If your kiddo has run out of things to watch, try out these 17 kids’ TV shows on YouTube that they can watch for free

Have you exhausted the kid-friendly content on your family’s face streaming service? Before you start a round of repeats, check out the free fun with our ultimate list of free kids shows on YouTube. From nostalgic shows from your own childhood to contemporary cartoons, these YouTube shows for kids are imaginative, entertaining, and maybe even educational too! As if that wasn’t enough, there are free movies on YouTube and our ultimate list of YouTube channels for kids is filled with fun and educational entertainment.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a kids tv show you can find on YouTube
Disney Junior

"Oh, Toodles!" Did you know you can watch Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and the gang on YouTube? Yup, this show has been entertaining tots for years, and you can get full episodes of this kids' show by checking out the Disney Junior channel

Bluey

Bluey is a kids show you can find on YouTube
Bluey TV

Everyone's favorite Blue Heeler pup is on YouTube! Subscribe to the official Bluey channel for full episodes, bonus bits, and fun family segments. 

Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit is a free kids show on youtube

Based on Beatrix Potter's beloved character, this animated series on YouTube follows that curious rabbit and his friends (think Benjamin, Mr. Fisher, and other iconic Potter animals) through the woods, into Mr. MacGregor's garden, and much more. 

Blippi

Blippi is a free kids show on YouTube
Blippi via YouTube

Blippi is an original free kids' show on YouTube that's super popular with the little ones. If you haven't heard of him, just wait.

Related: ’90’s TV Shows to Watch with the Kids

PAW Patrol

kids shows on youtube

Everyone's favorite pup heroes can be found on YouTube! Head to their official channel and find hundreds of your kids' favorite episodes and seasons. There are also live streams and compilations. 

Pinkalicious and Peterrific

PBS Kids via YouTube

Catch full-length episodes of this PBS Kids pick on YouTube. If your child is a fan, they can watch the show whenever they want—and for free. 

The New Adventures of He-Man

He Man is a free kids show on YouTube
He Man via YouTube

This classic cartoon brings a definite sense of nostalgia. The free kids show on YouTube  The New Adventures of He-Man, brings the animated awesomeness to a whole new generation. 

Tyler Perry's Young Dylan

Young Dylan is a free kids show on YouTube
Nickelodeon via YouTube

Tyler Perry brings rapper Young Dylan to this perfect-for-your-tween Nickelodeon show. Check out the full free episodes on the Nickelodeon YouTube channel.

Related: 100+ Movies Every Kid Needs to See Before They Grow Up

Read-Along with PBS Kids

kids shows on youtube
PBS Kids via YouTube

You can't get to the local library for an IRL story time. Don't worry, PBS Kids has you covered. Hear stories read by beloved authors, such as Marc Brown and Victoria Kann. 

Arthur

PBS Kids via YouTube

The adventurous aardvark brings full-length episodes to your laptop, tablet, or smartphone screen via the PBS Kids YouTube channel. 

It's Okay to Be Smart

It's Okay to Be Smart is a free kids tv show on YouTube
It's Okay to Be Smart via YouTube

Joe Hanson, Ph.D. explains why we're ticklish, how trees can fight climate change, and other science topics in this PBS Digital Studios show. While the content is probably over your tot's head, it's perfect for older kids and tweens.

Related: 40 YouTube Channels Just for Kids

Sabrina the Animated Series

Sabrina the Animated Series is a free kids tv show on YouTube
Sabrina the Animated Series via YouTube

WildBrain brings your family animated full-length episodes featuring 12-year-old Sabrina Spellman and the rest of the gang. While it's not the same as the Melissa Joan Hart version, your older kiddo will get a kick out of it.

Star Wars Kids

Star Wars Kids via YouTube

Would your young Jedi sit in front of a Star Wars-themed screen for hours? If you're looking for a way to get in some galactic entertainment, minus a day-long binge-fest, the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel features under five-minute looks at fan fave films!

