3 reassuring Instagram Reels for you, from a parent who has been there. — Have you and your child just finished the sometimes grueling process of getting an autism diagnosis? You aren’t alone in your struggles. How are you feeling? I have a secret to tell you… It’s okay. 🦄 Watch this Instagram Reel. Your kid is still the same beloved child, and now you know what they need!

As a new parent, I was riddled with guilt because I had the unreasonable expectation that I was supposed to know what to do. — Do you ever feel parenting guilt? I’ve been there. I’ll show you how to forgive yourself in 3 steps. I’ll also tell you why self-forgiveness is essential for parents. The photo above is the obligatory first birthday shot. By then I was riddled with guilt on a daily basis. …

As the characters were having cathartic human experiences on stage, I had mine from my seat. — My family and I went to see Come From Away, a Broadway Musical about true events that unfolded after September 11, 2001. The Theater Development Fund is a not-for-profit organization that makes Broadway accessible to people with disabilities. Their autism-friendly performances have helped open my family’s world back up when…

Parenting under the intolerant gaze and judgmental mutterings of ableism. — “You’ve got to think about the big things while you’re doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction.” - Alvin Toffler Soothing Lullaby Did you know that Twinkle Twinkle Little Star has 5 verses? Yup, and I learned them all. …

Can we create more family harmony and heal our oppressive culture by supporting caregiver equity? — As we all recover from Covid, it is still a school day. My son “should” be doing school work. Instead, he’s playing a video game. His dad is getting frustrated. I resist the urge to jump in and do things my way. I’m reminded of all the times I’ve held…

I know am not the only parent cracking open, so when I wake up to the list my inner critic has been writing all night long, I turn inward with compassion. — I wake up most mornings overflowing with doubts. Am I on the right path? Am I taking care of this body well enough? This mind? This home? Am I a good enough teacher? Partner? Citizen of the world? Yoga practitioner? Friend? Most of All, I Doubt My Mothering

Luisa’s longing is so relatable — to relax and make space for pleasure — and I also relate to the internal pressure to never mess up, never admit defeat, never let anyone down, and ensure no one has a meltdown. — Have you seen ‘Encanto?’ Have you heard the song by Lin-Manuel Miranda? “If I could shake the crushing weight of expectations Would that free some room up for joy Or relaxation, or simple pleasure? Instead we measure this growing pressure Keeps growing, keep going ’Cause all we know is Pressure like a drip, drip, drip that’ll…