Any single parents of disabled children?? chat & forums.

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sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 101 (view)

Any single parents of disabled children?? Posted: 11/9/2008 1:20:58 PM
My son is now 10 years old with autism. Autism is not "the worse thing that has happened to him" but more a part of who he is. My son knows what autism is, is proud of who he is and is working towards advocacy for special needs children. Every year he comes more out of his shell and more involved in the world. He is one of the reasons I have stopped dating, but that is by choice. He is so involved in the community and so active now that we do not have free time. My focus is on my son and helping other special needs families. If a man appears that can handle it all and be part of our life, all the better, but if not, it is no big deal.

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 7 (view)

work Posted: 8/5/2008 10:47:28 AM
I work an odd schedule (4pm-1am) but I work from home. I could work a daytime schedule, but then I would not get weekends off. Since I work from home, I use my lunch to have dinner and do homework. My son is responsible enough to put himself to bed and I tuck him in on a break. When I did not work from home, I called the childcare hotline in my area. They found one 24 hour center and a few centers with extended hours. They also gave me a list of home daycares that were willing to work with my hours.

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 25 (view)

Can I still have a roomate even with kids? Posted: 7/30/2008 3:39:20 PM
I would really like to be shown how my child is hurting by having a male role model. Wait, that's right, you are judging on a situation you know nothing about. It has been shown that a male role model, a big brother involved in a child's life just a few hours a month makes a significant positive impact. But my son does not qualify for a big brother and his father is out of the picture. My son has grown leaps and bounds since I have had a roommate. Our roommate is a great friend. He attends my son's baseball games, swim meets, soccer games and school functions. But I guess there is something wrong with that since we are not dating. I'd rather my son be around my great friends that are not going anywhere, than a guy I am dating.

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 22 (view)

Can I still have a roomate even with kids? Posted: 7/30/2008 3:04:01 PM
We are on a lease. I can afford the lease if he is here or not. It is a bonus that he is here and is allowing me to save for a down payment on a house and finish college. If he moves out, we will still be friends and he will still be involved in my our life. I will be dating for someone for quite awhile before I consider changing my living arrangement and he feels the same way

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 20 (view)

Can I still have a roomate even with kids? Posted: 7/30/2008 2:39:38 PM
I think all children should have positive role models. I think family and friends make terrific role models along with coaches, teachers and people in the community. Role models should never be limited to significant others. If someone was not a good role model, they would never be allowed anywhere near my son. I am very particular with who gets introduced to my son, even as a friend.

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 16 (view)

Can I still have a roomate even with kids? Posted: 7/30/2008 1:04:16 PM
Getting a roommate has worked out wonderfully for us. I can rent a 2 bedroom, very small apartment for around $750 a month. Instead we rented a large 3 bedroom home with an office (we both work from home) a pool and fenced yard for $850 a month. We split all of the bills (except for groceries) We have both saved a lot of money and are happy with the arrangement. We have been friends for years and he gets along wonderfully with my son. My son has a consistent male role model and he helps with my son. I have full custody (father out of the picture) work full time and am a full time college student. For us, this has been an ideal situation.

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 24 (view)

How to handle these sensitive and potentially embarrassing situations Posted: 7/25/2008 2:43:12 PM
They do make prescription antiperspirants and deodorants. They are actually applied at night and last 24 hours even though showers. You may want to recommend she get a prescription from her doctor. They also now have prescription strength ones over the counter. Maybe buy her one and leave it where her current stick is.

