Comments on: Life Is A Roller Coaster! http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/ Timeless Parenting Advice for Toddlers through Teenagers Thu, 10 May 2012 05:16:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Sabrina http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-51862 Sabrina Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:44:08 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-51862 When I saw the title of this article, I just had to read it. Our life over the last couple of years has been nothing short of one heck of a roller coaster ride! My beautiful son was born with a congenital disorder that affects all of his joints. As such, he was born with two dislocated hips. Just after his second birthday, he finally walked on his own (what a trip!!). When my husband left with our son for a hospital in the neighbouring province for a routine consultation for his hips, we never anticipated that he would become seriously ill and require hospitalization in a pediatric ICU room for five weeks! Just over a month after we returned home (with a much healthier child!!), we found out that we were expecting a second child (and our son still required extensive surgery for his hips). So this past month we trekked our entire family (3 year old, 4 month old, and Mom and Dad) back to the hospital (a 12 hour drive) for our son's surgery. All I can say about this roller coaster life, is that it has taught to never underestimate the power and strength that we possess, because you never know the obstacles you and your family can actually surmount. Even though things have been crazy, at the end of the day I feel totally blessed (albeit very tired!!). When I saw the title of this article, I just had to read it. Our life over the last couple of years has been nothing short of one heck of a roller coaster ride! My beautiful son was born with a congenital disorder that affects all of his joints. As such, he was born with two dislocated hips. Just after his second birthday, he finally walked on his own (what a trip!!). When my husband left with our son for a hospital in the neighbouring province for a routine consultation for his hips, we never anticipated that he would become seriously ill and require hospitalization in a pediatric ICU room for five weeks!

Just over a month after we returned home (with a much healthier child!!), we found out that we were expecting a second child (and our son still required extensive surgery for his hips). So this past month we trekked our entire family (3 year old, 4 month old, and Mom and Dad) back to the hospital (a 12 hour drive) for our son’s surgery.

All I can say about this roller coaster life, is that it has taught to never underestimate the power and strength that we possess, because you never know the obstacles you and your family can actually surmount. Even though things have been crazy, at the end of the day I feel totally blessed (albeit very tired!!).

]]> By: Johnnie http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46203 Johnnie Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:58:35 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46203 Thank you for your article. It is so true that some many of life's aspects are like a roller coaster. We can accept them and roll with the flow or fight against the ever changing motion of life (which is really useless and a waste of precoius valuable time). I tend to try and control situations too much but my beautiful babies remind me that having control is not so important. That living is in the joy that comes from our children. I watched my son's face at recent local fair when he rode the little dragon roller coaster (he is four). He just laughed the whole time....good example! Thank you for your article. It is so true that some many of life’s aspects are like a roller coaster. We can accept them and roll with the flow or fight against the ever changing motion of life (which is really useless and a waste of precoius valuable time). I tend to try and control situations too much but my beautiful babies remind me that having control is not so important. That living is in the joy that comes from our children. I watched my son’s face at recent local fair when he rode the little dragon roller coaster (he is four). He just laughed the whole time….good example!

]]> By: Kandra http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46140 Kandra Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:46:32 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46140 Twists and turns are all about perspective. Having 7 children, I know everyday presents the opportunity for a "thrill" ride. The definition of "thrill" is only how frame it. Will it be exciting, upsetting, encouraging, disappointing, or the light at the end of the tunnel? I guess that all depends on me. My reaction determines how my children perceive .... "thrill" rides. HMMMMM.... Twists and turns are all about perspective. Having 7 children, I know everyday presents the opportunity for a “thrill” ride. The definition of “thrill” is only how frame it. Will it be exciting, upsetting, encouraging, disappointing, or the light at the end of the tunnel? I guess that all depends on me. My reaction determines how my children perceive …. “thrill” rides. HMMMMM….

]]> By: Michele http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46139 Michele Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:46:27 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46139 Your article really hit home as the grandmother of a five year old austistic boy. None of the many supportive people in his life who love him dearly, anticipated the "roller coaster" this diagnosis would bring. He is the greatest love of my life, and has taught me so much about unconditional love and acceptance. We never know what to expect from one day to the next, or for that matter, from one moment to the next. It is a constant challenge and he is a constant source of love and joy. Thank you for the reminder!!!! Your article really hit home as the grandmother of a five year old austistic boy. None of the many supportive people in his life who love him dearly, anticipated the “roller coaster” this diagnosis would bring. He is the greatest love of my life, and has taught me so much about unconditional love and acceptance. We never know what to expect from one day to the next, or for that matter, from one moment to the next. It is a constant challenge and he is a constant source of love and joy. Thank you for the reminder!!!!

