Challenging Misconceptions Amidst Disturbing Comments
“Backhand would do the job” “I will smack my kid for eating a hot wheel, that’s ridiculous” These comments were made about Brantley...
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WELCOME!
We are the Smith Family. We get a lot of questions on what life with Brantley, our 8 year old who has complex behaviors and developmental disabilities is like. So why not take you on our parenting adventure?
We invite you to come along with us as we tackle the trials and triumphs of special needs parenting. We hope that you will join us as we laugh a lot, cry a little, pull our hair out sometimes and love on our wild little man.
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Hugs, Snot, and a Grin
Brantley's hugs are top-notch, surprising, and super snug. However, for the past 6 months, they've come with an extra side of snot that...
A Tale of Tranquility, Turmoil, and Resilience in Raising Brantley
A recent sense of tranquility embraced us with a gentle breeze that filled our sails with hope, as we sailed uncharted calmer waters for...
The Ongoing Dilemma of Estate Planning for Families with Special Needs
“Should we create a will?" Despite revisiting the topic multiple times over the last eight years, the stumbling block remains—the...
Navigating Regressions and Rediscovering Hope: A Mother's Journey with Brantley's Play Development
In Brantley’s earlier years, a daily storm of toys would cascade through our house, creating chaos as he emptied his toy box—a vivid...
A Year of Triumphs, Growth and Achievements
As I prepared for the day, I haphazardly threw my hair up and thought to myself how January me would never believe the changes that...
Emotional wounds inflicted by careless words
"Sick in the head, like Brantley.” “Dysfunctional, like Brantley” As I hear these hurtful statements, I'm reminded of my dad's words from...
The Emotional Toll Of Unseen Moments
Parenting a child with special needs is an undeniable challenge. As parents to children with complex needs, we carry a lifelong emotional...
Beyond Words: Navigating Brantley's Quest for Genuine Connections
Relationships are hard for Brantley. Because of his nonverbal nature, many people dismiss the possibility of forming a genuine connection...
Growth Beyond Assessments and Labels
Shortly before turning 8, Brantley underwent testing revealing that his play and leisure skills mirrored those of a 2-month-old, with...
Navigating the Diverse Needs of Two Brothers on a Journey to Family Adventures
“If you don’t go, you’ll never go” A statement that stopped me dead in my tracks upon reading it. Balancing both of my boy’s diverse...
The Unique Connection Between Brantley’s World and Eclectic Holiday Charm
Unpacking a box of Christmas items passed along by my mother, I couldn't help but smile as I placed the colorful 1980s Christmas decor...
Triumphs and Joy
Yesterday marked our early Christmas celebration with family, a timely strategy to ease Brantley into the holiday chaos, navigating his...
Unraveling ever changing behaviors
In the realm of special needs, behaviors are ever-changing, and Brantley is no exception. In 8 years, he has had many memorable phases...
Embracing the Unpredictable Adventure of Parenting a wild child
Navigating Brantley's wild and elusive nature has been an ongoing adventure for eight years. Similar to a feral cat, he maintained his...
Navigating Holiday Magic: Pica Poses Unique Challenges for the Elf on the Shelf
Raising a child with pica brings unique challenges to Elf on the Shelf. The established guideline for an Elf is clear: children must not...
A mothers evolution in embracing Autism
I vividly remember capturing this moment and editing out the clothes hanger Brantley held so tightly. I couldn’t grasp the thought of...
Gratitude Beyond Social Media Posts, Embracing the Impact of a Wheelchair on Brantley's Well-Being
November prompts a wave of Facebook posts expressing gratitude. Although I've never participated, I regularly reflect on things I'm...
Embracing Differences: A Guide to Discussing Disabilities with Your Children
Children are inherently curious, especially when encountering someone with a disability. Over the last 8 years we have observed various...
A Letter To Parents On The Upcoming Holidays
To my fellow parents dealing with Autism, I see you and I see your nerves about the upcoming Holidays. Although the season brings joy to...
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