Monday, January 06, 2020
Resolutions
I’m resolving to be calmer this year, to not look for problems, to count blessings and be grateful, and ... yeah, that’s realistic. Think I could probably give up coffee easier than I could give up worrying. In a Parenting Roundabout episode recently, I advised new parents to not look ahead for problems but enjoy their children right where they are, and man, that’s good advice. How I wish I could follow it. I’m trying to tell myself that anxiety over things that might happen, from the probable to the unlikely, is making me miserable now when it might never get a chance to make me miserable later, and what’s up with that. Stop it! I’m trying to practice meditative prayer and gratitude to get my mind off its but what about this terrible thing that could maybe happen? track. If I’m going to constantly live with projections of the future, how about some good projections, like, but what if I manage to be peaceful and hopeful and in the moment for twelve months? Could happen. I bought a fancy gratitude journal and everything, so obviously I’m going to be successful. What are you optimistically deluding yourself about right now?
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Recently on the Parenting Roundabout Podcast
While the Parenting Roundabout Podcast is not about parenting special needs specifically, that's the only viewpoint I have on parenting, so the topic comes up. Here are some recent discussions to which I brought a special needs parenting angle.
- Perks of Parenthood: I found some perks from having a constantly active kid who needs unrelenting attention. There are some!
- The Runaway Volunteer Train: My kids' disabilities kept me off it for a while, but once I jumped on, I jumped on hard.
- Apple Watch This!: When we tried to think of Apple Watch apps that would help with our parenting, my mind immediately went to a special-ed situation.
- Grow Up! No, Don't!: My son's decision to try to start driving at age 26 inspired this topic.
- Classroom Design: I had some design don'ts to share.
- The One They Tell Everything To: Speaking of my son's driving plans, for a long time he shared them only with me, and never his dad. What's up with that?
- Managing Stress and Worry: Gee, how could this apply to our lives?
Tuesday, October 08, 2019
Tweeting the Nourished Festival
On October 5, I attended the Nourished Festival in Secaucus, New Jersey, featuring gluten-free foods, some of which were also nut-free, paleo, keto, or plant-based. Here's what I saw and tasted.
Terri’s at the #NourishedFestival in Secaucus NJ today. Follow along as she shares what she sees and snacks on. pic.twitter.com/s09ok5z8ya— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Tried a delicious seed bar from @88acresfoods at #NourishedFestival. They also have some tasty-looking seed butters. pic.twitter.com/CbEMuOkWp0— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
We bloggers at #NourishedFestival are sponsored this year by @swervesweetie, a natural sweetener that’s ketogenic, diabetes friendly, calorie-free, gluten free. Sweet! pic.twitter.com/vAg22w6Xj2
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
#NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/s62SeIurHo
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
@BakeryOnMain has your gluten-free granola. I tried and enjoyed the Cranberry Almond Maple. Yum. #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/9wRkdifChz
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Organic French pudding from @PetitPot. I tried the vanilla. :) #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/oO5i2uQJU4
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Stopped by the Simply Gluten Free booth at #NourishedFestival and was happy to see that magazines are still a thing! pic.twitter.com/9iOhNWH9Kx
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Tried the beet juice at The Vitamin Shop booth at #NourishedFestival. It was ... beet-y! pic.twitter.com/OdukEejV9O
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Had a good (if petite) piece of pizza from Against the Grain at #NourishedFestival. They also make baking mixes now. pic.twitter.com/KHjrN3bPKI
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Always my favorite place to visit at #NourishedFestival: the @mozaicschips @handfullssnacks @ByDeliciousness booth. Love love love their crunchy gluten-free snacks. pic.twitter.com/Extjztt0TM
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Also from @ByDeliciousness, organic sesame milk! I hear chocolate’s the most popular. #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/jesJuA24Fp
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Gluten-free cheese bread and empanadas? Yes please, @BraziBites! #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/xwLguncequ
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
The @hensfreerange booth had egg salad with chicken or duck eggs. And the variety didn’t stop there. #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/WEzkvfM9Xc
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Tried dark chocolate covered chickpeas at the @lebbysnacks booth at #NourishedFestival. Tasted like dark chocolate! pic.twitter.com/x0mdkNzTeQ
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Enjoyed some not-too-sour, not-too-sweet yogurt from @wundercreamery #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/WC7nEyeAUI
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Simple, clean snacks from @BuckWHATfoods. I liked the sunflower ones. #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/Xeoli8j8Uz
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
At #NourishedFestival, I met Skylar, who’s making and selling bracelets to help fund a cure for #celiacdisease. Find out more about her and her work at https://t.co/6qep3zVgvc… #celiacawareness #helpfindacure pic.twitter.com/ADy9d5cWFX
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
For nut-free snacks, these were particularly nutty-tasting. @NutlessClusters #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/zxdN5Zy4Pd
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Love corn? @lovecorn_snacks may be for you. #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/TCeKOIu6iu