]]> By: Jackie http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46130 Jackie Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:29:46 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46130 Monika- I share your pain. My stepson (31) was just placed against his will in a psychiatric hospital in NC and we are in Germany, and my husband and I just wrote in our calendars "see Dr. B about S" (my 9 yr old daughter). the roller coaster never stops.. Monika- I share your pain. My stepson (31) was just placed against his will in a psychiatric hospital in NC and we are in Germany, and my husband and I just wrote in our calendars “see Dr. B about S” (my 9 yr old daughter). the roller coaster never stops..

]]> By: Monika http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46127 Monika Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:32:19 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46127 I enjoyed your article and it contained good reminders...but... as someone who neither enjoys flying (smooth or not) OR roller coasters, I have to add that not everyone is able to embrace the stress and jolts that come with raising children in this day and age. As such, I plan and control the things in my life that actually CAN and make sure to build in enough me time and other stress reliefs so I can handle the ride. Boundaries are a huge method of coping! I am raising two boys (7 and 5) and one girl (16 months). My eldest has significant neurologically based special needs and my young son has an anxiety disorder. I enjoyed your article and it contained good reminders…but… as someone who neither enjoys flying (smooth or not) OR roller coasters, I have to add that not everyone is able to embrace the stress and jolts that come with raising children in this day and age.

As such, I plan and control the things in my life that actually CAN and make sure to build in enough me time and other stress reliefs so I can handle the ride. Boundaries are a huge method of coping!

I am raising two boys (7 and 5) and one girl (16 months). My eldest has significant neurologically based special needs and my young son has an anxiety disorder.

]]> By: Vicki http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46126 Vicki Tue, 09 Sep 2008 05:44:16 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46126 If we never had a bumpy or hair-raising ride sometimes, we would not be able to appreciate and cherish the smooth rides. I know it is often difficult to see the light or joy in a hard circumstance but once life calms down to a panic we can look back and breathe a sigh of relief. Love your children to the max because soon they will be up and out on their own! Bless my boys. If we never had a bumpy or hair-raising ride sometimes, we would not be able to appreciate and cherish the smooth rides. I know it is often difficult to see the light or joy in a hard circumstance but once life calms down to a panic we can look back and breathe a sigh of relief. Love your children to the max because soon they will be up and out on their own! Bless my boys.

]]> By: Sue http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46117 Sue Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:17:19 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46117 I am 56 years old, teaching special education preschool. I know one constant that always holds true. The only constant is CHANGE! Just expect it and embrace it. Sue I am 56 years old, teaching special education preschool. I know one constant that always holds true. The only constant is CHANGE! Just expect it and embrace it.

Sue

]]> By: Mary http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46116 Mary Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:53:43 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46116 I am having the time of my life!!! I tell myself that everyday, several times a day. Working full time with three kids, every day I face many new challenges that come out of nowhere, total suprises. It is more scary for me to think that soon the wild ride won't be so wild. Hang on and keep your arms and legs inside at all times!!! I am having the time of my life!!! I tell myself that everyday, several times a day. Working full time with three kids, every day I face many new challenges that come out of nowhere, total suprises. It is more scary for me to think that soon the wild ride won’t be so wild. Hang on and keep your arms and legs inside at all times!!!

]]> By: Fran http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46111 Fran Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:42:56 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46111 So many children are progammed....so even the simplest things are chalenged. My triplet 8 year olds spent a reckless summer at a pool at the ocean and had a great time.I was by thier side but they were engaged. I am sorry and embarrassed to say that they did not do math facts or a lot of reading but their rollercoaster ride was socially learning how to engage. So many children are progammed….so even the simplest things are chalenged. My triplet 8 year olds spent a reckless summer at a pool at the ocean and had a great time.I was by thier side but they were engaged. I am sorry and embarrassed to say that they did not do math facts or a lot of reading but their rollercoaster ride was socially learning how to engage.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46110 Lisa Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:20:46 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46110 Thank you for this timely article. As I feel like I am screaming my way down and through yet another one of those loop da loops, you have reminded me that yes I must stop and find the joy. I always believe there is "God Breezes" when you look for them. A time when something little will cheer you up and make you go aaaahhhh, I am so not alone on this ride called life. Life is what you make it. Thanks for the God Breeze Thank you for this timely article. As I feel like I am screaming my way down and through yet another one of those loop da loops, you have reminded me that yes I must stop and find the joy. I always believe there is “God Breezes” when you look for them. A time when something little will cheer you up and make you go aaaahhhh, I am so not alone on this ride called life. Life is what you make it. Thanks for the God Breeze

]]> By: kim http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46108 kim Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:40:47 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46108 Put your hands in the air as the coaster plunges and twists around the track and yell yahooooooo!! Put your hands in the air as the coaster plunges and twists around the track and yell yahooooooo!!