Blaze and the Monster Machines

Blaze and the Monster Machines is a free kids show on YouTube
Blaze and the Monster Machines via YouTube

If your child is a fan of this Nick Jr. show, they can watch full-length Blaze and the Monster Machines episodes on YouTube. Along with the show, kids can also catch monster truck madness sing-alongs and learn through Blaze's latest adventure activities.

Related: 12 YouTube Workouts for New Moms (They’re Free & Fun!)

Sesame Street

Sesame Street via YouTube

For more than 50 years, Sesame Street has entertained and educated children across the globe. Catch full episodes featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster, and all your little one's favorite friends when you subscribe to the childhood classic on YouTube.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

You can find full episodes of this popular preschool show inspired by the original Mr. Roger's Neighborhood on PBS's YouTube channel

Sid the Science Kid

Sid the Science Kid via Youtube

Enjoy videos about Sid the Science Kid from the Jim Henson Company. Kids can enjoy episodes that teach about washing their hands and growing up. 

 

 

Get your kids involved in the lunch preparation

When it comes to packing school lunches, sharing is caring. And now that everyone is back at school, there’s no end to needing tips to get us through the year. We asked savvy moms across the web to share how they stay organized, find inspiring lunch ideas, and get their kids to actually eat their entire lunch. Here they reveal their best lunch survival hacks. What tips would you add?

iStock

1. Give them a choice
Bay Area mama, Lisa Jackson of Good on Paper tells us that her son's lunchbox usually comes back empty when she gives him a choice of food.

2. Create a snack bin
Make grabbing snacks as convenient as possible. With a snack bin busy mornings become a bit less hectic says Samantha McBride. Pro tip from Samantha: keep the snack bin out of your kids' reach!

3. Pack ahead
Busy mom Dana Leigh says her method to the lunchtime madness is to pack her kids' lunches the day before. She reveals, "I have found it easiest to pack lunches for the next day the minute my kids walk in the door from school! They empty out and clean their lunch boxes and load them up with the next day's lunch. Our evenings and mornings are hectic so it's nice to take packing lunches out of the equation during the busiest times of the day!"

iStock

4. Teamwork
Getting out the door on time with lunches in hand is a team effort says mom of four, Renee Hill. By asking her girls to pitch in, Renee teaches her family responsibility and as a bonus, she buys herself a few more minutes to sip her morning coffee!

5. Add a little treat
Packing a lunch EVERYSINGLEDAY is probably one of the most challenging parts of the school year. Chelsea Andrews divulges one of her essential tips to streamline lunches for her picky eater. She surprises her kiddo with a treat in her lunchbox, which makes her little scholar's lunches a bit more exciting. 

6. Put your kids to work
Ken Kinzie and April Riehm are all about empowering their kids to make their own lunches. They find that their kids are more likely to eat lunches that they made themselves.

iStock

7. Trust that your kids are capable
We love Marlynn Jayme Schotland's perspective: your kids are more capable than they let on. She gives her kids tasks like washing fruit to picking out juice boxes to help guide their independence and as a bonus, it helps make her family's mornings a bit less hectic.

8. Prepare Everything on Sunday
Kendra Stanton's pro tip: pack the entire week on Sunday. She says this will save you time, energy and may even prevent some fine lines in the future!

9. Let your picky eater make the decisions
Picky eaters happen to the best of us. Sara Olsher's daughter has a long history of picky eating. To help her daughter finish up her lunches, Sara gives C a choice by letting her choose her lunchbox and what goes in it.

Your family is going to love these easy iron skillet recipes

When it comes to cooking, sometimes the cleanup (all those pots and pans!) makes us want to start scrolling through our favorite meal delivery apps instead. That’s why we’ve been searching for the best meals you can make in a cast iron skillet. This kitchen must-have heats everything evenly, can saute, sear, bake and broil and goes right from the stovetop to the oven—making it ideal for one-pot meals. From cast iron skillet steak to a Pizookie, we’ve got 16 iron skillet recipes you’ll want to put on repeat.

