ML Interest Tag: car-rides

7 Best CoComelon Easter Basket Ideas & Egg Stuffers of 2022

by Dana Baardsen

Make it a CoComelon Easter! These cute CoComelon Easter basket ideas, CoComelon Easter basket stuffers, and CoComelon Easter egg stuffers will make your little one so happy.

Here are our favorites:

CoComelon Character Easter Doll

best cocomelon Easter Basket stuffer

cocomelon plush stuffed toy in easter outfits

"My little ones love waking up to CoComelon every morning, so there's no way the Easter bunny will forget a little CoComelon representation in their Easter baskets. This JJ Doll (and friends) dressed in Easter outfits will look so cute popping out of their baskets on Easter morning. Great find!." -Dana Baardsen, Tinybeans

BEST COCOMELON EASTER GIFT

$25

This CoComelon Easter doll set includes three characters from the most popular show for babies and tots. Your little bunnies will love seeing JJ and their favorite characters dressed up for Easter. It's the perfect plush set for hugging during long car rides to Grandma's house, or just use the dolls to amp up the sweetness of the basket presentation Easter morning.

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CoComelon Microphone Stuffer

cocomelon microphone, best cocomelon Easter Basket ideas

BEST FOR LITTLE PERFORMERS

$13

This portable CoComelon microphone is the perfect size to slip into a crammed Easter basket. Featuring fun sounds and built-in CoComelon songs, don't be surprised if your favorite kid belts out a performance using this voice-amplifying toy on Easter morning. The microphone features fun lights to amp up the excitement, too.

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CoComelon Mini Figurines Easter Egg Stuffers

cocomelon easter basket, cocomelon Easter egg stuffer

BEST COCOMELON EASTER EGG STUFFERS

$18

The Easter bunny will have an easy time stuffing eggs with these Cocomelon mini figures! The set of six includes two JJ Dolls (one in pajamas and one dressed for play), TomTom, YoYo, Cody, and Nina. You'll love seeing how surprised the kids are when they crack open an egg and one of these falls out.

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CoComelon My First Learning Phone

cocomelon easter basket stuffer, learning phone jj

BEST CLASSIC COCOMELON BASKET STUFFER

$10

Every little CoComelon lover will be delighted to discover their very first phone resting in their Easter basket Sunday morning. The JJ's First Learning Phone features music, changing colors, and learning activities to keep your kiddo well entertained, on Easter and beyond. Thousands of reviewers on Amazon adore their love for this classic CoComelon toy. The best part? The Easter Bunny will appreciate that batteries are included.

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CoComelon Easter Coloring Book

cocomelon easter coloring book, best cocomelon Easter Baskets 2022

BEST FOR EASTER GATHERINGS

$7

This CoComelon Easter coloring book will look adorable resting in your little one's Easter basket. Plus, it makes for a great activity to share with little cousins at the family gathering of the day!

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CoComelon Learning Smart Watch Toy

cocomelon easter basket stuffers, cocomelon watch

BEST FOR TECHY TOTS

$16

Take the tech to the next level for your tot on Easter morning! This pint-sized smart watch is packed out with built-in learning activities and real watch functions. Little ones get a kick out of the stopwatch feature (perfect for timed Easter egg hunts), and the three included education-based games will keep them occupied for hours.

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CoComelon Multi-Color Chalk Holder Pack

cocomelon Easter Basket stuffers, cocomelon chalk holders

BEST SPRING EASTER BASKET STUFFER

$13

These CoComelon Jumbo chalk holders feature all the colors of the rainbow which is perfect for punching up your kiddies' Easter morning gift presentation. Plus, it's the ideal time of year to give your little ones a reason to hop outside to play. This chalk set is a #1 New Release on Amazon and they are selling out fast!

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Just Play CoComelon Interactive Book

cocomelon easter basket stuffers, cocomelon watch

BEST FOR READING RABBITS

$21

Get it while you can, Easter Bunny! One of the more popular Easter gifts on this list, this farm-inspired CoComelon interactive book will keep your kiddo occupied and interested. This cool battery-operated book features three learning modes, 50 learning phrases, music, animal sounds, numbers, and more! And yes, batteries are included.

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These Easter Dresses Will Melt Everyone’s Heart

 

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8 Car Seat Tips Every Parent Needs to Know

By Joshua Dilts

Photo: Chicco via Website

As parents, it’s our number one priority to keep our children safe and kids spend a lot of time in the car from daycare drop-off to weekly errands. In fact, new Chicco research* commissioned ahead of Baby Safety Month this September found that 42% of children spend four or more hours in their car seats in a typical week. It’s important that parents take the time to find a car seat that provides optimal comfort and safety for little ones. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Here are 8 tips parents need to know when it comes to buying, installing and using a car seat properly:

1. Don’t purchase a car seat solely based on weight limits, it’s a balance of height, weight, and correct stage: When buying a car seat, it’s important to look at both the weight and height limits of the car seat. Usually, children outgrow height limits before weight, so it’s important to find a car seat that can grow taller with your child. Parents should primarily focus on ease of install, child fit, and comfort—all of these elements play a critical role in traveling safely every time.