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Like peanut Cheetos. @pnuffcrunch #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/FBYCfJMt8W
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Drinks as well as food at #NourishedFestival @lifeway_kefir pic.twitter.com/7UPhZfq2DC
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Gluten-free ramen from @yamachanramen1 #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/chlo4mIYbb
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Harissa rice from @lundbergfarms was really tasty, with a kick. Some good-looking rice cakes there too. #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/ZcJug1reh7
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Sadly, no chocolate-covered graham crackers at the @SCHARglutenfree booth this year. Some other good gluten-free baked goods though. #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/UdBvKAvV6K
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Ooh, gluten-free everything bagel puffs filled with cream cheese from @geefreefoods #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/RHQkFynD5q
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Paleo Bites from @AMRITAbars #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/OGIjHbYNDk
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Lactose-free cheese, please. @cabotcheese #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/RjJhDQOa9J
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Paging Leslie Knope! Waffles at the @BosquetGourmet booth at #NourishedFestival pic.twitter.com/AMIuZqlr8i
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Nice crispy gluten-free crackers from @MiltonsBaking at the #NourishedFestival. I tried the olive oil and sea salt pic.twitter.com/tkv0CeE829
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 5, 2019
Monday, September 23, 2019
Going Snacking at ... Um, Reporting from the Nourished Festival
For the past couple of years, I've enjoyed going to the GFAF Expo, trying out a lot of cool foods, taking photos of the stuff I snack on, and sharing them on Twitter. (Like I did last year.) I'll be going again October 5-6, but this time the name has been changed to the Nourished Festival, and in addition to gluten-free and nut-free goodies, there'll be zones for paleo, keto, and plant-based foods. (Though actually, everything's gluten-free.)
If you live someplace where you can get to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, and would like to check out the festival, comment here and I may be able to get you a pass or a discount. Otherwise, check @roundaboutchat on Twitter October 5-6 for my dispatches.
If you live someplace where you can get to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, and would like to check out the festival, comment here and I may be able to get you a pass or a discount. Otherwise, check @roundaboutchat on Twitter October 5-6 for my dispatches.
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Can You Help? Parent Seeks GED Advice
A member of the Parenting Young Adults with Special Needs in the Work World Facebook group is asking for help with an important pre-work step: getting a high school diploma or equivalent:
I am looking to investigate education options for my son. He dropped out of Grade 10 - it was serious enough that the team meeting members decided they shouldn't push to get him back into the system even though by law he'd needed to be there for another half year. I think we all knew he wouldn't make it if we tried to force that.
There are two options I'm aware of right now - to continue his education, through adult learning or online courses, or to get his G.E.D. No matter what I choose, though, I'm anticipating a few false starts (school REALLY didn't work well for him).
Has anyone else travelled along this route? Is there someone I could talk to who might be able to facilitate our efforts?Do you have some insight to share? Come join the group to share knowledge on this and other work-related topics, or comment on this post.
Tuesday, July 02, 2019
Adoption and Special Needs on the Parenting Roundabout Podcast
Have you been listening to me blather on the Parenting Roundabout Podcast? I'm having fun every weekday chatting with my cohosts Catherine Holecko and Nicole Eredics on all things parenting and being a parent—subscribe on Apple Podcasts or your podcast app of choice to get every ep—they're usually under 15 minutes, so we won't take up much of your day.
The following recent episodes might be good to start with for readers of this blog, since I specifically talked about adoption or special-needs-related experiences:
• Saying Too Much (7/1/19): We talked about those times when you give out information about your kids in conversation that is really nobody's business, just because your brain doesn't through up the stop sign until after your mouth has stopped moving. Been there, cringing at having done that.
• Four Things That Define Us (6/26/19): A bag with four things we want people to know? I'd have loved that for IEP meetings.
• Roundabout Roundup: (6/21/19): I talked about our experience at the NJ Special Olympics as part of our weekly picks episode.
• Ambiguous Kid-Speak (6/19/19): Most kids say "fine" in a way that could mean anything, but when you have a kid with FASD, ambiguous speech jumps to a whole new level.
• Roundabout Roundup (6/7/19): My pick for the week is a web series about accessible architecture.
Listen in!
The following recent episodes might be good to start with for readers of this blog, since I specifically talked about adoption or special-needs-related experiences:
• Saying Too Much (7/1/19): We talked about those times when you give out information about your kids in conversation that is really nobody's business, just because your brain doesn't through up the stop sign until after your mouth has stopped moving. Been there, cringing at having done that.
• Four Things That Define Us (6/26/19): A bag with four things we want people to know? I'd have loved that for IEP meetings.
• Roundabout Roundup: (6/21/19): I talked about our experience at the NJ Special Olympics as part of our weekly picks episode.