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 22 (view)

What non-parenting weekends are for... Posted: 7/22/2008 9:29:02 PM
Adult time with friends Sushi Fondue Road trips Snorkeling Me time

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 23 (view)

Attendance fines from schools. Posted: 7/6/2008 5:03:19 PM
My son does not have the best attendance. With my work schedule we can not take vacations together during normal vacation times. In advance of all trips, I arrange his absence with the school. We make sure not to schedule time off around any testing or core course work. My son does all of his homework while we are on the road for our trip. We also work in additional information on the trip that he would not have learned in school. My son learns more on our vacations than he learns at school. We study the whales and penguins at Sea World. We go to the Kennedy Space Center to study the universe. Why shouldn't my son miss school to do this? He is not missing anything by missing school, so why not miss? If the schools insisted that my son missing school was detrimental to his education I would ask for proof. My son is well above grade level, is a straight A student and spends most of his school day tutoring other students. If the school wants to fine me for my son missing school, how about we fine the schools for everyday our children are not being taught? How many schools days are wasted a year by the schools? You have your assemblies for fund raisers, field days, presentations. substitute teachers, and field trips. You also have the days before and after holidays, and the week at the beginning and ending of the school year where they do no work.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 3 (view)

Fort Myers beach party??? Posted: 6/17/2007 1:19:57 PM
It would be nice to have a local get together. Plan it and I will be there

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 34 (view)

Mental Disorders Posted: 6/14/2007 7:58:05 PM
I would date someone with a diagnosed mental illness, because at least they are accepting the illness. Many more people are walking around undiagnosed, not seeking help. Through therapy and medication, most mental illness can be treated and improved. Since I have a son, I would not date anyone with psychosis or borderline personality disorder. These conditions require long term treatment and counseling and confronting ones illness. Once treatment was completed and they could maintain a healthy relationship, I would date them.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 20 (view)

would you date a homeless guy Posted: 6/12/2007 6:37:14 PM
In all honesty, maybe as it depends on the situation. I have a friend who travels for our company as a trainer. He is gone three and a half weeks out of every month traveling and working. He is only in town a night or two at a time and does not really "need" a place, so he stays with friends while in town (and saves the $ to buy a new house) . If I liked the guy and could deal with the traveling, I would date him. We have a couple at work here that are homeless by choice. They make good $ and could support themselves, but they chose to live on the streets. They are a happy married couple, I don't understand it, but it works for them. It would all depend on the person and the reason. Situations and life circumstances change, but they could still be the right person.

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 26 (view)

Guy is over 35 and he still rents. Posted: 5/28/2007 4:31:45 PM
In our market (South Fl) you are much better off renting. You can rent a 4 bedroom pool home for under $900 a month while the owners mortgage is over $2000. With insurance prices, taxes, and the flip flop market, the outrageous rate of foreclosure, homeowners are severely suffering. The 2 bedroom condo I rented last year for $650 a month sold upwards of $200,000 and they have to pay association fees. I am a happy renter and do not plan to buy in this area. So renters are more than welcome

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 13 (view)

Using a dinner coupon on your 1st date Posted: 5/28/2007 7:04:25 AM
I wouldn't mind a guy using a coupon on a date at all. I have an entertainment book which has a card that I use to get the same discount. With the card, no one knows you are using a coupon. I also don't mind going dutch and if I ask a guy out I will pay. I see nothing wrong with a guy managing his money.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 19 (view)

Why Do women dump men who are nice to them. Posted: 5/28/2007 6:40:41 AM
From my experiance, most guys that are nice guys, normally only appear to be nice guys. It seems at first they are nice guys and then once they are comfortable their real personality emerges. I would much rather a guy be himself and how his true colors. As long as I am attracted to a nice guy I will give him a chance. Just remember there is a differance between being a nice guy and a push over or someone without a backbone.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 3 (view)

What is a parent to do! Posted: 5/27/2007 10:46:56 AM
I would look into the JobCorps or AmericaCorps or similar program. They will help her get a GED, hold a job and develop a work ethic. edit: I just looked at your profile and see that you are in Canada. Are there any similar programs there?

