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Sharon | Dutch Miami Mom Blogger

@miniandmebysharon

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Creative Content Creator • Mother of 3 boys • Stylist of Life • Autism Parents • Storyteller 🤍
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Christmas family picture, what a gift to myself.
Not worrying about it during the holidays and not missing out on the gram haha, just a little late with my post as usual, because I was busy being present and counting my blessings with our family ❤️

As mentioned before, we took it slow, and Santa made sure mommy could truly enjoy her time… NOT, thanks to another round of lice, which we’re taking a bit more seriously this time. #Luizenmoeder

Feeling very grateful for this photoshoot with @jesjevphotography , who knows our family and understands the challenge of shooting three boys, including one with autism. Luckily, her style is super relaxed, not posed, exactly the way we like it, and it really shows in the results.

So happy we captured Christmas in front of the house we call home for now. Hopefully this summer we’ll do a new shoot (with @jesjevphotography ❤️) in our new home, which is still unknown. Living life on the edge, never a dull moment, but always looking at the bright side.

#MiniAndMeBySharon #TeamShaki #Home #HomeForChristmas #ChristmasFamily #FamilyPhotoshoot #HolidayMemories #RealMomLife #BoyMom #BoyMomLife #MomOfThree #SpecialNeedsMom #AutismAwareness #ImperfectlyPerfect #FamilyFirst #MakingMemories #ThisIsUs #MomLife #InstaMom #InstaFamily #BehindTheScenes #HonestMotherhood #Laren #TGooi #Photography by @miniandmebysharon

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9 months ago

Just a small moment from Ties’ life, with two amazing brothers and autism, literally squeezed in the middle.

At first glance, this might look like a normal situation, three boys in the backseat of a car, bothering each other like brothers do, not respecting personal space, just being annoying. But it’s so much more than that. Especially when autism is part of your world.

A car ride like this can come with a lot of triggers. Especially now that we don’t have the luxury of our beloved Dodge Durango, in Miami, with captain’s chairs, where we almost never had to deal with “car fights” in one row.

But this is our reality.

And honestly, also part of the reason we wished for a third child, to bring a little bit of the outside world into our family, so we can practice these everyday situations in a safe space. Because these moments happen daily.

And I have to say, Ties stayed incredibly calm this time. I’m beyond proud of him, because that takes so much effort and self-regulation.

At the same time, I’m so proud of Luuk and Bo. They treat Ties like one of them. They have this natural way of playing with him, knowing exactly how far they can go, and when it’s time to take care of him.

They know Ties has autism, but they don’t see it as a challenge the way we sometimes do. Of course, there are moments it bothers them, but not more than having an annoying brother.

Kids are so resilient. They don’t see differences unless the world teaches them to.

For now, I just hope that growing up with Ties makes them kinder, more aware, and that one day they’ll help spread autism awareness, just like I do.

And yes… I secretly wish for a few more calm and relaxing car rides too 🤍

#MiniAndMeBySharon #TeamShaki
#AutismAwareness #AutismMom #SiblingLove by @miniandmebysharon

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6 months ago

“Waar gaat Ties naar school?” Het is de meest gestelde vraag sinds we onze verhuizing naar Nederland aankondigden. Iedereen is benieuwd hoe het straks zal gaan voor Ties, onze vrolijke, slimme en gevoelige zoon die in Miami op een fijne school zat. En ik snap de vraag. Want school is zó bepalend. Maar vandaag schrijf ik deze blog vanuit een brok in mijn keel. Want ik heb geen antwoord meer...” Lees verder via de link in bio of via de link in de story. by @miniandmebysharon

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6 months ago

The smallest moments often hold the deepest memories. Being present, giving our full attention and simply connecting.

In these moments, Ties’ autism fades into the background for a little while. We don’t quite know why or how, but cuddling up in bed before bedtime is the best part of the day with him. He holds us close, and those hugs stay with me as I fall asleep, giving me energy for the next morning, when he’s full on again haha.

Even in the chaos we’re living in right now, we try to make room for these moments, with all the to-do lists and responsibilities around us.

His room still has no curtains of its own, the ones hanging there are borrowed from our living room haha, and his bed isn’t even halfway finished. But that’s not what the boys see. Having us there, reading them a book, is what matters most. 🤍

Thank you @creativelabamsterdam for the beautiful wallpaper, bringing us one step closer to finishing Ties’ room. Remember, you can get 15% off your wallpaper this month!

#MiniAndMeBySharon #BePresent #LittleMoments #FamilyMoments #AutismParenting taken in Bussum by @miniandmebysharon

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a day ago

A little peek behind the scenes of Ties’ room, because this was a true team effort!

