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Launching Your Teen Off to College
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Launching a teen off to college is equal parts pride, panic, and piles of Target bags. Here are 3 ways to honor your child during this big transition—without losing your sanity (or your sense of humor). Plus, why those pink socks might be exactly what they need.
The Default Parent’s Sanity-Saver Guide | Balance, Boundaries & Breaks That Actually Work
Batch cooking for families Time-saving parenting tips Household management systems Meal prep for busy parents Laundry organization tips Family time management Parenting efficiency hacks default parent tips parent burnout solutions parent burnout solutions surviving school breaks holiday parenting tips time management for parents parenting balance connection tips for couples mom life hacks self-care for parents mental load in parenting
A sanity-saver guide for default parents: conquer burnout with practical planning, connection tips, and breaks that actually recharge—not resent.
Bird by Bird: What I’d Tell Myself After a Down Syndrome Diagnosis
#RaisingGrace #DownSyndromeParenting #SpecialNeedsParentingJourney #ECITherapy #TeddyMakesUsWhole #ParentingWithPurpose #BirdByBird #EvenWhen Bird by bird down syndrome awareness ECI Therapy embracing unique abilities Parenting with purpose raising a child with Down Syndrome special needs parenting journey Teddy makes us whole
When we found out our surprise fifth baby had Down syndrome, fear tried to write the story for us. But grace had other plans. In this deeply personal post, I share what I wish I could tell my past self on day one of our special needs parenting journey—what’s been hard, what’s been holy, and how “bird by bird” became our family’s anthem. Whether you’re newly navigating a diagnosis or just need a reminder that everything really is figureoutable… this one’s for you.
The Maverick Parent's Mindset: Why Charting Your Own Course Changes Everything
Standing there in the bookstore, holding my well-rested, content baby, I felt that familiar wave of self-doubt crash over me. Who am I to know what's best? I'm just a first-time mom.
But then something clicked. That evening, as I tucked my daughter into her crib at 7 PM and watched her drift peacefully to sleep—as she had every night for weeks—I realized something profound: I was proud of myself for going against the grain and seeking an option that suited my family with intention.
That bookstore moment marked my transformation into what I now call a maverick parent—and it changed everything about how I approached raising my children.
Here's what I've learned after raising five children: The most dangerous thing you can do as a parent is try to please everyone else instead of serving your unique family.
A true maverick parent evaluates options through their family's unique lens and chooses what serves them best, regardless of whether it's popular or conventional. You were given a voice inside of you for a reason. Listen and act on it.
[Read the full post to discover the 6 questions that will transform how you make parenting decisions →]
Celebrating All Abilities: Teddy Bird and the Beauty of Inclusion
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Celebrating Teddy and Embracing Inclusion – The Heart of #GracesFlock
This October, during Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we celebrate our beloved Teddy, whose joy and uniqueness have taught us the true beauty of inclusion. Teddy, represented by "Teddy Bird" in Little Bird Vintage Designs, is a vibrant orange bird with a mohawk, standing as a proud symbol of individuality and joy. His journey reminds us to embrace life’s surprises, find strength in our differences, and cherish each unique ability that makes us who we are.
Inspired by Teddy, we created the "Celebrating All Abilities" Collection—a gathering of our five trademarked animals that symbolize love, strength, adaptability, resilience, and joy. Together, they reflect the values that define our family and the powerful lesson Teddy has taught us: every person, with their unique gifts, has something beautiful to offer.
As a family, we strive to create a space where differences are celebrated, not just accepted. Inclusion begins at home, and every day, we choose to lift each other up, embracing each member’s strengths and uniqueness. Join us in spreading this message of love, inclusion, and joy—not just this month, but every day. Share your stories of celebrating differences using #GracesFlock, and let’s make the world brighter, one little bird at a time.