Your Stories

Bridging the Generational Gap with My Teen Son Parenting a teenager is a journey full of surprises. One moment, you’re their hero, the center of their universe. The next, you’re an embarrassing relic of the past. I had always prided myself on being a cool dad. I wasn’t out of touch. At least, that’s what I thought—until my son, Dane, turned thirteen. It started subtly. The dinner table conversations became one-sided. Dane, once full of stories about his day, now mumbled responses between glances at his phone. Whenever I asked him something, the response was often, “Bruh, you’re doing too...

Helping Kids with Focus & Emotional Regulation – A Natural Solution for Parents If you're a parent, you’ve likely heard: "My child is struggling to focus in class." "Homework time is a constant battle." "I just want to help my child feel calm and in control." You're not alone. Studies show that about 5% to 10% of children are diagnosed with ADHD, while many others experience challenges with attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. For children with autism, sensory sensitivities and difficulty managing emotions can make focus and calmness even harder to achieve. (Source) Common Challenges Inattention and Hyperactivity – Children...

The Gut-Brain Connection in Autism: Understanding Yeast Overgrowth and Gut Health Emerging research highlights a significant connection between gut health and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many children with autism experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues, and disruptions in the gut microbiota, including yeast overgrowth, have been implicated in the development and exacerbation of ASD symptoms. (Source) Understanding Yeast Overgrowth Yeast, particularly Candida albicans, is a fungus naturally present in the human digestive system. In a balanced state, it coexists with beneficial bacteria. However, factors such as antibiotic use, high-sugar diets, and immune system challenges can disrupt this balance, leading to yeast overgrowth....

Children’s Grief Awareness Day: Supporting Grieving Children Children’s Grief Awareness Day: Supporting Grieving Children Today, November 21, 2024, marks Children's Grief Awareness Day, observed every third Thursday of November. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of grief on children and the critical importance of providing them with the support they need to navigate their grief. Understanding Children’s Grief Grief in children is often different from grief in adults. Children may not have the vocabulary or emotional maturity to express their feelings, which can lead to behavioral changes such as withdrawal, anger, or changes in academic performance....

At Bright Buddies, we’ve always been dedicated to supporting children with special abilities and creating a community that embraces every individual’s unique journey. Today, we’re proud to introduce a new member of our family who will help us extend that mission even further. Meet Sage—our new advocate for mental health. 💚 Sage is here to represent a crucial commitment to mental well-being—not only for children but also for the parents and caregivers who pour their hearts and souls into supporting them each and every day. We understand that being a caregiver for children with special needs demands extraordinary strength, patience,...