Empowered Parent
Kids: Andrew, age 14
Works: Writer, co-owner, Assistive Resources, regular contributor to The Morning Blend
What I like best about being a mom: Showing Andrew the world, teaching him to dream big and watching him grow into a good human being. I still get a thrill from hearing the daily, “I love you Mom.”
Least favorite part of being a mom: Not enough time in the day to “do it all” and watching the years and childhood roll by way too fast!
Famous for: Rolling with it – Raising a child with a disability can be like a roller coaster ride – highs and lows and times when your stomach feels like it's in your chest. During those dips, if I am productive and positive, I know that soon there is another ride to the top.
Resolve to Keep Family First
By Linda Mulholland
Tuesday, Dec 30 2008, 05:28 PM
Happy New Year! Did you make any New Years Resolutions for 2008? Did you reach your goals? Oh, I made my usual goal to eat healthier, to exercise and lose weight. Some years it works and others... well, we will again attempt this lofty goal for '09. One goal I was proud to accomplish however, was to keep my family first as much as possible. Raising children is a full time job and for parents of kids with special needs it can be like having three or four jobs.
The goal to keep family first in 2008 proved to be a challenge because my husband and I both started new businesses this year. We work from home, which is a big help because we tag team parent in the morning and after school for rides to therapy and activities. When Andrew goes to bed many times we will run off to our respective home offices to work while he is asleep. So far it works. Am I tired? Yes! Am I happy? Yes. It has been an interesting, productive and meaningful year. I feel a bit like a juggler. When I start to feel stressed - that is the cue to stop what I am doing and spend time with my son, because chances are that is what I am really stressed about. He is also quite vocal about his need for me to be present for him and that is okay - at this very moment he has wheeled into my office to tell me that it is five minutes to family game night and to please get off the computer. Time to go play Sorry Sliders. Have a great New Year with your families and if you have any tips on how to juggle work and parenthood - please send them - I would very much appreciate it!
