Arianna has two children and lives in North Olmsted.

What do you do to relax?

Listen to music, clean (mess makes me anxious), read, go for a walk, and be out in nature.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I am a teacher for a local school district and grew up dancing, figure skating, and doing theater.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

Connecting us with activities that we otherwise would not have been aware of.

What is your favorite thing about Connecting for Kids?

It is helpful to know that you aren't alone and that there are resources and groups you can utilize in the community.

The area where I have grown the most...

Honestly, I think the area where I have grown the most is letting go of a little bit of control and being okay with that. I am pretty Type A and like to be able to manage things as much as possible. However, you just can't do that when you have a kiddo who struggles. You can arrange for therapy and find resources to help you, but it's largely out of your control. We just walk the path and take things one thing at a time. Her path looks different than the paths of other kids, and that's okay. It's a pretty beautiful path!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself the day we got the diagnosis I would say...

For days after my daughter's diagnosis, I had pangs of fear and dread. Her condition is SETD5-related disorder and was only discovered recently, so while we finally had an answer as to why she struggled in so many areas, we really didn't have any answers or direction at all because very little is known about her condition and its future implications for her life. What I would tell myself on diagnosis day if I could go back is simply this: You are the best possible advocate for your child. You two and your family will walk this road together and tackle everything that needs to be tackled, just as we had already been doing for her whole life so far. Just keep being her biggest advocate and her loudest voice.

The best thing about parenting a child who struggles is...

I feel that her struggles make her even more unique. We had a miscarriage before her, so she is our rainbow baby. We believe that she is here, just the way she is, for a reason. It makes the milestones and the achievements even more special because we have seen her put in the work and overcome obstacles to get to those achievements.

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

I like the Raising Rare podcast!

Laura has two children and lives in Avon Lake

What do you do to relax?

Write, read, run and listen to music

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

I have only recently interacted with Connecting for Kids for the first time, but the immediate and potential benefits are already tremendous. Caring for a medically complex child has often led to a sense of isolation, and the opportunity to interact with other families and professionals who might understand the needs of a child and family with special needs is immense. It means socialization and learning opportunities and a chance for both my younger medically complex child and older child to interact with others in a supportive and accepting environment.

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

I have only had the opportunity to participate in one event thus far, but the most immediate and profound benefit has been the opportunity to interact one-on-one with people able to understand my son and offer ways to improve upon his own development while also offering ways for my older son and myself to socialize and form valuable connections.

The best thing about parenting a child who struggles…

The absolutely amazing thing about watching a child who has struggled for his very life many times is seeing his precious innocent joy in life. He has survived four open heart surgeries, strokes, and seizures (amongst other medical complications), and he has surmounted so many challenges in his scant few years of life, and yet that brilliant glint of joy in his eyes and happy waving of his arms and loud energetic yell when he accomplishes some very simple but amazing task is breathtaking. In caring for this child, I have learned to appreciate the value in what others might take for granted.

The worst thing about parenting a child who struggles...

The most difficult part in caring for a child with numerous medical challenges who also struggles with developmental and emotional/social delays, including autism, is making the decision on what is necessary. So many surgeries, procedures, therapies and medications mean a constant need to consider what will provide my child with the best quality of life. The best quality might sometimes mean stepping back from aggressively pursuing a certain course of action. As a critical care nurse, I constantly doubt my decisions regarding my son, and judge myself harshly whenever his health declines, regardless of the cause.

The hardest thing for me to learn was...

The hardest thing for me to learn in caring for my younger son was to let go. His numerous medical challenges have necessitated many surgeries and hospitalizations, and his care has, from the beginning, been termed palliative. I had to learn to value every single moment because there was no guarantee for how many moments we might have together.

Do you have any recommended resources?

Mended Little Hearts 

A Kid Again 

Is there anything else about your journey that you would like to share?

The journey to this point in time has been, and will continue to be, challenging. I look forward to the ability to interact with others who might understand some of these challenges.

Maggie has two children and lives in Akron.

What do you do to relax?

Read or craft/color, or get out into the woods for a hike

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I am neurodiverse as well. I am a Community Health Worker, dedicated to pursing health equity within my community

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

We have not utilized many programs yet as we are new.

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

Community

If I could go back in time and talk to myself the day we got the diagnosis I would say...

It’s going to be ok. You are an excellent advocate for your son, and you are going to build him a dream team that will help him go farther than you currently dare to imagine.

When my child's behavior gets out of control, I feel...

