20+ Shops Run by Special Needs & Spoonie Moms

This post contains referral links which means that if you purchase from one of my links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.  Don't worry, this won't cost you any extra!

Parents who have chronic illnesses and/or children with special needs often have a hard time working a traditional job.  Between therapies, doctor appointments, and low spoon days, a job with flexible hours can make the difference between being able to keep a job or not.  One of the best ways to do that is to be self-employed.

Many special needs/spoonie moms end up starting their own shops online which gives them the flexibility to take care of their kids and themselves.  Want to help support them?  Check out the list I compiled of shops run by special needs/spoonie moms below and do a little shopping.  Christmas will be here before you know it!  

5 Things I Need From You as Someone With a Chronic Illness

Having a chronic illness is hard on so many levels, but having a good support system can make the difference between being able to handle the spoonie life or having it take you down.

If you know someone with a chronic illness, then you know that sometimes it can be hard to know how to be supportive, especially if your loved one has recently received a diagnosis.

On the flip side, it can also be hard to tell your friends and family what you need from them as a spoonie.  It's difficult to admit that something is wrong.

Here are five things I need from you as someone who has a chronic illness:

A Day in the Life of a Spoonie Momma

This post contains referral links which means that if you purchase from one of my links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.  

As a special needs mom with special needs of my own, I'm often asked what my days look like.  So, last Friday, I journaled my whole day to give you a glimpse into my world.

Friday, March 10th.

What It's Like to be a Special Needs Mom With Special Needs

This post contains referral links which means that if you purchase from one of my links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.  

I have 4 kids. Katie (8 years old) has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, asthma, and a visual tracking disorder.  Nano (6 years old) has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, asthma, and eczema.  Anna (4 years old) has Amblyopia, and Davy (2 years old) has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, asthma, GERD, severe eczema, hypotonia, mild developmental delays, and is a tubie graduate. 

And then there's me, the source of my kids' bad genes.  I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, GERD, asthma, eczema, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or POTS, unexplained sudden anaphylaxis episodes, and PTSD.  I'm what is referred to as a spoonie.

What Is a Spoonie?

You may be wondering why I named my blog Sunshine and Spoons.  I gave a brief explanation here, but decided it was time to go into a little more detail on the "spoons" part of it.

You see, I am a spoonie.

Gift Guide - For the Spoonie

This post contains referral links which means that if you purchase from one of my links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.  

If you know what a spoonie is, then there's a good chance that you either are one or you know one.  To celebrate how strong spoonies are, here's a gift guide with something for everyone! 

Why Sunshine and Spoons?

So why did I name this blog "Sunshine and Spoons"?

Sunshine reminds me of children, playing and happy, without a care in the world.  Sunshine is a lack of clouds. 

And then there are the spoons.  People with chronic illnesses often refer to themselves as "spoonies" in reference to the Spoon Theory by Christine Miserando.  Although we may appear weak, we're anything but.  We fight each day just to live as normally as we can and live with more pain and fatigue than most people can imagine.  "Spoons" make me think of strength and perseverance.

I think this graphic explains the Spoon Theory pretty well.

Miserandino

Miserandino

Miserandino