In the Trenches

Boy looking into a refrigerator.

The Gatorade Wasn't the Problem

Kary Kalinowski

He opened the refrigerator, looked inside, closed the door, and walked away. Moments later he asked me for a Gatorade. My first thought? “You were just standing there.” Then he...

The Gatorade Wasn't the Problem

Kary Kalinowski

He opened the refrigerator, looked inside, closed the door, and walked away. Moments later he asked me for a Gatorade. My first thought? “You were just standing there.” Then he...

Why Reward Charts Failed My Child (And What Helped Instead)

Why Reward Charts Failed My Child (And What Hel...

Kary Kalinowski

Reward charts promised motivation, responsibility, and better habits. Instead, they created anxiety, pressure, and an unopened Lego set. A personal story about why sticker charts failed my child and what...

Why Reward Charts Failed My Child (And What Hel...

Kary Kalinowski

Reward charts promised motivation, responsibility, and better habits. Instead, they created anxiety, pressure, and an unopened Lego set. A personal story about why sticker charts failed my child and what...

No, My Child Isn't Running the House

No, My Child Isn't Running the House

Kary Kalinowski

Parents of neurodivergent children often receive endless advice from family, friends, and strangers. But what happens when those opinions are based on a snapshot instead of the whole story?

No, My Child Isn't Running the House

Kary Kalinowski

Parents of neurodivergent children often receive endless advice from family, friends, and strangers. But what happens when those opinions are based on a snapshot instead of the whole story?

PDA Morning Routines: When the Day Starts Before They Even Open Their Eyes

PDA Morning Routines: When the Day Starts Befor...

Kary Kalinowski

For years, I thought the morning routine was the problem. What I eventually realized was that the overwhelm started long before anyone said, “Brush your teeth.” A personal look at...

PDA Morning Routines: When the Day Starts Befor...

Kary Kalinowski

For years, I thought the morning routine was the problem. What I eventually realized was that the overwhelm started long before anyone said, “Brush your teeth.” A personal look at...

Why Kids Don’t Finish Tasks (Even When They Start)

Why Kids Don’t Finish Tasks (Even When They Start)

Kary Kalinowski

Starting isn’t the problem anymore They begin the task.They get partway through.And then…they stop Why finishing is hard Finishing requires: sustained effort organization remembering what to do next This is...

Why Kids Don’t Finish Tasks (Even When They Start)

Kary Kalinowski

Starting isn’t the problem anymore They begin the task.They get partway through.And then…they stop Why finishing is hard Finishing requires: sustained effort organization remembering what to do next This is...

Why Kids Can Start Tasks but Can’t Stay Focused

Why Kids Can Start Tasks but Can’t Stay Focused

Kary Kalinowski

They start… then drift They begin the task.And then: they get distracted they lose track they stop halfway through It can feel like lack of effort—but that’s rarely the case....

Why Kids Can Start Tasks but Can’t Stay Focused

Kary Kalinowski

They start… then drift They begin the task.And then: they get distracted they lose track they stop halfway through It can feel like lack of effort—but that’s rarely the case....