• Ambiguous Kid-Speak (6/19/19): Most kids say "fine" in a way that could mean anything, but when you have a kid with FASD, ambiguous speech jumps to a whole new level.
• Roundabout Roundup (6/7/19): My pick for the week is a web series about accessible architecture.
Listen in!
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Let's Talk About Our Kids and Their (Lack of) Jobs on Facebook
Following up on the survey I posted a while back on what parents want to know about helping kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities find jobs, I've taken another step forward with a Facebook group for chatting about that very topic: Parenting Young Adults with Special Needs in the Work World. It's set to private right now, so come knock on the door and tell me who you are and I'll let you in. (Meanwhile, if you never did fill out that survey, you still totally can.)
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Advice for Parents on Jobs for Kids
No, I don’t have that advice right at the moment, sorry. I’m struggling along with getting good employment for my adult kids just like you are. Right now we’re ... sort of fine. They both have jobs they like, though they don’t have full-time work or even as much work as they could handle, if you ask me. The parent part of me is trying to be content with the fact that they’re content and usefully engaged at least half the week or so. The advocate part of me wants to kick down doors and take names like nobody’s business.
Since experience has showed me that the advocate part is not as effective in work situations as it was in school situations (and *%&$*#, maybe it didn’t make as many great moves in school situations as I thought the time, or so I reflect endlessly at night when I can’t sleep but only second-guess), I’m considering channeling some of that righteous energy into a resource to help parents of kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities (or similar issues) who’ve been forced into the role of untrained, unskilled, untalented employment counselors.
To start brainstorming this idea, I’ve put together a little survey on what parents might find useful in such a resource. If you could take a few minutes and fill it out, I’d appreciate it. It’d also be great if you could share it on social media; send people here or directly to the form at https://forms.gle/8WuzPFsEgihn6Xrx6. Thanks for your help?
Since experience has showed me that the advocate part is not as effective in work situations as it was in school situations (and *%&$*#, maybe it didn’t make as many great moves in school situations as I thought the time, or so I reflect endlessly at night when I can’t sleep but only second-guess), I’m considering channeling some of that righteous energy into a resource to help parents of kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities (or similar issues) who’ve been forced into the role of untrained, unskilled, untalented employment counselors.
To start brainstorming this idea, I’ve put together a little survey on what parents might find useful in such a resource. If you could take a few minutes and fill it out, I’d appreciate it. It’d also be great if you could share it on social media; send people here or directly to the form at https://forms.gle/8WuzPFsEgihn6Xrx6. Thanks for your help?
Monday, May 06, 2019
Encouraging Words, Week 9
Every day or so this week, I'll be sharing a few encouraging words for parents of kids with special needs on SoundCloud and Riffr. I'll collect them here in this post for easier listening, and you can also find them on the bottom of my homepage at terrimauro.com.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Know What You're Doing.
Friday
What's on the Parenting Roundabout Podcast this week.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Know What You're Doing.
Friday
What's on the Parenting Roundabout Podcast this week.
Monday, April 29, 2019
Encouraging Words, Week 8
Every day this week (some days? most days? I'm trying, y'all), I'll be sharing a few encouraging words for parents of kids with special needs on SoundCloud and Riffr. I'll collect them here in this post for easier listening, and you can also find them on the bottom of my homepage at terrimauro.com.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Have Superpowers
Tuesday
Today's book excerpt is from one of my books, The Everything Parent's Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder
Wednesday
What's worrying you today?
Thursday
This week's website: Inclusion from Square One
Friday
What we're talking about this week on the Parenting Roundabout Podcast
Saturday
Today's tip: Reading is a whatever-works situation.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Have Superpowers
Tuesday
Today's book excerpt is from one of my books, The Everything Parent's Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder
Wednesday
What's worrying you today?
Thursday
This week's website: Inclusion from Square One
Friday
What we're talking about this week on the Parenting Roundabout Podcast
Saturday
Today's tip: Reading is a whatever-works situation.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Encouraging Words, Week 7
Most days this week, I'll be sharing a few encouraging words for parents of kids with special needs on SoundCloud and Riffr. I'll collect them here in this post for easier listening, and you can also find them on the bottom of my homepage at terrimauro.com.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Have a Mission
Tuesday
This week's excerpt is from Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka.
Wednesday
What's your worry today?
Thursday
Today's pick: Wrighslaw.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Have a Mission
Tuesday
This week's excerpt is from Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka.
Wednesday
What's your worry today?
Thursday
Today's pick: Wrighslaw.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Encouraging Words, Week 6
Every day this week, I'll be sharing a few encouraging words for parents of kids with special needs on SoundCloud and Riffr. I'll collect them here in this post for easier listening, and you can also find them on the bottom of my homepage at terrimauro.com.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Try Hard.
Wednesday
What are you worried about today?