2. Comfort plays a role in safety: Comfort is more important than some may think when it comes to car seat safety. A comfortable car seat means children are less likely to wiggle around and stay seated in the correct position in their car seat for the duration of each ride. In addition to contoured seat design, consider unique fabric innovations, such as the Adapt® line of car seats from Chicco that use fabrics with patented 37.5® Technology, which employs natural volcanic minerals to help keep children at the ideal relative humidity of 37.5%.

3. Perform this easy at-home test to make sure your car seat is installed securely: When it comes to car seat installation, 55% of parents do not know or are not sure what the ‘inch test’ is. It’s a simple at-home way to check if your child’s car seat is secure. After installing, grab the seat at the car seat belt path and pull side to side and front to back. If the car seat moves more than one inch in any direction, uninstall and start the process over until a secure fit is achieved and your installation can pass the ‘inch test.’

4. Know when it is the right time to turn your child forward-facing: Parents often want to turn their child forward-facing when baby’s legs touch the back of the vehicle seat. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendation is to maximize each car seat mode of use and wait until your child reaches the maximum weight or height limits of the rear-facing car seat.

5. Winter coat protocol: With the weather turning cooler in the coming months, it’s a good idea to clear up confusion about winter coats and car seats. 40% of parents say it is recommended for a child to wear a winter coat in a car seat with a five-point harness or they are unsure. However, best practice is to remove baby’s bulky coat before car rides as it can give a false sense of harness tightness. In a crash, down or poly fill compresses, which means, underneath all that fluff, you have a child in a harness that is too loose.

6. Understand the harness position on car seats: With car seats, it’s important to adjust the harness as your child grows. In rear-facing installations, make sure the harness strap is at or below the child’s shoulders. For forward-facing, make sure the harness strap is at or above the child’s shoulders.

7. Use available resources when you have a question: When installing a car seat, it’s extremely important to seek and use resources rather than winging installation. Use the car seat manual, QR codes and online resources to make sure you are installing your car seat securely, correctly, and safely.

8. Avoid hand-me-down car seats when you can: According to Chicco’s research, a surprising third (34%) of parents use an older sibling’s car seat, hand-me-down from a friend or family member, or purchase a used seat via sites such as Facebook Marketplace. While it’s not necessarily unsafe to re-use a car seat from a family member or friend, it is extremely important that you know the car seat’s history and check both the expiration date and any outstanding recalls. 

For parents looking for additional car seat safety information, ChiccoUSA offers a variety of resources from how to choose a car seat, car seat comparisons and step-by-step installation videos.

*Results based on Chicco survey of 1,004 parents in August 2021 

Joshua Dilts is an advocate for child passenger safety, serving as a certified Child Safety Technician and lead car seat product manager at Chicco. A father of three, Josh’s real-life experience provides inspiration and motivation for creating solutions that make it easier for families to travel safely with car seats.

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Watching Life through the Eyes of an Adopted Child

By Amanda Wall

The lunch buffet at the Hyatt in New Delhi is a grandiose feast of sauces, chutneys, chapati, proteins, and more. In the center of it all is a beckoning treat stand displaying delicate chocolates and perfectly swirled gelato. No doubt my daughters, Priya and Ari, had never seen this much food in their lives. At the orphanage the girls were fed rice and occasionally a hard-boiled egg. Ari, my youngest child, weighed a mere 20 pounds at 3.5 years old having been malnourished most of her childhood.

Placing a variety of food on her plate, I curiously watched to see what she’d entertain. I gave her a glass of milk alongside a hard-boiled egg, scrambled eggs, lentils, rice, fruit, noodles, vegetable curry and carrots on her plate.She immediately downed the milk wanting more. I suspected the children only received water in the orphanage. The hard boiled egg was obviously familiar and the scrambled eggs she avoided. Fruit was well received and vegetables were naturally pushed around the plate, although Ari loved raw carrot sticks. Perhaps she liked the crunch or could sense that her body was desperately craving those nutrients? Pasta and lentils were handed over to big sister Priya who wanted all the spicy Indian cooking she could get her hands into!

After an adventurous lunch, we strolled by the treat stand. “Would you like to try some gelato, Ari?” I asked. Scared of what her taste buds may encounter she said a firm “Nah.” A friendly woman behind the gelato stand quickly recommended the coconut gelato. Maybe she could sense my girls were eager to run around the open lobby or it was her personal favorite? We thought the suggestion was a wise choice because coconut milk is a common ingredient used in Indian cooking. Familiarity is a friend during the adoption process. I ordered a coconut ice-cream cone for myself and placed a dab of that sweet goodness onto my daughter’s lips. Her eyes glowed as I handed over the dripping treat. Watching her tiny stomach grow into the shape of a basketball, I knew we both felt content.