That I have lost control of the situation. I feel like nothing I do will help. It’s a scary feeling

The best thing about parenting a child who struggles is...

The shift in perspective. You are forced to reevaluate and rethink things, and gain new insights.

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

Kids Eat In Color 

Big Little Feelings

Thomas has two children and lives in Lakewood.

What do you do to relax?

Paint and work on video games based on my child's art.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I'm originally from NYC, moved to OH when I met my (to be) wife.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

Just the knowledge that there are others out there with the same experiences and that people like CFK want to help!

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

The emails have been a huge trove of information!

What I worry about most…

What will happen to my child after I'm gone.

The hardest thing for me to learn was...

My child isn't just his disability- there is a vibrant, smart kid who wants to be treated like every other kid.

The best thing about parenting a child who struggles is...

We've learned that every child has something to contribute, which is why when my child showed an interest in art, I started using his drawings as characters in my games.

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

I really enjoy Tamara Hull's blog. 

Is there anything else about your journey that you would like to share with other parents?

I am so grateful that organizations like CFK exist!

Screenshot of Thomas' video game using his child's art.

Shannon has five children (3 bio and 2 foster) and lives in Oberlin.

What do you do to relax?

Play games on my phone, play with my children, watch TV, burn incense/candles or sit outside/go to the park.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I have been a foster home for over 5 years and I am currently enrolled at LCCC.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

I have been able to find programs with information that meets my growing family’s needs.

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

The Grab ‘n Go information packets available at the Resource Fairs.

My greatest lesson learned was...

Patience, patience and more patience. Also, be careful whom you trust.

The bad habit I picked up...

During the pandemic, I also had another child of my own. I now struggle with maintaining a true routine within my own home of everyone going to bed on time, having things done by a certain time, etc. The sense of urgency is no longer a thing here since for months we didn’t have to worry about having any timeframe or places to go. As of now, we’re getting much better!

When my child's behavior gets out of control, I feel...

Overstimulated. What I remind myself is their behavior is not a personal reflection of my parenting. I need to take a step back to gather my thoughts and then approach the child differently to try to help them through their difficult or often heavy emotions. Reassuring them that their feelings are validated but let’s communicate them more openly.

Chelsea has two children and lives in Twinsburg.

What do you do to relax?

Craft, garden

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I am having a really hard time. Parenting a spicy neurodivergent kid is a hard life. I love my kids so much but his behavior has isolated me and I just want us both to enjoy life.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

Connecting for kids has provided a non-biased community of people who are not only like-minded, but share similar experiences in either the same stages or previous stages of life. The resources that this group provides both personally and professionally have been amazing thus far.

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

I really enjoyed the Share & Support adult support group sessions, where we could just share our experiences and bounce off of one another as to what’s going on in our lives, and how we can help one another

What I worry about most…

That my son won’t learn to self-regulate his emotions and struggle his whole life.

When my child's behavior gets out of control, I feel...

Like an absolute failure. Although I know in my heart that I’m doing the very best I can for the both of us it’s still so defeating when these uncontrollable meltdowns happen.

The most difficult part of parenting a child who struggles...

Having to explain to others. It hurts me and my soul having to explain or justify his behaviors to others when I know that he truly is a sweet boy and he’s just trying so hard to figure himself out.

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

No I look to Connecting for Kids for all the answers ❤

Maria has four children, three grandchildren and lives in Lorain

What do you do to relax?

Watch a movie, take a shower, go outside or listen to music.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

My children are grown and out of the house, but I have three grandchildren and one on the way – all boys. I get to see two often, one now lives in S Carolina.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

Great information and tips. The CFK newsletter offers lots of opportunities to attend workshops, information on camps, and other opportunities to meet other families as a support. I really enjoy the Resource Fair, there are lots of opportunities to see what resources are available in Lorain County that can be helpful to families.

Whenever I am looking for ideas, I go to the internet and do a Google search. My go to sites are usually the Metroparks and libraries for things to do with them. When I am looking for tips and tricks, I often go to the CFK newsletter for events. I also look through my Facebook page for things that people post. I work for LCCAA Head Start, so I refer to our teachers and my co-workers when I need assistance for my family or other families we serve.

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

The variety of resources and information. I think my favorite resources are the workshops that are given. They give families an opportunity to learn more and it provides a support since the other parents that attend have similar concerns. The Lorain County Resource Fair is awesome, there are lots of resources available that are throughout the county that can assist.