Thursday
This week's site: Fun and Function
Friday
This week on the Parenting Roundabout Podcast.
Sunday
Happy Easter!
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Try Hard.
Wednesday
What are you worried about today?
Thursday
This week's site: Fun and Function
Friday
This week on the Parenting Roundabout Podcast.
Sunday
Happy Easter!
Monday, April 08, 2019
Encouraging Words: Week 5
Every day this week, I'll be sharing a few encouraging words for parents of kids with special needs on SoundCloud and Riffr. I'll collect them here in this post for easier listening, and you can also find them on the bottom of my homepage at terrimauro.com.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Deserve Respect.
Tuesday
Today's book excerpt is from 50 Ways to Support Your Child's Special Education by ... me!
Wednesday
My worry for the week: patience vs. pro-activeness. What's yours?
Thursday
This week's featured website: The Inspired Treehouse.
Friday
Check out more of my blabbing at the Parenting Roundabout Podcast.
Saturday
Give yourself a time-out.
Sunday
Join me in praying for patience. Right now!
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Deserve Respect.
Tuesday
Today's book excerpt is from 50 Ways to Support Your Child's Special Education by ... me!
Wednesday
My worry for the week: patience vs. pro-activeness. What's yours?
Thursday
This week's featured website: The Inspired Treehouse.
Friday
Check out more of my blabbing at the Parenting Roundabout Podcast.
Saturday
Give yourself a time-out.
Sunday
Join me in praying for patience. Right now!
Monday, April 01, 2019
Encouraging Words, Week 4
Every day this week, I'll be sharing a few encouraging words for parents of kids with special needs on SoundCloud and Riffr. I'll collect them here in this post for easier listening, and you can also find them on the bottom of my homepage at terrimauro.com.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Make a Difference.
Tuesday
Today's book excerpt is from Steps to Independence: Teaching Everyday Skills to Children with Special Needs by Bruce L. Baker and Alan J. Brightman.
Wednesday
I'm worrying about pushing too hard this week. And also, not pushing hard enough.
Thursday
Today's featured site: The Center for Parent Information and Resources.
Friday
What's on Parenting Roundabout this week.
Saturday
Using your kids' TV watching for good.
Sunday
Today, I'm prayer for perspective. Something I could use a little more of right now.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Make a Difference.
Tuesday
Today's book excerpt is from Steps to Independence: Teaching Everyday Skills to Children with Special Needs by Bruce L. Baker and Alan J. Brightman.
Wednesday
I'm worrying about pushing too hard this week. And also, not pushing hard enough.
Thursday
Today's featured site: The Center for Parent Information and Resources.
Friday
What's on Parenting Roundabout this week.
Saturday
Using your kids' TV watching for good.
Sunday
Today, I'm prayer for perspective. Something I could use a little more of right now.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Encouraging Words, Week 3
Every day this week, I'll be sharing a few encouraging words for parents of kids with special needs on SoundCloud and Riffr. I'll collect them here in this post for easier listening, and you can also find them on the bottom of my homepage at terrimauro.com.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Are a Good Parent
Tuesday
Tuesday is book-excerpt day, and today's is from Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka.
Wednesday
Wednesday is Worry Dump day. What's eating you?
Thursday
This week's website recommendation: Special Needs Book Review.
Friday
On Fridays, I talk about another place I talk: Parenting Roundabout.
Saturday
On Saturdays, I offer a quick tip for more efficient worrying. Mentioned: Trello.
Sunday
On Sundays, I offer a quick prayer for our week ahead.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Are a Good Parent
Tuesday
Tuesday is book-excerpt day, and today's is from Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka.
Wednesday
Wednesday is Worry Dump day. What's eating you?
Thursday
This week's website recommendation: Special Needs Book Review.
Friday
On Fridays, I talk about another place I talk: Parenting Roundabout.
Saturday
On Saturdays, I offer a quick tip for more efficient worrying. Mentioned: Trello.
Sunday
On Sundays, I offer a quick prayer for our week ahead.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Encouraging Words, Week 2
Every day this week, I'll be sharing a few encouraging words for parents of kids with special needs on SoundCloud and Riffr. I'll collect them here in this post for easier listening, and you can also find them on the bottom of my homepage at terrimauro.com.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Are an Expert
Tuesday
Today's book excerpt is from Transforming the Difficult Child. (I read from this version, but there's a new edition that looks cheaper and more available.)
Wednesday
Wednesday is Worry Dump day. Come tell me your troubles, kind of.
Thursday
Today's website pick: my very own Mothers with Attitude.
Friday
You made it to Friday! Take a break and listen to the Parenting Roundabout episodes I'm talking about here.
Saturday
A little parenting tip for your weekend. (Mentioned: The Child with Special Needs by Dr. Stanley Greenspan)
Sunday
Join me in a prayer for the week ahead.