Excitement and anxiety are at the root of many discoveries for an adopted child. I recall experiencing the world through my biological children’s infant eyes and those were monumental indeed, but the firsts experienced by my adopted daughters felt extraordinary compounded by their unfortunate beginnings. Our entire family began relishing in seeing the world from their perspective.

Our daughters, Priya and Ari, were brought home from India under the age of 5. Understandably, their environments were flipped figuratively and geographically. Most changes were embraced but some cultural differences were met with obstinance. Even then, I gained empathy for their experience and praised their willingness to explore their unpredictable new surroundings.

While visiting India we spent a great deal of time in the car but there are no laws requiring safety seats and often you see children riding on the front of motor bikes racing down a freeway. This made car rides stressful since our daughters were constantly moving around the backseat trying to get a better view of the outside world. Once we returned home, we enthusiastically introduced Priya and Ari to the high back, harnessed car seat. That didn’t go over very well! We coaxed them into the seat and fastened it securely but then they realized there was no going back. My errands were met with a chorus of wailing and screaming for a week that no lollipop could cure.

The simple pleasure of a warm bath in a bathtub was heaven for Priya and Ari. They’d spend 45 minutes scrubbing their bodies feverishly and giggling through the bubbles. Seeing the sky so blue was something Priya never thought possible due to the air pollution in her village. My daughters had a way of acknowledging each day in quiet appreciation, something I’d seldom observed in a child. At dinner, they fed each other morsels from their respective plates, reminding one another that they would continue to take care of each other. These moments caused me to pause and ponder the unspoken emotion in the room.

I wrote “Finding Family in a Far-Away Land” to capture my daughter’s memories but also to help them remember. Mental memories are important, but their beginnings are engrained in their souls and reflected in their behavior, something that reminds me to see each day with an increased awareness. There is beauty in new beginnings and the joy of overcoming adversity. I hope through reading our family’s story your child enjoys exploring the world through Priya and Ari’s eyes too.

This post originally appeared on The Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife.

RELATED STORIES:

Finding Family in a Far Away Land: An Adoption Story

Thinking About Adopting? Start Here

8 Things You Can Do to Support Adoptive Moms

Amanda Wall is an author, illustrator and mother of four with a heart towards adoption. Her debut illustrated children's book, Finding Family in a Far-Away Land: An Adoption Story was published in 2021. She lives in Denver with her family.

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15 Classic Screen-Free Games for Two

by Christal Y.

Games for kids don’t have to include a screen, batteries or a smartphone charger. Whether you’re on the hunt for outdoor games or indoor games for kids, we’ve got you covered. Check out the completely cool classic two-player games that will keep your kiddos busy all summer long—and throughout the rest of the year too. Get ready for some serious nostalgia with these all-time favorite finds!

Cat's Cradle

Markus Spiske via Pexels

You spend hours of sunny summer camp hours playing cat’s cradle with your BFF. Now it’s your child’s turn! Check out the super-fun string game instructions from Moms Minivan here!

 

H-O-R-S-E

Rondell Melling via Pixabay

Do you have a basketball net or access to one? The first player picks a spot and tries to make a basket. If they get the ball in the basket, the other player has to follow from the same space and in the same way. Miss the shot and get an “H.” The game continues, adding an O-R-S-E one by one as players miss shots. The first one to spell HORSE is out. Change the game and pick a different word to spell!

Hand Clap Fun

Skalekar1992 via Pixabay

From pat-a-cake to Miss Mary Mack, two-person hand clap games provide plenty of indoor or outdoor entertainment for your child—minus a screen.

Shadow Tag

Jonas Mohamadi via Pexels

Are you on the search for outdoor games for kids? Let the sun lead the way during this game of tag. Head into the yard and look for your shadows. Pick one player to be it and yell “go.” The “it” player tags the other player’s shadow to win. Not only is this a fun-filled summer game, but it’s also an easy way to social distance when you head outside to play.

Mother May I

Julia Raasch via Unsplash

Mother, may I take a step forward? Like red light/green light, this old school game helps kids to build self-control skills. If you haven’t played the game in years, one player asks, “Mother may I ..?” And the other either says, “Yes you may” or “No.” Even though you’re the mama, take turns playing the role of mother for this game.

Red Light, Green Light

Davis Sanchez via Pexels

Does your child sometimes struggle to stop when you say freeze? Help your kiddo to build self-control with this nostalgic playful pick. Create your own pretend play street, stand across from each other and call out “green light” to move and “red light” to stop. Switch callers every other game and keep the activity going.

Jacks

DaBinsi via Flickr

Introduce your child to a good old game of jacks. This indoor game is an easy activity to take the boredom out of a rainy afternoon. Grab a bouncy ball, pick up a pack of jacks, and get ready for a game of pick up. Not only is this a fun-filled family activity, but jacks also help your young child build fine motor and math skills. Don't remember how to play? Find the rules here. 

Hopscotch

Absteress via Pixabay

Put your stockpile of sidewalk chalk to work with this outdoor game for kids. Draw a hopscotch board together, find the perfect pebble to toss and play the number-filled game together. If your child tires of the traditional board, change things up and use letters, shapes or almost anything else your creative kid can draw.

