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Back to School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
It’s time for a new school year and “new” is not always easy so we have dedicated this blog post to help you and your loved one get back into the school routine. Master the Mindset Be aware of any negative feelings or anxiety you may have about the new school year. Your child will pick up on that. Look forward to the new year with a positive mindset. Feel excited about all of the opportunities they will have such as, learning new things, make new friends, and feel included by their peers. Also, feel confident that you have done your best in the IEP meeting. There will be more…
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The Angelman Syndrome Foundation Has A New CEO, Amanda Moore.
I recently had the opportunity to chat with Amanda Moore, the new CEO of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation right before one of the biggest events of the year, the biannual ASF Family Conference! Amanda is no stranger to Angelman Syndrome. She is a Mom to twin boys, Jackson and Baden. Jackson has Angelman Syndrome. We have all been through that devastating day of getting the diagnosis. It is heartbreaking to receive information about this severe genetic condition that will require the life long care of our sweet Angels. We mourn the loss of all of the ideas we imagined their life would lead. Instead, we are forced into a whole…
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New Year’s Resolutions for Special Needs Families
As parents and caretakers, we often forget about all the goals we should focus on when the needs of our children arise. Let’s face it, we may experience more emergency situations than most. It’s hard to get back to thinking about ‘big picture’ goals. Here are some of the average resolutions that are beneficial: eating healthier, putting away the phone at dinner, spend more time with family, take a vacation, earn more money, but you’re not average. This moves us forward into the first and most important goal of “self-care.” Self-care for the caretaker – I know it is easier said than done, but when we suffer emotionally, mentally, physically,…
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How to survive the holidays.
By Erin Bates The Holiday season is stressful regardless if you have a special needs child or not. Adding that extra stress of the holidays to a parent’s life that is already stressed can cause many emotional, mental, and physical breakdowns. Here is my advice: just BREATH. Be prepared to leave the party Have an exit strategy for when your child has had enough. You can excuse yourself and find a bedroom to help calm him/her down or just say to the hostess we tried but we have to leave. I make it a point to call the hostess ahead of time and let them know we don’t mean to…
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Best iPad Apps List Suggested by Parents
It is no secret that many Angels LOVE their iPad. Some learn faster than others and that’s ok. There are some Angels that are not the least bit interested in using an ipad. Sometimes finding the right app is all you need to spark interest and help them develop a longer attention span. It will also motivate them to practice using their index finger. Here is a list that we have compiled from fellow parents. Many of these apps are FREE! In a recent poll the most popular app for Angels is YouTube! There is a plethora of content on YouTube. One thing parents can do is create an account…
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Summer Safety – Swimming and Beach Products
We hope you get out and have a fun day at the beach or your local pool. We found a few products to help you have a fun and safe summer! Individuals with Angelman Syndrome have an attraction to water. Unfortunately, they do not understand the dangers that can happen if left unattended. Don’t let this discourage you from water activities, instead, just take a few extra precautions and enjoy your time. Our Angels love water activities. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe: -Learn water safety as a family. This will help prepare everyone for this day. Check with your local parks and recreation centers for…
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Have Fun This Summer And Enjoy The Outdoors With A Swing
As seen in Angelman Today Magazine. Indoor and Outdoor swings with a variety of safety features are now available at the Ultimate Amazon Special Needs Shop.Categories are now available to help make shopping easier. We have created one specifically for Indoor and Outdoor Swings. Today there is such a variety of options available. Yes, we have fun swings that support adult sizes also. Hang them on a tree outside or use a stand made of steel for indoors.
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Have Fun This Summer While Traveling
Traveling tips for short or long vacations By Erin Bates Summer is here and planning activities with your child with Angelman Syndrome can be hard. I can remember scrolling through my Facebook news feed and see these family vacation pictures and ask myself “Will that ever be us?” I still get anxiety at the thought of a trip but I realize how important it is to create memories the kids will love and make it a trip where my son can just be a kid. I have learned that an Airbnb works best for us. They are reasonably priced and a home-style setting helps both my son and my anxiety.…
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New Children’s Book Jesus, Let’s Talk By Lisa Jamieson
We recently caught up with the very busy Angel Mama, Lisa Jamieson to learn about her new book Jesus, Let’s Talk. A delightfully visual exploration of basic prayers for the young and young at heart Jesus, Let’s Talk helps children, early readers, and people with developmental differences enjoy the sweet basics of conversation with Jesus. There are many ways to worship and this natural approach to prayer inspires both the young and young at heart. Colorful photographs of children and young people celebrate that the fingerprints of God are on all people, all around the world. The book also highlights key prayer words using American Sign Language. Young ones who…
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5 Tips to help you save money on groceries for a therapeutic diet
1. Buy in bulk from big box stores like Costco, Sam’s Club or Bj’s Wholesale. 2. Look for coupons in the mail, newspapers, online or grocery store apps. 3. Create weekly menus with your budget in mind. Click here to get $15 off your first order from Walmart Grocery. 4. Shop around the perimeter of the store. -The middle aisle usually contains processed foods that you want to avoid. 5. Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. Seasonal fruits and veggies are less expensive than when out of season. *Bonus: Buying the fresh cuts of meat with the higher fat content is less expensive than the lean cuts…