Roasted Cod

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHa6dW5HcL4/?hidecaption=true

Check out this versatile recipe for roasted cod and potatoes. You can add whatever you like to spice up the potatoes and fish. It's hard to go wrong!

Cider-Braised Chicken

https://www.instagram.com/p/CViHBgbFK45/?hidecaption=true

Try these cider-braised chicken thighs with apples. The family is going to love this fresh and delicious recipe.

Cast Iron Skillet Frittata

Carlsbad Cravings

This cast iron skillet recipe for frittata might have bacon, but this breakfast meal is very vegetarian friendly, as you can add just about anything you like! Get the recipe over at Carlsbad Cravings.

Deep Dish Skillet Pizza

iron skillet recipe for pizza
Taste of Madness

Pizza is always a family favorite, and this deep dish cast iron skillet version is a cinch to make. One thing to note: This recipe takes almost two hours from start to finish, so be sure to plan this for a Friday night, weekend, or day you know you’ll have time to get it done. Grab the recipe over at A Taste of Madness.

Related: 21 Simple Dinners That Use One Pan

Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet

shrimp and asparagus iron skillet recipe
The Recipe Critic

This easy cast iron skillet recipe can be completed from start to finish in less than 30 minutes, plus it only has a handful of ingredients, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Get the recipe over at The Recipe Critic.

Skillet Chicken Tortilla Pie

iron skillet recipe for tortilla pie
Pinch of Yum

This one-pot meal has the feeling of enchiladas, but the mild flavor is ideal for picky eaters. This one takes over an hour, but it makes two pies, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers for another night. Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.

Cast Iron Skillet Steak

cast iron skillet steak recipe
The View from Great Island

There’s a certain something about cooking a skirt steak in a cast iron skillet, and The View from Great Island has a great tutorial—only 5 steps!

Crispy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Food Fanatic

Chicken thighs are one of the most versatile dinner ingredients—they can be made in dozens of ways. Using a cast iron skillet, this crispy version will cook quickly, and your cleanup will be a cinch. Get the recipe from Food Fanatic.

Honey-Hoisin Pork Tenderloin

Hoisin pork iron skillet recipe
Kristine's Kitchen Blog

The hardest part about this recipe is making sure you get the pork marinated for at least 30 minutes (and up to a day) before tossing it in your cast iron skillet to brown and then popping it into the oven. Get the recipe at Kristine’s Kitchen Blog.

Related: 50+ Slow Cooker Recipes We’re Obsessed With

Cheesy Skillet Meatballs with Garlic Toast

The View from Great Island

Soft and flavorful meatballs? Check. Stringy, gooey, yummy cheese? Check. Garlic toast for crunch? Check! These skillet meatballs check every box when it comes to comfort food. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

iron skillet recipe for chicken pot pie
Scrambled Chefs

Our mouths are watering at the sight of this chicken pot pie made in a cast iron skillet. It’s got the flaky crust and savory inside you know and love, but used store-bought shortcuts, which make it perfect for families. Get the recipe from Scrambled Chefs.

Lemon Garlic Mahi Mahi

iron skillet recipe for mahi mahi
A Taste of Madness

All you need to make this mahi mahi is a handful of pantry items and 15 minutes; it’s hard to say you don’t have time to make dinner with a cast iron skillet recipe like this one. Get the recipe over at A Taste of Madness.

Easy Steak Fajitas

iron skillet recipe for steak fajitas
Isabel Eats

Fajitas are always a crowd-pleasing meal, and a cast iron skillet version makes it an easy weeknight dinner option. We love the version from Isabel Eats because she offers up tips and tricks that’ll up your fajita game.

Vegetarian Skillet Lasagna

Weelicious

This Vegetarian Skillet Lasagna from Weelicious is packed with veggies and is oh-so-delicious! It'll be a family favorite.

