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In the Community: Finding a Social Life for Your ChildSo much of children's lives these days are driven by their after-school activities -- soccer and Little League, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, church groups and cliques. But what do you do if your child isn't physically or developmentally able to participate? Integrating your child into extended family gatherings or community events isn't always easy, either. Here are some suggestions for giving your child a social life -- and making your community more open to people with special needs.
Worshiping with a Special Needs Child
Making it through a church service with a child with special needs can be a spiritually trying experience, but setting appropriate expecations and incentives can give you a prayer of success. Before You Go to the Mall With Your Child
Malls can be overwhelming places for children who have trouble with noise and activity and keeping their hands to themselves. These five tips will make your trip shorter, smoother, and less stressful. Dealing with Toxic People
You can't believe some of the things people say to you about your special-needs child or your parenting. If you can't avoid those folks who can't say anything nice, you can manage their behavior -- and yours -- more effectively. Warning Labels
Does your child need to avoid certain foods, shrink from certain sensory experiences, or otherwise require people to know what not to do to him or her? Print out one of these warning labels, tape or pin it on your child's shirt, and put everyone on alert. 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 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. Sites of the Day: Special Programs
Listing of sites on programs for children with special needs that have been featured as a About Parenting Special Needs Site of the Day. Book Review: Including People With Disabilities in Faith Communities
Review of a book that helps religious groups reach out to people with disabilities and their families to create a more inclusive community. |
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