What is lagniappe?
Lagniappe [lon'yup or lon-ee-up] is commonly a small gift that is given to a customer in appreciation for a purchase, like a piece of candy. But that's not how my Grandma, a tiny belle from New Orleans, used the term. She always gave kisses and hugs (or an extra scoop of peas and rice) for lagniappe. For her, it was simply a little extra given to someone you love, respect, or appreciate.
What is a Lagniappe Parent?
As the proud mother of two boys on the autism spectrum, I know a lot about acts of lagniappe. All special needs parents do. Whether it's driving to therapies, specialist appointments, or IEP meetings, our calendars are packed with activities to help narrow the gap between our children's speech/behavior/social skills and those of their typical peers. Our every day is filled with "a little extra," like finding teachable moments to help them achieve their ever growing lists of goals or trying to help them function socially. Of course, we're doing all this while steering them away from some less than kind strangers, peers, and acquaintances who don't understand how hard they work just to do what they and their typical children take for granted. It's a full time job of "extras" on top of the already tough full time job of being a parent.
Let's make some NOISE!
It's all done out of love and appreciation for who they are, however. It's all for lagniappe. Therefore, a lagniappe parent isn't afraid of long hours, staring down the public, breaking down stereotypes, and carving a niche for their loved ones. And...I do think it's time the lagniappe parents of the world make a little noise. I want to publicly brag about my children's accomplishments just like other parents brag about their children's honor roll or All-State status. And I want people to "get it," to really understand all that goes into each accomplishment. I want us- and our children- to be recognized and supported for all that we do. On the "A Day in the Life..." page, you will find some of my thoughts on various topics that impact my life. The "Qualities of a Lagniappe Parent," page has two sub pages. "How do I lagniappe page," is where I'll be posting some of the little extras I do that make me feel good about my job as a mom. The "Extra Victories" sub page, where I'll be posting the happenings of my amazing boys. "Special Needs 101" is where I will attempt to define some of the terminology used elsewhere in the site. PLEASE feel free to comment and add on to any of these pages. Keep it positive, though :)
And remember: Extra challenges equal extra victories.
Lagniappe [lon'yup or lon-ee-up] is commonly a small gift that is given to a customer in appreciation for a purchase, like a piece of candy. But that's not how my Grandma, a tiny belle from New Orleans, used the term. She always gave kisses and hugs (or an extra scoop of peas and rice) for lagniappe. For her, it was simply a little extra given to someone you love, respect, or appreciate.
What is a Lagniappe Parent?
As the proud mother of two boys on the autism spectrum, I know a lot about acts of lagniappe. All special needs parents do. Whether it's driving to therapies, specialist appointments, or IEP meetings, our calendars are packed with activities to help narrow the gap between our children's speech/behavior/social skills and those of their typical peers. Our every day is filled with "a little extra," like finding teachable moments to help them achieve their ever growing lists of goals or trying to help them function socially. Of course, we're doing all this while steering them away from some less than kind strangers, peers, and acquaintances who don't understand how hard they work just to do what they and their typical children take for granted. It's a full time job of "extras" on top of the already tough full time job of being a parent.
Let's make some NOISE!
It's all done out of love and appreciation for who they are, however. It's all for lagniappe. Therefore, a lagniappe parent isn't afraid of long hours, staring down the public, breaking down stereotypes, and carving a niche for their loved ones. And...I do think it's time the lagniappe parents of the world make a little noise. I want to publicly brag about my children's accomplishments just like other parents brag about their children's honor roll or All-State status. And I want people to "get it," to really understand all that goes into each accomplishment. I want us- and our children- to be recognized and supported for all that we do. On the "A Day in the Life..." page, you will find some of my thoughts on various topics that impact my life. The "Qualities of a Lagniappe Parent," page has two sub pages. "How do I lagniappe page," is where I'll be posting some of the little extras I do that make me feel good about my job as a mom. The "Extra Victories" sub page, where I'll be posting the happenings of my amazing boys. "Special Needs 101" is where I will attempt to define some of the terminology used elsewhere in the site. PLEASE feel free to comment and add on to any of these pages. Keep it positive, though :)
And remember: Extra challenges equal extra victories.