Hide and Seek

Caleb Wood via Unsplash

Whether you’re looking for outdoor games or indoor games for kids, hide and seek is an old school pick that the littles always enjoy. Turn the tables on your kiddo and let them play the role of the seeker as you hide!

20 Questions

Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

A childhood fave from way back, 20 questions gives your littles the chance to flex their critical thinking skills. Pick a person, place or thing, and let your kiddos ask away. Of course, they can only pick “yes” or “no” questions for you to answer. Bonus—this game also helps your child to build counting skills!

I Spy

Mael Balland via Pexels

This one’s another standby that’s great for long car rides, days at the park or just about anywhere else! Spy something that’s a color, that starts with a specific letter or is a certain size. Kick the game off yourself, and then let your kids take their turn spying with their own eyes.

I’m Going on a Picnic

Sunbae Legecy via Pexels

Sharpen memory skills and reinforce your kiddo’s alphabet prowess with this simple alphabet story game. The first player starts by saying, “I’m going on a picnic, and I’m going to bring …” Then, the player adds an item that begins with the letter “A” (i.e. “apples”). The next player repeats what the first player said, and adds their item beginning with the letter “B” (“I’m going on a picnic, and I’m going to bring apples… and bananas”). And so on. The object of the game is to get as far into the alphabet as you can while still remembering all the alphabetized items.

Thumb Wrestling

Sincerely Media via Unpslash

One, two, three, four, let’s have a thumb war! Stick out those dominant hands and get your thumbs ready to wrestle with this simple game that can be played anywhere thumbs are found. Don’t remember how to play? Here’s an easy how-to video by Howcast.

Simon Says

Ashton Bingham via Unsplash

Simon says to try this game with your kids instead of handing them your phone the next time you’re waiting for anything. Simon also says click here to find the rules of the game—as if you didn’t already know.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Hueng Soon via Pixabay

Get your game hands on and “shoot!” Want to know how to be a Rock Paper Scissors star? Watch this fun video from Buzzfeed on “How to Win at Rock Paper Scissors.”

—Melissa Heckscher & Erica Loop

 

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Featured image: iStock 

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The Most Awesome Star Wars Swag on Amazon Right Now

by Karly Wood

Star Wars fans look forward to May the 4th all year long––the official Star Wars Day. If you plan on celebrating, pick up some new swag to help show your love for this epic film franchise. We’ve rounded up some fresh Star Wars gear to keep you in Jedi mind.

The Mandalorian Baby Grogu-inspired Stand for Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)

New Amazon Echo Dot? You'll want to dress it up with the newest Otter Box release that's inspired by The Mandalorian. This Grogu-shaped case is easy to install, has a non-slip base and doesn't take away and Echo Dot functionality.

Available on Amazon, $24.95

Star Wars The Mandalorian Remote Cover

Dress up your Fire Stick remote and make it easier to find with a Grogu Green or Bounty Blue cover! The silicone cover makes for the perfect feel and protects your remote from all those accidental drops.

Shop the 2nd Gen remote for $16.99 and the 3rd Gen ($56.98) remote on Amazon.

The Mandalorian: The Child, Stand for Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen

Dress up your Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen, you will! This Mandalorian stand is not only adorable, but its made with a precision-fit, non-slip base.

Available on Amazon, $24.95

Star Wars Chewbelta Chewbacca Car Seatbelt Shoulder Cover Pad

star wars swag

Travel in true Wookie style when you strap this Velcro seatbelt cover on. Made with soft "fur" and a padded backing, you can harness your inner Chewbacca and rest easy on any and all car rides.

Find this hilarious seatbelt cover on Amazon, 17.93

Star Wars 2-Quart Slow Cooker

star wars swag

The whole family can eat well thanks to this 2-quart Slow Cooker. The smaller sized crock pot is great for appetizers and small side dishes, and is bound to spark conversation at family gatherings. The classic black and white coloring details your fave fighter ships, including the Millennium Falcon and several TIE Fighters.

Find this unique slow cooker on Amazon, $19.71.

Star Wars OBI-123: A Book of Numbers

star wars swag

Make counting fun when you're learning with OBI-123: A Book of Numbers. Told with whimsical rhymes and engaging artwork, your young Jedi's won't even notice they're learning! Can't get enough? You can also find an ABC version with C-3PO!

Head to Amazon to purchase your copy, $12.99.

WipeSabers Reflective Saber for Rear Wipers

star wars swag

Rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor sun can hamper these Reflective Sabers that are perfect for rear wipers. No tools are needed for installation, and they are easily removed using the Velcro attachments. They are the perfect addition to your "Toyoda" or any make, really. 

Get your own on Amazon, $18.95.

Star Wars Darth Vader Bluetooth Speaker with Speakerphone Voice Activation & Charging Cable

star wars swag

Play music from your phone, computer or tablet in total dark side style with the Bluetooth Darth Vader Speaker. In addition to playing music in high quality sound, you can also answer phone calls through the speakerphone, and charge the device for hours of listening time. One thing's for sure, this is the scariest looking speaker out there!