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 27 (view)

Division Of Time, Energy & Love Posted: 1/16/2007 3:22:36 PM
His father has never accepted his disability and refuses to. He can not have a special needs child, its not possible according to him. He refuses to accept his disability and blames everything on his son. Would you live with someone who punished a child for things he can't control? Would that be what was best for our son? Verbal abuse can be much worse than physical abuse and I will not subject my son to it. I was actually going to go into this, but it is not worth the energy. Time is more important than money. I could have stayed in a bad relationship to have had a more financially secure life, but I'd rather my son be healthy and happy. I ask for time from him, not mine. He chooses not to see him time.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 23 (view)

Division Of Time, Energy & Love Posted: 1/16/2007 11:42:06 AM
I think you went a little too far with this comment I would even go as far as to say by "Mutually" deciding to leave each other you both did a real number on your child. As I'm sure your child would much rather have you both involved in his life full time. But the 2 of you decided your difference were not worth getting over for the benefit of your child. Sorry, in reality, leaving my son's father was for the best for my child. The easy way out would have been to stay in the relationship and keep him fully involved in my son's life. A man that can not accept his son's disability or special needs, should not have full custody. A man that refuses to take his child to therapy, doctors appointments or provide medication should not have their child fulltime. When his father is able to accept our son for who he is, maybe then, but until then, no. If we were together as a family, his father would be very destructive to our son and would not have allowed any of the interventions which have helped our son progress as well as he has. Differances in providing care for our son would never have been solved and our son would have suffered. Again, I am not asking for much in child support, and I only get what I get because you are required to file for child support to get any government assistance. I ask that he spend time with his son and have changed our schedules to make time. It is up to him to show some interest in his child and a phone call would be a nice start.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 21 (view)

Division Of Time, Energy & Love Posted: 1/16/2007 10:41:59 AM
They can't force you to do anything, unless they are willing to pay for it. Umm, yeah right. Sorry in the states, they don't pay for much, but they place demands. DCF was involved in our custody agreement and is the reason I have full, permanent custody and he has no court ordered visitation rights. His father refused to provide our child with medication and skipped doctors appointments. Full college scholarship, with tuition reimbursement? My work ends up paying for my classes, and the scholarship goes towards books and fees. However why should they be forced to work in a job they don't like persay if you are not also forced to Most people do not work jobs they like, but jobs that they have to. I am "forced" to work where I work because in the states your job is not protected at all during the first year and then you qualify for Family Medical Leave. So I can not change jobs because my job would not be protected. I liked being a member of management and the position I had, but I was "forced" to take a lesser position inorder to care for my son. My point is, if a NCP chooses to work a lower paying job, that is their choice, not their child's choice. A child should not suffer or lose benefits because of a NCP decision. Both parents should work together to give their child the best possible life.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 19 (view)

Division Of Time, Energy & Love Posted: 1/16/2007 9:07:59 AM
DCF has no understanding of children with autism. If dad lived in the house, there would be no concern, because he is a relative. But due to a high profile case in the area of an autistic child being abused, they take extreme precautions. They are worried because my son is an escape artist. I have never had people coming and going from my son's life. When I was awared full and permanent custody it was stated that we must have our own apartment, he has to have his own room, we can not leave the state for more than 10 consecutive days, child support was established, and there was no visitation ordered. <div class="quote"> What would you do if he wasn't around? He isn't around now. If his father was deceased I would qualify for goverment benefits including decent health insurance. Everything you apply for calculates both parents incomes, regardless if both parents support the child. <div class="quote">I don't understand why an NCP should be forced to do things that a CP isn't. What is the NCP forced to do that a CP isn't? Have a job and pay child support? I have a job, work full time and support our child. Why shouldn't the NCP be required to work? I want to go back to college and finish my degree, but I can't, I have to work. So I take 1 college class a semester online that I do at work. And before you say that the NCP pays for this by paying child support, I have a full college scholarship with the option of tution reimbursement from work. <div class="quote"> Did this guy breakup and inform you he didn't want to be a dad during the early stages of the pregnancy? And you decided your going to have the child anyways? Nope, I left dad when our son was almost a year old. We were together for years and engaged. It was a mutual decision to have our son.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 17 (view)