Monday
Today's Love Note: You Are an Expert
Tuesday
Today's book excerpt is from Transforming the Difficult Child. (I read from this version, but there's a new edition that looks cheaper and more available.)
Wednesday
Wednesday is Worry Dump day. Come tell me your troubles, kind of.
Thursday
Today's website pick: my very own Mothers with Attitude.
Friday
You made it to Friday! Take a break and listen to the Parenting Roundabout episodes I'm talking about here.
Saturday
A little parenting tip for your weekend. (Mentioned: The Child with Special Needs by Dr. Stanley Greenspan)
Sunday
Join me in a prayer for the week ahead.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Encouraging Words, Week 1
As mentioned in the previous post, I'm going to be experimenting with recording little audio words of encouragement for parents of kids with special needs every morning. They'll be available on riffr.com, a new audio platform, but since they don't seem to be 100% ready for prime time yet, I'm also going to be sharing these on SoundCloud (from Tuesday of this week until further notice). Every week, I'll start and update a post with that week's audio.
Week of March 11, 2019
Monday: "You Are Strong" from my Love Note for Special Parents. Listen on riffr.com.
Tuesday: Quote from The Challenging Child by Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D., one of my absolute go-to parenting books back in the day.
Wednesday: Wednesday is Worry Day.
Thursday: Website recommendation. This week's pick is The Inclusive Class.
Friday: This week on Parenting Roundabout
Saturday: Quick parenting tip
Sunday: Prayer for the coming week
Week of March 11, 2019
Monday: "You Are Strong" from my Love Note for Special Parents. Listen on riffr.com.
Tuesday: Quote from The Challenging Child by Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D., one of my absolute go-to parenting books back in the day.
Wednesday: Wednesday is Worry Day.
Thursday: Website recommendation. This week's pick is The Inclusive Class.
Friday: This week on Parenting Roundabout
Saturday: Quick parenting tip
Sunday: Prayer for the coming week
Monday, March 11, 2019
Words of Encouragement on Riffr
I'm trying out something new—leaving some words of encouragement every morning on a short-audio social-media platform called Riffr. You can check out my page at https://riffr.com/profiles/Terri-Mauro-430. Right now, here's what I'm planning to offer each day:
- Monday: One of my Love Note for Special Parents (listen to the one I put up today).
- Tuesday: A short excerpt from a book I've found valuable
- Wednesday: What I'm worrying about this week, with space for you to share your worries
- Thursday: A website or web article recommendation.
- Friday: A quote from this week's Parenting Roundabout episodes.
- Saturday: A quick parenting tip.
- Sunday: A prayer, for those who value that, in whatever way you want to join in.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
My Weekend at the Gluten-Free Allergy-Friendly Expo, in Tweets
I attended the GFAF Expo in Secaucus, NJ, a couple of weekends ago and tweeted about all the yummy things I sampled. You can follow along here, and I've added the websites so you can visit the companies that way instead of stopping by their booths.
Waiting for the start of the @gfafexpo in Secaucus. pic.twitter.com/3YDOSmV3tU— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
Getting ready to go booth-wandering at @gfafexpo in Secaucus. pic.twitter.com/SPxuktJorC— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
Find It Online: greenchef.com/menus/glutenfree (Green Chef was recently acquired by Hello Fresh.)Did not know @HelloFresh has menus specifically for gf and other dietary needs. Cool! @gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/8t5psUrEMI— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
Find It Online: www.mikeysmuffins.comTried a really tasty pepperoni pocket @MikeysMuffins (the muffins look delicious too ...). @gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/JQQgp4H1Am— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
Find It Online: glutenberg.ca/enGluten-free beer from @glutenberg. Would probably have gone well with that pepperoni pocket pic.twitter.com/0IK9rjU2s5— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
Find It Online: bienasnacks.comChickpea snacks from @BienaSnacks, both sweet and savory. Salted ones would make great sub for salad croutons. @gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/VRD9J3VNOk— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
Find It Online: munkpack.comSqueeze flavored oatmeal right in your mouth. Sounds like a good idea for morning rush from @MunkPack. @gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/96INpXkdt4— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018Find It Online: perfectionsnacks.com
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018Find It Online: jovialfoods.com
Find It Online: glendaskitchen.coYummy cookies from Glenda’s Kitchen (at GlendasKitchen on Instagram but not Twitter, alas). @gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/YIEyYKZNqq— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
Find It Online: www.naturalvert.comThe banana connamon granola was a good recommendation at @Naturalvert, but I bet all the flavors are worth trying. @gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/DXw9lckxI6— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
Find It Online: www.pure-batch.comMmmm snickerdoodle truffle and other irresistible offerings from @purebatch @gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/qUFLI02WJN— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018Find It Online: www.miltonscraftbakers.com
Find It Online: farmwisefoods.comCrispy fried and yummy Veggie Rings #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/ScwJWeRR7o— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018Find It Online: celiaccutie.com/shop
