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Toad Boat

a sketch of the children's book characters Frog and Toad, in a boat. Frog is fishing and Toad is reading.
Frog and Toad are friends.

I know that this is not the most nature-friendly post we’ve ever had, but here’s the thing.  We say ‘no’ a lot as parents. In my house, with two active boys and two mischievous golden retrievers, I might have needed to say ‘no’ more than the average mom.

So, I really needed to pick my battles. On this day, a backyard toad got a ride in a remote control boat.  He was safely released after his adventure to spread the word far and wide that the Mauro’s backyard is THE place to be for the sporty toad! So, I really didn’t need to say no to this zaniness.

Mikey's journal entry from September 6, 2013.Photos of the toad in the remote control boat in our pool, Will and Michael looking on in excitement.
The toad does seem kinda into it…gotta say.

Looking back, I’m glad the kids got to be creative, have fun and really play.  

Also…

I don’t think I did this that day, but the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel are truly beautiful and would have made a great tie-in with our toad boat craziness. Pull them out as a fun addition to any frog or toad related activities your little ones come up with. Your local library will have them. They’re worth reading even if your child would absolutely, never, under any circumstances touch a toad…they’re filled with sweetness and wisdom, both of which  our world sorely lacks right now.

Note:

Michael’s birthday was over the summer. We don’t disclose the exact date to protect his privacy, but this gift was a hit!  Not shocking since it is a speedboat and a pool toy, two of his favorites!

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Erica Mauro

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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