Division Of Time, Energy & Love Posted: 1/16/2007 6:55:24 AM
Why can't you take on a Room Mate to help lower the bills as well? Because according to the Department of Children and Families and the Courts, it is not in the best interest of the child. Because my son has autism there is a concern of what COULD happen with a non-relatives in the house. Since our child is only with his father every other weekend, they do not have an issue with a roomate as the roomate would have less contact with our child. It does not matter that we would have been sharing a nice 4 bedroom house with another autistic family, they did not feel it was appropriate. So, I pay $800 a month for a 2 bedroom apartment in a not so nice part of town, while he pays 1/4 of $1000 a month ($250) to share a 3 bedroom house with his friends and our son sleeps on the couch. They simply ruled that the option for him to make the same amount still existed. So therefore he was working under his potential. I wish this was the case in the states. His father went from being a restraunt manager ($40k + a year) with a daytime schedule (6am-2pm) to a cashier at Walmart ($14k a year) with a night schedule to have his child support payments decreased. He chose to make less money and to spend less time with his son. My income was greatly reduced to care for our son. Is this taken into consideration? NO. I had to take a demotion at work, pay cut and have my hours reduced to take care of our son. Since his father provides inadequate health insurance, I must purchase additional insurance out of pocket which costs more than any child support I receive. I make all insurance payments, copays and pay for all prescriptions out of pocket. I pay for all support services, therapies, sports and school supplies (including a laptop needed for school) I do not ask him to pay for any of these, eventhough I could ask for a 50% reimbursement. All I ask is for him to spend time with his son and if he can't do that, that is his loss. He has the time, just doesn't care to.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 15 (view)

Division Of Time, Energy & Love Posted: 1/15/2007 8:19:32 PM
have place for the children to stay when they see them (So they simply can't rent some cheap ass apartment) Why can't a NCP rent a cheap apartment? I know in the States that a NCP is not required to have a 2nd bedroom or even a bed for a visiting child. A NCP can have roomates which helps with the bills, were I can not. A NCP does not pay for food or groceries for the child, except during visits while the CP pays the remainder of the time. In my case, the NCP does not even have clothes for when our child visits, so I have to send clothes as well. The only thing the NCP pays for when our son visits are the trips to McD's and ice cream. So simply trying to fit time to see their kids into the schedule when they are not either in school, or asleep could pose quite the challenge. And the CP does not face this challenge everyday? The CP has to have a job that works around school and daycare hours. A CP has to take time off work when the child is sick and the schools/daycares are closed, the NCP does not. The NCP has a greater opportunity of hours/schedules to work. If a NCP chooses to work a schedule that does not allow time to spend with their child, that is their choice.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 11 (view)

Blowup between my ex and my daughter. Posted: 1/10/2007 4:15:00 PM
Depending on the parenting/custody agreement she may be required to get your permission for your daughter to attend counseling. If this is the case, you can assist with choosing a counselor that does not thing hom/bisexuality is a mental illness or disease. If they have a gay/lesbian alliance at her school or area, she may want to become involved. This would be no reason for her to take visitation away from you and actually depending on how mom handles this, this may be a reason for you to get further visitation/custody.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 7 (view)

Division Of Time, Energy & Love Posted: 1/4/2007 8:48:06 AM
I could understand my son's father not seeing him, if it was to work, but he chooses not to see him. He has a girlfriend and she comes first. He goes out of town almost every other weekend to party. He is supossed to take our son on every other weekend (which he rarely does) and when he does, he is working and leaves him alone with his grandmother while he works. Then when he gets off work, he goes home, changes clothes and then goes out with his friends. He spends almost no time with his son. I drive our son to and from every visit (45 miles each way) He picked up our son ONCE (I was sick and contagious with Scarlet Fever) and then charged me $20 in gas and visited our son once at school for lunch and brought SubWay and charged me $20 for it. He said if I didn't "pay him back" he would no longer see our son. He never calls to speak to his son and does not return calls. He was supossed to take our son for a long Thanksgiving weekend. I took our son to his house like planned and guess what, he wasn't there. He has not seen his dad in over 2 months and has not spoke to him. As a single parent with a special needs child, I miss work continually and still pay my bills. I have cut my hours from 45 a week to 30 a week to take my son to his doctor and therapy appointments, because of this I was demoted from a management position and took a huge pay cut. I do not feel I am asking for anything unreasonable. I want him to see his son at least every other weekend. I have offered to let him visit during the week and on holiday breaks. And yes, I expect him to pay child support and I am not asking for an unreasonable amount. To avoid paying child support he left a high paying job and went to work as a cashier, that was his choice. Also, he does not want his son full time and I would never keep him from seeing his son.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 8 (view)

