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GRIN & GRIT
real life. real grit. still grinning.




"Because I Said So!" — An Ode to Old School Parenting and Why I’m Evolving
From "Because I Said So" to “What do you think?”—let’s evolve parenting to build respect, curiosity, and growth with a little humor.
Feb 253 min read


Enhancing Resilience in Parenting Strategies: Building Grit and Grace
Parenting is a wild ride, isn’t it? One moment you’re basking in the glow of a toddler’s first steps, and the next, you’re knee-deep in a meltdown that feels like it might just break you. If you’re navigating the unique challenges of neurodivergence, homeschooling, or just the everyday chaos of family life, you know that resilience isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Over the years, I’ve learned that resilience and grit are the secret ingredients that keep us moving for
Feb 234 min read


What Supplements I Give My Kids—and Why
Taking Supplements What Supplements I Give My Kids and Why Let’s be real—it’s hard to raise healthy, well-balanced eaters. For the longest time, I assumed my kids' picky eating was just part of being on the spectrum. Turns out… it might’ve also been me. Yep. I wasn’t exactly nailing the whole “food exposure” routine. That’s a whole other post (don’t worry, it’s coming), but long story short: I wish I had offered more variety alongside their regular meals and done it more co
May 21, 202510 min read


Raising Confidence: Simple, Intentional Ways to Help Kids Shine
Confidence isn’t loud—it’s safe. Let kids lead, stumble, speak, shine. Build it daily, with love, mistakes, and midnight swings.
Apr 22, 20256 min read


DEI: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What Happens If We Lose It
DEI A look at Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with a focus on how it impacts under-resourced communities. Before I begin, I want to clarify that I’m not someone who typically discusses politics, as it often depends on each person’s individual situation. However, I do believe it’s important to understand what we’re agreeing to — whether we say yes or no — and to make sure we read the fine print in plain, simple terms. “Why Do We Even Need DEI?” Good question. And if you’ve e
Apr 15, 20254 min read


The Toy Was Small, But the Lesson Was Big
She’s scrubbing baseboards, teaching physics, and raising future leaders—all while dodging toys and nonsense.
Apr 1, 20253 min read


Daily Routine: Trying to Fit It All In
Lesson plans? More like rough sketches. Every day’s a new adventure in teaching, surviving, and snack distribution.
Mar 30, 20254 min read


Reprogramming the Robot Generation (Hopefully)
Quiet time isn’t just silence—it’s where real self-reflection happens. No tech, real talk, and a little dramatic flair for impact.
Mar 23, 20253 min read


Puberty or Just a Growth Spurt? The Questions I Wish I Had Asked
I wish I had known what to ask about precocious puberty. Two doctors, two approaches—one treated a checklist, the other treated my child.
Mar 19, 20255 min read


Embracing the Chaos: A Mother's Guide to Guilt-Free Parenting
This one's for all of you who occasionally feel guilty about swearing, raising your voice, or expressing frustration in what we’ll call a healthy way. Let’s face it: catering to three autistic kids and a husband who seems as distant as Mars, isn't a walk on the beach. Seriously! Why can’t he grasp my need for a little peace and quiet? this leaves me with limited options for venting! I rarely get a break, and when I do, it’s usually interrupted by the sounds of screaming, ratt
Mar 12, 20253 min read


Homeschooling Chronicles: Tips For Sleep Deprived Days
Running on fumes while homeschooling? Some days, I switch to 'flex mode'—less stress, more review, and a secret weapon: the tablet!
Mar 5, 20253 min read


Checklists: The Underrated Superpower That Keeps Me Sane (and Reminds My Family I’m the Real MVP)
Feeling overwhelmed? A simple checklist might be the secret weapon you’ve been missing. From accountability to self-worth.
Feb 15, 20253 min read


Food Sensitivities: The Severity of the Situation
Artsy’s outbursts were intense and unpredictable, often mistaken for tantrums. But the real issue? Food sensitivities. Clues like chronic co
Oct 21, 20243 min read


Words Look Funny... Literally: Navigating Visual Therapy, Tilted Heads, and Autism’s Unexpected Twists
Jackie was different from the start—avoiding touch, lining up toys, yet reading by two. As she grew, hidden challenges emerged. Blurry text
Oct 11, 20244 min read


Embracing the Chaos: A Mother's Guide to Guilt-Free Parenting
Chaos, no space, and double standards—yet we keep pushing. Vent if needed, but remember: You’re doing the damn thing, and doing it well!
Oct 11, 20243 min read


Respite Services: The Secret Sauce for Caregiving Survival!
This is where I go in my dreams.... Not enough can be said about this often-overlooked service called respite. Seriously, I had no idea what “respite” even meant until a marriage counselor casually dropped it into our session like it was the secret ingredient in a recipe for sanity. My husband and I were struggling to communicate about important issues—think less “let’s share our feelings” and more “let’s decipher the mystery of who left the milk out” (spoiler: it was definit
Oct 8, 20244 min read


Setbacks Make for a Better Comeback
Setbacks hit hard, but quitting isn’t an option. This ain’t over. You better Rocky Balboa this. Setbacks don’t define us—the comeback does.
Oct 1, 20242 min read


From Engineer to Educator: Creative Learning Activities for Kids with Autism
Bubble Burst When I first dove into teaching my children with autism, I didn’t realize I’d need a toolkit filled with patience, meditation, and maybe a dash of dissociation for those moments when I just need to mentally check out! My engineering degree equipped me for equations, not epic educational adventures. Yet here I am, navigating the wild world of learning with a fresh perspective—sometimes energized, often baffled, and with hopelessness that thankfully dissipates like
Oct 1, 20243 min read


Homeschooling Chronicles: Tips For Sleep Deprived Days
Balancing homeschooling and exhaustion, I embrace 'flex days' with helpful apps like Duo ABC and IXL, cutting myself some slack when needed!
Aug 18, 20243 min read


The Chaos of Being the Teacher and Dr. Mom
What Homeschooling Does NOT look like! Homeschool Teacher Let's talk about the wild ride of being a homeschool mom of three, therapist, analyst, and bearer of several other hats. If I had a penny for every role I play in a day, I could buy a small island and hide there. Every day, I don my teacher hat and dive into the chaos of educating my kids. It's not just about teaching them; it's about figuring out how to teach each of them. Do they understand the lessons? Am I too str
Aug 18, 20245 min read
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