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Friends, family, neighbors and grandparents are always sensitive to a child’s needs, but might be equally unsure of whether their choice of a gift will really be useful or even safe. Got Autism, which offers educational and therapeutic products for people on the autism spectrum, provides the following list of gift ideas for those with special needs in every age group, including adult gift options. ...

Shopping with kids of any age is an exercise in stealth, patience and creativity that’s almost as hard as trying to find a place to stash the gifts once you get home (one hint: it’s nearly impossible to hide a light-sensitive talking baby anywhere in your closet without her piping up ‘Peek-a-boo!’ anytime you open the door). So how do you attempt to shop for kids, finding that perfect gift to wrap up for them for Christmas? Here are a few ideas to get started. ...

Some of the best — and most memorable — gifts for kids don’t come in neatly tied packages. This year, you might consider giving your kids the gift of experience. Think of your child’s interests and then incorporate something you two can do together. ...

Store locations in Mentor, North Olmsted and Mayfield invite parents and their kids, family members and friends for this fun-filled event. Join for a special storytime and other activities, plus every child who attends will receive a free book to take home. There’s a limit of one pre-selected book per child, while supplies last. ...

Put the Christmas carols on the radio and take a drive to see some of the best Christmas lights in our area. There are so many great displays to choose from, including displays synchronized to music, ones with hundreds of inflatables and twinkling lights, and even ones you can walk or drive through. ...

Shorter days and crisp weather can only mean one thing: fall is in full swing. As families are busy preparing for the holidays and getting the most out of the season, they can incorporate small changes to make sure their autumn fun encourages the whole family to get up and move. ...

The school year is underway and your child’s first report card will arrive soon. Has the year, which started with such promise, already begun descending into a pattern of frustration and bad grades? If a child’s school performance has dropped, parents often are left wondering what happens next. Tutoring might offer homework help, skill building or enrichment that your child needs. ...

Families can join this event for refreshments and to discuss a variety of topics that will help students succeed. The special nights are held monthly during the school year and are open to all interested families at participating branch libraries. ...

Children come from a variety of cultural, ethnic, religious and racial backgrounds, along with some who have special needs. They all are in need of stable parents who are sensitive to their circumstances. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding becoming a foster parent and adoption from Summit County Children Services. ...

Many children are in need of a loving forever home — according to AdoptUSKids, there are more than 100,000 children in foster care, ranging in age from infants to 21-year-olds, waiting to be adopted in the United States. Of course, the issue also affects many children in Northeast Ohio, too. While it can be discouraging to think of these children in need, there is hope, as demonstrated by several local children and adoptive parents. In their own words, they tell us what adoption means and how it has changed their lives. ...