Movie - Pursuit Of Happiness Posted: 12/28/2006 12:06:45 PM
I guess my area is doing pretty good then. I know in my area we have the Salvation Army Family Unit. They only take, women, women with children or married families. They do not take single fathers, or families were the mother and father are not married (but they will take the mom and kids and send dad elsewhere) We also have the Mission. The mission will only take men, men with children, or married families. Again they will not take unwed families. I do not agree with this because you then force families to split-up, to get help. We also have an abuse shelter. They will take you in for any form of abuse. It is only for women and children. When a man and has child are the victims, they set them up in somebodys home instead. The reason for this is, most people at abuse shelters are women. People who suffer from abuse and their children are traumatized and sometimes just seeing another man can be crippeling. So to help the women and children feel safe, no men are allowed. But they do help the men, they just do not stay at the same shelter.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 5 (view)

Holiday Phone Calls Posted: 12/27/2006 6:50:45 AM
This year I decided I was not making the calls. Its about time someone thinks of us, instead of complaining we don't call enough. I was disappointed in the lack of calls we received Christmas Day. I also made a promise to myself that I was not calling my son's dad, he can make the effort to call his son. My son never asked about calling his father and I am not going to ask him to call his dad who may not even wish him a Merry Christmas.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 39 (view)

how would a service dog affect a new relationship? Posted: 12/17/2006 2:27:43 PM
LadyDi, I don't think dating with a service dog would be much different than you being a parent with a child. People must understand that this Service Dog will be with you 24/7 and will go everywhere with you. I would just be clear and upfront with people. Let them know the dog is not a hinderance, but a help at independence.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 13 (view)

spending amounts for xmas Posted: 12/7/2006 8:58:14 PM
I never thought I spoiled my son, till now. I will probably spend about $300 more on Christmas this year. I have somethings I bought earlier in the year on sale (probably $100 worth) But just a Nintendo DS is over $125, and you have to get games for it LOL.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 43 (view)

Boyfriend Wont Help Out Around The House Posted: 12/6/2006 4:12:00 PM
Just a question... Did he ever help around the house? He is currently working 12 hour shifts (6-6) and before he was working 8 hour shifts (6-2) could this change be a cause for him to stop helping? My boyfriend works 11 hour shifts (1pm-12) and is exhausted when he gets home and there would be no way I would want him cleaning that late. On the days he works those shifts, I am expected to do all the house work. On the other days he makes up for it by cooking, running the errands, cleaning, etc. It works well for us because we reached a compromise.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 5 (view)

Young Kids and Public Washroom Posted: 12/6/2006 3:56:04 PM
My son is 8 years old and has high functioning autism. If he needs to go to the bathroom and they have stalls and not just a seperate bathroom, he comes in with me. All the ladies are doing their business in a stall so there is nothing for him to see. I will continue to take him to the bathroom with me until I feel comfortable that he can stay safe. He does not go into the stall with me, or I with him, but we wait outside the stall door or I may use the one next to him. Not only do I have to deal with worrying about strangers, but also a child that can not undo his own buttons, belts or zippers. I am definitley not going to unzip him outside the restroom or expect some stranger to do it in the mens bathroom. Also most places around here do not have family bathrooms. The only places I have seen them are amusement parks.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 19 (view)

vaccines=autism????? Posted: 11/27/2006 5:37:06 PM
Due to my his father's religious beliefs my son did not receive any immunizations until around the age of 4. I had a normal child who was social and verbal. Then the doctor's decided to play "catch up" with his immunizations. My son regressed, stopped speaking, and withdrew. 3 months later he was diagnosed with autism. Do I think immunizations have anything to do with the onset of autism? YES! Can I prove it? No. Autism normally presents in children between 18 months and 3 years. My son was developing normally until he was 4 and was given the immunizations. My son now has an immunzation exemption and will never receive another vaccination. When I have another child I will be very selective of what immunizations he receives.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 8 (view)

