Tag: momlife

Something New Is Coming: The Just My MomSense Podcast!

On By justmymomsenseIn Podcast4 Comments

For years, Just My MomSense has been a place where I’ve shared stories and helpful resources; but now, I’m so excited to tell you that something new is coming…

Introducing: The Just My MomSense Podcast: launching this Mother’s Day!

This podcast has been something I’ve been thinking about for awhile. Shameless plug: as some of you know, I host the Dillo’s Diz podcast with my brother, which centers around our love for Disney and Pop Culture. Taking what I’ve learned doing that podcast, turning Just My MomSense into a podcast started to feel like a natural progression. But this time, it would be just me and that part made me nervous.

After writing blog posts, connecting with other parents, and learning (and unlearning) so much over the last 7 years, I felt it was time to bring these conversations to life in a whole new way. Podcasting allows me to expand on sharing resources as I continue to learn and connect with others along the way.

Each week, I’ll be sharing:

  • Reflections from my own parenting experience
  • Resources that have helped our family thrive (or just survive a tough week)
  • Interviews with educators, therapists, and fellow parents

The first episode drops on Sunday, May 11th (Mother’s Day)! With the title and all (and a nudge from a friend with the idea) it seemed appropriate. After that, we’ll settle into a weekly rhythm with new episodes every Wednesday. Episodes will also be posted on your favorite podcasting platform and right here on the blog.

Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for more! You can also use or follow the hashtag #JustMyMomSensePodcast to join the conversation. Feel free to DM me or comment with questions or topics you’d love for me to cover.

Thank you for being here, whether you’ve read one post or followed since the beginning. I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.

Let’s Talk About Sensory Processing Awareness Month

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Although I’m a bit late with this year’s post, we are still in October which means it’s Sensory Processing Awareness Month!

If you’ve spent any time on my blog, you know sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a topic close to my heart. It’s something that shapes our daily lives, from the way we plan our days to how we navigate public spaces, and even how we handle the unexpected.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

For those who may not be familiar, Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. Imagine living in a world where bright lights feel like they’re burning your skin, loud noises pierce your ears like sirens, or even a hug feels overwhelming. That’s what it’s like for many individuals with SPD.

But here’s the thing—everyone experiences sensory input differently, so SPD manifests in many different ways. Some may be hypersensitive, others may seek out sensory input, and some fluctuate between both extremes.

Our Journey with SPD

Our family’s journey with SPD hasn’t been based on one specific thing. It was many pieces of a puzzle that when put together meant that being bothered by a tag on a shirt wasn’t about the specific tag. We’ve learned that sensory overload isn’t just about loud noises or bright lights—it can be the little things, too. Things that might seem inconsequential to someone without SPD. For example, socks with seams or a jacket that feels “wrong” can make or break a day. These are the types of things that many people don’t even think about, but for those with SPD, they can feel monumental. It was all part of a bigger picture. Learning more about sensory input, how the brain works and how everyday things that we take for granted can be so challenging for those with sensory processing difficulties, has shaped the way we look at our everyday life.

Tips for Navigating SPD

Resources like The Star Institute, Sensory Spectacle, reading books or following social media accounts like Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support has helped in expanding our understanding.

I have a page on this blog with a few of my favorite things including book recommendations, toys and more!

I wanted to take a moment to share a few things that have helped us manage day-to-day life with SPD. Of course, every child is different, but these strategies have been game-changers for us:

  1. Create a Sensory-Friendly Space: This doesn’t have to be fancy, but having a designated area where your child can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed can be so helpful.
  2. Incorporate Sensory Activities: Sensory play has become a regular part of our routine. Whether it’s a bin of rice for tactile exploration, deep pressure activities like jumping on a trampoline, or using noise-cancelling headphones, finding what works for your child is key.
  3. Plan Ahead: We try to be proactive instead of reactive. When heading out for potentially overwhelming activities, we prepare by bringing sensory tools (like fidget toys or a favorite texture) and discussing ahead of time what to expect.
  4. Communicate Openly with Others: I’ve learned the importance of advocating for my child. Explaining SPD to teachers and family members, has helped them understand why certain accommodations or reactions are necessary. We’ve had to embrace being the voice for our child until they can speak for themselves.

