Articles Index
How to Plan a Summer Movie Routine
Whether you're doing an official "Camp Mom" or just have a houseful of bored kids needing summertime recreation, look for free or cheap movies to attend once a week at a theater near you.
How to Write a Paragraph
Writing gets a lot easier when you have an organized plan and just need to fill in the blanks. Here's how to help your child write a strong five-sentence paragraph, whether for an elementary assignment or a open-ended exam.
How to Make a Paper-Bag Book Cover
School asking your child to cover textbooks? If you're a little rusty on using a paper bag for that purpose, this how-to will jog your memory.
How to Smother Head Lice
One non-toxic way to deal with head lice is to put a substance on the head that kills lice by smothering them and also makes the nits easier to comb out. Learn how to put this plan into action.
How to Make an Emergency Last-Minute Costume
Your child decides at the last minute that he wants to go trick-or-treating after all, or chooses bedtime to inform you that there's a pageant tomorrow and she's in it. You have no time and no special supplies to make a costume, but a costume is quickly called for. Here's how to throw together something, using items you have around the house, that will do in a pinch.
How to Set Get-able Goals
Whether setting goals for your child with special needs, your family, or yourself, thinking small and short-term can help you find big, long-lasting success.
How to Start a Reading Routine
Reading with your child every day helps reluctant readers improve their skills, and gives parents and kids some special one-on-one time to share together.
How to Make Behavior Charts Work
Awarding points or checkmarks for jobs well done can be effective motivational tools for kids, but behavior charts are often too abstract for children with special needs. Here are some ways to make them work.
How to Report an IEP Violation
Your child is not getting services he is legally entitled to. What are you going to do about it? Here are four steps that, in most cases, will get you to a resolution of the problem.
How to Get an IEP for Your Child
Whether you've requested an Individualized Educational Plan for your child or have been asked to consider one by school or state personnel, these are the steps you'll go through, from initial referral through provision of services and triennial reevaluation.
How to Give Yourself a Time-Out
Giving yourself a time-out when you're about to lose your temper is a healthy way to release that stress, and models good coping skills for your kids, too.
How to Talk to Your Child About His or Her Special Needs
How do you talk to your child about his or her disability or diagnosis? Start small and follow your child's lead. Here's a how-to to help parents get the conversation going.
How to Help Kids Contribute
Wondering how your child can contribute to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort? Every little piggy bank helps. Coinstar machines -- the ones that let you dump your pennies and get cash -- can also help you donate your nickels and dimes to the American Red Cross. Here's how to help your child gather coins for the cause.
How to Research a Disability on About Parenting Special Needs
The About Parenting Special Needs is full of information on specific disabilities and general behaviors and issues that apply to kids with special needs. Here's how to find the information you're looking for, and more.
How to Worry More Constructively
Worry is hard to avoid when you're the parent of a child with special needs. The trick is to turn your destructive worrying into constructive worrying.
How to Make Your Child into a Burrito
This is a great togetherness activity for kids with sensory integration problems who crave deep pressure but hate being held and hugged.
How to Write a Note to the Teacher
When you spend a lot of time battling Child Study Teams and fighting for your child's rights, it can be hard to dial back and write a simple note to the teacher over a matter of minor import. Follow these steps to produce some friendly correspondence for a change.
How to Assemble a Teacher Information Packet
You've looked at our "Preparing the School for Your Child with Special Needs" pages. Now what? Here's how to put them together with a personalized note in a package that will get the teacher's attention.
How to Play the "Dots" Game
Here's a quick distraction to get fidgety kids through boring events like car rides, restaurant waits and, alas, church services. It's quiet, it's attention-grabbing, and it can expand to fill as much time as you need.
How to Assemble a Camp Information Packet
On this site, you'll find "Preparing the School" information for a wide range of special needs. That information can also help your child's camp counselor keep your child safe, productive and happy. Here's how to adapt the information and put it all together into a packet perfect for camp consumption.
How to Create a Do-It-Yourself Summer Bowling League
Whether you're doing an official "Camp Mom" or just have a houseful of bored kids needing summertime recreation, talk to the proprietor of your local bowling alley about putting together an unofficial bowling league for your group.
Prepare Your Home to Be a "Camp Mom" Site
Having a bunch of your child's friends over every summer day for an improvised day camp should be a joy -- but you'll want to get your house ready for all that activity first.
How to Protest a Grade
When your child brings home a grade on a test, paper or report card that you feel is unjust, should you let it go or make a complaint? Here are some steps to take when following-up on a bad grade, or deciding not to.
How to Make a Halloween Costume for a Child with Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Children with sensory integration problems may balk at scratchy costumes, itchy makeup and pinchy headgear. Making a costume that puts a premium on comfort will make your little ghoul happy -- and being able to use the clothes again after will make you happy, too.
How to Be a Music Monitor
Making sure your kids aren't hearing lyrics that might disturb them (or you) got easier with Parental Advisory Stickers, but harder with online downloads. Here's how to really find out what your child is listening to.