It’s funny that you commented when you did b/c just last night I decided that we are going gluten-free as well as chemical free. And yes, it’s going to be a challenge. I have found a number of gluten free snacks that we’ve easily substituted for the “regular” stuff but gluten free bread has been a bit harder. Peanut butter and honey sandwiches are Boe’s lunch of choice so this is where I need to focus. I guess I’ll begin making my own bread – scary.

Everything that you said about your son hits home with me. We have not gone the med route but that’s where we were headed if I had not found Jane Hersey’s book. I feel your frustration. But that you are aware that there is a solution and you are willing to work on it means that things will get better for your son. Boe is finally able to have playmates that aren’t afraid of him and it makes me happy beyond belief. Again, I know where you’re coming from.

I think about all those kids who are not as severely affected by this stuff as our kids but who are affected enough to be functioning in a “less than” state.

I have found a few more books recently that have been immensely helpful to me that I will be listing soon. There are techniques mentioned in these books that I have found helpful but mostly just knowing that our family is not the only one dealing with these issues and that there are non-drug solutions is so comforting.

Thanks for your comment! Hang in there – you all will benefit from your diligence.

*If you have younger children, you need to know that the play-scape is located down the stairs.Our children are 4 and 8 and we felt safe letting them play below. We could see them from our table.

Anglers and The Crab Trap are located side by side at the board walk in Okaloosa. We preferred the food at Anglers but both have great views and play-spaces.The prices are a bit high but average for the area.

After eating you can pay a few bucks to walk on the long fishing pier. We saw tons of fish, a turtle and dolphins.

*If you have younger children, you need to know that the playscape is down the stairs from the eating area. Our children are 4 and 8 and we felt perfectly safe letting them play below. We could see them from our table.

The food is not fancy, but good. The prices are a little high but average for the area.

We have been Gluten free for about 5 mths. It is tough because that stuff is everywhere! But We have sen such a huge improvement, I am encouraged to learn and do more. Not because it is easier to deal with my child – but because with unnecessary meds, constant time outs, constant reprimanding, and few playmates, my son will never have the opportunity to be everything he is capable of, to be confident in himself, and feel safe and secure with peers and in social settings.

I am anxious to learn more about this and continue to give my child every opportunity for complete health and happiness.

I wish all children were treated as unique individuals and wonderful!

Try La Hacienda next time. Lovely location, lots of trees, play-scape and good food. Thanks for reminding us we need to go there again!

We’ve never even heard of Momak’s. We’ll have to look that one up.

We’re outside every day and dirt just comes with the exploration. How can a kid be a kid without getting dirty? I’m all for finger paints and mud! So happy we homeschool and that my children get to experience a school with dirt like the one you described.

My favorite playtime when I was a child was making mud-pies in the backyard.