can really help you zone into a more calming attitude.  Find a hobby, go out and see friends, take chances, and embrace life to the fullest.  No matter how much stress is on your plate your situation is only temporary.

Time Flies

It seems like it was only but yesterday when we were expecting our first baby, Timothy!  Now I have four amazing kids, three of which will be attending school…yikes.  Where does the time go?? Timothy will be in Second, Shirley in First, and my little Joseph aka Joe Joe 😜 will be in preschool!!!! Enjoy every moment you have with your sweet little ones, this is advice to one parent to another.  Time goes quicker than we think!!! Don’t underestimate it.  

God You are My Rock

This year has been a challenging one, almost too complicated to understand.  To be honest as I have faced the trials that this year has brought me I have learned that without God there is no foundation.  God has been my rock and has kept me a float as I was going through all the crazy chaos.  Now that I look upon the events that have gone on I now have peace of the end result.  No matter what you are facing always remember God is there to guide and encourage you along the way.

Overdue 

These last few weeks have been a challenge for me and as a result my blogging got put on the back burner for a bit.  Life surely has its twists and turns, most you don’t even expect or see until you are faced with the dilemma.  

I have learned though with all the stress, pain, and endurance we feel there will always beat sense of self worth and achievement that follows.  I recently had to learn the hard way that stressing is not the answer to any problem, all it did was make me very sick.

As change enters my family again I try to remind myself that no matter how difficult or stressful a situation may seem there is always a way to make the transition more enjoyable. 

Ways to Cope with Stress…

  1. Take a Break: walk away from the problem or project.  Give yourself a break to re-evaluate your game plan.
  2. Eat and Drink lots of Water!  Make sure you are taking care of YOU!  That always helps when faced with a stressful dilemma.
  3. Take a Warm Bath or Shower 😌
  4. Take notes or jot down what your goals are!  This is a great way to see where your head is at.
  5. Prayer is a top priority when stress is involved, there is Ning too great for God!

I hope these coping mechanisms help you all that do deal with stress on a day to day basis.