2021 Editions

If you’re familiar with special education, you’re well-acquainted with the term IEP — Individualized Education Program, but you may not know exactly how a properly-implemented IEP can benefit your child. Matt Christensen, a seventh-grade intervention specialist at Julie Billiart School in Lyndhurst shares with us what an enjoyable, effective IEP experience can look like. ...

With teens and tweens having normal stressors such as grades, social relationships and seeking independence from parents, the pandemic has brought on an additional worry. Dr. Laura Gerak, director of clinical psychology and pediatric psychologist at Akron Children’s Hospital, provides some ways parents can talk to their children and check on their mental health. ...

Got a sleep-resistant child? Maybe it’s time for your little night owl to hit the books. Use nightly bedtime story to help build and reinforce healthy sleep habits, overcome common sleep saboteurs and boost parent-child bonding. ...

Families across Northeast Ohio, with the help of summer camps, are taking a step toward normalcy after a year of lockdown. Camp programs across the region plan to follow safety protocols as outlined by the state and local governments in order to keep all attendees safe.  ...

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to more questions about safety at camp. However, first-time campers and their parents still have to be comfortable with all other aspects of attending. We talked to Bill Champ, the auxiliary programs director and summer programs director at University School, about what parents can ask and do to make the most informed choice. ...

Northeast Ohio Parent columnist Jason Lea of "Dad Matters" shares with us his scale, named after the “Scooby-Doo” cartoon character, which ranks if a person’s choices are good or bad. It’s his way to help his children think about stories and the choices made. ...

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There are countless benefits of being a multi-sport athlete, such as improving a player’s physical and mental skills, making new friends, teamwork, and being exposed to new experiences — all while having fun. We spoke with several local experts who talked about some of the important benefits of playing multiple sports. ...

It’s almost that time of year to think about what to plant in your garden. While there are plenty of options at your local big-box store's garden center, think about choosing native flowers and plants this year. Planting native can add something special — and it goes a long way toward helping the environment. ...

Goodbye screens; hello outside world! Depending on where your family stands with the pandemic, screen-time limits have been relaxed or may have been completely removed during the craziness that was 2020. As we head toward a better outlook, it may be time for a digital detox to help your family shake off the cloud of electronic energy hanging over your home. ...