My friend Heleen, the owner and creative brain behind @creativelabamsterdam , showed me how she designed this gorgeous wallpaper and customised it to fit Ties’ room perfectly. She also shared her professional tips for hanging it. Couldn’t have done it without you! And with some lovely conversations along the way, it was an afternoon well spent together.

Next up: Alex has started building Ties’ bed, we need to find blackout curtains, and then it’s time for the finishing touches!

Trusting the process and embracing those little steps forward, especially with this perfect wallpaper bringing the room to life. It has just launched at @creativelabamsterdam , with a 15% launch discount!

I’ll share the before and after later so you can see where we started… haha!

#MiniAndMeBySharon #CreativeLab #Kinderkamer #Jongenskamer #KinderKamerInspiratie taken in Bussum by @miniandmebysharon

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3 days ago

Look at this amazing collaboration with Sharon @miniandmebysharon !😍 And yes… she chose one of our newest designs! ✨

Meet Italy, such a sweet, calming wallpaper, perfect for Sharon’s little boy!

And hanging wallpaper really is easier than you think… look, even Sharon can do it! 🤪😎 by @miniandmebysharon

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5 days ago

It might sound superficial, but on the days I spend a little more time on myself, a touch of makeup, styled hair and an outfit I love, I remember who I am. I feel so much better and more confident.

Just like this morning at Shoeby, trying on their new collection and enjoying the opening discount.

It’s a work in progress. Making time for myself isn’t always easy with three kids, a household, autism and everything else going on. But it’s a gentle reminder that looking after myself makes the day feel lighter and helps me handle a little more.

Especially now that I’m flying solo while my husband is away, I feel strong and confident that I can manage. Writing this down as a reminder for the next time he has to travel! Somehow, things are even more organised when he’s away. That’s no criticism of him; our routine is simply more structured, the house is tidier, and the boys seem more settled because they know it’s just me.

Still, that confidence comes with mixed feelings. I understand that he travels for work, but sometimes I feel taken for granted, carrying all the responsibilities, even those that don’t feel like mine to carry alone. I’m still finding my way in that.

Our life has taken turns we never planned, leaving me in a role I’m still trying to make my own and find peace with. I also want to build something for myself, using my creativity through photography, content creation, fashion and writing. Finding my way back to that feels exciting, but it also brings out my insecurities.

For now, I’m trying to find joy in the journey and trust the process. And today, that started with a little time for myself.

Hope you enjoy this little bit of fashion inspiration. ❤️

#MiniAndMeBySharon #Shoeby #FashionInspiration #OutfitInspiration #SelfCare taken in Laren, Noord-Holland, Netherlands by @miniandmebysharon

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6 days ago

Moments like this 🤎

They balance out the sadness that sometimes comes with the gap between the life we once imagined and the reality we are living. They remind me to slow down and see the beauty in what is right in front of me.

When Ties is riding, you can see his whole body relax. He finds his rhythm, his calm, his place. No words are needed. The smile on his face tells the story.

Behind these moments are many volunteers who give their time, patience and love to make this possible. We are grateful that Ties has a place here.

Tuesday evenings are always a rush, but we make it work. Even when Alex is away and I’m juggling everything on my own, this is something I want to make happen for him. Sometimes Bo and Luuk come along too, to share in his joy and see a side of their brother we don’t always get to see at home.

This is why we do it. For moments like this.

And if you’d like to help keep these moments possible, Luuk is selling Grote Clubactie lottery tickets for Ties’ manege. Every ticket helps support this special place and the riders who need it.

Buy a ticket through the link in my bio, or share this post to help Luuk reach more people. Thank you 🤎

#MiniAndMeBySharon #TeamShaki #Autisme #AutismAwareness #GroteClubActie taken in Manege Gooi- en Eemland by @miniandmebysharon

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7 days ago

Support Tiesje ❤️ Link in Bio and wait for the bloopers!

Words can’t describe how proud I am of my oldest son, Luuk.

Remember when I shared how I sometimes worry about the effect Ties’ autism has on his brothers? This video reminds me of something I already know, but can forget in the middle of the storm: we’re raising such kind and thoughtful boys.

For the Grote Clubactie, Luuk chose to raise money for Ties’ manege instead of his own sports club. Ties’ riding lessons are made possible by volunteers, and going door to door to sell tickets is something Ties can’t do himself. Luuk understood that and decided to do it for him.

And he didn’t stop there. He wants to sell the most tickets of anyone at the manege, so he asked me to film a video and share it with all of you. Of course I said yes. Ties and Bo joined in too, and I filmed it with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.

Watch until the end for the bloopers, and if you’d like to support Ties and his manege, you can buy a lot through the link in my bio. Thank you! ❤️

#MiniAndMeBySharon #TeamShaki #GroteClubactie #GroteClubactie2026 #KoopEenLot taken in Manege Gooi- en Eemland by @miniandmebysharon

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13 days ago

Autism affects all of us.