Related: Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter 

Easy Pork Cutlets

iron skillet recipe for pork cutlets
Brit Co

This recipe only has about five ingredients, takes about 15 minutes to make and is full of flavor. You’ll want to add this one to your recipe rotation for sure. Get the recipe from Brit + Co.

Sesame Beef and Broccoli

sesame broccoli and beef iron skillet recipe
Pinch of Yum

One of the most popular items on a Chinese Food takeout menu, this cast iron skillet version from a Pinch of Yum tastes just as good (or better!). Full of protein and sweet garlicky-ginger flavor, you won’t even miss the stuff that comes in the little box.

Chocolate Chip Pizookie Skillet Cookie

iron skillet recipe for a chocolate chip pizookie
Boulder Locavore

Ahh, a giant cookie baked in a cast iron skillet. Pretty much our idea of heaven. A cross between a pizza and a cookie, you can make one big one or go with mini cast iron pans for individual treats. Get the recipes over at Boulder Locavore.

Skillet Mexican Brownie

iron skillet recipes
Weelicious

You cant go wrong with this scrumptious Skillet Mexican Brownie from Weelicious. Top this gooey brownie with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream!

OK, that’s an exaggeration…she didn’t really almost ruin my marriage, but she did make me very twitchy and short-tempered with my husband for a few weeks.

It started out innocently enough: One morning, my perennially messy husband began bemoaning the state of his dresser, as he tried in vain to locate an undershirt without pit stains or holes in it from within a tangled wad of old t-shirts.

“You should read that tidying up book,” I said sarcastically. To which my husband replied, “What are you talking about?”

After I explained the basic premise of Marie Kondo’s “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” which was so hugely popular a few years back, I noticed a foreboding twinkle in my husband’s eye. Next thing I knew, he’d downloaded the audiobook and was listening to it every morning as he got ready for work.

His obsession began slowly, presenting itself in his innocent yet sweeping suggestions of how Kondo would handle my ongoing fight against the after-school clutter that my children amass—with graded papers spilling out over the dining room table and squished school snacks littering the bottoms of backpacks. At first, it was kind of endearing that he was noticing what I struggle with on a daily basis and offering sympathy and advice (albeit unsolicited advice).

Then, a week or so later, my husband quietly observed me tussling with our Tupperware cabinet. As I tried to find just the right storage container with matching lid for leftovers, he said, “Have you ever considered holding each of those storage containers in your hand and asking yourself, ‘Does this bring me joy?’” This was the first of many times in the coming weeks that my eyes rolled violently back in my head and I cursed the day that I ever uttered the words “Marie Kondo” to my oblivious husband.

But the straw that broke the camel’s back was the day that he suggested that “we” (meaning I) change the way that “we” (I) fold our laundry to better facilitate the ease with which we can find what we’re looking for in our dresser. I’d had enough.

You see, I’m the laundress (if you will) in our house. I’m the one who pre-treats stains, washes, dries, folds and hangs our laundry. It’s a job that I actually (mostly) enjoy—I find it meditative to quietly fold clothes and I enjoy the scent of fresh laundry—call me crazy. Also, I have it down to a science. I have a certain way that I do things. Certain days I launder bed linens and towels. Certain ways I sort delicates from denim and certain ways I fold t-shirts, socks and towels. Don’t question my madness and please don’t accuse me of proliferating a 1950s housewife stereotype because I’ve already done all of this myself. But this is what works for our family. And so it is.

So, you can imagine the offense that I took when my husband, who has maybe used the washing machine once in our marriage—and, in spite of holding a degree in technology, still seems wholly unable to figure out how it works—suggested that I was doing the laundry wrong. That’s when my head just about exploded. But I humored him and let him earnestly teach me the “roll technique,” while fully planning to go about folding the clothes my own damn way as soon as he’d left the room.

