Updated Wednesday, October 25, 2017 Although Halloween is a difficult time for many children with special needs, parents can take steps to make it enjoyable. Halloween is challenging for our special children because of: Changes in their routines. Sensory overload from noises, costumes, decorations and lighting. Lack of social skills for trick or treating. Food sensitivities and/or limited diets. Most children look forward to Halloween, and we want all children to share in the fun. Here are some ideas to plan a Halloween your children with special needs can enjoy. 1. Make a Plan with Your Child Knowing what to expect alleviates a lot of children’s […]
Five back to school tips for your children with special needs
Updated Sunday, April 23, 2017 Most children with special needs have some anxiety about returning to school, according to John Piacentini, Ph.D. of UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. Your children may be starting a new school, moving to a new classroom or getting a new teacher. The uncertainty of these unknown places and people is usually the cause of their anxieties. Reduce your children’s back to school anxieties by preparing them for their return to school. Here are five tips to get you and your children with special needs ready for the new school year. 1. Organize your children with special needs Organization is a common problem for many children with special needs. […]
Special Needs Parents: free educational resources for your children
Updated Thursday, February 18, 2016Many children with special needs require differentiated learning. This means teachers adapt their lessons to suit the different learning styles of their students. Teachers are busy and have large classes of students, which makes it difficult to individualize learning for a particular child. Fortunately, there are great resources on the internet that parents can use to help their children’s teachers by supplying tools that meet the needs of their children. In addition, many of the resources are suitable for parents and students to use at home. Here are five websites that offer educational resources that help children with special needs. 1. Do2Learn This website includes both […]
The kids are back at school, so special needs parents give yourselves a break and watch Netflix
Updated Sunday, January 24, 2016Having your children home for the holidays involves more work for parents, especially if their children have special needs. Now the kids are back at school so special needs parents need a break. Whether you want some “me” or couple time, Netflix offers loads of movies and TV shows to keep you entertained. Here are three original series from Netflix that are creating quite a stir with viewers. And for those missing Downton Abbey, Netflix is streaming another entertaining period drama called Reign. Jessica Jones This series is based on the Marvel Comics’ character of the same name. Jessica is a former superhero with incredible […]
Special Needs Parents: Tips for Productive Parent Teacher Meetings
Updated Sunday, January 24, 2016Parent teacher meetings are anxiety provoking for many parents. Sometimes it is the first time we meet our children’s teachers. Then there are the added pressures of waiting around, time limits on meetings and not knowing what to ask our children’s teachers. Typically, we ask how our child is doing in the teacher’s class, but when your child has special needs, there is more information you need to know. How to prepare for parent teacher meetings Preparation is key to a successful parent teacher meeting. First, ask your children questions about school such as: How do they think school is going? What do they like the […]
Six New Year’s Resolutions for Special Needs Parents
Updated Monday, January 11, 2016Another year passed and the time for New Year’s Resolutions is upon us. As parents of children with special needs, we have many responsibilities. In addition, we have things we intend to do but never get around too. Therefore, with the start of 2016, here are some resolutions for special needs parents. Review your children’s resource hours If your children receive resource hours, you should know how they are being used. The help children need may change as they get older. For example, if your children are in sixth class, resource time could prepare them for the transition to secondary school.
Is your child struggling in school? Here’s how to help
Updated Thursday, October 8, 2015As children settle into their back to school routines, parents often notice that school is not going smoothly for their children. If your child is struggling in school, it is important to investigate this matter quickly. The sooner you identify the problem, the sooner you can take steps to eliminate it or get your child the support she needs. First, speak with your child. Ask her how she thinks things are going with her schoolwork. Then, speak with your child’s teacher about her life at school. Use this information to determine whether your child’s problems are academic, emotional or behavioural. If your child’s problems are academic, […]
Special Needs Parents: 8 Books to Inform & Inspire You
Updated Saturday, September 12, 2015No matter where you are on your special needs journey; it is reassuring to know that you are not alone. When I teach parents how to advocate for their special needs children, I tell them not to overlook the best resource – other parents. Parents of children with special need wrote most of these eight books. Reading these books lets you learn from the experience of other parents. The stories offer reassurance and guidance. This list is not intended as an academic list of books providing medical and technical information, although some books touch on these topics. If you’ve read these or any other books, […]
3 ways special needs parents can get the school year off to a smooth start
Updated Sunday, November 15, 2015Summer holidays are coming to an end and your special needs child will be back at school shortly. Here are three tips for special needs parents to get the new school year off to a smooth start. 1. Ease your children’s worries Just like adults who get anxious before starting a new job, children are anxious about starting the new school year. For children with special needs who need routine and structure, starting a new school year causes many worries. Children worry about a variety of things, including what their new teacher is like, whom they will sit next to, if they will have too much […]
3 Reasons special needs parents must become experts on their children’s needs
Updated Thursday, July 7, 2016 As special needs parents, we have a lot of responsibilities. One of these is advocating for our children with special needs. Although medical providers explain our children’s disabilities at the time of their diagnoses, much of this information is lost as we adjust to this new situation. It is important however, for us parents to become experts on our children’s disabilities and special needs because we are responsible for managing our children’s conditions and helping them reach their potential. Here are three reasons parents should become experts on their children’s condition.
