children
Children: Our most valuable natural resource.
Children on the Spectrum
After my son Caleb was born, at about four months old I knew something was a bit "off" with him. He made no eye contact and didn't smile much. I had a nurse that would make weekly visits to my home (from the nurse and family partnership program) and when she made a milestone check-up on Caleb, she confirmed my suspicion. She said she would monitor Caleb more because she suspects he might be autistic. Sure enough by the time he was six months old, my nurse referred him to early intervention and Caleb was evaluated. For the next few months, he was seen by therapists and evaluated thoroughly for any physical delays, occupational delays, and cognitive delays, as well as speech delays. I didn't know much about autism so I wasn't devastated by the time he was officially diagnosed when he turned two. I did however feel guilt for a while. Maybe if I didn't work so hard while I was pregnant. Maybe if I had a better diet. Maybe if I slept a bit more. Guilt was what I felt. I started learning more about autism and tried to understand my son. Little things that I didn't know would matter, actually mattered. For example, one of the psychiatrist took a toy away from Caleb's hand during an evaluation to see how he would react. In return Caleb tried to take the toy back. I thought he did good but the psychiatrist said Caleb never once made eye contact with him. Usually a child would study a person's face to see what the expression was like. Caleb just focused on getting the toy back. It was like there wasn't even a person in front of him at all. After trying for a few seconds, Caleb gave up and just took another toy. Apparently any other child would've tried a bit more to retrieve the toy or even cry. When calling Caleb's name he would never react or look at whomever was calling him. You had to physically go to him, grab his face and have him look at you. This was also unusual in a child at that age apparently. He didn't acknowledge people or his surroundings.
By Cindy Del Villar8 years ago in Families
Experts vs. Parents
Let me preface this article by explaining that the views here on behalf of "Parents" is my own and not meant to represent anyone else personally. Any reference to "The Experts" will appropriately have citations of the websites I have used. This is not meant as a target for the "bashers" out there, but as a place to express views. I certainly understand that every parent is different in their views on raising their children and some listen vehemently to the advice provided by experts in various fields. I appreciate comments expressing your opinion on any topic listed here or any other child topics, however request that you keep your comments and opinions neutral without bashing each other for their views.
By Melissa C.8 years ago in Families
Irish Twins
I've always said that I only wanted to get pregnant only twice. I wanted a son and a daughter, preferably with my son being the oldest. When my husband and I got married, I became a mom to his son. I didn't think I needed a son after that because technically, I now had one. I must have wished one too many times about having my own son first. Somehow, I got exactly what I had wished for, with a special way of delivery included.
By Mishka Upchurch8 years ago in Families
Letter to My Sons
Dear Sons, I wish I could grab you back into the comforts of my womb and protect you from the world, but that's impossible. I wish I could tell you that the world is going to see your Greatness, your loving heart and embrace you with open, gentle arms. Some will, but there are others, plenty of others, that won't.
By Kimberly Denesse8 years ago in Families
The Ever-Changing Journey
That positive line appears and the excitement begins! Nine months of nausea, heartburn, and a never-ending groggy feeling. It may seem like a long time. You have so much time to get things accomplished! *BLINK* eight months had already gone by before I realized. We made the decision not to find out our baby's gender and it turned out to be the best decision I had made! At 37 weeks, after two weeks in a row of high blood pressure, I had blood work done and was called the very next day due to mild preeclampsia to come into the hospital to be induced. Uncomfortable beds, stuffy rooms (of course, you can't open a window!), and being strapped up to what felt like 8 million wires and machines just left me wanting to get the heck out of there. A day and half after being checked in at the hospital it was time. The decision had been made from the start for an all natural birth. Unfortunately, that was not in the cards for me. As the pushing began our baby's vitals dropped. My heart stopped. The vitals returned to normal and we tried again. Our child was visible and ready to say hello but again that wasn't in the cards. With the second push, vitals dropped again. I wound up with a C-section and it may not have been the way I wanted it to go but I knew it was best for my child.
By Katherine Cooke8 years ago in Families
A Child's Memories
The shiny wooden sea rolled on, we peered at it from the safe haven of our raft. The raft was a circular beacon of hope in the never-ending danger of the yellowy oak sea. The storm rolled on plunging the sky into darkness, the sun slowly being taken over by the blackness. The four of us whisper in shrill tones, excited by the danger and mystery. Tiny hands held in tiny hands, curly locks wild in their own rights. The eyes wide with the wonder only a child could possess, taking in their surroundings and projecting back a whole new world. The purple and green plaid circle was the only source of life until we see it in the distance, we huddle together unsure if it’s just a trick our eyes are playing on us. No, there it is! The thing that can save us. The ship was magnificent and glowing. The gray-whiteness of the hull calling to us through the storm. We knew we only had one choice, so we leapt agilely on our little feet and prayed our thin legs were strong enough to propel us to safety. Four bodies hit the deck with a soft thud followed by muffled laughter. We all made it!
By Alina Gallupe8 years ago in Families
More Than Just a Mother
Having kids changes everything. Any mother out there can recall those first moments of motherhood, after their baby was born. In the weeks and months after you become a mother for the first time, your earth tilts on its axis. Your life changes, the way you think changes, your identity changes.
By Lana Hutchinson8 years ago in Families
It's a Girl
Sitting here next to my beautiful four month old daughter, wondering who will read this. I don't think many will but I'm hoping it at least touches the thoughts of a few people. May 8th 2017. The best day of my life and also the most terrifying. After two days of unruling back labor I finally gave birth to a tiny 6 pounds 7 ounces baby girl, only 17 inches long. I know what you're thinking "She was a premie?" No she was full term. I was always told growing up that God will only give you what you can handle, and it that is the case he must think I'm superman. The hospital had broken my water and 18 hours afterwards my darling Cecilia made her appearance, but to my shock she wasn't breathing. At the time we had no idea what was happening I mean really? I just gave birth I was feeling all kinds of emotions and couldn't think straight. My fiancé was by my side repeating the most heartbreaking question any parent would hate to hear. "Why isn't she crying?"
By Martina Hayes8 years ago in Families