But then, something unexpected happened: I started working at perfecting “the roll” and I figured it out. I began to see the value in it. I found that I was easily able to fit more shirts in our drawers and was able to find just the shirt that I needed without upending the whole drawer in the process. Rather quickly and unexpectedly, Kondo’s method of rolling t-shirts turned our drawers into organized, easily navigable laundry holders. Maybe Kondo—and my husband—were onto something here… grumble, grumble.

As the weeks passed, the verve with which my husband initially embraced the “KonMari” lifest‌yle began to wane. While he has steadily kept up the momentum of many of the ideas and organizational tips that the author explains in her book, he has let go of some of the more rigid habits (for instance, he’s finally stopped uttering the words, “Does that bring you joy?” and I’m forever grateful because that was annoying as all hell).

And I’ve actually continued to implement the roll method of laundry folding. I think it’s safe to say that I am not only a believer now, but also a proponent of the whole idea (but don’t tell my husband this).  Another good thing to come from this journey is that now my husband often helps me fold laundry, so that’s an improvement in our previous division of the laundry labor.

All in all, I like the ideas that Kondo presents in her book. Nothing that she writes is particularly earth-shattering, but she does offer a fresh perspective on organization. What challenged me most was my husband reading one book on organization and thereby declaring himself the resident expert on de-cluttering and laundry. Ultimately, though, the KonMari method effected change in our home and I think that my husband has a new appreciation for what I do on a daily basis to keep our home functioning. Also, I’ve learned to be more judicious with my self-help book suggestions from now on. Be careful for you wish for…

Originally published May 2017.

RELATED LINKS
My House Is a Disaster & I Couldn’t Love It More
How to Clear the Clutter from Your Kids’ Rooms for Good
Dear Husband: I Need More Help from You

I'm Jenny, a married, sober mother to two kids and a whole gaggle of pets. I've lived in Texas my whole life and am the by-product of two dyed-in-the-wool Southern families. As a result, I can write a phenomenal, heart-felt thank you note and never wear white shoes after Labor Day.

If your holiday mantra is always “more peppermint, please!” then you’re in luck. We’ve gathered festive recipes that up the ante when it comes to everyone’s fave seasonal flavor. From peppermint bark recipes to peppermint cheesecake and a legit peppermint patty, scroll down to discover peppermint treats that all your little elves will love.

Peppermint Patty

You won't ever want to buy a York Peppermint Patty again after tasting this homemade version we spotted over at House of Yumm. Using real dark chocolate, this will be a go-to recipe for years to come. Get it here

Candy Crunch Cookies

Erin Clarke of Well Plated

We’re loving the wow-factor of these cookies from Well Plated. They’re a peppermint version of Mexican Wedding Cookies, meaning they’re melt-in-your-mouth and totally irresistible. Get the recipe here.

 

Candy Cane Cookies

The Kitchen is My Playground

Everyone’s fave holiday candy gets a delicious cookie twist, thanks to The Kitchen is My Playground. Not only are these almond sugar cookies a classic treat— they’re also easy to make and sprinkled with crushed candy canes and sugar. Get the recipe here.

 

Holiday Hot Chocolate

Lauren Caris Cooks

Grab a cuppa and gather ‘round for peppermint hot chocolate that’s festive, comforting, and vegan, too! Lauren Caris Cooks is the genius behind this rich and creamy treat and you can snag her recipe here.

 

The Hopeless Housewife

Get ready for your newest snack addiction, courtesy of The Hopeless Housewife. It’s a combination of popcorn, peppermint bark, crushed candy canes, and utter deliciousness. Get the recipe here.

 

 

Magical Candy Kisses

A Christmas cookie is cut in half to show that its stuffed with candy
Leah Singer

Who doesn’t love a surprise— especially when it’s a candy cane Hershey’s Kiss? Red Tricycle’s own SPOKE Network Editor Leah makes these cookies on a yearly basis and the hidden candies are always a hit with kids. Get the recipe here.

