September 23rd, 2022

This week comes with multiple changes and so far it seems to be for the good.

Laying in bed on Sunday and like we always do, Eli and I prayed before bed. Eli fell asleep and I sat up thinking of ways to help Eli get through his hard times. In my head I gathered everything I knew, every little detail and all of the adventures this week that lead up to making such a strong demanding change. Not just for Eli and myself but for our whole home.

First thing first, I knew he started to get addicted to YOUTUBE Kids channel, it had to go. Monday morning was the first day, less than 12 hours. Taking away something he loved so much and replacing it with something I knew was the best choice and it wouldn't be so bad, or would it? We replaced it with the TBN Christian Smile network. It wasn't new and he was into this channel at a younger age. Something "new" and "fresh" for the moment. A moment that was greeted with acceptance and smiles. He remembered the little shows and skits so it made it easy to transition.

Secondly, we made decisions to change more into a gluten free and processed food free home. Learning to make more homemade goodies with less added ingredients you can not pronounce, was not doing it for us any longer so we decided to give it a try Thrive Market. Hoping this change will bring encouragement to keep eating healthier and loose cravings for sugar and additives not good for his lifestyle. This obviously does not mean we will never eat a cookie or share a scoop of ice cream but to be vigilant about what we take in our bodies.

Third, we decided to maintain and be productive in our daily routine. We are currently but to be more attentive and alert of how we go through our day.

Today is Thursday and I am so happy with results. Eli is more calm and content. Not completely, we have a long way to go but we have seen changes and these changes are here to stay and welcoming. He is healthier, happier and more content. He is not so wild and "out of control" with his Autism. It seems to be controlled much better

I have always said YOUTUBE has subliminal messages within their channels, anyone agree? Additives and sugars in his food, I never thought the simple changes could bring so much calmness in our home. More homemade and simple is key. Eli does take Melatonin at night to calm and relax him. It seems to help. Thank you Vicks Melatonin. Game and life changer.

No parent knows exactly how to manage a child. They all come in different shapes and sizes. Each child is unique and special in their own way. The way God wanted it to be. I am so thankful to know that things can change by the choices we make and that our consequences don't have to be if we really consider the good in everything we do. We need to continue to fight for our children with special needs, we are their voice and they are our future. How blessed we have to be, to know we have the most incredible children - The ones that love the most, the hardest, the openness and effortless.

Children who have the possibility to change us, have the possibility to change the world. Don't ever underestimate a child's willingness to be someone strong and well rounded because the person that raises them is their foundation to their building. YOU!