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The Joys and Struggles of Grandparents Raising Neurodiverse Grandkids

Neurodivergence is a term that refers to the diversity of human brains and minds, especially those that differ from the normative expectations of society. Neurodivergent people may have autism, ADHD, dyslexia, bipolar disorder, or Tourette syndrome.

Raising their neurodivergent grandkids is a role that some grandparents may assume, either by choice or necessity, depending on their family situation. This can be a challenging but rewarding experience, as grandparents have to navigate their grandkids’ complex needs, strengths, and health and well-being. They may also opt to give more support and care to their family.

Raising grandkids who are neurodiverse can be both challenging and rewarding for grandparents. This blog post will explore common difficulties and joys they experience and share tips and resources to support them.

Challenges:

Lack of knowledge and awareness: Grandparents may not be familiar with the latest research and terminology on neurodiversity and may have misconceptions or stereotypes about their grandkids’ conditions. They may also face stigma and discrimination from others who do not understand or accept neurodiversity.Lack of support and services: Grandparents may need help accessing appropriate and affordable services and support for their grandkids, such as education, health care, therapy, or social activities. They may also have difficulty finding peer support or respite care for themselves.Financial and legal issues: Grandparents may incur additional expenses and responsibilities when raising their grandkids, such as housing, food, clothing, transportation, or medical bills. They may also face legal challenges in obtaining custody, guardianship, or other rights for their grandkids.Emotional and physical stress: Grandparents may experience emotional stress from dealing with their grandkids’ challenges and behaviours, as well as their feelings of grief, guilt, anger, or isolation. They may also face physical stress from ageing, illness, or injury.

Rewards:

Bonding and love: Grandparents can enjoy a close and loving relationship with their grandkids and witness their growth and development. They can also share their wisdom, values, and experiences with their grandkids and learn from them.Pride and satisfaction: Grandparents can feel proud and satisfied with their role and contribution to their grandkids’ lives. They can also celebrate their grandkids’ achievements and successes, big or small.Joy and fun: Grandparents can have fun and joy with their grandkids and explore their interests and hobbies together. They can also discover new things and perspectives from their grandkids’ unique ways of thinking and being.

Tips and resources:

Educate yourself:  on your grandkids’ conditions and needs, and stay informed with the most recent information and research. Seek out reliable sources such as books, websites, podcasts, or documentaries that explain neurodiversity respectfully and positively.Advocate for your grandkids: Speak up for your grandkids’ rights and interests by joining or creating groups or networks that advocate for neurodiversity and inclusion in various settings such as school, health care, or community. Seek out professional help or legal advice if needed.Seek support for yourself: Reach out to other grandparents in a similar situation, either online or in person. Join or create groups or forums to share your experiences, challenges, tips, and resources. Seek professional help or counselling if you feel overwhelmed or depressed. Find respite care or other services that can give you a break or relief from your caregiving duties.Take care of yourself: Attend to your physical and mental health needs. Follow a balanced diet, exercise often, get enough rest, and reduce stress levels. Find happiness and meaning in your life by pursuing your passions, taking a break, being with friends, or contributing to society.Appreciate your grandkids: Focus on the positive aspects of your grandkids’ personalities and abilities. Acknowledge their abilities and skills, and support them to follow their interests. Respect their preferences and choices, and accommodate their needs. Express your love and affection for them often.

Raising neurodivergent grandkids can be a challenging but rewarding journey for grandparents. By educating themselves, advocating for their grandkids, seeking support for themselves, taking care of themselves, and appreciating their grandkids, grandparents can make the most of this unique opportunity to enrich their lives and their grandkids’ lives.

Sources –

https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-grandfamilies-generational-differences-raising-grandkids/https://evidencebasedliving.human.cornell.edu/blog/when-grandparents-raise-their-grandchildren/https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2020/01/29/grandparents-raising-grandchildren-social-support-neededhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28379927/

Take the Dog Out! by Lynne Dempsey, Mandy Newham-Cobb

This book is a humorous and entertaining read. The dog is adorable and mischievous, and the illustrations are bright and lively.

I liked the book’s interactive elements, such as counting the barks and finding the bones. The book also has a nice message about caring for your pet and spending quality time with your family. The only drawback is that the book is relatively short, and the text could be more varied. I wish there were more to the story and more words to read.

But overall, it’s a fun and charming book for beginners.

Noelle The Best Big Sister by Mikaela Wilson, Pardeep Mehra

This book is a beautiful way to help young children cope with the arrival of a new baby in the family.

The story follows Noelle, a big sister who learns to love and care for her new sibling. The book captures the emotions and challenges that Noelle faces and shows how she overcomes them with the help of her parents.

I recommend this sweet and fun book to anyone looking for a way to help their child adjust to being an older sibling. The illustrations are colourful and cute, and the message is positive and encouraging. The book also has some tips for parents on preparing their older child for the arrival of a new baby.

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

This book was a huge disappointment. I expected thrilling and captivating psychological suspense. Instead, I got a dull and frustrating story with many flaws and problems.

