Easter is such a remarkable celebration on the Christian calendar.  Yet, it can be so stressful attending family gatherings with a special needs child on such a holiday.  Everyone seems to think it's okay to give their two cents worth on your child and how you should be raising them.  In this episode, we will talk about helpful tools and strategies for handling such remarks.  You can connect with family and still have a pleasant experience!  Follow these tips to help you get through.

Mentioned in this episode:

Boundaries:  When to say YES, When to say NO, To Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Remember, your child has been "fearfully and wonderfully made" by God.  (See Psalm 139:13-16, NLT)

Special Needs and Special Occassions:  Making Family Gatherings Good, Not Ghastly by Terri Mauro of About.com

Soft Clothing dress clothes for special occasions

Kid Companions chewelry and fidgets

Image courtesy of 123RF

Even when our children are typical, the overabundance of candy is one of a parent's least favorite parts of Easter.  Add special needs to the mix, and even small amounts of candy can be a hazard.  In this episode, we discuss terrific alternatives available through web venues like:

Kid Companions Chewelry

Stress Free Kids

Soft Clothing

Melissa & Doug

Christianbook.com

We also describe several of the ideas for Easter pinned to our Pinterest "Holidays & Special Needs" pin board.  Our hope is that this show will "prime the pump", inspiring your creative ideas to keep candy overload from threatening this most special holiday.

When a child is newly diagnosed with a chronic illness or special need, it is easy for a parent to struggle with guilt, wondering if they are being punished by God.  In this episode, we'll discuss the biblical encouragement for every parent who wrestles to make sense of this issue.

Kids with special needs already tend to have issues with getting adequate sleep in their own beds at night.  Add to that the challenge of the Daylight Savings time change, and parents face a real challenge.  In this episode, we'll  discuss some tips and tools for helping kids make that adjustment successfully.

Image Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

HELPFUL LINKS

Stress Free Kids http://www.stressfreekids.com/

eHow's info on weighted blankets http://www.ehow.com/how_7850418_use-weighted-blankets-children-sleep.html

About.com's info on teaching your child to stay in bed http://specialchildren.about.com/od/familyissues/qt/teachsleep.htm

While it may sound something that affects only those we hear about in unique news stories, rare disease is something that touches all of us.  In this episode, learn more about what defines this type of diagnosis, and why YOU should spread awareness on Rare Disease Day.

Key Links:

SNAPPIN's Rare Disease Day Facebook Event https://www.facebook.com/events/373285722786005/

Rare Disease Day USA http://rarediseaseday.us/

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)  http://rarediseases.org/

Global Genes Project http://globalgenes.org/

Most of us have heard of mentoring before, but what makes it so remarkable when it comes to parenting a child with special needs?  Executive Director and Foundress, Barb Dittrich discusses why she sees mentoring as an exciting opportunity to fulfill our life's purpose.

In this episode, we share the story of how this ministry to parents raising children with special needs was founded.  Executive Director, Barb Dittrich, shares her family's story and how God compelled them to serve others.

In this episode, we share the mission and vision we have specifically crafted for parents raising a child with special needs.  While it may initially seem boring, Executive Director, Barb Dittrich, shares her heart for fellow moms and dads on this journey.  The breakdown of our mission into bite-sized pieces is sure to encourage parents, knowing that something has been designed with loving care for caregivers.

Image Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net