Every person with SPD experiences the world uniquely, and that deserves recognition.

I hope that by sharing our experiences, I can help shed some light on what it’s like to navigate life with sensory processing disorder and offer a bit of encouragement to other parents who may be feeling overwhelmed or alone on this journey. We may not have all the answers, but we’re learning everyday.

Happy Sensory Processing Awareness Month!

Visit Santa Online

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

During the 2020 Holiday Season, I got to interview the one and only Santa Clause on the Dillo’s Diz Podcast. With still so much uncertainty surrounding us, it was a comfort to be speaking with someone so magical. Aside from the huge honor of interviewing him, we were also chatting about VisitSantaOnline.com, where families could book a zoom call with the big guy himself!

We had been to visit Santa in person in previous years when the kids were in the baby/toddler stage. Since some time had passed, they were feeling a little nervous about seeing him in real life. As we all know, 2020 was a time where not many things were happening in person. The combination of these two factors had me running to this new way to connect with St. Nick!

The visit was amazing! Santa connected with both kids, who were 3 and 6 at the time, and brought Christmas magic to life. He was able to chat with them about some of their wishes for Christmas, school and more. 3 years later, they have continued to talk about it and we decided to book another call with Santa.

With 5 days left until Christmas, we appreciated Santa finding time out of his busy schedule to once again chat with us. Now at 9 and 6, the kids were once again star struck seeing him again. Another magical memory has been made.

If your child is a bit skiddish about meeting Santa in person, if a mall setting would be too overwhelming, or maybe scheduling an in person meeting is tough, I highly recommend checking out VisitSantaOnline.com. You get time to chat with Santa and a recording of the zoom call once it’s done. It’s a fantastic experience!

Thankful for the Christmas season, for watching magic through my kids’ eyes and for Santa as he creates memorable moments!

World Mental Health Day

On By justmymomsenseIn Anxiety, Mental Health2 Comments

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. – World Health Organization

There is no shame in taking care of your mental health. There is no shame in admitting you need help to take care of your mental health. There is no shame in talking to others about your mental health.

I recognize that in 2023 there is still a stigma when in comes to discussing mental health. I realize there is still a stigma when people talk about going to therapy. However, I am thankful that the stigma seems to be diminishing as each year passes. As it should, right?

It’s hard to talk about sensory difficulties without talking about anxiety. They go hand in hand and can feed off each other easily. Providing your children with the right tools to help them overcome any of their challenges as early as possible can make such a difference. Whether that is speech therapy, occupational therapy, talk therapy, play therapy, while also working with them at home, it can all change how you and your child communicate and get through the day to day.

As a mom, talking to another parent that may be reading this, please know that taking care of your mental health is so important. It’s great to have a support system around you and some are lucky to have that. Whether you do or you don’t, it’s ok to also ask for additional help. Talking to a therapist, meditation, and working on yourself can do wonders for your kids. If you are not regulated, they won’t be either. Being a parent is tough, add having a child with anxiety, sensory difficulties, health issues or any other challenges and being a parent just got tougher. Please take care of yourselves as well.

During World Mental Health Day, I wish for kindness and compassion for all of us. I wish for everyone to feel peace and happiness. For those that aren’t feeling that way, please know it’s ok to ask for help.

Helpful Links:

MentalHealth.org

MentalHealth.org.uk

Star Institute

Psychology Today

The Importance of Play

On By justmymomsenseIn Parent Life, school2 Comments

If you’re a parent than you know that playing is one of the most important things children can do. There are so many benefits and it’s so beneficial to your child’s developement.

Once the school year begins and extracurricular activities ramp up, sometimes it’s hard to make time to just play. It’s easy to get caught up in the routine, the chores, going from one activity to the next, working and everything else parents have going on throughout their day.

It’s important to stop and play. Maybe not everyday, but as often as possible. We’re still at an age range where we can do playdates. We have friends we’ve made over the past couple of years that we can call to meet up with at a park, playground, library, bowling, or just hang at one of our houses. The kids are able to be in a comfortable place with some freedom and the ability to interact with each other. They’re able to learn from each other and work on communicating more effectively. The most important thing they’re able to do is have fun in a non-structured environment.