You can choose from Darth Vader or a Storm Trooper on Amazon, $26

Star Wars Tin Lunchbox

Star Wars swag

Tote your lunch in Star Wars style when you pick one these retro style tin lunchboxes. Coming in six designs (including a BB-8 shaped style!), the metal-latching boxes boast beautiful and colorful designs. The collapsable metal hand makes for easy carrying and the sturdy construction means no more squashed sandwiches.

Pick your design on Amazon, $12.99

UbiKORT 3D Illusion Night Light Millennium Falcon Table Lamp

Star Wars swag

Who doesn't need a nightlight of the Millennium Falcon? Lighting up in 7 colors and packed with 9 extra LED lights means you'll be enjoying this nightlight for a lifetime to come. Bright enough to cast a calming glow, this light makes a perfect addition to your little Star Wars lover's room.

This nightlight is yours for less than $20! Find it over on Amazon.

Star Wars Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber

Star Wars Swag

Light side, dark side––you can be on all the sides when you snag this Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber kit. Packed with light daggers, dual connector, expansion hilt, elbow connectors and a cross connector, you can literally come up with 100 combinations. This is the ultimate kit for your young padwan. 

Grab your light saber kid quick at Amazon, $59.98

Star Wars Classic Peel And Stick Wall Decals

star wars swag

Make your room a Star Wars haven when you have these peel and stick wall decals. Made from vinyl that is easy to remove and won't peel off paint, these are the perfect room decor for kids who tend to change their mind often. The only complaint on Amazon about this set is that Princess Leia is in her slave outfit, so use at your own free will.

Grab this room swat over on Amazon, $11.33

Trouble Game: Star Wars Edition

star wars swag

You're in trouble now, but this time you'll have to rescue BB-8 from within the Star Wars universe! Play as Rey, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren or Finn as you attempt to move around the Trouble board and get to BB-8 first. It's a new take on a classic and simple game that's great for kids (and adults) of all ages.

You can find this game, as well as other Star Wars themed options like Monopoly, Clue and Risk on Amazon, $17.99

Star Wars #1 Dad Adult Long Sleeved T-Shirt

star wars swag

You can't help but be Numero Uno with this Darth Vader Dad shirt, and no can argue with you! Made from premium cotton and long-sleeved, this black T-Shirt is all Darth Vader, all the time.

Get yours on Amazon, $19.99

––Karly Wood

 

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To My Son, on Your 18th Birthday

By Laurie Hellmann

Beginning on Skyler’s first birthday, I started a tradition of writing a letter to him highlighting his likes, dislikes, achievements, funny moments, family adventures, playmates, and favorite television shows. In addition, I take a photo of him wearing a necktie as a way of charting his growth.

My vision, when creating and continuing this annual time capsule, was to present to Skyler, a ribbon-tied stack of letters and photos containing eighteen years of memories on the day of his graduation from high school.

Coming to the realization, many years following his autism diagnosis, that graduation, in a traditional sense, would not be a likelihood for Skyler was hard.  However, it never derailed me from crafting those special birthday letters because I know one day in the future, I will share them with him.

Perhaps the silver lining or renewed perspective of Skyler not fleeing the nest this year, like his peers, is that I am privileged to share his daily experiences and accomplishments into adulthood.

I’m confident the day will come when Skyler communicates to me, on his own timeline, that he’s ready to receive my gift of thoughtfully crafted memories.  Watching Skyler read and absorb every word, whether he’s 24 or 44, will be the equivalent of a graduation day to me—and I will be extremely proud.

So, on this eve of Skyler’s 18th birthday, I grabbed a few sheets of the special stationery that is used to pen his letters and a full box of tissues while I revisited every achievement, new adventure and challenge he experienced this past year.

This is my 18th birthday letter to Skyler:

To my handsome and admirable son,

I honestly can’t believe I am writing my 18th birthday letter to you. This past year has brought with it dramatic and unprecedented events both in our world and in your life.

It was around this time last year that the word Coronavirus became a part of everyone’s vocabulary. Due to the severity and vast spreading, our daily routines and public gatherings came to a drastic and lengthy halt.

You were unable to return to your ABA center for almost two months, which was much milder than most of the population who were forced to learn from home for an entire year—causing a significant regression of many skills.

While at home, Josh and I were desperate to keep your communication moving forward, so void of any therapist assistance, I created a PECS board and eventually transitioned you to an AAC device to revisit that method with you.

You clearly appreciated having the ability to make choices for yourself through the pictures which were evident by your smile when we all seemed to understand each other.

For the first time in years, you appeared eager to share your thoughts, needs and wants with us, so when the concept of “Spelling to Communicate” (S2C) was introduced to me, it seemed like divine timing.

Wow! I am SO glad we took that leap of faith and brought S2C into our lives.

Watching you utilize the letter boards to answer age-appropriate reading comprehension questions for the past eight months has been nothing short of incredible.

