Setting New Year's resolutions that you don't follow through with can leave you feeling defeated. Instead, focus on how amazing you are this year and share that with those around you!

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You know that ‘bored’ feeling? No? Oh right, you’re a parent. These days, our devices are a source of constant entertainment, information, and connection -  but they can also increase our stress and take us away from our kids (even when we’re with them). Here’s the antidote. 

Resources mentioned in this episode

• If you give a mom a minute…
• Exploring Nature to find our Calm
• How to Keep it Together: A Guide

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Let’s talk about overstimulation, especially during the holidays. Here’s the interesting part though, this is about overstimulation for us parents. Here are 4 tips that have helped me a lot.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Overstimulated by Life? 20 Ways to Give Your ADHD Senses a Break
• Study shows overstimulation caused by smartphones, while they promise the opposite
• Digital Overload: What Is It, and How Is It Affecting Our Mental and Physical Health?
• Sleep and health
• Just Needs: Better parenting through self-regulation 
• Just Needs: Co-regulation: your secret tool for managing meltdowns

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Holiday gatherings can be stressful. If you’re welcoming a family with kids with disabilities, here are six things you can do to make sure they feel welcome.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• What is a developmental disability?
• What is sensory processing? And can it help explain my child’s behavior?
• What are accommodations?
• Six Things Not to Say to Children with Disabilities (and Some Things To Say Instead)

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Extra stressed during the holidays? We are too. Here are some of our favorite parenting mantras to get us through.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• What is self-regulation and how can it help me be a better parent?
• How can co-regulation help my child’s behavior? Strategies for parenting children with disabilities

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Nothing’s sure but… well, you know the end of that sentence. If your family includes a child or adult with a disability, here are 5 important things to know before you file your 2024 taxes.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• 5 Things to Know Before Filing Taxes for People with Disabilities
• ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts
• Special Needs Alliance: Attorneys for Special Needs Planning
• Tax Help for People with Disabilities
• Living and Working with Disabilities (IRS) 
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): free tax preparation help for taxpayers who qualify

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This week, Christina chats with Dr. Nilong Vyas of Sleepless in NOLA, on the importance of sleep in early childhood. They’ll answer questions like, “Why is sleep important?” and “My child is a terrible sleeper. Is it me or something else?” Listen along for helpful information and tips and tricks around sleep.
 
Resources mentioned in this episode

• What is a sleep consultant and how do they help families?
• Sleep Disorders in Children
• Autism Awareness & Sleep
• Melatonin for Kids: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
• Sleepless in NOLA
• Dr. Vyas’ Bedtime Checklist

Thank you Dr. Vyas for offering our families a discount on your services! For a 10% discount use code: INEEDSLEEP10

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Nothing’s sure but… well, you know the end of that sentence. If your family includes a child or adult with a disability, here are 5 important things to know before you file your taxes in 2022.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• 5 Things to Know Before Filing Taxes for People with Disabilities
• ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts
• Special Needs Alliance: Attorneys for Special Needs Planning
• Tax Help for People with Disabilities
• Living and Working with Disabilities (IRS) 
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): free tax preparation help for taxpayers who qualify

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Flying with kids with disabilities can be stressful and overwhelming. This week’s podcast episode has 5 tips to make the trip easier for you and your child.

Resources mentioned in this episode

Better parenting using self-regulation
What is self-regulation and how can it help me be a better parent?
¿Qué es la autorregulación y cómo puede ayudarme a ser un mejor padre?
Co-regulation: Your secret tool for managing meltdowns
How can co-regulation help my child’s behavior? Strategies for parenting children with disabilities
¿Cómo puede ayudarle a mi hijo la corregulación? Estrategias para ser padre de niños con discapacidades
US Department of Transportation; Wheelchairs and Other Assistive Devices
Disabilities and Medical Conditions
What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
Wings for Autism / Wings for All
TSA Notification Card
What To Do When an Airline Damages Your Wheelchair

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In this bonus episode, Christina discusses doing a pediatric sleep study with her son and his sensory needs.
 
Resources mentioned in this episode

• The importance of sleep in early childhood with Dr. Nilong Vyas
• Sleepless in NOLA
• Our Lady of the Lake Sleep Medicine

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