Playing is a lot easier than coaching.The amount of restraint and patience needed with coaching is something I never appreciated while playing sports growing up in recreation leagues, in high school and in college.When I was an athlete, the perfect coach to me married the appropriate messaging when needed while making the sport fun. A… Read more »

It’s an eerie feeling living something you know you will never forget.Last Friday was one of those days for us. We spent much of the day at Carson’s school, Ocean City Elementary, for American Education Week, taking part in a gingerbread house session in his classroom in the morning and then the first term awards… Read more »

Somewhere along the way we went wrong.Beckett has an expectation of a prize or reward for anything he does well or for any good deed.When he brought home a solid report card this month, he inquired immediately about what he would be getting for doing such a great job in his first term in middle… Read more »

As I often mention in this space, I read a ton of parenting articles, especially online blogs written by special needs parents. I identify with these people on so many levels due to our 10-year-old son Carson.For the first time in the 11 years I’ve been writing this column, I admit to some difficulty finding… Read more »

It was early, but it was hilarious.On Sunday, the first morning after daylights savings time ended, Carson came into our room around 7 a.m. This is normal each morning. He jumps out of bed, runs (or more like stomps) to our room to look at the digital clock on the dresser.  If the time is… Read more »

I am constantly amazed at what my kids do and do not remember.My boys, 11 and 9, are high-maintenance kids. I’m not talking negatively of them. It’s just the way they are at this point in their lives. They need us.I am fortunate to have friends with kids nearly the same age as mine. Therefore,… Read more »

Kids get a case of the Mondays as well.After a big weekend featuring a middle school dance and Busch Gardens, Beckett, 11, and Carson, 9, were both exhausted come Monday morning.After dragging all morning, Carson had a better day than I expected in school, but then reverted back to his younger years during his speech… Read more »

Some things are easier and other things not so much.My sons, now 11 and 9 years old, respectively, are as different as they come in all facets. Their personalities, likes and dislikes and approaches to life are the mirror opposite of each other. It’s an interesting dynamic to observe as we navigate this parenting journey.Though… Read more »

Being the sibling to a special needs child is incredibly challenging.Every day Beckett, 11, is tested by his 9-year-old little brother Carson. Beckett is right to claim his life is unfair. Sometimes he articulates it with mature clarity. He’s aware of the impact his brother’s disabilities have on his life. In some ways, he is… Read more »

Beckett’s list of things he enjoys expanded this fall to include being a ball boy.He “worked” his first few varsity games as a soccer ball boy last month at his school, Worcester Prep. Pam and I couldn’t be there with work and Carson responsibilities, but we also didn’t really feel our attendance was critical for… Read more »