Welcome to TOUGH TODDLER TOOLKIT! Parenting any toddler is hard. Parenting a toddler with neuro-divergent characteristics, sensory aversions, or elevated defiance can be even harder. You are not alone; there are tools that can help!
My name is Rachel. I graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Special Education-Learning Disabilities and I taught for 5 years before becoming a Stay At Home Mom to 3 little ones.
Our first son had significant sensory, behavioral, and emotional challenges during his toddler years and NONE of the typical advice worked for our son. I remember our pediatrician asking us questions like, “Have you tried a sound machine to help with sleep?” “What if you give him a toy to distract him when putting him in his carseat?” “Have you tried singing while you brush his teeth?” Yes, yes, and yes. We had tried all the things and we were still struggling.
We had to go rogue and combine my background in special education with what we had learned from our occupational therapist and figure everything out on our own. Those early years were a very isolating, difficult time (especially in the middle of covid!) and now that we have seen such amazing progress, I wanted to create this blog with the goal of helping other parents in similar situations feel connected to real supports that may help. Every child is different, so what works for one may not work for another, but hopefully you will find something to help make the days a bit smoother.
You got this!