Articles written by Tammy Sandeen

What is Helium

About me - Tammy Sandeen

I am a mother, writer, and advocate for special needs families. At 34, I have six children and two grandchildren. They have all taught me a lot but the three special needs kids are my greatest teachers.

I live in Detroit, Michigan. The city is in trouble and

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Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenthood Parenting: How to spend quality time with kids: 1 of 37
You want to spend quality time with your kids but life is busy and times are tough. You may work odd or long hours. Maybe you are single or your spouse works opposite times. Maybe you are the weekend parent who only gets those few days with your child. How can you manage to balance everything and still be a good parent? It m... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenthood Are parents always parents or should they learn to let go as their children age?: 2 of 49
If you have a child, through blood, adoption or marriage, a life long bond is made. This doesn't end just because your child hits some magical age. It does change just as every milestone changed the child and what they needed from you. You can let go so they can live their own life without giving up being their parent. If yo... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > After School Should parents raise their children without television?: 31 of 304
Can television be a bad thing? Of course. But anything can be over done, spoiled by a rotten apple or two, and turned into something that should be kept at a distance. If the parent does what good parents do, they will know when to turn the station. There is some great programming out there for growing minds. The Discovery c... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Child Discipline Strategies Children and chores: An alternative perspective: 2 of 16
People see kids today as lazy, losing morals, and as leaches. They will grow up into antisocial hooligans who can be anything in the computer world and nothing in the real world. Well, it is their own fault if it comes to be. Each generation loses some of what the generation before knew. People are losing their faith, family... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Wicca & Witchcraft The belief in fairies and other supernatural beings: 4 of 24
No matter what your faith, you have belief in the unseen, the supernatural, or the unexplained. This is true even of those who follow science instead of a religion. This fact is the first step toward any new understanding or forward progress. It is hard for some to understand that you can balance the seen and unseen and still... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting (Other) Should fathers be able to opt out of parenthood?: 5 of 27
If a mother can choose to not be a mother through adoption, abortion or birth control, then a father should have that same choice. On those same lines, a mother should be able to hand a child over to a father and opt out. Here is the sticky point that has to be considered. If a father opts out at 21 then he shouldn't try to ... More..
Health & Fitness > Autism Is birth control for autistic teens appropriate?: 3 of 15
No teenager is ready for parenthood. Some adults are not ready to be parents. Cognitively impaired teens and young adults are almost never ready to be parents. Yes, birth control is appropriate for all of the above. Teens that are on the Autistic Spectrum tend to be mentally, emotionally, and socially younger then their phys... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Problems Parents Face Tips for dealing with nosy friends: 2 of 9
No matter how good your friend is, how well meaning their advice, some things are simply none of their business. You want to keep your friend but would like some private parts left in your life. How do you balance friendship and your own life without offending them or upsetting yourself? I have my opinions and if I share the... More..
Relationships & Family > Crisis Support (Other) Advice on emergency preparedness: 6 of 23
Are you a caregiver? Do you look out for your elderly parents, special needs kids, or have pets? No matter who you are taking care of there will be emergencies and you need to be prepared. However when there are special circumstances you have to take them into consideration when planning for an emergency. When you are settin... More..
Relationships & Family > Family (Other) Learning to pay more attention to your children: 4 of 14
Many people think they are listening, really listening to their kids. Others think that paying attention to their kids is simply making a few minutes a night to read them a story. This may seem like enough until something goes wrong and parents wonder where they messed up. Step One: The more kids you have, the harder it is, ... More..