Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid!

Ordinary moms (and imperfect sisters) on raising children with disabilities

by Gina Gallagher and Patricia Konjoian

Feeling Blue? You Picked a Great Time!

April is not just for spring showers; it's the time for blue lights. Not the kind of Blue Light Specials you find at Kmart, but the special blue lights that will shine a light on autism. Learn how one mother finds autism something to feel good—and blue—about. Read More

Five Things Not to Say to a Special Needs Parent

We're all guilty of saying the wrong things at times. That's why they invented duct tape, right? But some of us, like parents of special needs children, are more likely to be on the receiving end of harsh comments than others. Comments that leave us feeling angry, humiliated, and depressed. Learn what you should and shouldn't say. Read More

Victim of Adult Bullying? Don't Sweat It!

If you've ever been bullied or teased by adults, you're not alone. As much as we'd like to think that as adults, we've grown beyond the bullying, many people haven't. What message does that leave for our kids? And what lessons can our special kids teach us about bullies? Read More

Surviving That Special Young Love

What do you do when you face a new parenting challenge or decision? Maybe you do what I do—draw on your own childhood experience. Ask yourself WWMADD? (What Would Mom and Dad Do?) There is, however, one parental dilemma that my childhood experiences can't help me with—dating. Read More

Don't Blink! It's Another Hollywood Divorce

16 days of marriage for Sinead O'Connor. 72 days of marriage for Kim Kardashian. Should we be celebrating anniversary milestones in days not years? Read More

How Did We Go From a Baby in a Manger to Black Friday?

The holidays are a time to give thanks and spread goodwill toward fellow man, right? Then why do some of the stresses of the holidays seem to bring out the worst in people? Read More

Uncovering the Real Gifts of the Holiday Season

While we're busy hauling out our holly and shopping till we drop, many of us forget to stop and appreciate the true gifts in life. Sometimes it takes a life changing incident to get us to stop counting presents and start counting our blessings. Read More

Mother Doesn't Always Know Best

As a parent, it's your job to be a positive role model for your child, right? But when "experts,"are constantly reminding you of your child's deficiencies, it's hard to accomplish that. For many special parents, there comes a time when we should stop listening to what the experts say and listen to the person who really knows best -- the child. Read More

Who Needs Maternal Instincts When You Have Facebook?

You've heard all about the dangers of Facebook. But what about the benefits? Facebook can be a valuable tool in helping parents connect with (and spy on) their children. Best of all, you can do it in your pajamas. Read this humorous look at the positive side of Facebook. Read More

Laugh Your Behind Off, Literally

Kids say the funniest things. Factor in a kid with a "different view of the world," and you have your own little comedian. Here are some funny quotes out of the mouths of special children. You'll laugh your behind off (oh, if only that were true). Read More

Put Your Party Pants On! We're Having a Pity Party!

None of us like to feel sorry for ourselves. But the fact is, pity can sometimes be a healthy way to get in touch with our feelings and uncover the help we need. Read More

Loving and Letting Go

Letting go is not easy for any parent. But when you have a child with a disability, it can be devastating. Sisters Patricia Konjoian and Gina Gallagher share the lesson of how the unexpected loss of their mother helped them gain perspective on the importance of fostering love and independence for their special children. Read More

What They Don't Tell You About "Therapy" Dogs

For many parents of special needs children, a therapy dog can provide invaluable assistance and comfort to their struggling children. For others, caring for a "therapy" dog can lead them to therapy. Read More

Looking at Autism from "The Other Side"

For many parents, accepting their children have autism can be a devastating and overwhelming experience. Learn how one imperfect mother gets awakened to the "other side" of autism -- the positive one. Read More

The Anxiety of Living with Anxiety

Tornadoes. Tsunamis. Doomsday predictions. There sure is a lot of uncertainty in the world. And if you have a child with special needs and anxiety, managing these uncertainties can drive you straight to the nearest pharmacy. Read More

Special Needs Stress and Marriage: Can You Have One Without the Other?

Men and women are very different. A no-brainer, right? You only need to monitor the television preferences in our homes to prove that theory.

"You're watching 1000 Ways to Die, again?"

"Yeah, well it's better than those dumb Real Housewives shows you watch. They make me wanna die!" Read More

Is Geometry a Key for Future Success? You Bet Your Rhombus It Isn't!

Determination? Perseverance? The ability to identify triangles in a police lineup? Is mastering Geometry really a key for future success? The Shut Up Sisters say, "you bet your rhombus it isn't!" Read More

Is that Treadmill Really Good for You?

This past weekend, we had the privilege of speaking in Minnesota for the Autism Society of Minnesota or AUSM (pronounced "Awe-some" on the street). Our mission was the same as it has been for the past five years - to get out of the house. ("Yippeee! No laundry for two whole days!" ) Read More

The 7,000 Habits of Highly Imperfect Parents

Characteristics of special needs parents as seen through the eyes of two CHImPs. Read More

Score One for Imperfection!

The bipolar and the beautiful. Why Catherine Zeta-Jones will help break the stigma of mental illness. Read More

The Movement of Imperfection Is Staying

Parents of special kids can be proud, too. Read More

Caution!

Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid. Imperfect mothers embrace joys and challenges of raising special kids. Read More

Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid! Bloggers

Gina Gallagher is an imperfect award-winning freelance copywriter, speaker and co-author with her sister Patricia Konjoian of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid: A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Kids.

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Patricia Konjoian is a videographer, speaker, author and lifelong dieter. She is co-author with her sister Gina Gallager of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid: A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Kids.

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