Empowered Parenting

Parenting

Special Needs Parenting and Coping With the Unknown

Sonia Voynow LCSW on May 7, 2020

If you’re a special needs parent, you have already learned a lot about coping with uncertainty. And in the face of the current pandemic, those lessons are invaluable.

If you’re a special needs parent, you have already learned a lot about coping with uncertainty. And in the face of the current pandemic, those lessons are invaluable.

Grief

A Surviving and Thriving Toolbox: The Self-Care of Patience

Sonia Voynow LCSW on January 17, 2020

Emotions are really your GPS, showing us where you are at any moment, and what support you might need. Experiencing your feelings without judgment is just good self-care.

Emotions are really your GPS, showing us where you are at any moment, and what support you might need. Experiencing your feelings without judgment is just good self-care.

Autism

Being a Beginner on the Bus

Sonia Voynow LCSW on September 12, 2019

My son with autism teaches me that when you don't know the rules, you might as well smile.

My son with autism teaches me that when you don't know the rules, you might as well smile.

Autism

Helicopter Parenting and Autism

Sonia Voynow LCSW on May 15, 2019

When I am with my autistic son in a place of fear, I jump in, eager to translate him to the world. But the truth is, my interventions don’t allow him to grow.

When I am with my autistic son in a place of fear, I jump in, eager to translate him to the world. But the truth is, my interventions don’t allow him to grow.

Guilt

Getting Lost at the DMV

Sonia Voynow LCSW on January 6, 2019

No matter how long I have lived with my son’s diagnosis, a very singular kind of sadness and guilt can sweep in and take me by surprise.

No matter how long I have lived with my son’s diagnosis, a very singular kind of sadness and guilt can sweep in and take me by surprise.

Autism

Beware O.P.O.'s (Other People's Opinions)

Sonia Voynow LCSW on August 21, 2018

When you're raising a child with autism, there are already enough things that can make you doubt yourself. Another person's opinion shouldn’t be one of them.

When you're raising a child with autism, there are already enough things that can make you doubt yourself. Another person's opinion shouldn’t be one of them.

Autism

My Son The Music Man: Adventures With My Son's North Star

Sonia Voynow LCSW on May 2, 2018

As the parent of a child with special needs, you might tend to focus mostly on what is wrong. But your child's passions and gifts are there. You just need to take a wider view.

As the parent of a child with special needs, you might tend to focus mostly on what is wrong. But your child's passions and gifts are there. You just need to take a wider view.

Autism

Free to Be Here and Now

Sonia Voynow LCSW on February 25, 2018

Want your child-free time to feel nurturing? Choose a point of focus and create a place of calm.

Want your child-free time to feel nurturing? Choose a point of focus and create a place of calm.

Autism

Knowing When to Step Away

Sonia Voynow LCSW on December 20, 2017

It is essential to find time to be in the middle of all your doing for your child with autism. But stepping away is easier said than done.

It is essential to find time to be in the middle of all your doing for your child with autism. But stepping away is easier said than done.