Emergency Supply
This may seem like a simple journal entry from Mikey, but it reveals a parenting secret – a real gem! We had two kids and two golden retrievers, and everyone wanted attention and entertainment. Sometimes, we just didn’t have the bandwidth to get to everyone all at once.
These edible bones were my secret weapon for nights when the dogs hadn’t gotten enough exercise and weren’t quite tired enough (after all, a tired dog is a good dog).
I had emergency supplies for the kids too! I had a box full of coloring books, dot-to-dots, puzzles and little craft projects tucked away for evenings when they were bouncing off the walls and needed something just a little bit special to settle them down.
If you can, look for a local shop that sells used toys, puzzles and books. You can fill your emergency box for pennies on the dollar compared to what things would cost new…and you’ll reap the rewards in time sitting down instead of running around after your little ones.
You’re welcome, America. Wink.
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About the Author
Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink* 
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