Sweet Scones

Closet Cooking

Peppermint for breakfast? Yep, it’s a (delicious) reality. Closet Cooking shares how to kickstart your holiday mornings with extra festive scones. Get the recipe here.

 

Reindeer Bark

It's Always Autumn

Who knew that peppermint bark could be so cute? Not only has It’s Always Autumn come up with an oh-so-adorable holiday candy— she also has an easy-to-follow video so you’ll make the perfect bark every time. Get the recipe here.

 

 

Two Bite Brownies

A Taste of Madness

When you need a little bite of dessert to get you in the holiday spirit, A Taste of Madness has you covered. These sweet little brownies are just the right size for little hands and pack a punch of peppermint flavor. Get the recipe here.

 

Peppermint Patty Pie

Boulder Locavore

We all scream for candy cane ice cream! This wintery ice cream pie from Boulder Locavore is super simple to make and it’s covered in chocolate ganache. (Enough said.) Get the recipe here.

 

 

No-Churn Peppermint Ice Cream

Almost Supermom

‘Tis the season for peppermint ice cream! If you can’t get enough of this cool treat, Almost Supermom has a refreshing solution. This ice cream is magically easy to make and doesn’t require an ice cream maker. Get the recipe here.

 

— Taylor Clifton & Abigail Matsumoto

 

 

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To say the past year has been turbulent would be an understatement. I feel like it’s one bad thing after the next, and despite best efforts, nothing seems to make it stop.

It reminds me of when I came home from church to water spilling out of our ceiling onto our kitchen table. Not only was the water ruining the ceiling, but it was also destroying our Christmas cards, iPads, and school projects. We rushed to turn off the water, get towels, buckets, anything to stop the madness. Unfortunately, nothing helped. The water kept coming. There was so much that it somehow reached the smoke detector wires and caused each one of the alarms to go off.

At this point, water was falling, alarms were going off, our kids were crying, and our dogs were barking. It was madness. Since my husband was deployed at the time, I called every friend I knew to help, but no one was home. I felt helpless and completely out of control. I’m not sure how, but despite the chaos, I heard the doorbell. I was utterly embarrassed to open the door with my house in such disarray, but when I finally opened the door, I was filled with relief. It was a rescuer, a firefighter.

I didn’t call 911, I’m not sure who did, but I was so thankful he was there. With tears in my eyes, the only words that came out of my mouth were, “I don’t know how to make it stop.” He asked if he could go in, and within minutes he and his coworkers helped calm the chaos. The firefighters didn’t solve every little thing. Our ceiling and pipes still needed to be fixed, and it took time. Several things needed to be repaired, and believe me, there were still lots of tears.

The fact is, when I opened the door, despite my embarrassment, someone was there to help. Things weren’t solved instantly, but help was with me, and because of that, I was given the strength to do the next something in front of me.

That, my friend, is precisely what it’s like when you reach out for help. My hope for all of you today is that despite the chaos in the world right now, you open the door and receive support if you feel overwhelmed so you are given the strength to do whatever is in front of you.

RELATED:
Saving Baby Bunnies & Other Brave Acts of Courage
Meeting Them at the Bottom of the Slide

Finding Your Place at the Table

 

This post originally appeared on www.jamieedebrock.com.

Jamie is married to her high school sweetheart and has three beautiful daughters. Through years of experience working with children, and raising her own, she knows how difficult parenting can be. She is an advocate for children's mental health and is best known for her creativity, optimism, and kind heart.

You’re ready to watch the big basketball tournament—but you need some serious snacks! Auntie Anne’s is here to help. The pretzel-licious brand recently announced a sweepstakes that’s perfect for the salty snack/basketball-loving fan in your fam.

