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Estate Planning and the Step Family

For too many of us, estate planning is the thing we’re always going to get to but often don’t. It’s like flossing, but with exponentially greater potential for harm. I understand why we procrastinate, believe me I do, but a failure to act in this department can have a devastating effect on your family. Our financial planner had been after us to create an estate plan for a year; as we began preparations for an extended trip through Mexico, it seemed irresponsible not to have something in place. We contacted an attorney who came highly recommended, and blithely scheduled an … Continue reading →

A Response to the NEA’s 2007-2008 Homeschooling Resolution

The NEA, for those of you who don’t know, is the National Education Association. And every year, they pass a set of resolutions as the ’experts’ in education. To be fair, this is one itsy bitsy tiny piece of their entire resolution. In short, they are against home schooling and always have been. They are so against home schooling in fact, that they’re willing to tout an article, written by a janitor, as good reasons not to home educate their child. But I digress. Below is this year’s resolution, and my response. B-75. Home Schooling The National Education Association believes … Continue reading →

The SECRET: Do We Attract Hardships With Our Negativity?

Certainly by now most of you have heard of the best-selling book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, which has been applauded on talk shows like Oprah, and is being praised by businesses, foundations, and societies all over the country. But in case you’re one of the few who has missed out, let me briefly enlighten you. The “secret” is the law of attraction, and the idea that we attract into our lives what we think about most. The book uses this premise to empower us, stating that we can have whatever we want, if we will only envision ourselves as … Continue reading →

Ten Ways a Special Needs Child Will Change You Forever

Having a son or daughter with special needs transforms us. There is just no way around it—we are shaped and chiseled from the inside out. It’s a process not without pain, but the ultimate rewards are great. Here are ten ways that a special needs child will change you forever: Perspective shift. There’s something about having a child who is struggling to master simple language, develop motor skills, or maintain basic health that changes your perception of things. Now, whether or not you get a new pair of shoes to wear to the Brewster’s Christmas party doesn’t seem to matter … Continue reading →

Will my Special Needs Child Attend College?

It’s a question parents of special needs kids are often afraid to seriously consider. Most every father and mother dream that their child will eventually attend college. With my son Kyle starting high school, I find myself wondering whether college is a realistic option. According to the 1994 U.S. Census, one in four college students has special needs. This number is likely to be higher today, since education strategies have improved across the nation. This surprising statistic shows that the dream of college is not necessarily wishful thinking. You have the right to chase this vision! There are things that … Continue reading →

Setting Appropriate Expectations for Your Child with Special Needs

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An important aspect of parenting a child with special needs is setting appropriate, realistic expectations. This is much easier said than done. Regardless of what your child’s diagnosis, or “label,” turns out to be, he or she is an individual. Your child is likely to have abilities or strengths which are unusual to her condition. Or, he may have difficulties that some children with the same disorder don’t normally face. There is no one-description-fits-all for any special needs child. You must create a balance of both a hopeful, positive outlook, and one that doesn’t expect more than what is reasonable. … Continue reading →