Kitchen Counter Confidential – Mom-ology

As I mentioned yesterday, I am excited today to introduce you to the awesome mom behind the blog Mom-ology. I came across Mom-ology a few weeks ago when I was researching the use of service dogs for children with ASD. Mom-ology is a great blog filled with not only Jen’s personal experiences, but also useful information and resources for families. Today we are taking a look inside Jen’s kitchen to see what’s on her counters. We’ll also learn about the benefits of Karate for kids with an Autism diagnosis and her secret for getting everything in her busy life done. Here we go…

Tell me 3 things about yourself

– I have always wanted to be a lawyer. I love to argue and debate issues with people and really dislike injustice – especially when it’s focused around kids.
– I was adopted at 3 months old. Growing up I used to always tell my brothers “at lease mom and dad go to choose me!” when we got into fights and had our little disagreements.
– I would love to buy a hobby farm where I can have animals that could be used for animal assisted therapy for those that would benefit.

As much as I would love to have one of those kitchens that had nothing on the counter, it’s just not too practical! It’s too much work to have to get things out of cupboards or drawers when they are items that you use frequently. We also don’t have a huge kitchen so out of necessity I need to have some small appliances on the counter.

Do crumbs count?
– kitchen aid mixer
– toaster oven
– coffee maker (absolute necessity!)
– a stack of magazines that I NEED to go through
– my son’s Nintendo 3DS

Oh, if I could change everything about it, I would! My biggest issue with our counter is the colour. It’s blue…not that I don’t like blue, because I do, but it limits a lot of colour choices in our kitchen. I would really like a granite or marble counter top! Someday! *dreaming*

Hmmm – I would have to say baking cookies with my boy! I need to do it more with my son, he loves to help cut out cookies and decorate them. The counter gets covered in flour and sugar…and so do we! Now that I’ve shared this, I think that will be on the list for the weekend.

Wow, I think the first thing I would say is that, as hard as it can be, to accept Autism into your lives. Autism is a family issue and it affects everyone in you house. Once you truly accept Autism, you will be able to move on and do what is necessary for your child. It will be OK…you child is so much more than Autism. He/she is the same child they were before the diagnosis, but now that you have a “label” you will be able to better access resources to help.

Learning how to advocate for your child is extremely important. It is definitely a skill and there are some excellent books, like The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Autistic Child by Areva Martin that can help in this area. You are your child’s voice and learning the necessary steps in advocating will help ensure that you are as effective as you can be.

If you can, join an autism organization or support group, to be able to share your experiences with other parents in the same position. I have met wonderful people through groups that I have joined, and it’s great to be able to talk to people who understand what you are going through.

Lastly, for me, I would say, keep your sense of humour. If you don’t laugh, life will be a whole lot harder. I try to live by the motto, “live, love, laugh”…laughter is the best medicine and above all, it’s FREE!

The benefits of martial arts for children on the spectrum are numerous. It assists children to learn and to be able to focus their attention and concentrate on the task at hand. Being that the children are there for the same reason, it helps with the social aspect allowing friendships to be formed based on shared activity. Physically, it offers improved fitness and activity levels while working on things like their balance and coordination. Lastly, anyone that takes martial arts will say that they have increased self-control and better self confidence.

These are all great benefits to anyone, but a lot of these things focus on areas where kids with Autism may have varying degrees of challenges. For more information on our Karate program, you can visit us at www.autismkarate.wordpress.com

Caffeine and chocolate! LOL!

Seriously though, I believe that a person is as strong as their situation needs them to be. I would have never thought that I would have been able to do what is needed each day, but out of necessity, and love…I just do it! As a mom though, you have to take some “me” time each day. If you don’t you are going to burn out quickly. Too often moms put everyone else’s needs before their own, but you can’t forget about yourself!

Thanks for letting us peak inside your kitchen! I love coming across, meeting and introducing these amazing women to all of you. What a wonderful perspective on life. I know that all of their days are not easy, but it is clear to see the love and support that this family has for each other. And I love the line that laughter is the best medicine and it’s free! Please pop over to Mom-ology and take a look around, and if you are interested in more information on Karate and Autism head over to her sister site autismkarate.