Had a fun morning tweeting at #gfafexpo. More tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/hS33UzDJuw— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 13, 2018
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018Find It Online: enjoylifefoods.com
Find It Online: www.schaer.com/en-us/fw/snacksIf you need me, I’ll just be here by the @SCHARglutenfree chocolate covered graham crackers. #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/3CrDfBKaQO— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
Find It Online: www.biokplus.com/en_usSurprisingly yummy probiotics from @biokplus. Will be looking into this after #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/Dc43PyT3K4— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018Find It Online: deliciousness.com
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018Find It Online: goodmanglutenfree.com
Find It Online: www.cookedperfect.com and organiclifestylefoods.comEnjoyed a bite of hot dog from Organic Lifestyle Foods and a meatball from @CookedPerfect. Starting to feel like lunch.— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
Find It Online: www.kingarthurflour.com/essentials/gluten-freeCake mixes from @kingarthurflour. Tried finished product from gluten-free chocolate cake mix, and it tasted ... just like chocolate cake! #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/IrsXCiDrXc— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
One regret from yesterday at #gfafexpo was not getting back to @purebatch to sample a “wise pignoli.” Rectified that now. Yummy.— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
Taking a little rest in the blogger lounge. #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/P9ca3AZwNq— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018Find It Online: www.aleias.com
Find It Online: www.geefree.comPopular spot: samples from @geefreefoods. I can never seem to get to front of the line, but mist be good! #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/iyPwGasrPQ— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
Find It Online: zegofoods.comFruit bars and mix-ins from @ZEGOFoods. All fruit from US farms. Very tasty and healthy-seeming. #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/tIIJfn0qlm— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
Find It Online: www.makegoodfood.ca/en/homeLove the granola balls from @madegoodfoods. Like eating little handfuls of granola but neater. #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/nrYpDZBQG4— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018Find It Online: salsaxochitl.com/chips-salsa/
Find It Online: www.honeystinger.comIf you like this sort of thing, these from @HoneyStinger are the sort of thing you’ll like. (I do and I did.) #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/HcyyODnJpj— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
Find It Online: www.undercoverchocolate.com/products/For when you need the good-for-you part covered with chocolate. #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/BH7hynw6SL— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
Find It Online: q2healthysquares.comTried a yummy cranberry orange muffin at @Q2HealthySquare pic.twitter.com/QRAz5feHtQ— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
Find It Online: www.nairns-oatcakes.comThumbs up to graham cracker cookies from @NairnsOatcakes. I sampled the chocolate chip ones :) #gfafexpo pic.twitter.com/ecsB7qI9P9— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018Find It Online: 88acres.com
Home from another year of #gfafexpo, but I’ll be enjoying samples for a while. Thank you to @gfafexpo and @biokplus for hosting us bloggers (and podcasters!). pic.twitter.com/PHRdfBFAl8— Parenting Roundabout (@RoundAboutChat) October 14, 2018
Monday, September 24, 2018
What "Dancing with the Stars" Can Teach Us About Inclusion
A new season of Dancing with the Stars starts tonight, and as has become the norm for this particular reality show, the cast includes a contestant with a disability. Paralympian Danelle Umstead, a visually impaired Alpine skier, will follow in the footsteps of dancing stars like Amy Purdy, Noah Galloway, and Nyle DiMarco. Looking forward to watching Danelle perform reminded me of a long-ago article I wrote in my About.com days about Dancing with the Stars and inclusion. Originally published in 2015, it's long gone from my old site, but I dredged it up from the Wayback Machine for your overthinking enjoyment.
* * *
[Warning: What follows qualifies heavily as "thinking too much about reality television." I do indeed see everything through special-needs lenses. Read at your own eye-rolling risk.]
Visualizing what inclusion might look like in a classroom is often hard for parents and educators. How can students with a wide range of abilities be meaningfully exposed to the same material? How is it possible to grant equal access in a way that's fair to everybody? How can progress be evaluated when learning is happening on many levels? Won't the lower-functioning get left behind? Won't the higher-functioning get bored?
You may not have a school to visit in your community where inclusion is working gloriously to watch and learn and get an idea how one might go about this. But twice a year, there's an example on broadcast TV that can provide some inspiration and insight, if you're willing to accept that those things can come from unexpected places. Want to see inclusion and differentiated instruction in action? Tune into a little show called Dancing With the Stars.
The sequin-heavy ABC dance competition pairs "stars" (that term is used with extreme looseness) with professional dancers, with the premise that "celebrities" (also loosely used) with no professional dance experience will learn how to dance over the weeks of competition. Turns out "no experience" is used pretty loosely too, because Olympic figure skaters and ice dancers and gymnasts along with musicians and Disney Channel stars have all come onboard with a high degree of dance training and ability.