Growing up with a brother on the spectrum requires adjustment every single day, starting from the moment he wakes up.

There is no singing in our house, because Ties can only tolerate it when he is the one singing. His brothers have to remain seated during dinner, while Ties may leave early. And because eating and maintaining his weight are challenging, he is allowed foods they are not.

These may sound like small things, but I could share hundreds of examples. Having to understand and accept these differences from such a young age can sometimes feel unfair. Autism is already difficult to explain to adults, let alone to children.

We love Ties beyond words, but that doesn’t make the reality less intense. Lately, I have found myself wondering how growing up alongside autism will shape his brothers, not only now, but during puberty and adulthood too. How much responsibility will they feel, and what will this journey ask of them?

They love Ties to the moon and back. They always want him to be included and would do anything for him. That is true inclusion.

One thing I know for sure: they will help make the world a little kinder. We need people like that now more than ever. For that, we are grateful. For Ties, for everything his autism teaches us and for the small change we can create within our own family.

Even though it may never be easy. ❤️

#MiniAndMeBySharon #TeamShaki #AutismAffectsAllOfUs #AutismSiblings #SiblingLove taken in Bussum by @miniandmebysharon

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18 days ago

Still showing up. And don’t get me wrong, not because anyone expects us to, but because we both still want to. Lately it has come with a lot of personal sacrifice. This past year has been incredibly tough on both me and my husband, while our kids somehow seem to have handled it all remarkably well. Balancing an international move, changing schools multiple times, making new friends, autism, a major house project and, not to mention, a marriage has been hard. At the same time, I’m navigating my SCAD history, high blood pressure, an AD(H)D assessment waiting list and most likely perimenopause. Somewhere in the middle of it all, I feel like I’m slowly losing parts of myself. Even the people closest to me sometimes struggle to understand. They simply want me to be happy, but that can unintentionally create even more pressure to put on that familiar smiling mask. I’m not here to complain. My cup will always be half full. But I’m also not here to show you only the perfect picture without sharing part of the story behind it.
Is this the full story? Definitely not, or this caption would turn into my next essay. But these things are part of my life right now. They are also why I show up here when I want to, when it feels right and when sharing gives me energy. Storytelling has always been part of who I am, and this is my story. Yes, I’m struggling at this point in my life. But spending a beautiful weekend together, celebrating the love of close friends, was a sweet reminder of what we still have. It may not always be visible through the chaos, but it is still there. Every life and every relationship has a story we know nothing about. Some stories are worth fighting for. Thank you for casually joining my outfit check. While you were already dressed and ready, my AD(H)D brain was still convinced I had all the time in the world to get ready. Somehow, we made it just in time.

Love you. We may be a little lost in the chaos, but this is still us. And together, we will find our way back and grow. ❤️

#MiniAndMeBySharon #TeamShaki #ThisIsStillUs #MarriageInRealLife #RealLifeBehindTheScenes by @miniandmebysharon

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23 days ago

There was a plan. Actually, there were several plans. But as a caregiver and special-needs mom, I never really know what my day will look like. Not even when Ties’ support worker is there to help us.

Today’s learning goal sounded simple: visit Intertoys and buy one little Cars car with the €5 he received from his grandmother. I would pay the difference while they practised understanding the purpose and value of money.

But shopping with Ties requires clear boundaries, instructions and expectations. What feels like a fun outing for most families puts us straight into anxiety mode, hoping to avoid a meltdown and leave unnoticed with a happy child.

Then came the phone call: could I please come and help calm Ties down?

He had found a large Cars racetrack. He understood he didn’t have enough money, but that didn’t change how badly he wanted it. While people stared, whispered and became visibly irritated, I managed to help him regulate and choose one small car instead.

But at the checkout, we were told we couldn’t buy it. The car was apparently a free gift with a €20 Cars purchase, although this hadn’t been communicated clearly in the store. After everything it had taken to get this far, neither Ties nor I had anything left.

I sent him outside with his support worker and, with tears coming, bought the racetrack so I could take the little car too. The present is now hidden in my car, waiting for a better day. Because if I give it to him immediately, he may believe the meltdown made it happen.

That is exactly why life with autism can be so incredibly complicated, frustrating and heartbreaking.

So next time you see a parent struggling with their child, please don’t stare, comment or offer unasked-for advice. Simply ask if they’re okay or if you can help.

Because they probably aren’t okay. They’re just trying their very best. Every single day. ❤️

#MiniAndMeBySharon #TeamShaki #Autisme #AutismAwareness #AutismMom by @miniandmebysharon

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a month ago