Midwest Mimi

  • 6 Ways Nature Works as a Reset Button for Sibling Rivalry (and One Way it Benefits Parents, Too)

    “Mimi,” Channingā€™s complaining tone rang out, “Raeleigh yelled at me.” “I only yelled because he was being annoying!” Raeleigh chimed in from the other room. It wasnā€™t even 10 a.m., and weā€™d already had multiple variations of this same argument at least three times. Clearly, it was time for a reset. Sibling squabbles like this…

  • When Kids Complain on Outdoor Adventures: How to Handle Whining Without Losing the Magic

    Five minutes into an outdoor adventure and someoneā€™s already saying, ā€œMy legs hurt.ā€ Sound familiar? If youā€™ve taken kids out into nature, chances are youā€™ve heard it too. Nothing takes the shine off a long-anticipated family outing like whining before youā€™ve even settled in. But hereā€™s the thing: complaints are part of the journey, and…

  • The Difference Between Canceling and Choosing Rest

    When you live with chronic illness, disability, or even just the daily realities of parenting, plans donā€™t always unfold the way you imagine. Sometimes, life forces you to cancel. Other times, you make the choice to rest. On the surface they can look the same: youā€™re not showing up. But the meaning and the weight…

  • Accessibility Wins

    Why Accessibility Lives in the Details When people think about accessibility, they often picture big-ticket itemsā€”expensive ramps, automatic doors, or large construction projects that take forever to complete. And while those things absolutely matter, accessibility in parks often comes down to the little things. Small details most people never notice, but that can make or…

  • How to Talk to Kids About Invisible Illness

    Recently, my fifteen-year-old daughter Raeleigh asked me if we could go to the mall. Makes senseā€”sheā€™s a teenager with her first job and a few dollars she was excited to spend. But that particular day, I was in pain and running on empty. My answer had to be, ā€œNot today.ā€ Her face shifted with disappointment,…

  • Why Vacation Is So Special: Healing, Reconnecting, and Starting Fresh

    Vacations arenā€™t just an escape from everyday life. They are a powerful pause, a chance to reset our hearts and minds, and a moment to build new, joyful memories with loved ones. The Science of Vacation Magic Boosts longevity and heart health: A longitudinal study of over 12,000 high-risk men found that taking an annual…

  • When the Plan Changes: Flexibility in a Neurodivergent Family

    Change is hard for most people, but if you live in a neurodivergent household like ours, you know it can hit differently. When the plan shifts, whether itā€™s a sudden rainstorm canceling a hike or a store being unexpectedly closed, itā€™s not just a small inconvenience. It can throw off the entire dayā€™s rhythm and…

  • From Vacation Mode to Lesson Plans: Our Homeschool Prep Process

    We just got home from vacation and youā€™d think weā€™d still be unpacking, doing laundry, and easing back into our daily rhythm. And yes, weā€™re doing all of that. But in the back of my mind thereā€™s another clock ticking: the start of a new homeschool year. For us, that means more than just picking…

  • The Part of Vacation You Donā€™t See: Recovery Days After Missouri

    We just got back from our Missouri vacation. Iā€™m so glad we went and I truly enjoyed the time with my family. But hereā€™s the part you wonā€™t see in most travel posts: the recovery days. The first night home, I was asleep by 8 p.m. Yesterday, the day after we got back, I didnā€™t…

  • Accessibility Review of Black Hawk State Historic Site ā€“ Rock Island, IL

    Black Hawk State Historic Site has long been a favorite spot for me. Itā€™s close enough for an easy drive, rarely crowded, and offers that lush, calming greenery along the riverbank that always helps me reset my mind. This park blends history, nature, and family-friendly spaces; and it does so with a fair amount of…

  • St. Louis Zoo Accessibility Review: Tips for a Smooth Visit

    The St. Louis Zoo is one of the top free attractions in the Midwest, and itā€™s an incredible destination for families. But if you or someone in your group has mobility challenges, there are a few things youā€™ll want to know before you go. Admission & Costs to Plan For One of the best things…

  • Owl Creek Park River Access Accessibility Review

    (Formerly Bonehole Swimming Basin) Owl Creek Park River Access (formerly known as Bonehole Swimming Basin) is one of those hidden gems that makes you want to linger just a little longer. We had such a great time here that we actually visited twice in the same week. Whatā€™s funny is that even some locals we…

  • The Sensory Language of Nature

    Some days, talking just isnā€™t how we communicate. Not because we donā€™t have anything to say, but because conversation isnā€™t always possible when weā€™re overwhelmed. In our family, neurodivergence shows up in so many different ways. Each of us is wired a little differently, carrying our own blend of ADHD, autism, chronic pain, depression, or…

  • Why Nature Is One of the Best Grounding Tools We Have

    And why that matters for those with sensory sensitivities or mental health struggles Grounding helps calm the nervous system and brings us back to the present. Nature might be the most powerful (and underrated) grounding tool available. Hereā€™s how the outdoors supports mental health, especially for neurodivergent families like mine. What Does It Mean to…

  • When Youā€™re the Jungle Gym: Touchy Toddlers and Sensory Boundaries

    My toddler treats me like Iā€™m part jungle gym, part couch, and part emotional support trampoline. He climbs me like a treehouse ladder, trust-falls onto me like Iā€™m a trampoline, and hangs upside down off me at any opportunity. And while I love being his safe placeā€”I really doā€”thereā€™s another truth layered under that love:…