Up to 5,000 lucky winners will score a bucket of bite-sized pretzel snacks, a limited-edition basketball-themed pretzel bucket with backboard and more from Auntie Anne’s.

photo courtesy of PR Newswire/Auntie Anne’s

So how does the sweepstakes work? Auntie Anne’s will give away a bucket of Pretzel Nuggets or Mini Pretzel Dogs to a Pretzel Perks member for every tournament basket scored. If you’re not already a Pretzel Perks member, download the app and create a free account.

As if that’s not enough, Auntie Anne’s is partnering with Coca-Cola to bring basketball fans more prize-filled opportunities. Buy an Auntie Anne’s Basketball Bucket (in-store or online) and scan the code on the backboard to play Auntie Anne’s and Coca-Cola’s Basketball Buckets Challenge Mobile Game.

See how many virtual pretzel nuggets you can get into the basketball hoop in 15 seconds and lucky winners could score prizes such as a small Coca-Cola fountain soda (at Auntie Anne’s stores), an Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel or a $0 Auntie Anne’s Door Dash delivery fee.

—Erica Loop

 

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My Dear Son,

Being an older brother to a sibling with severe autism has not always been easy. It’s a job you never asked for but one you took in stride. At times, it was very difficult, and that is putting mildly. Thank you for loving your little sister wholeheartedly. You were her light in the darkest of times, especially when her life was filled with sensory overload, and nothing made sense to her little body, and she was completely overwhelmed by our world. And when she would lash out and hurt you, and I would have to send you out of the room—you never got mad at her and always adored her.

Thank you for letting her follow you around and always being there to hug her and tickle her, doing whatever made her happy. Thank you for getting down on the floor with her and playing her way, for connecting with her in any way you could.

Thank you for being a loyal big brother and always protecting her when others had no understanding of autism, for loving her and trying to reach her even when she seemed unreachable, for never giving up, and for understanding that her brain worked differently and that it wasn’t her fault.

How could you understand this at 5 years old? You never stayed mad or blamed her.

Thank for being the happiest, easiest-going little boy, especially when my heart was breaking in to pieces trying to come to grips with a life-altering diagnosis. Thank you for understanding that we couldn’t go to playdates because her behavior was so unpredictable. Thank you for never taking out your frustration on her when I know you were disappointed, and for understanding how much extra care and supervision she needed and never complaining.

Thank you for going along with me when I needed that family photo, you know, the ones where you had to smile for fifteen minutes while I chased her and all but wrestled her down. Thank you for holding her tight so I could get that picture while she tried to push you away, kick or roll over you—you took it all in stride. You couldn’t have known how much it meant to me to get that picture. I just wanted a picture of my two beautiful children. I needed some kind of normalcy even though our life was anything but.

There are a thousand examples of how things went awry, things you lost out on, had to give up, had to leave in the middle of—and yes, it was disappointing at times. But your love for her, your connection, never wavered.

I tried my hardest to make it up to you. I tried to spend alone time with you, have others take you out so you could get a break, bring you places, spoil you. You had every video game and Pokémon card that could be bought. Your nana, your grandparents, and aunties saw it, too, and they tried to make it up to you, too.

But how can you make up for a lost childhood, for having to grow up too fast? You can’t. And I’ve felt torn in two at times. My love for both of you so strong, but her needs surpass yours, and there was nothing I could do to change that.

And then came your sisters: two girls, two years apart. A whirlwind you could say, and again you stepped up. Thank you for all the bottle holding, and baby loving, and dealing with all the madness that went along with it. And then things got better a little easier, and you got to be a different kind of big brother.

I’ve read about siblings of Special Needs children; they are sometimes referred to as “glass children.” It means that parents are so consumed with the special needs child that they look right through you and don’t even see you, as if you are a piece of glass.

I immediately asked myself, “Did I do that!? Did you feel invisible like you didn’t matter?” I have handled a lot but I don’t think I can handle this—my mama guilt is coming on full force, I already carry so much.

So I came to you and asked you. Looking you right in the eye, as I tried to hide the fact that my heart was shattering again even considering this. I asked you to be honest; I needed to know. And you told me that you felt like you missed out on opportunities that you could have had. If it wasn’t for having a sister with special needs, that your life would have been different. But you went on to say that it’s ok, and it’s not her fault and it’s not my fault, it’s just what is.

