I recently finished participation in a six-month support and education group for "older" parents and caregivers of adults with FASD called the Ontario Senior Caregiver Action Network for FASD (OSCAN). They recently released a Resource Guide and announced a new Group.
Have you heard the phrase: expectations are just premeditated resentments? This can happen when we place expectations on our kids with FASD - but it can also happen to ourselves. I was reminded of this lately.
Sometimes as caregivers we forget to get curious or are tired or busy until things begin to escalate. Or we get complacent (or hopeful) that when things are going well we can step back a bit. I was reminded of this recently when the maiden came to me complaining about nightmares and not sleeping well.
The maiden wanted pancakes for breakfast on Christmas Day. Something we don't have very often. She even offered to make them. I said I'd help. We bought the mix. A boxed mix was going to prove challenging enough; we are not ready for made from scratch. Syrup and pre-cooked bacon were also purchased. If the … Continue reading The Price of Pancakes. And FASD
How are you holding up? For those celebrating, only one week to go until Christmas. Then it will be over for another year. While many try to avoid the overwhelm and excitement at this time of year, it is almost impossible with messages and displays everywhere we turn. I can’t promise you a calm Christmas, … Continue reading I’m Dreaming of a Calm Christmas
Comparison isn’t unique to parents of children with FASD, but it seems to be a regular theme in many of our lives. We may compare our kids to other kids, we may compare our parenting to other parenting or we may compare our situation and supports to someone else or another family. Most caregivers are … Continue reading Comparison: The Thief of Joy
Friendships and social relationships can be difficult to navigate for anyone, but for many individuals with FASD there are layers of complexity added to it. That doesn't mean they won't have friends. Sometimes we have to change our expectations of friendships and look for creative ways we can support our child, teen or adult. I … Continue reading Friendships and FASD
Today I looked at my tired, old red shoes that have seen better days. It made me think how they reflect our FASD journey. And decided they give me comfort and fit like an old friend.
It's been almost two months since I wrote: When Your Child Says I Don't Feel Good. We were doing okay for about six weeks. But the complaints have started again. So I booked a follow up in person visit with our health care provider.
Caregivers of individuals with FASD have multiple areas of need and concern, and experience high levels of stress. This is particularly true as children age, and the transition to adulthood may be a time requiring higher supports. What if supports aren’t available? What then?
our sacred breath 
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