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 […]
Illusion of Change a.k.a False Optimism
Introduction Have you ever done the same thing repeatedly, expecting a different outcome? Have you even ignored a problem too long expecting that it will go away by itself? That’s what I call false optimism or having an illusion of change. I am guilty of these many times in my life as well as in […]
Understanding Your Neurodivergent Child – Strengths & Growth
Parenting a neurodivergent child has its own specific strengths and challenges. Being aware of these are the keys to assisting them to develop and flourish. In this article, we discuss the strengths, challenges, and developmental unfolding of neurodivergent children, with practical advice for parents. We’ll also discuss how to develop resilience, foster emotional regulation, and […]
Done list versus To-Do list
Introduction Most of us are good at creating or having a long to-do list and are familiar with stressing about our to-do lists. For years I was a slave to my to-do list until I learned to accept that there will always be items on it. You can’t wait for everything on your list to […]
Parenting a Unique Child: One Parent’s Journey
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging endeavors in which one can engage. For first-generation immigrants, this journey often involves the additional complexities of juggling cultural expectations, navigating unfamiliar systems, and conforming to new norms. For most, it is the promise of a successful and satisfactory life in the host country that drives […]