I frequently feel an overwhelming need to apologize to you, Skyler—for underestimating you and for my failure to recognize how intelligent you are and always have been.

From a health perspective, you have remained at a standstill. Thankfully, you have always been healthy and are very rarely sick. However, the hitting, banging and hair-pulling seem to be on the increase instead of you aging out of those ‘stims’ as I’d hoped.

I’ve never been convinced that your challenging behaviors are “just part of having autism” as we’re so often told and given medications to treat. I know deep in my heart that you’re demonstrating anger and suffering due to Ulcerative Colitis. I promise you that I will never give up researching and looking for answers to improve your quality of life. I pray every day that the solutions will come quickly so you will finally be relieved of your pain.

Despite your constant discomfort, your smile and deep belly laugh, especially when Josh wrestles with you, lights up the room.

If given the option, your daily meals would always include a Qdoba burrito bowl and Tucker’s bun-less cheeseburger with mashed potatoes in the rotation.

Watching Sesame Street, particularly Elmo’s World is still a favorite pastime of yours as is listening to an eclectic array of music. During our countless car rides to nowhere, you bounce perfectly to the beat of any song and launch into a hardy giggle when I freestyle my own lyrics—which are usually about food or bath time.

As I reviewed the very first birthday letter that I wrote you in 2004, a particular statement really stuck out to me. “My hope for you over the course of your life is that you continue to be happy and free-spirited. I want you to always try new things and never let anyone or anything stand in your way. I love the light in your eyes that seek out to learn and never quits even when times get frustrating.”

I didn’t know of your autism diagnosis on that day or even that year.

My greatest hope for you today is the exact same, 17 years later. Please never lose that spark in your eyes and determination in your heart to keep growing and achieving.

I love you with all my heart Skyler, exactly as God made you. I truly believe you were sent into this world as a vessel to teach me, and possibly everyone you encounter, some valuable life lessons.

I am forever grateful that I have been entrusted to guide and nurture you through this life. You are perfect, just as you are.

As I’ve always said, “Out of all the little boys in the world, how did I get the very best one?”

Love you forever & always,

Mom

feature image Andrew Lancaster via Unsplash

I'm the mom to an 18 year old son with severe autism, a neurotypical teen daughter & have an incredibly supportive husband! I authored a memoir - Welcome to My Life: A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism & host the podcast Living the Sky Life. Visit my website www.LaurieHellmann.com to learn more about me!

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First Came Love, Marriage & Then a Transplant

By Melissa Christopher

My husband and I were married on July 2, 2011 in Red Bank, New Jersey. A few months after being married, I found out that I would need a kidney transplant. While this was somewhat of a surprise, it wasn’t something that hadn’t crossed my mind. My Mom was diagnosed with Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease when I was in middle school. She eventually went on to need a kidney transplant. At the time, my Dad was not a match to donate to my Mom, so she went on the UNOS waiting list. Several months of dialysis, she then received a call that there was a kidney for her. My Mom is by far the strongest woman I know. Seeing her strength is what helped me to get through my own transplant.

My symptoms of high blood pressure and rapid elevated kidney function were not the same as my mom’s kidney disease, I had, what our nephrologist  called, “Chronic kidney disease.” We then began our trek in January 2012 to getting listed on the UNOS lists at one hospital per state. My Mom, my Dad, my husband and I would make the drive together where they tried to make me laugh and make light of the long car rides. It was at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where I was getting over 30 vials of blood drawn to prepare for what was ahead when my husband said he wanted to be my donor. We had never even talked about him being a donor. I was shocked and honored that my husband of only a few months was willing to sacrifice his own life to save mine. That was not something that I had never expected of him. I always envisioned waiting like my Mom had done for a kidney from the UNOS list.

A month later, I was driving to work when I received a call from one of the transplant coordinators that my husband was in fact a candidate to be my donor.  After all of the tears poured down my face, I was parked in the parking lot of my school and I looked up to find the most beautiful rainbow right in front of me. I knew at that moment that this wasn’t by chance, this was fate. I called my husband to tell him the news and we both breathed a sigh of relief. After many trips from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, we decided that the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania was going to be the place we had our kidney transplant. This was the same hospital with the same team of doctors that my Mom had when she had her transplant. When the doctors all remembered her and her transplant, we knew we weren’t just a number and that we are in good hands.

The morning of our transplants, almost one year after getting married, my Dad, my Mom and my sister came to pick up my husband and me to take us to the hospital. My husband’s parents followed us. It was hard knowing our lives were about to change forever. My husband was called in first to be prepped and have surgery first. I remember going in to see him before his surgery and just sobbing that if he wanted to back out, it was OK and that we could just go home and I would wait for a kidney. He told me no, and that he was doing this for me and for our family. He tried to make me laugh with the silly hairnet he was wearing, but I couldn’t help but cry. My husband was about to sacrifice his life and it was all for me. That is the kind of love that every girl dreams of, but just not quite like this.