vaccines=autism????? Posted: 11/26/2006 12:25:07 PM
There is a strong correlation between vaccines and autism. Does the mercury in some vaccines trigger autism? That is the billion dollar question that the pharmacutical industry refuses to investigate. Many parents of children with autism feel the mercury in vaccines has something to do with the onset of autism. Until you see a child go from being completley normal (talking, social, functioning) to completley non-verbal (not talking and normally not responding) and not functioning a few weeks after immunizations, you should not state it is rediculous. My son will not receive a vaccine with mercury in it for any reason. He has an exemption for medical reasons and I wish he had never received any immunizations containing mercury.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 12 (view)

how does a single parent have a long distance relationship Posted: 11/14/2006 5:25:02 PM
I do not see long distance relationships working for most people, especially single parents. First you need to decide which family is going to up and move if it works out, which means one of the families is moving away. And you have to have the approval (normally) of the non-custodial parent to move out of state. Next, it is already hard to date, now imagine adding travel time and expenses. I tried it, I did it, and finally walked away. Neither of us were willing to take our children away from their parents, school, friends and family.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 4 (view)

Inspiring Others Posted: 11/14/2006 3:00:50 PM
I belong to a council for parent's of children with disabilities. I help other parents when their child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. It is very hard for parents to accept this kind of diagnosis and most go through denial. I went through denial for awhile and now help other parents see how to best help their children and how to accept the diagnosis. I also advocate and go to schools and meetings to fight for other children's rights and education. I am the person that gets called when parents just don't know what to do and are on the verge of breaking down.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 6 (view)

child subsidy Posted: 11/14/2006 12:39:40 PM
Wait, wait, wait.... you are only being given $11,000 a year to live off without working??? And you get money to pay for your education? I mean, how can they do that? Because a single parent, who works fullyime making minimum wage makes less that that. You need to get a job just like the rest of us. The government is not expected to support your family, you are.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 4 (view)

child subsidy Posted: 11/14/2006 12:33:25 PM
I got a job. You may want to look at working at a daycare. Or go to school part time and work fulltime You get used to living off the bare minimums. Lots of mac and cheese, ramen noodles (add tomato paste or an egg) and cheap food. You have to struggle to make it, but you can. Also trading baby sitting with other parents helps tremendously.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 8 (view)

Why does it matter?? Posted: 11/14/2006 7:28:13 AM
Employeers believe that your credit score has a lot to do with reliability, work ethic and how much you can trust someone. I mean, would you really want to hire someone that ran up 10k in credit card debt that they never maid a payment on, been evicted twice, filed bankruptcy, bounced checks and didn't pay their bills? For some jobs, I think it is fair to run a credit check, for others I do not. I have been turned down for a few jobs because of a credit check.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 4 (view)

Emigrating...any other single parents managed this? Posted: 11/14/2006 5:53:22 AM
Somebody a little touchy? But to answer your questions...... what did you do about other parent contact? From what you have said, the father is barely involved now, so it will not make much differance if you move. He can come visit and the children can go visit him. grand parents? they can come to visit, you can take vacations/holidays near them/with them, or when the children are old enough they can travel on their own the posibility of leaving one child behind? for me, not an option under any circumstance. What would be the reason of leaving one child behind? You need to decide what is best for you and your children and make the decision from there.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 2 (view)

Why does it matter?? Posted: 11/13/2006 8:56:59 PM
The reason is that employeers are encouraged to hire you if you have received food stamps. If you have put YES, They can not hold it against you, they look good for hiring you, and they get incentives to hire you. So it is a positive thing

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 17 (view)

Would you or wouldn't you? Posted: 11/7/2006 8:39:15 AM
cynderalla - just an idea... have you looked into service dogs? They can train dogs to do what yours is currently doing (detecting seizures and asthma attacks) If you go through a service dog orginization, your son may be able to get a service dog that can accompany him every where he goes.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 13 (view)

