Jan/Feb 2014

Hand writing "LOI" on a heart with thought bubbles about caregiving. 0

First Steps for Writing the Letter of Intent

Mastering the basics of your Letter of Intent (LOI): A simple guide Think about what you’d want a caregiver to know, even just for a couple days, if suddenly you couldn’t be there. That’s your LOI foundation. Start small: meals, bedtime, basic routines.

Patricia Moody smiles next to a hand-drawn PATH to Success diagram. 0

Patricia Moody’s PATH to Success

Creating an inclusive path forward for your child with special needs doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By focusing on their dreams and the support they need, you can ensure a successful high school experience tailored to their unique strengths and aspirations. Here’s how to approach it.

Island in Lake Tahoe surrounded by pine trees 0

Mommy’s Timeout: Lake Tahoe

Find peace in Lake Tahoe’s quiet beauty with a mindfulness meditation. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let go of stress as you imagine yourself among nature’s serene landscapes. Embrace this pause—you deserve it. Enjoy the stillness and clear your mind for life’s journey ahead.

Game plan drawn on a chalkboard with a heart and symbols 0

From the Heart: Creating Game Plans…

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming when daily life is already full. Special needs parents creating game plans find clarity by breaking big goals into small, manageable steps. You have this.

Sharing! real finds logo with a red heart outline. 0

Sharing! Real Finds: Household Organization

Quickly Identify Chargers and Cables with Color-Coded Labels Keep your electronics organized with these color-coded dot labels. Instantly know which cord belongs where, whether it’s for laptops, phones, or home entertainment systems. Say goodbye to tangled messes! $5.76 pack of five at Amazon—add clarity (and sanity) to your cords today.

Cheyenne Emily wearing a red hat and pink coat. 0

2014 Cover Winner: Cheyenne Emily

Cheyenne Emily, six years old with ASD, radiates joy through her love for swimming and skating, embodying strength despite challenges like heart defects. Her proud parents cherish every new “first” she achieves, dreaming together about a future where she becomes a mom. Photographed by Billie Depatie of D4 Photography in Morinville, Alberta, Canada.

Young boy wearing a yellow hard hat and safety vest. 0

Help Your Elementary School Youngster Learn About Work

Discover early career paths with your child through their passions. Explore why people work and the diverse world of jobs using simple concepts like interests and skill development. Start conversations about different careers together now! Keep curiosity alive by discussing various occupations as they relate to your child’s interests.

Deb Discenza with her husband and daughter. 0

Real Moms Share: Deb Discenza

Deb Discenza shares her journey raising premature baby Becky with special needs diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD,Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Feeding Aversions, Developmental Motor Coordination Disorder and asthma. Starting motherhood was a whirlwind for Deb Discenza when she welcomed her daughter Becky after being born 10 weeks early.

Hand writing "Lean LOI. Daily Routine." on a white surface. 0

Quick Way to Begin Writing a Letter of Intent

Why Write an LOI? – A Simple Start Starting a letter of intent (LOI) can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Think about explaining daily care basics to another relative who could look after your child temporarily.

Tablet displaying various app icons, including UNO and MemoryBlock. 0

SCORE BIG: With Fun App Games

Create cherished memories this winter with these engaging, family-friendly apps: Toontastic 3D lets kids storyboard their own cartoons, blending art and storytelling skills – all free for Android! MemoryBlock revives the classic Simon game in an app format, challenging players’ memory while keeping everyone entertained through friendly competition.

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