As I sat in the waiting room with my Mom on one side and my mother-in-law on the other side of me staring at the screen with updates on where my husband was, those minutes felt like an eternity. They both kept telling me to stop looking at the screen and that everything was going to be fine. Well, they were right. When I went in for surgery, all I asked was to see my husband as soon as it was over. I wanted to make sure he was OK. I woke up in the recovery room and my Mom was standing over me and holding my hand. I asked to see my husband and sure enough, they wheeled my bed over to his where he was awake and waiting to go to his room. I was so relieved to see him and so happy that we were both OK.

The next morning when I woke up, I was on a mission to see my husband. They had put us on opposite sides of the floor so we would get up and go see each other. My mom pushed my IV cart as we slowly walked over to his room. When I got to the doorway, he said “Oh man, you’re up and walking already?” It made me laugh and that was when I felt the pain of the transplant. We joke that he made me laugh so hard it hurt. We spent our first wedding anniversary recovering from our transplant. My husband’s kidney is the greatest gift I will ever receive. He gave me a second chance at life and for that, I will be eternally grateful. He is not only my husband, but he is my best friend, my soul mate (by every definition of the word), and the father to our beautiful son.

 

feature image Fernanda Nuso via Unsplash

Melissa Christopher
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

My name is Melissa. I am a mom to an incredible 5 year old boy. My husband, my son, and I live in the same town that I grew up in. In those 5 years of being a mom, I have learned a lot about myself and can't wait to share it with you. 

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Always Buy Cereal & Other Lessons I’ve Learned from a 13-Year-Old

By Jenni Brennan

When I became a parent nearly 14 years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about parenting. I’d read all the baby books, perused all the parenting websites, signed up for the weekly emails about my baby’s development and yet still was woefully under-prepared for what it would take to be a mother.

Not much has changed since then. I still feel inadequate most days as I stumble my way through the maze of parenthood. As my oldest approaches his 14th birthday, I find myself amazed by how much he has changed in just one year. Blinking back tears, I look at him today, amazed at the young man he has become, and am humbled by just how much he has taught me during his 13th year:

1. Hold on loosely, but don’t let go. It turns out that 80s bands gave us more than just good music—they gave us solid advice to live by as parents. My 13-year-old has taught me this year that while I need to hold onto him and continue to guide him, I can’t cling too tightly. He needs space to find himself and that means space to make his own mistakes. If I hold too tightly, he’s never going to learn how to make it as an adult.

2. Be honest with friends. Middle school has been rough for me as a parent this past year, as it turns out that middle school drama doesn’t really stop when you leave middle school. It all rears its ugly head again when you become a middle school parent. During moments this past year when my 13-year old caught wind of such drama, he was always very matter-of-fact and eager to offer advice to me. He always encouraged me to “just talk to them” and be honest. His message—if they are your friends, they’ll understand.

3. Don’t sweat the small stuff. You can learn a lot from how 13-year-old boys handle conflict. While they have their share of disagreements with their friends, get hurt, and have drama, they are quick to let it go and move on. They don’t sweat the small stuff. They let it roll off their backs. We could benefit from doing more of the same as adults.

4. Sleepovers are the worst. I thought sleepovers would get better as they got older. They don’t. Although they can regulate themselves and then recover a bit quicker than my 10-year-old when it comes to going to sleep at a normal time, now that they are teenagers the responsibility of hosting becomes so much more stressful for us as parents. Are other kids bringing in vapes, drugs, or alcohol? Are they going to try to sneak out? Are they doing something on social media that might hurt other kid’s feelings? Sleepovers for 13-year-olds still suck.

5. Hugs are the greatest gift. When my son was little, he was a great hugger and snuggler. Now, hugs are much harder to come by. But, when I do get a surprise hug hello or thank-you or as a comfort, it is one of the greatest gifts ever. I wish I hadn’t taken all those toddler hugs for granted, I never knew how much I would miss them.

6. Teenagers can navigate. This summer we went tubing down a river in New Hampshire with a large group of families. It was a 5-mile river float and we let the group of teenage boys float off together ahead of the adults. Many of us worried that they wouldn’t be aware enough to see the tiny sign that would indicate it was time for them to get off the river. When we rounded the bend and saw the beach with the sign, the teens were nowhere in sight. I immediately wrote them off, assuming they missed it but I could not have been more wrong. Not only had they seen it, but they had returned their floats to the rental place and were waiting together for us near our cars.

7. Car rides are special. Joining a travel sports team has meant lots of long car rides over the past year and although those often meant waking up early and staring at headlights for 2+ hours, they also mean that I got to ride side by side with my 13-year-old, trapped in a moving box. Just us. Something special often happens on those long car rides. The air shifts just a bit and he begins to open up about his life, his friends, his feelings, his fears. I love those car rides now.

8. Teens have good instincts too. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my 13-year-old is that just because we, as adults, are older, doesn’t necessarily mean we are wiser. Teenagers are humans too and have some gut instincts that sometimes are spot on. It’s important to give them a chance to use their voice and share their instincts. Being able to tap into that insight will help them immensely in their adulthood.