As parents, my husband and I also work to make sure we’re playing as a family. Sometimes we walk up to a nearby school and play Basketball, Box Ball, Wiffle Ball, help them across monkey bars, or just race each other across the field. I won’t tell you who normally wins those races…

Again, I know how much the daily grind can suck you in and you start to rely a little more on school for playing and socialization. However, doing those things outside of school is just as important. I try to be aware of it so that when I feel like it’s been a long week or a busy weekend where we were gogogo, I try to make sure we have that time to stop and play.

Added bonus: it’s just as beneficial to parents!

Want to learn more about the benefits of play? Check out some of these articles:

Why Playing Is So Effecting In Your Kids’ Developement

10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Play

Want Resilient and Well-Adjusted Kids? Let Them Play

How Does Sensory Processing Affect Sleep?

On By justmymomsenseIn Sensory ResourcesLeave a comment

Taken from The Out-Of-Sync Child:

Falling asleep, staying asleep and waking up may be problematic The child with SPD may need an unusually long afternoon nap, or she may never nap even if exhausted. Because a sleep disorder is often caused be a separation problem, she may want to sleep with her parents She may have trouble comforting herself to sleep, or may constantly awaken during the night.

Sleep problems may be associated with high need for movement. If the child has not had her quota of movement during the day, her arousal levels may fluctuate erratically, and she may become overaroused at night. Over- or underresponsitivity also may cause the child to feel uncomfortable in bed. The pajamas or sheets may feel scratchy. The pillowcase may not smell right, especially after its familiar, ripe scent has been washed out. The blankets may be too heavy or not heavy enough.

My son is 9 and we still struggle with locking in a good bedtime routine. We have a routine, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Both of my kids used to go to sleep at 5:00….yup 5! And some nights, I’ll still do that. When I put them to bed at 5, they fall right to sleep and will wake up at 6AM or after. Of course as they’ve gotten older, incorporating school and after school activities, 5:00 it a lot tougher. More often their bedtime is closer to 7. However, at this time, my 6 year old is typically overtired and my 9 year old will come out of the room a dozen times before settling. They’ll still wake up at 6AM or after.

They both wake up during the night, but my 9 year old tends to do it more. We try our best to make sure he’s had enough movement during the day and enough stimulation, without getting overstimulated. It’s an ongoing balancing act.

There are plenty of things you can try if you’re in a similar boat as us.

  • Warm baths
  • Plenty of Movement during the day
  • Limiting screen time closer to bedtime
  • Making sure they’re full from all their meals

However, as much as you try, you may also just be in it right along with us. If you are, know that you’re not alone!

I recommend reading The Out-Of-Sync Child as a resource for all things sensory processing. The book has been updated since I originally purchased it and I am linking the most recent version.

Click here to check out The Out-Of-Sync Child.

Just My MomSense is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program

30 Day Writing Challenge | Day 13 Update

On By justmymomsenseIn Travel, writing challenge4 Comments

I have a confession to make.

I have missed one day of my writing challenge. That day, was yesterday.

On Thursday, I went away for a few days and made sure to schedule blogs so I didn’t miss anything. Only to come home Sunday and then needing Monday to recover.

I have decided that I will do 2 blogs today to make up for yesterday! Do I have a plan for what I’ll be writing in this one or the next? Nope! So we’ll just roll with whatever comes to mind.

Going away solo as a parent is a weird thing. I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that I co-host the Dillo’s Diz Podcast with my brother. It covers our love for Disney, random tangents and some pop culture thrown in along the way. This trip was our first every meetup and it meant so much to us. I’m still processing trying to find the words to explain how much it meant, but I’m not sure I ever will.

We’ve taken a few Dillos trips and they’re always a bit tough for me. My mom guilt kicks in, missing them is a constant and I never want to be away from them for too long. On the flip side, it was great spending time with the friends we’ve made along the way thanks to the podcast and I am so happy we did it.

If you’re a parent and can relate to feeling all the things all at once, comment below and let me know!

