Don’t Overthink It, The Courage to Act for Your Outlier
Making decisions for my Outlier is one of the most significant responsibilities in my life. Whether it’s choosing doctors, schools, or making medical decisions, all of them used to scare me. They still do. Changing medication, therapists, or doctors, or even adjusting a dosage, everything scares me. Parenting with Courage: Acting Despite the Fear […]
Believing in Your Outlier, Even When It’s Hard
My own recent struggles with my Outlier were tough. Extremely tough. There were moments when it felt impossibly difficult to believe in him, or even in his future. I was caught in the darkness, unable to see past the present challenges. It was a brutal reminder that even as an old hand at this parenting […]
Setup, Not Setback, Parenting Lessons from an Outlier
As a seasoned parent of an Outlier – a child navigating disabilities, delayed growth, or other unique challenges – I’ve accumulated a wealth of experience, navigated countless hurdles, and witnessed incredible outcomes. My own Outlier is now a working adult, and I even chronicled our journey and lessons learned in my book, My Little Outlier. […]
Guide Older Outliers with Visual Aids & Intentional Support
Recently, over breakfast with a good friend and fellow parent of an Outlier, a familiar struggle emerged. Her high school senior, on the cusp of graduation, was falling behind on requirements. My friend felt the pull between stepping in and letting her child navigate it independently, especially given her Outlier’s resistance to “interference.” This conversation […]
Journaling for Parents of Outliers – Your Secret Weapon
As parents, we’re constantly juggling a million things. When you’re a parent of an “Outlier” a child with unique needs and challenges that juggling act becomes even more complex. We’re always looking for tools to make our parenting journey a little smoother, a little clearer. Over the years, I’ve tried many different approaches, and one […]
What Is Neurodiversity? A Beginner’s Guide for Parents
Neurodiversity is a term that accepts and celebrates neurological differences as natural variations of the human brain. Understanding these differences for parents of neurodivergent children can open doors to effective support, advocacy, and empowerment. This guide will explore the fundamentals of neurodiversity, the most common neurodivergent conditions like autism and ADHD, and some handy tips […]
Nagging versus Role Modeling
Introduction Nagging is a behavior familiar to most parents, and specifically to parents of Outliers. Let’s first look up the definition of nagging. According to Google, “Nagging refers to the persistently criticizing, scolding, or pestering someone to do something or to stop doing something, often in an annoying or controlling way”. Children in general don’t […]
A Tribute to My Friend Who Is a Parent of an Outlier
Recently I took an international trip and visited my good friend who lives there. My friend and I go way back to our middle school years. It was a privilege to be able to visit her and have her take time off from work to accompany me on my travels. During my trip, I was […]
Building Emotional Resilience in Neurodivergent Kids
Emotional resilience is a crucial skill that prepares children to cope with life challenges confidently and with flexibility. In neurodiverse children who may experience heightened feelings, sensory overload, and characteristic processing styles in the world it is especially vital to become emotionally resilient. Parents, caregivers, and educators play an important part in building resilience by […]
Advocating for Your Child’s Needs in School & Beyond
Being an advocate for your child is a critical aspect of being a parent, especially when it comes to navigating education systems and broader societal structures. This article provides detailed tactics for successful child advocacy, focusing on school environments and expanding outward into communities and policy participation. By understanding your child’s rights, developing supportive relationships […]
