Here’s what Mothering’s DotCommunity members are saying about the
March–April 2009 issue.

I really love the dad’s perspective in “Dad Gets His Day,” and I appreciated the angle on autism in “The High Cost of Autism,” though I was surprised by the emphasis on behavioral therapy when play therapy is both less expensive and more supportive of family bonds. We sold our house in 2005 to pay for our son’s long-term therapeutic needs and have been very happy with that decision. Most people, even close family members, have no idea how much time, energy, and money is necessary to support an autistic child’s developmental needs.

The article “Jumping O Cli s” really spoke to my soul. As the mother of a high-spirited three-and-a-half-year-old, I have learned that my mothering has to adapt to his personality. He is a never-ending fountain of energy,

and we have been on the receiving end of judgment. My parenting style with him has become very hands-o in order to encourage him to find his own voice. As a result, my happy, rambunctious toddler has shown me love, courage, and inspiration beyond measure.

I also loved “Jumping O Cli s.” I’m really happy to see a mom stand up for her child and not medicate him because he can’t sit [still] in his seat at school. It was wonderful that this mother was able to see her son’s potential despite his ADHD. All parents with children who have ADHD should take a leaf from her book, and so should our educational system!

“Crafty Mamas” is probably one of my favorite feel-good articles ever. I want to remove the pages from the magazine and put them on the

walls. These women are such an inspiration to keep at what you love. And seeing SouleMama in Mothering made me jump [with] excitement!

I really got a lot out of the editorial “The Assault on Freedom of Conscience.” I’ve been dealing with some very closed-minded and frustrating pediatricians lately. When I questioned or outright disagreed with the decisions they made regarding the care of my youngest, they sent me a handwritten letter stating that they are troubled when their patients don’t trust their care. I think they have forgotten that this is not just their patient, but my child. I am the one with him 24 hours a day; they see him for 10 minutes. What seems to bother them most is the fact that I don’t just say, “Yes, Doctor.”

Let us know what you like in this issue and discuss the articles with other readers. Go to our survey at www.mothering.com/survey and weigh in.