<Shameless plug time> If you like Disney, pop culture and hearing siblings tangent, then be sure to check out the Dillo’s Diz Podcast, available on your favorite podcasting platform or by clicking here!

The 1st Day of School 2023

On By justmymomsenseIn school1 Comment

I am now a parent of a 1st and 4th grader.

Yesterday was their first day of school.

New outfits? Check!

New kicks? Check! (Kicks-as the kids say)

School supplies? Check!

Both kids are in separate schools but this is their second year in their respective schools. Sound confusing? Our schools are split up in an interesting way in my area. I like it, but I do wish they could be in the same school. This won’t happen until one is a senior in High School and the other is a freshman.

A big milestone: this was the first year that my now 4th grader went into school without tears! This was major! He had plenty of nerves and ton of adrenaline. Luckily he saw some friends on the walk to school and waiting in front of the school. He was able to walk in as part of a pack and waive goodbye over his shoulder.

My 1st grader went in tear-free as well. She didn’t cry in Pre-K but threw me a curveball in Kindergarten when she cried and didn’t want to get out of the car. We had a successful drop off this year.

As I’ve talked about in previous blogs, all kids, not just my own, tend to hold in a lot of different emotions throughout the school day. Once they get home, it can come out in a variety of ways. When I picked up my 4th grader today, I had to wait for him at a new door. He came out of the door from last year and ran to me crying. I think the cap popped off and now it was mixed with feeling like he did something wrong. His nerves got the best of him and he went to the exit he knew the best. Tomorrow his teacher will point out exactly where he needs to be which will alleviate some of those jitters. We walked home with on and off tears talking about his teacher, his class and how he had a good day. He also pointed out how he didn’t cry that morning, which made him happy.

Transitions are hard. They’re extra tough for someone with sensory processing difficulties and anxiety. The routine of school each week into the weekend can be tough. The routine of the school year into summer can be tough. The summer routine back into the school routine with a new class and new teacher can be straight up overwhelming.

I have no doubts that they’ll both have a good year. As we always do, we take it one day at a time and try our best to focus on the highlights while riding the emotional waves.

Walking, Listening and Breathing

On By justmymomsenseIn Parent Life, writing challenge7 Comments

Two springs ago, my husband and I started going on walks while the kids were at school. We did it just as a way to get out, enjoy the nice weather and didn’t have a goal in mind.

Once the summer and fall came, I missed walking. What I hadn’t realized is that walking had made me feel better, even though I wasn’t feeling bad. So we got back into walking, sporadically, on nicer days.

Last year my 9 year old switched to a school that is in walking distance from our house. We walked him to school everyday and most days took the long way back home. Once this past summer hit, I made it a point to make sure I continued to walk. This time I did it solo.

Once my husband was done working, we would divide and conquer. I would go out, put my earbuds in and just walk. He started doing the same in the mornings before work.

We are still parents, so life can get in the way and these walks can’t happen everyday. However, we have made it a point to set aside this outside walking time for ourselves as often as possible.

Personally, I am walking for mental health and to move my body. I have Hashimotos and exercising is important, with gentle exercise being the preferred method. While walking, I like listening to audiobooks, podcasts and sometimes just music. We had ordered iLuv myBuds Wireless EarBuds awhile back, due to the cost and not knowing how often we would be using them. Now that we’re using them more, they’ve been great and I have no plans on switching any time soon. Just remember to keep the volume at a place where you can still hear your surroundings. If I can walk at the end of the day, I find it better because I don’t have my daily to-do list running through my head like it is in the morning. But I take what I can get!

Finding solo time as a parent is tough and everyone’s situation is different. Whether it’s a few minutes or a few hours, once a week or everyday, I would highly recommend it. Take time to watch a favorite show, favorite movie, go out for a walk, stay in and do a home workout, read a favorite book, journal, meditate or find something else that allows you time to breathe and center yourself.

If you would have told me two years ago that I would be walking on my own a few times a week, I would have said “I don’t have time for that.” Mental health is just as important as overall health and whatever you can do to help yourself be the best version of you, to feel good and get through the day, please do!

Just My MomSense is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program