Unfiltered Life
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Stay-at-home mom depression is a real and significant issue that many mothers face. It isn’t a taboo topic. It certainly isn’t something you should be ashamed of. The constant demands of childcare, household responsibilities, and isolation would weigh anyone down. Being a stay-at-home mom can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be incredibly…
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Grab a seat, mama — today we’re going to unpack stay-at-home mom depression together. Whether you’re a new mom adjusting to life at home or you’ve been a SAHM for years, we can all agree that raising children is one of the hardest jobs out there. Transitioning from a workplace identity to a full-time caregiving…
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Are dogs and autistic children a perfect match or a disastrous pairing? Adding absolutely anything new to a household with autistic children is a terrifying idea. When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, there was a conflicting mixture of happiness and fear. Sure, I was excited about having a new addition…
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Autism. It’s a scary word. I have an 11-year-old son on the spectrum, and I still probably wouldn’t know for sure how to answer if someone asked me what parenting an autistic child meant. My son was a little over two years old when his pediatrician referred him to be officially diagnosed as being on…
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Aggression in autistic children is more common than most people realize, especially for kids who are nonverbal or struggle to communicate. As the mother of a child on the spectrum, one of the hardest things I’ve lived through is being the direct target of that aggression. You’re exhausted, you’re hurting, and you’re standing there asking…
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Handling aggression in autistic children can feel overwhelming and honestly, heartbreaking. You might find yourself in tears, questioning every parenting decision you’ve ever made, and wondering if you’ll ever really get through to your child. These moments can be loud, chaotic, and scary — for you and for them. The good news? There are reasons…
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So, you’ve brought life into the world, and now you’re a superhero mom juggling a thousand tasks and taking care of your little one. As weeks go by, life is starting to return to normal. Your hormones are beginning to even out, and your body and muscles are starting to heal and strengthen. You might…
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Grocery shopping alone can be a tedious chore, but add two kids into the mix—one of whom is an 11-year-old nonverbal child on the autism spectrum—and it becomes an epic adventure. As a parent, I’ve navigated the grocery store battlefield numerous times. Through my many experiences, I’ve come up with a strategy that transforms this…
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Is your child dye-sensitive? Artificial dyes are notorious for causing behavioral reactions in children on the spectrum—especially Red 40. In my experience, drinks containing Red 40 can trigger intense emotional reactions and even aggressive outbursts in my son. Once you start reading ingredient labels, you’ll be shocked to see just how many “kid-friendly” drinks include…
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As the mother of a nonverbal autistic child, few things are more intimidating than venturing out into the real world. Something as simple as going to the grocery store can be physically draining and emotionally overwhelming. Through a lot of trial and error, I’ve developed a few strategies and coping mechanisms that make these trips…