These gifted contestants share the floor with contestants with less training but some natural talent, and contestants with more heart and humor than hoofing ability, and contestants whose age and physical condition limit the complexity of their routines, and contestants with disabilities that require special accommodations (of whom two, Season 18 runner-up Amy Purdy and Season 20 third-place finisher Noah Galloway, made it to the finals [and after this was written, Nyle DiMarco won season 22]). That's a pretty good model for an inclusion classroom.
It's also a useful framework for looking at questions of fairness and equality. If you think of the show only as a contest, it may seem unfair to ask people of modest ability to compete against near-professionals, or to penalize talented dancers for imperfect execution of things that their less-talented opponents couldn't even begin to attempt. These cries go up regularly from fans of various competitors on social media. For the purposes of inclusion — and this show, apparently — “fair” means giving everybody an opportunity to participate regardless of perceived ability and making sure each participant has what he or she needs to be successful. What learners do with that opportunity and those tools is what makes both an inclusion class and Dancing With the Stars an exciting and compelling experience.
Though the competition provides the structure for the show, Dancing With the Stars is at least as much about the process of learning and the joy of demonstrating new skills. Viewed in those terms, it's hard to imagine that a homogenous and superficially "equal" group of dancers would be nearly as interesting or effective. There's something about seeing amazing dancers negotiate complex routines, novice dancers delight in their own improvement over the course of the season, and challenged dancers find creative ways to show what they can do that would be lost if all contestants were at exactly the same level. If nothing else, diversity keeps things lively. And there's always a degree to which the contestants are inspired and emboldened by the differing gifts of their fellow dancers.
A concept we hear a lot about in inclusion conversations is differentiated instruction, and it can be hard to figure out what that means. How can a classroom of kids with all different levels of learning and ability be taught the same things? Consider the way Dancing With the Stars teaches participants with all different levels of ability. Everybody has to perform, say, the cha-cha-cha, but someone with dance experience and a flair for movement is going to learn it at a much different level than someone just starting to dance or someone with physical challenges or someone who struggles with rhythm. It's the job of the professional in each duo to choreograph the particular style of dance in a way that makes the most of the celebrity partner's ability and the least of his or her weaknesses.
Can the same be done for academic subjects? While children in an inclusion class may not each have their own personal educational choreographer, some of them will certainly have Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs). Those documents should also recognize and plan for strengths as well as weaknesses, and that same sort of individualized thinking can benefit all the students in a class who are individuals (which is to say, all the students in a class).
The challenge, both in a classroom and under the mirror ball, is to develop ways to measure every individual's progress, and offer meaningful praise and constructive criticism that points the way toward improvement. In this regard, Dancing with the Stars is perhaps a model of the problems that come with failure to do this. The judges' scores often seem arbitrary or confusing, and their comments tend too much toward gushing praise and declarations of how inspirational struggling contestants are. Reminds me of the years when my daughter's teacher assured me "She's flying!" but come IEP time could not quantify any improvement toward goals.
The show, like an inclusion class, would be much improved if the expectations for each participant were determined and communicated thoughtfully and clearly. Outcomes need to be well-defined and well-understood by everybody, in a way that challenges each dancer to stretch and grow and have that work recognized. We often see on the show that a talented dancer who just seems to be going through the motions is much less satisfying to watch and cheer than a challenged dancer giving 110 percent and loving it. Regardless of who actually receives the mirror-ball trophy, anyone who puts in the effort and participates to the fullest is a winner.
The wild card in Dancing with the Stars scoring is the home audience. Fans get to vote for their favorites by phone, text, or computer, and the most popular and well-known celebrities or pros can get a boost regardless of what happens on the dance floor. Success in this area can compensate for low scores from the judges, and that's a combination that got Noah Galloway into the Season 20 finales. The army veteran who lost an arm and leg in Iraq had a huge fan base of both military families and those inspired by his hard work and strength.
To get that sort of support from the school community for your child, you'll want to get out there and do some promotion. Join the PTA, volunteer for committees, and create positive relationships with teachers and therapists and IEP team members who can be your child's fan club. Preparing your little dancer is important, but if even you aren't voting to the maximum allowed, that prize will remain out of reach.
* * *
[Warning: What follows qualifies heavily as "thinking too much about reality television." I do indeed see everything through special-needs lenses. Read at your own eye-rolling risk.]
Visualizing what inclusion might look like in a classroom is often hard for parents and educators. How can students with a wide range of abilities be meaningfully exposed to the same material? How is it possible to grant equal access in a way that's fair to everybody? How can progress be evaluated when learning is happening on many levels? Won't the lower-functioning get left behind? Won't the higher-functioning get bored?
