Winter break can be a very challenging time for atypical families. The crammed schedules, disrupted routines, and holiday hustle and bustle tend to be unsettling for atypical children – which can upset the dynamics of the entire family. In fact, meltdowns and sensory overload are not at all uncommon during this time, when kids become completely overwhelmed by all of
The holidays can be extremely stressful for atypical families. Between changes to the routine, visiting family members, hectic travel days, and countless event invitations, this time of year can bring more noise, stimulation, and stress than atypical children can handle. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prepare your family for the challenges coming up, so you can all
As a coach who works directly with parents of children with special needs, parents often look to me for support and guidance as they’re preparing for their child’s IEP/504 meeting. And I always tell them the same thing: Before you even get into compiling your research, ideas, opinions, and test results, make sure you’re preparing for this important meeting with
Are you approaching your upcoming IEP/504 meeting with fear and anxiety, worrying that you’re not going to be able to achieve the results your child needs and deserves? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m sharing my top 10 tips for a successful IEP/504 meeting, so you’re fully prepared to get the results you want for your
How do we parents of atypical kids have hope for our kid's future when nowadays it seems even "normal" is not good enough? Today, society expects kids to be exceptional. Being "just average" is no longer acceptable. The expectations we place on the next generation puts our youth in the unenviable position of seldom being able to measure up. There's
Human beings let their self-esteem slip. They ignore the very thing that allows them to face each day with confidence. They don’t actively cultivate self-esteem, that driving force that fuels them up to make an impact. And there is no role more important and potentially impactful that that of being a mom. In my work with parents of atypical kids
As parents of atypical kids, we all know what it’s like. You’re in the usual mad rush to get out the door in the morning, and your child is still fumbling with his buttons and asking for help with his socks. At that point, I know it’s tempting to just do it for him – but it’s important to resist
Dining out is challenging for every family, but especially so if you have an atypical kid. The hustle and bustle of restaurants is known for triggering anxiety and tantrums, leading many parents to steer clear of them altogether. However, it is possible to avoid the headaches and make dining out as a family an enjoyable and (almost) stress-free experience. Here’s
Eating challenges are incredibly common among atypical kids. And, these issues can be difficult for even the most patient parents to deal with because they’re not easy problems to solve. It’s not healthy to withhold food until your child is hungry enough to eat anything, and it’s simply not realistic to prepare a special meal every evening for the rest
Anxiety is an all too common problem among atypical children. And whether your kid suffers from separation anxiety, general anxiety, or very specific fears, it can be a difficult challenge for parents to face. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to manage your childʼs anxiety and ensure he feels safe and secure. And while the fears may never