The characters are unlikeable and unrealistic. Adam is a naive and clueless writer who doesn’t seem to have common sense or logic. Sarah is a manipulative and selfish wife who pretends to be his well-wisher but has ulterior motives. Kelly is the victim, but her backstory wasn’t developed at all. Her real name is Jenna, and she killed her first husband. With a cop’s help, she changes her identity, marries the same cop, and cheats on him with Adam. Her ex-brother-in-law has changed identity and is now Sarah’s colleague. Is changing identities so easy? Do law firms have no background checks on their employees?

The chapters from Adam’s point of view are hard to read and boring. They are full of his mental monologues that repeat the same thing. The characters keep saying the same things to themselves or others, trying to fill in obvious or irrelevant information. The whole book is repetitive and redundant.

The author has no idea how criminal investigations go through. There is a third DNA on the victim. Still, people conducting the study are not interested to find out whose that is. They don’t follow any leads or clues. They just focus on Adam as the main suspect.

The book is predictable and unoriginal. I knew who the killer was when Sarah stepped up to help Adam. It was apparent that she had something to do with it.

Many plot holes and unanswered questions make the story implausible and inconsistent. For example, how did Adam not notice that Kelly was dead and stabbed when he touched her? How did he not see the blood on his pants? Why was it taking ages for Adam to recognise Bob? He did hear a car door close outside the lake house. Why did no one care about this piece of information in the investigation? How did Sarah get away with everything?

The book is poorly written and boring. I had to drag myself and force myself to finish it. The last 20% of the book was especially painful to read. It was full of unnecessary details and twists that needed to be clarified. The book is not a gripping psychological suspense. It is a frustrating and disappointing mess. Please don’t waste your time on this book.

101 Fairy Tales Book by Dreamland Publications

I was very disappointed with this book. It claims to be a collection of the best fairy tales, but it is far from that. The stories could be better written, with many spelling and grammar mistakes. The formatting could be better, with consistent fonts and margins. The illustrations are bland and unoriginal. The stories are not faithful to the original versions but are simplified and rushed to fit 101 in a book. This book does not do justice to the classic fairy tales I loved as a child. I do not recommend this book to anyone who appreciates quality literature.

The Price of a Wish

Baiwab was a bored office worker who hated his job. He spent most of his days staring at his computer screen and dreaming of a more exciting life. One day, he decided to take a break and go to the vending machine in the hallway. He inserted a dollar bill and pressed the button for a candy bar. To his surprise, the machine made a loud clunking noise and spat out a shiny gold coin instead of his snack. Baiwab picked up the coin and examined it. It had strange symbols on both sides and looked very old. He wondered if it was some kind of prank or a mistake.

He took the coin to a nearby pawn shop to see if it was worth anything. He walked out of his office building and hailed a cab. He told the driver to take him to the nearest pawn shop. On the way, he noticed that the coin was getting warmer in his hand. He also felt a strange tingling sensation in his fingers. He shrugged it off and thought it was just his imagination.

He arrived at the pawnshop and entered the store. He greeted the owner, a grumpy older man with a long beard and a monocle. He showed him the coin and asked if he knew anything about it.

The owner gasped and snatched the coin from Baiwab’s hand. He held it up to his eye and inspected it closely. He looked at Baiwab with a mixture of awe and fear.

“Where did you get this?” he asked.

“I got it from a vending machine,” Baiwab said.

“A vending machine?” the owner repeated incredulously.

“Yes, why? What is it?”

The owner shook his head and handed the coin back to Baiwab.

“This is no ordinary coin, my friend,” he said. “This is a legendary treasure that many have sought for centuries. This is the Coin of Destiny.”

“The Coin of Destiny?” Baiwab echoed.

“Yes, the Coin of Destiny. It is said that whoever possesses this coin can control their fate. They can make any wish come true if willing to pay the price.”

“What price?” Baiwab asked.

“The price is different for everyone,” the owner said. “Some say it is your soul. Some say it is your sanity. Some say it is your happiness. But whatever it is, you must be careful what you wish for. The coin can grant you anything but also take away everything.”

Baiwab looked at the coin in his hand and felt excitement and curiosity. He wondered what he could wish for with such a powerful artefact. He thought about all the things he wanted to do and have. He thought about his tedious job, lonely life, and unfulfilled dreams.

He smiled and said to the owner, “Thanks for the information, but I’ll keep this coin. I have some wishes to make.”

He turned around and left the store, leaving the owner speechless.

Baiwab hailed another cab and told the driver to take him to the airport. He decided to use his first wish to travel around the world and see all the places he had always wanted. He held the coin in his hand and whispered his wish.

The coin glowed briefly and then turned cold. Baiwab felt a sudden jolt in his body and blacked out.

When he woke up, he found himself on a plane flying over the ocean. He checked his ticket and saw he was going to Hawaii. He glanced out of the window and spotted a lovely island under him.

He smiled and thought that his wish had come true.

He didn’t notice that his hair had turned white and his face had aged ten years.