9. We need more cereal. ​One of the primary sources of fuel for 13-year-old boys is cereal. It could be a meal for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack and teenagers eat it by the boatload. My 13-year-old has taught me to assume that we always need more cereal. If you see me at any store these days, I can guarantee I have some cereal and milk in my cart. ​

There are whole sections of bookstores devoted to the topic of how to parent a teenager. You could read every single one of those books and still feel unsure of yourself as you navigate the waters of parenting a teenager. But, I’m learning that the best way to parent them is to see them, hear them, and accept them for who they are right now…and feed them lots and lots of cereal.

This post originally appeared on Changing Perspectives.

Jenni Brennan is a psychotherapist, college professor, creator of Changing Perspectives, and co-host of The Changing Perspectives Podcast. Jenni is passionate about exploring the topics of parenting, relationships, grief, and mental health through her writing and podcast episodes. She lives with her husband, 2 sons, 3 dogs, and 2 cats in Massachusetts.

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Graco’s New Car Seat Will Save You Serious Space & Make Car Rides More Enjoyable

by Erin Lem

Pre-kids, my husband and I used to jet off to Tahoe to chase powder or up the coast to explore remote redwood forests with just a backpack and some snacks. Fast forward to 2021 when we have a 65 pound dog and two kids under three. While our interests haven’t changed, the way we travel certainly has.

Anytime we leave the house—from short excursions to longer road trips—we try to pack efficiently and maximize space in the car. This means choosing a car seat like the new Graco SlimFit3™ LX Car Seat, which is one of the slimmest ones I’ve seen. We recently took it for a spin and loved its design, comfort and ease of use. Read on to discover why this new car seat is ideal for families with limited space or multiple kids—and why we’ll be using it for years to come.

 

Things you’ll love about the new Graco SlimFit3™ LX Car Seat:

It’s slim. Yes, really.
While most car seats tout a compact design, Graco SlimFit3™ LX Car Seat actually lives up to its name. While I’m not a car seat expert, we do own two other car seats and my kids have used other brands in their grandparents’ cars, and I can confidently say that this new Graco car seat is noticeably slimmer. For those counting, it comes in at 16.7 inches across, which is narrow enough to allow for three car seats across in the back seat.

My 11-month-old son detests car rides (go figure this anti-car ride baby is stuck with a road trip-loving family), which means I’m often in the back seat with him and our toddler trying to entertain both. Before installing the Graco SlimFit3™ LX I could barely fit between the two car seats, but with the new seat installed, the back seat is so much roomier and I’m not sitting smooshed diagonal between two kids.

It’s easy to adjust and install
We had the car seat installed in mere minutes, and moving it from one car to another is equally as simple as it weighs 18.5 pounds. The car seat features a push-button InRight LATCH, which basically means that it provides an easy, one-second attachment to the car. Graco even manufactured the seat so there’s an audible click to help ensure secure and correct installation.

Adjusting the car seat straps and headrest is intuitive, which is saying something since let’s just say I’m easily confused when it comes to installation and assembly. I like that the seat is no-rethread so I can adjust the height of the headrest and harness to 10 positions with one hand and motion. There’s also a recline option that allows you to adjust it to four different positions allowing for a more comfortable ride for your child.

It’s comfortable
I was pleasantly surprised when my son actually giggled and babbled on our way to daycare on his first ride in the new seat (instead of his usual screeching). Car trips after that—both short and long—have been (and I hope I don’t jinx this)…pleasant. And, the best part of all: I haven’t had to ride in the backseat with him as much.

The car seat features breathable mesh airflow channels to ensure your child doesn’t overheat. For infants, the car seat comes with plush head and body inserts to keep baby cradled. While I’m realistic enough to know that all children react differently to various situations and products, it’s clear for my son that Graco SlimFit3™ LX Car Seat’s design offers him comfort, which has been a great relief for my family as we continue to enjoy time out of the house.

 

Removable, plush head and body inserts help to keep your infant feeling cradled and comfortable. You can take the cover off to clean it without uninstalling the car seat or removing the harness (bonus: it’s machine washable). The steel-reinforced frame provides strength and durability for years of use, and EPS energy-absorbing foam provides effective impact energy management. This car seat is Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™ to help protect in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes.

It grows with your child and safe every step of the way
We love products that aren’t one and done and this new 3-in-1 car seat fits the bill. It isn’t just a car seat you’ll use for a few months; it grows with your child from five pounds up to 100 pounds. The car seat works in three different safe positions: rear-facing harness (5-40 pounds), forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds) and highback booster (40-100 pounds).

And, bottom line, this car seat is safe every step of the way from the first ride home from the hospital to your rides to and from elementary school. The car seat is made with a steel-reinforced frame that provides strength and durability and EPS energy-absorbing foam provides effective impact energy management. And, Graco tells us that this car seat is Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™ to help protect in the event of frontal, side, rear and rollover crashes.

Buy now

—Erin Lem

 

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