]]> By: Jenny http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46107 Jenny Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:30:18 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46107 I keep telling myself this very point that we as moms or should I say that I tend to put my agenda first not realizing that the day begins and what lies ahead is unknown. Thanks once again for the reminder that really its all about the little souls that we are raising. I know my daily ride can be pretty wild yet some times relatively smooth. Raising twin 6 yr old boys can feel like I am riding the wildest roller coaster. I keep telling myself this very point that we as moms or should I say that I tend to put my agenda first not realizing that the day begins and what lies ahead is unknown.
Thanks once again for the reminder that really its all about the little souls that we are raising.
I know my daily ride can be pretty wild yet some times relatively smooth. Raising twin 6 yr old boys can feel like I am riding the wildest roller coaster.

]]> By: Kyra http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46105 Kyra Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:27:19 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46105 Would you rather have life as a "merry-go-round" (same old, same old - round and round it goes) or like a roller coaster (full of excitment - a surprise filled with anticipation as you slowly climb up the hill; holding your breathe as you begin the descent and the comforting feeling as you coast to a smooth transition). Give me a life with some adventure!!!! Would you rather have life as a “merry-go-round” (same old, same old – round and round it goes) or like a roller coaster (full of excitment – a surprise filled with anticipation as you slowly climb up the hill; holding your breathe as you begin the descent and the comforting feeling as you coast to a smooth transition).
Give me a life with some adventure!!!!

]]> By: Dario http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46103 Dario Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:20:35 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46103 Wouldn't U say that the problem arises with "us" creating expectations? Life is life, unless we change things around to fit them into our comfort zone so they become what "we" chose to call life. Or not? Many adults say work is not life. Life starts after work hours. And other niceties. Trouble is, our comfy zone is not the same one for others (including our kids). Helping our kids to see that life is not "a maths exam" but instead a journey of discovery, may be a good starting point. I reckon, we first need to understand that even our brightest kids can have moments where they behave as very slow learners. Therefore, if we learn to accept that there are "no guarantees" (no matter what the insurance guys like to advertise) we may enjoy the ride with all its ups and downs much much more, and by default we may make the ride much more true to life, acceptable and even enjoyable for our kids as well. Thank you Ellen for bringing up this point. Wouldn’t U say that the problem arises with “us” creating expectations? Life is life, unless we change things around to fit them into our comfort zone so they become what “we” chose to call life. Or not?
Many adults say work is not life. Life starts after work hours. And other niceties.
Trouble is, our comfy zone is not the same one for others (including our kids).
Helping our kids to see that life is not “a maths exam” but instead a journey of discovery, may be a good starting point.
I reckon, we first need to understand that even our brightest kids can have moments where they behave as very slow learners.
Therefore, if we learn to accept that there are “no guarantees” (no matter what the insurance guys like to advertise) we may enjoy the ride with all its ups and downs much much more, and by default we may make the ride much more true to life, acceptable and even enjoyable for our kids as well.
Thank you Ellen for bringing up this point.

]]> By: Connie http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46101 Connie Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:15:50 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46101 Sometimes it is difficult to find life's blessing when you are still on the plunge down the first peak! Sometimes it is difficult to find life’s blessing when you are still on the plunge down the first peak!

]]> By: Vera http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/comment-page-1/#comment-46097 Vera Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:06:03 +0000 http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/roller-coaster/#comment-46097 Hi Ellen, I'm so glad that I read through this entire piece today. So many things have not gone my way- but I can look back and see so many blessings in disguise. Thank you for this perspective. Vera, mom of Ava-11 and Dylan-7 Hi Ellen,

I’m so glad that I read through this entire piece today. So many things have not gone my way- but I can look back and see so many blessings in disguise. Thank you for this perspective.

Vera, mom of Ava-11 and Dylan-7

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