2023 year in review: parenting advice from #askalyson

#askalyson: how do i manage the fears and challenges of a child with a disability?

my son was born six weeks premature, which was already challenging enough, and was diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition shortly after birth (down’s syndrome). hearing the doctor outline the signs of the existing condition was a blur, and confirming the diagnosis weeks later was an overwhelming experience for me and my wife. certain fears set in about the future: how we would treat our son in comparison to his older sister? how would other children treat him? how would the school system treat him? as parents, how can we manage the uncontrollable fears and realities of raising a child with a lifelong condition?

sincerely,
wandering dad

it’s great to make friends with parents who have experienced the same journey but are further up the road than you. listen to their stories and ask for advice. getty images

#askalyson: how do i get my child to take their medicine?

signed,
worried dad

kids who need needles can benefit from an analgesic skin cream, or putting ice on the area first. getty images

#askalyson: when should i stop financially supporting my kids?

my daughter is taking a gap year and living at home. she has the same allowance she had in high school, but there are always things she claims to need. for example, we are paying for her phone, but then she needs something for her hair and nails. she uses our uber account to go party with her friends. she doesn’t have a job, although she says she is trying, but i don’t think she is trying very hard. what bothers me most is her attitude. she expects to be supported, telling us that it’s our job and obligation, but what about her obligations? she doesn’t help around the house, and i am feeling resentful. when do i stop supporting a deadbeat?

kids who have a free and open supply of food, funds and free time without the reality of the actual demands of life have no motivation to go out and fend for themselves, writes alyson schafer. getty

#askalyson: our kids need a sense of meaning too, just like we do

my 11-year-old son keeps saying worrying things like, “what’s the point,” “no one cares,” “i give up,” and “what if the pandemic is still going on in five years?”
i don’t know what to say to these comments and i am not sure if these are signs he is depressed or worse. such as suicidal. how should i be responding?

signed,
concerned dad

human beings need a sense of meaning and purpose as a fundamental pillar of mental health. getty

#askalyson: parents, stop the technology hate