50 Parenting Lessons Learned 2012

With the year 2012 coming to an end,  I think it’s more than fair to say 2012 has been the year of life lessons. For many of us, those lessons may have been a little out of the ordinary, some down right nasty and some were simply great lessons. Part of raising extra special kids, is accepting that things are unpredictable. Things aren’t ever “normal” in this house but what we sometimes fail to realize is that EVERY lesson and EVERY moment matters. No matter how big or small, how crazy or stressful times can be, we have cherish and learn from those moments.

Below is a list of things that 2012 has taught me as parent, as well as quotes from other parents.  Some are funny and some are tear stained. Some you may relate to and some you may not “get” at all.  Either way, these lessons have strengthened our families and better prepare us  for the future. I am curious to see what 2013 brings!

What lessons I learned in 2012: 

-Buy a lot of A Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. They will take red food coloring out of anything, including  your toddlers skin!

-If your child eats a newspaper ad or coupons, you are almost guaranteed to have colorful toilet water.

-It’s the little moments that keep your faith, like something so simple as your child taking a bath without screaming.

-Toilet paper & paper towels are non toxic and will pass with some constipation.

-You may be out at the ER too much, if you walk in and almost every nurse knows you by your first name…No matter what shift.

-It’s probably not a good thing if you can name every 24 hour pharmacy in a 50 mile radius.

-Always check the stove, oven and microwave before turning it on. Unless you like the smell of burning plastic!

-What works this month, may not work next month.

-You need an army of family, friends and online networks. Blogs and Facebook pages will do you A LOT of good.

-Say no to Legos and Play Doh!

-Bribery will make your life easier

-Most Friends take for granted, all the small things with their kids and how good they have it.

-Flying Hot wheel cars should be considered life threatening!

-Doctors aren’t always right. In fact, some times they are wrong and need you to tell them(nicely). You don’t have to believe everything they say.Follow your gut. No one knows your child better than you.

-Always keep the car stocked with snacks, bottled water and extra clothes. With all the car rides to appointments and therapies, this will save your sanity.

-Don’t be afraid to say no. To friends, family, doctors, therapists, teachers, schools, and your child.

-You just have to be creative. Finding schedules, techniques, rules, and products that work is a challenge. When all else fails, make your own.

-Weighted blankets, vest, lap pads and animals are BRILLIANT!

-People in public will stare and sometimes  mumble things under their breath while your child is mid meltdown. Even though you feel like spewing words at them, This is opportune time to raise awareness for your child’s disorder. Trust me If you kill them with kindness in the middle of walmart, they will feel embarrassed and chances are it will be liberating for you!

-Seizures never get easier. They are always scary, heartbreaking and leave you feeling helpless.

-Melatonin is a sleep, sanity and marriage saver. When the kids are in bed, it gives you time to focus on your spouse, find out about their day, watch a movie, etc. Plus when the kids are fully rested, it makes daily life a little smoother.

 Collection of Quotes from Fans: 

-”I learned that polystyrene goes straight through the digestive system.”

-”Dry erase crayons (not markers) seem to wipe off of every single surface there is.”

-”Nothing grosses me out anymore. snot, boogers, poop, vomit. it’s just annoying and more work.”

-”That my daughter -nearly 6 classic autism- can not (even if her life depends on it) put any of her clothes on by herself  BUT can happily buy things in the iTunes Store on her therapy iPad when I am not looking!”

-”That sometimes you gotta just jump in the tub clothes n all to hold your baby through a meltdown cuz all the tuggin and pullin and splashin is just gonna get you wet with no progress”

-”I learned from other parents on facebook that my child is perfectly ‘normal’ for a kid with Asperger’s!”

-”That my 2 year old can completely chew off the nipple of a pacifier.”

-”Coconut oil works great for cleaning leather furniture…AND repels ants! ”

-”No matter how many times he shits in the shower, I am always caught off guard.”

-”I learned to finish every last drop of coffee in my cup before my son does!”

-”You can physically almost kill yourself trying to have a clean house”

-”I don’t care how many times people tell me “he will eat when he’s hungry”…doesn’t make it true. I have put the food battle on the back burner and life is much easier now. And we can focus on speech and OT getting ready for kindergarten next year.”

-”I’ve definitely learned that “poop happens!”

-”I learned that social skills groups are worth their weight in gold- my son has friends!!”

-”I learned that my son has one heck of an imagination. Sometimes you just have to let him go.”

-”Buy Potty Locks…enough said!”

-” When you have 4 kids all the same gender esp all boys GET YOUR TUBES TIED! LOL!”

-” I learned that peroxide takes out strawberries dropped all over our light carpet and even squished ones that got stepped on.”

-”I learned that black gel based food dye can be removed from a microfiber couch, only leaving behind a faint purple stain.”

- “The Sound of Music is a really scary threat.”

-”That I’m a much better parent than my parents”

-” I’ve learned as mom that it’s alright to ask for help when you need it most. You don’t have to try to do everything yourself. Ask your friends or family – I -bet they’d be more than willing to help you.”

-” That my younger kids are more accepting of their older autistic sister then anyone. What a example they are! They are my DAILY lesson.”

-” I’ve learned that my baby was officially in charge as soon as he was born!”

-”No matter what, your nose is the easiest target.”

-”Pinch poke you owe me a coke” get old when its the only thing your child says day in and day out”

-”Make a penny to save a penny only to spend a lot more pennies!!!!”

-”Every year I realize , God has blessed me more and more!

- “Choose your battles; if you choose to battle stand your ground and dont give in; letting go of having a perfectly kept house, not going to happen; and that sleep is highly under-rated!”

-” I learned that they really won’t find the chocolate in the tampon box, and if you turn your MP3 player all the way up, you don’t have to answer to what you’re doing in there” -Homestyle Mama

 What has 2012 taught you?