I cry as I type this because it feels like an impossible job to be pulled into all different directions for all these years and feeling that I didn’t get it right. There is no easy answer. But today it doesn’t matter to you, today you just love her for who she is just like always. Today you make time to hug her to make her laugh.

I know you don’t need thanks or even expect it but you sure deserve it. I am sorry that I couldn’t always be the mother I wanted to be for you, that I was pulled into the uncharted waters of having a child with a disability, and some days I could barely keep my head above water.

But you need to know that I thank you for being my life raft even though that was not supposed to be your job. I know this has made you stronger and more compassionate, you are a better person for loving her, for having her in your life.

Thank you for being the best big brother she could ever have.

Love,

Mom

Kim McIsaac , is a blogger at autism adventures with Alyssa . She resides in Massachusetts with her husband and four children .  She advocates and passionate about spreading autism awareness and educating and inspiring others . She likes to write , spend time with her  family and loves the beach . 

Gone are the days where you miss out because you follow a gluten-free diet. There are a plethora of gluten-free recipes out there and we’ve done the hard work of picking out 10 of the best gluten-free bakes for you to try. See below for the recipes.

Save all these recipes to Pinterest by clicking here!

Gluten-Free Bread

Feed Me Pheobe

Everyone needs a great gluten-free bread recipe in their lives. This one from Feed Me Pheobe looks just like bread should be crusty on the outside and spongy on the inside. Click here for the recipe. 



Crustless Quiche

Boulder Locavore

Crustless Quiche is an easy bake from Boulder Locavore. Quiches are perfect at any time of the day. This recipe is so flexible that you can add different ingredients to make it your own. Bacon and Cheese? Spinach and Red Pepper? The world is your oyster. Click here for the recipe.



Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars

A Taste of Madness

The lightness of the lemon, the tartness of the raspberry, and the richness of the cream cheese makes this recipe from A taste of Madness the best combination for a summer dessert. Don’t miss out. Grab the recipe here.

The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Meaningful Eats

Meaningful Eats has made a chocolate chip cookie recipe that is so soft, chewy, and tasty that no one would even guess that they are gluten-free. Get the recipe here



 

Creme Brulee

Boulder Locavore

This indulgent creamy dessert is usually restaurant fare, but this version from Boulder Locavore is easy to make in the instant pot. What could be easier? Click here for the recipe.



 

Instant Pot Nutella Cake

Bake Me Some Sugar

This recipe from Bake Me Some Sugar is super easy. It has only two ingredients, Nutella and Eggs. Just the thing you need for that chocolatey hit. Grab the recipe here



Easy Almond Macaroon Cake

The View from Great Island

If you love almonds, coconut, or macaroons in general then this recipe from The View from Great Island is for you. Bake it in a tart pan and you have one seriously elegant cake. Perfect for entertaining or enjoying on your own. Click here for the recipe.

Cinnamon-Sugar Churros

Boulder Locavore

Needing a Disney Inspired Snack? These Churros from Boulder Locavore are just the ticket. The combination of freshly fried pastry dough and the sweet aroma of cinnamon-sugar is simply irresistible. Get the recipe here



 

One-Bowl Gluten-Free Banana Bread

The Minimalist Baker

Banana Bread is a classic way of using up overripe bananas. The Minimalist Baker has come up with this Gluten-Free Banana Bread recipe that only uses one bowl to get the job done. The result is a scrumptious, hearty bread that you’d want to make over and over again. Grab the Recipe here



Warm Lemon Pudding Cake

The View from Great Island

Fancy a tart and tangy dessert? The View from Great Island has this lemony recipe that can either be made in individual cups or in a single casserole dish. It is delicious on its own or paired with either blueberries or raspberries. Get the recipe here.

 

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