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Parenting Children with Disabilities 

When my nephew received a diagnosis of a rare genetic syndrome, our family was grief-stricken, scared, confused, and also relieved. Doctors tested for multiple issues, some of them grave. We knew this would lead to more questions, life-changing effort on his mother’s part, and constant anxiety. Our love for him was steady – we all […]

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Developmental Disability Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month. The CDC includes autism, cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD, intellectual disabilities, hearing loss, vision impairment, and developmental delays under the “umbrella term” of developmental disabilities. Basically, any impairment of physical, learning, intellectual, or behavioral areas are included in this label. This broad definition expands my thinking about who might describe themselves […]

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Instilling a Love of Nature 

We know our children will inherit environmental challenges, but raising them with cynicism and a dark mindset will not help them (or us) work toward meaningful solutions. For them to understand the urgency and the purpose behind the work, they must have a deep love and connection to nature. We are not separate from nature […]

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Being Present

When was the last time you just sat? Stared out the window at the clouds? Strolled outside without your phone? If we can’t remember or feel like we don’t have time to do that, it means we need more time just to be. This article is your permission slip. Practice It seems that we shouldn’t […]

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A Message of Care and Support for Parenting Educators and Families in Response to Immigration-Related Concerns

Dear Community, We want to begin by sending you a warm greeting and acknowledging, with deep care, that many families across our communities may be feeling worry, stress, or uncertainty due to recent immigration-related concerns. We understand that the news and current events can create fear and anxiety for families of all immigration statuses related to community safety […]

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Learn About and Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

This month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Indigenous people. It is also time to educate ourselves and our children about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, […]

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Understanding ADD and ADHD

We know that your love for your kid is indescribable. At the same time, we can be exasperated by their seeming constant high energy or forgetfulness. If you are parenting a child with a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, or if you are noticing your child has symptoms, you may be wondering what you can […]

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Social-Emotional Strategies to Support Digital Literacy

Teaching our children how to navigate the online world is becoming increasingly crucial. But what are the best strategies to do this? How can we establish healthy boundaries and maintain healthy relationships with our children? Even though it can sometimes feel like we are battling screens, there are social-emotional strategies we can use to support […]

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Co-Parenting After a Separation or Divorce

Going through a separation or a divorce can be traumatic for both children and parents. You may be navigating feelings of grief, anger, disappointment, or maybe even ease, freedom, and joy. Children and adults have many different feelings and that is okay.  When I was teaching, I often supported families as they navigated a transition […]

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The Power of Picture Books

My family teases me about my vast collection of picture books. They say I can open a library out of our home. I give picture books as gifts to recipients of all ages. They are works of art! Literally! I am constantly amazed at the artistic skill of the illustrators. The authors magically make the […]