Would any guy really come to this site Just For the Forums? Posted: 11/6/2006 11:25:27 AM
Yeah, I am here just for the forums and I am sure guys are as well.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 25 (view)

Okay,Is It Wrong To Go Out and Leave The Kids With A Sitter? Posted: 11/5/2006 12:07:03 PM
I feel as long as a child is well cared for, it does not matter if a parent goes out at night occasionally. I would prefer a child spend time with friends and family over a sitter, but a good sitter can work out quite well. If you have a grandparent or relative that watches your child, it gives them time with the child and allows you some free time. Nothing wrong with it. There are a lot of single parents who have their children the majority of the time and it can make it hard for them to have some kidfree time.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 9 (view)

destructive toddlers Posted: 11/2/2006 9:05:23 AM
Does he always not look at you in the face (make eye contact) or only when you ask or tell him to do something? Is he shy or very social? Have you discussed your concerns with his doctor?

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 7 (view)

destructive toddlers Posted: 11/2/2006 8:09:25 AM
Tinky - I see that you said nursery is helping his speech, so I am just curious is he healthy and developing normally? Terrible 2's are a trial and consistency is the key.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 11 (view)

sleeping naked Posted: 11/1/2006 10:49:42 AM
Sweethang - My feeling is, its your daughters room. It is her room, her private area, and her sanctuary. As long as no one else is in the room, I don't see an issue with sleeping naked. She understands personal space and is clothed at sleep overs and everywhere else in the house. I would suggest you get her a nice comfy robe and hang it on a hook on the back of the door. That way she knows to grab the robe and wrap up before she leaves her room.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 19 (view)

How to raise kids cheaply Posted: 10/31/2006 1:52:30 PM
Kamloops - I think it makes sense for any and everyone to buget their $. Did you know most millionares who have earned there way there are penny pinchers? I am more than able to afford my son, but I would rather save $ where I can, so I can spent where I want. Freecycle is amazing. It keeps so many things out of landfills and passes it on to others who can use it. Whats my trash, is their treasure.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 43 (view)

Saw a four year old at the gym today who weighed almost as much as me.... Posted: 10/31/2006 11:29:40 AM
Poppylee, I know where you are coming from. My son is classified as overweight. We are currently running medical tests to determine the cause because he does eat healthy and does exercise. We also know for a fact that his medications do have side effects of weight gain. I can not take him off current medications used to treat his condition, so we have to deal with the weight gain, but will do what we can to limit it. People judge before they know.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 14 (view)

How to raise kids cheaply Posted: 10/31/2006 9:32:15 AM
I am a penny pincher, well not really, but I watch what I spend. For food, we shop at BJ's and Costco for the bulk discounts. There is also an outlet store here, and I buy lots of odds and ends there. For clothing, we do clearance racks and I buy "lots" of clothing off ebay Family Outings: We buy year passes to amusement parks, zoos and aqauarium. They normally cost about $10 more than a regular ticket. We also look for resident specials or seasonal discounts.

SunnyMommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 3 (view)

Girls want a LTR but admit to wanting to move later Posted: 10/23/2006 10:12:08 AM
If somebody has set plans on moving away, I do not think they should date. However I see nothing wrong with someone who is planning/hoping to move away dating, who knows the guys she dates might want to move with or she might want to stay here with him. I am planning on moving away one day (who knows when) but if I get a great job offer I will move, unless I have someone to keep me here.

sunnymommy

Joined: 10/29/2004

Msg: 13 (view)

TV and autism Posted: 10/21/2006 3:05:37 PM
Yep and that study is 67 pages of crap. The only people that will read this study are some doctors, some parents, advocates, teachers of the autistic who will be outraged. The general public is going to read the short summaries posted on most news websites which do not do anything to tell you about who did the study or how, just what it proved. I would much rather someone read this short article by the Times, then one of those. Sorry, I always thought information was the beast defense against misinformation

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