September’s issue of River Region Parents is always the most SPECIAL of the year! This month, we honor special needs children and their families in our community. In addition to our extensive guide of resources offered locally, statewide, and nationally for special needs families, you’ll find helpful advice in our feature articles and get to know a couple of extra-special moms too!
The cutie on this month’s cover belongs to Trish Robinson, our Mom2Mom interview. Trish discusses the joys and challenges of motherhood, along with insights for those of us who desire to encourage and offer compassion to special needs families. In our Dinner’s Ready column, you’ll meet local mom Stephanie Maddox and daughter Millie as they dish up a fun meal for even the pickiest of eaters. So plan a night with your kids in the kitchen to create Millie’s Charcuterie Board.
Our feature articles certainly hit the mark for special needs families but truly apply to parents across the board. Most of us struggle with how to best discipline our children at some point in the parenting journey. We don’t want to be heavy-handed, but we want results that make for a more peaceful home. Kimberly Blaker shares details on an approach many parents have embraced and found effective in Creative Discipline for Special Needs Children. If your kids love to play games on their tablet or phone (and what kid doesn’t?), check out Great Apps for Kids with Special Needs. Here Tanni Haas highlights easy-to-navigate educational apps that keep children learning and growing while having tons of fun. Finally, Jan Pierce provides ideas to help parents up their child’s empathy meter in Raising Compassionate Children.
Parenting is often described as the most challenging job in the world, and I tend to agree. Parents raising special needs children face challenges many of us can’t begin to comprehend. What we can do is offer an understanding smile and a helping hand when the opportunity arises. And we can intentionally teach our children how to welcome and love children and people who may be different from themselves. It’s a two-fold gift… to our children and to all the special ones they will encounter in their lives.
Have a wonderful month!