André Goes to School by Mikaela Wilson, Pardeep Mehra

This is a cute and charming book about a little boy named André who goes to school for the first time. He faces his fears and discovers that school can be fun and rewarding.

The book has colourful and expressive illustrations that capture André’s emotions and adventures. The book also has a positive message about bravery, trying new things, and making friends.

I liked that the book showed André’s family and teacher supporting and encouraging him. I didn’t give it five stars because I felt the book was too short and could have explored more aspects of school life, such as learning new skills, playing games, or doing homework.

Overall, a lovely book for preschoolers and kindergarteners who are starting school or need some reassurance.

What Makes the ADHD Brain Unique: A Guide to Understanding and Managing Your Symptoms

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how your brain deals with information and governs your behaviour. If you have ADHD, you might wonder what makes your brain different from a normal brain. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some key differences between an ADHD brain and a normal brain and how they affect various aspects of your life. We will also provide tips on managing your symptoms and harnessing your strengths.

ADHD Brain vs Normal Brain: What Are the Differences?

One of the main differences between an ADHD brain and a normal brain is the level of certain neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, in your brain. These neurotransmitters include dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in attention, motivation, reward, and impulse control. People with ADHD often have issues with the levels or the transmission of these neurotransmitters between nerve cells. This can lead to inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation.

Another difference between an ADHD brain and a normal brain is the structure and function of some brain regions, especially the frontal lobe. Executive functions, such as planning, organizing, problem-solving, working memory, and self-control, are the responsibility of the frontal lobe. People with ADHD often have smaller or less developed frontal lobes than people without ADHD, which can affect their ability to perform these tasks.

Other parts of your brain, such as the amygdala, responsible for emotional processing, and the basal ganglia, which is in charge of movement and reward, also communicate with the frontal lobe. People with ADHD may have weaker or less efficient connections between these brain regions, affecting their mood regulation, motivation, communication skills, and judgment.

How Does the ADHD Brain Affect Your Life?

Various aspects of your life, such as learning, work, relationships, and self-esteem, can be significantly affected by the differences in your ADHD brain. You may struggle with staying focused, following instructions, managing time, organizing your environment, controlling your impulses, expressing your emotions appropriately, and coping with stress. Academic struggles, poor work performance, interpersonal issues, low self-confidence, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression can stem from these challenges.

However, having an ADHD brain does not mean you are doomed to fail or suffer. There are many methods to deal with your symptoms and leverage your strengths.

How Can You Manage Your ADHD Brain?

Some of the ways you can manage your symptoms and harness your strengths include:

Seeking professional help from a doctor or therapist who can diagnose your condition and prescribe medication or therapy if needed.Finding support from others who understand your challenges and can offer encouragement and advice.Learning about your condition and how it affects your brain and behaviour.Developing strategies to cope with your difficulties and improve your skills.Seeking accommodations or modifications at school or work to help you succeed.Find activities that interest you and use your creativity and energy.Celebrating your achievements and acknowledging your positive qualities.

Having an ADHD brain can be challenging but also rewarding. By understanding how your brain works and what you can do to support it, you can live a fulfilling and productive life.

You can find more information on ADHD and the brain on the National Institute of Mental Health website.

You can find more information on ADHD symptoms and diagnosis on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

For more information on ADHD and executive functions, visit the Understood website.

Sources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-brain-vs-normal-brainhttps://add.org/adhd-brain/https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-in-the-brain-how-does-it-workhttps://www.additudemag.com/understanding-adhd/https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhdhttps://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.htmlhttps://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-the-brain

Shh! We Got a Unicorn by Anjeanette Carter

Shh! We Got a Unicorn is a fun and engaging book for kids who love unicorns and adventures.

The story follows a brother and sister who find a unicorn in the park and decide to take her home. Along the way, they encounter some challenges and need the reader’s help to solve them.

The book suits preschoolers and early readers looking for a magical and humorous story. The book contains colourful illustrations and interactive questions, making the reading experience more enjoyable and stimulating. The book also encourages kids to use their imagination and creativity to develop solutions and ideas.

Shh! We Got a Unicorn is an excellent addition to any kid’s library. I recommend this book to anyone who likes unicorns, rainbows, and problem-solving.

Shh! We Got a Mermaid by Anjeanette Carter

Shh! We Got a Mermaid is a fun and engaging book for kids who love mermaids and adventures.

The story follows a brother and sister who find a mermaid on a magical island and bring her home with them. They must keep her a secret and help her return to the ocean before it’s too late.

The book has colourful illustrations and a catchy rhyme scheme, making it easy to read aloud. The book also has a clever twist at the end that invites the reader to imagine what they would do in the same situation.

I liked how the book encourages creativity and critical thinking skills in children. The book is suitable for kids from 4 to 10 years old, but even older readers might enjoy it. I didn’t give it five stars because I felt the plot was predictable, and some rhymes were forced. However, I still think it’s an excellent book for mermaid lovers and anyone looking for a fun and whimsical story.