You may not have a school to visit in your community where inclusion is working gloriously to watch and learn and get an idea how one might go about this. But twice a year, there's an example on broadcast TV that can provide some inspiration and insight, if you're willing to accept that those things can come from unexpected places. Want to see inclusion and differentiated instruction in action? Tune into a little show called Dancing With the Stars.
The sequin-heavy ABC dance competition pairs "stars" (that term is used with extreme looseness) with professional dancers, with the premise that "celebrities" (also loosely used) with no professional dance experience will learn how to dance over the weeks of competition. Turns out "no experience" is used pretty loosely too, because Olympic figure skaters and ice dancers and gymnasts along with musicians and Disney Channel stars have all come onboard with a high degree of dance training and ability.
These gifted contestants share the floor with contestants with less training but some natural talent, and contestants with more heart and humor than hoofing ability, and contestants whose age and physical condition limit the complexity of their routines, and contestants with disabilities that require special accommodations (of whom two, Season 18 runner-up Amy Purdy and Season 20 third-place finisher Noah Galloway, made it to the finals [and after this was written, Nyle DiMarco won season 22]). That's a pretty good model for an inclusion classroom.
It's also a useful framework for looking at questions of fairness and equality. If you think of the show only as a contest, it may seem unfair to ask people of modest ability to compete against near-professionals, or to penalize talented dancers for imperfect execution of things that their less-talented opponents couldn't even begin to attempt. These cries go up regularly from fans of various competitors on social media. For the purposes of inclusion — and this show, apparently — “fair” means giving everybody an opportunity to participate regardless of perceived ability and making sure each participant has what he or she needs to be successful. What learners do with that opportunity and those tools is what makes both an inclusion class and Dancing With the Stars an exciting and compelling experience.
Though the competition provides the structure for the show, Dancing With the Stars is at least as much about the process of learning and the joy of demonstrating new skills. Viewed in those terms, it's hard to imagine that a homogenous and superficially "equal" group of dancers would be nearly as interesting or effective. There's something about seeing amazing dancers negotiate complex routines, novice dancers delight in their own improvement over the course of the season, and challenged dancers find creative ways to show what they can do that would be lost if all contestants were at exactly the same level. If nothing else, diversity keeps things lively. And there's always a degree to which the contestants are inspired and emboldened by the differing gifts of their fellow dancers.
A concept we hear a lot about in inclusion conversations is differentiated instruction, and it can be hard to figure out what that means. How can a classroom of kids with all different levels of learning and ability be taught the same things? Consider the way Dancing With the Stars teaches participants with all different levels of ability. Everybody has to perform, say, the cha-cha-cha, but someone with dance experience and a flair for movement is going to learn it at a much different level than someone just starting to dance or someone with physical challenges or someone who struggles with rhythm. It's the job of the professional in each duo to choreograph the particular style of dance in a way that makes the most of the celebrity partner's ability and the least of his or her weaknesses.
Can the same be done for academic subjects? While children in an inclusion class may not each have their own personal educational choreographer, some of them will certainly have Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs). Those documents should also recognize and plan for strengths as well as weaknesses, and that same sort of individualized thinking can benefit all the students in a class who are individuals (which is to say, all the students in a class).
The challenge, both in a classroom and under the mirror ball, is to develop ways to measure every individual's progress, and offer meaningful praise and constructive criticism that points the way toward improvement. In this regard, Dancing with the Stars is perhaps a model of the problems that come with failure to do this. The judges' scores often seem arbitrary or confusing, and their comments tend too much toward gushing praise and declarations of how inspirational struggling contestants are. Reminds me of the years when my daughter's teacher assured me "She's flying!" but come IEP time could not quantify any improvement toward goals.
The show, like an inclusion class, would be much improved if the expectations for each participant were determined and communicated thoughtfully and clearly. Outcomes need to be well-defined and well-understood by everybody, in a way that challenges each dancer to stretch and grow and have that work recognized. We often see on the show that a talented dancer who just seems to be going through the motions is much less satisfying to watch and cheer than a challenged dancer giving 110 percent and loving it. Regardless of who actually receives the mirror-ball trophy, anyone who puts in the effort and participates to the fullest is a winner.
The wild card in Dancing with the Stars scoring is the home audience. Fans get to vote for their favorites by phone, text, or computer, and the most popular and well-known celebrities or pros can get a boost regardless of what happens on the dance floor. Success in this area can compensate for low scores from the judges, and that's a combination that got Noah Galloway into the Season 20 finales. The army veteran who lost an arm and leg in Iraq had a huge fan base of both military families and those inspired by his hard work and strength.
To get that sort of support from the school community for your child, you'll want to get out there and do some promotion. Join the PTA, volunteer for committees, and create positive relationships with teachers and therapists and IEP team members who can be your child's fan club. Preparing your little dancer is important, but if even you aren't voting to the maximum allowed, that prize will remain out of reach.