Our sweet daughter just returned from Space Camp. In fact, she went 30 years after my husband went to there in 1986. It is always somewhat of a risk, both financially and emotionally, to send a child with special needs off to camp. I'm happy to say, this was a big hit! In fact, it was … Continue reading What is Space Camp like for a unique kid? Awesome!
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How Do I Get My Kid To…. (VIP BLOG)
As part of my job, I get to run a program called VIP, or Very Important Parent Program. As part of VIP, we have started a weekly blog on and about all things parenting. Today is my blog called How Do I Get My Kid To.... This one is all about getting my kid to … Continue reading How Do I Get My Kid To…. (VIP BLOG)
My family is in a funk
I picked up my 14 year-old from the bus stop, something I do on occasion [read: when I am procrastinating getting important work done]. She asked, “how was your day, Mom? Bad. How was yours? What did you say? (she’s clearly not used to that answer) I said it was bad. How was your day? … Continue reading My family is in a funk
Where Have You Gone, Darling Summer?
Summer has come and gone. But what a summer it was! I got to take some vacation time to spend with the girls. Sofia made a list of things she wanted to do, and we made our way through the list as much as possible. Paint an art piece. √ Back to school shopping. √ Mani-Pedi. … Continue reading Where Have You Gone, Darling Summer?
Back to School! Podcast 6
The Allen kids are back in school this week. Unlike times in the past, back to school is changing, especially for college students. The days of going to a brick and mortar school for the first year of college is no longer the only option. Is doing a non-traditional option, such as community college or … Continue reading Back to School! Podcast 6
#MuslimLivesMatter Essay: There is a Muslim in My House
There is no more powerful teaching tool than fostering a deep and meaningful relationship with someone that believes differently.
Parenting in the Future Episode 5: Teens, Technology, and Mental Health
Welcome to the 5th episode of Parenting in the Future Podcast with special guest, Fiona Allen! Fiona, our 13 year old daughter, joined us and gave us information about the apps all the teens are using, and told us her take on mental health, technology, and what it is like to be a teen. Chris reviewed … Continue reading Parenting in the Future Episode 5: Teens, Technology, and Mental Health
Similarities Attract
It is no secret that compatibility is really important for a healthy relationship. The misnomer that opposites attract has gotten lots of us in trouble, so I was really curious to see just how compatible my husband’s character strengths are with mine. I LOVE a good survey, and the VIA Character Strengths survey was a … Continue reading Similarities Attract
A Word from My Daughter
I write a lot about my 13 year-old daughter, Fiona, and her struggle with mental illness. She actually does a lot of writing herself, so today I share with you something she wrote for her school newspaper. Ribbons By Fiona Allen About 40,000 people will commit suicide this year. That's the same amount of people … Continue reading A Word from My Daughter
Love is a piece of cake. Love is a biscuit recipe at the State Fair
I have many perks to my job, one of which is getting to be a judge for the cookies, cakes, breads, and candies submitted to the North Carolina state fair. I love this job! One, I get to eat cake. Oh how I love cake. Two, I get to judge with my husband. How I … Continue reading Love is a piece of cake. Love is a biscuit recipe at the State Fair
Dr. Kim Allen 