The best way I ask for support…

Is to be open and honest. In order to help your child, you have to admit there is a problem and you must be open to the suggestions. I have seen parents that cannot accept that their child needs help or that their learning process is different from other children, and they continue to struggle. Being able to fight for the help that my child needed, for me, was a success. Even when I couldn't get help, I did my research and worked consistently with my child. As a parent, you must be patient. I had to repeat myself constantly, homework never took 30 minutes, it took hours. My daughter's kindergarten teacher kept giving my daughter sad faces on her papers and it really made me upset. When I spoke to her, she had the nerve to say sad faces were better that giving her an F. What?!?!? From that point on, I lost faith in the school system helping with my struggling child. I had to do my own homework to seek the help they needed. For me, that is what worked.

What I worry about most…

Is how they will be able to succeed confidently. As a mom and grandma, I am always advocating for my children and I work with them to speak for themselves. I worry that when they make a mistake, they will back away and put their head down. They need to keep moving forward and try again, regardless of the judgements and hurt they will feel. I worry that they will quit when it gets too hard. I make it a point to get them to talk about the struggles and to advocate for themselves so that if, and when, they get to that point, they will be able to keep moving forward.

The most difficult part of parenting a child who struggles is…

Learning patience. It is frustrating when you spend so much time working with your child and in 30 minutes, you start all over. My daughter struggled the most. She could not retain certain things and it took a lot of patience to work with her. She was the child that was very quiet and would not ask for help. She could not comprehend or retain math and reading, she struggled. We worked hard every day. I can happily say she graduated high school, got her driver's license and has taken some college classes. She never gave up!

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

I work at Head Start so I am always researching resources. I like kidshealth.org since it is easy to read and shares good information about a variety of health topics. I also like Sesame Workshop as there are a lot of resources.

Tara has two children and lives in Euclid.

What do you do to relax?

Get a massage and/or take a bath

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I work full time, attend college full time, and I have two amazing daughters. I recently became a homeowner so I'm adjusting to this new lifestyle. Both of my daughters' needs are very different. My oldest has mental health issues and my youngest is behind educationally. So I'm trying to find a work/life balance and still be able to provide them with the services they need.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

Connecting for kids has brought my family and I hope. It's very refreshing being able to speak with families who are going through the same thing or something similar. I like that I'm able to set up a virtual appointment to speak with someone from Connecting with Kids one-on-one and she can tell me when we last spoke, what our goals were then, what we've accomplished and where we are now. After our phone conversation, I was provided with scholarship and tuition information for summer camps, counseling services that will accept my insurance, grants that I can apply for, and contact information on different therapy's such as art therapy, yoga therapy, and drama therapy for the whole family.

When my child's behavior gets out of control, I feel...

Frustrated in the moment but I know that the feeling is only temporary. My kids and I have a great support system full of amazing family and friends. I love attending the Connecting for Kids programs and support groups that are offered because I love learning new things each and every day. When I was younger, I didn't know what was wrong with me, because we didn't talk about mental health growing up. Now that I'm older, I know that a lot has to do with genetics and DNA. Knowing my family history, I have to be cautious of what goes in our bodies. What we eat and drink can have a huge impact on our everyday life and can determine our mood also. That's why it's important for my family and I to practice self care, healthier eating, and exercising. Each one of us are different and unique in our own way, and once you know yourself that's half the battle.

Believing in myself, knowing that I am strong, I am smart, and I am brave. Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs so I have to be able to trust and believe in myself. I had to remove myself from all negative people, that bring negative energy because it's not healthy for us. Lastly, I have to know that what I'm doing is in the best interest for my kids, myself, my family, and my community.

Ellie has two children and lives in Amherst.

What do you do to relax?

Read

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

My husband and I work full time while raising our family.

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

The Facebook page is an amazing resource for doctors, specialists, schools and just random questions. I’ve gone to a few events over the past year including the Resource Fair, Annual Casino Fundraiser and the playground date in Elyria. Also, I have met the most amazing group of moms and it was through Connecting for Kids.

Which have been your favorite Connecting for Kids resources?

The Resource Fair was great- there were many things I didn’t know were available, including the barber and adaptive baseball. I also love the sensory packs you could get from the library that I found out about through Connecting for Kids.

The best way I asked for support was...

By talking to other parents and learning as much as I could about the different services and schools that are available for my child.

How parenting a child who struggles has changed my ideas on parenting...

I had very clear ideas on how I would parent until I had my son! I am still in the process of figuring it all out but I have become more patient, more flexible, more appreciative of the small calm moments and more willing to go outside of my preconceived ideas of what parenting should look like.

The hardest thing for me to learn was...

I am still in the process of learning this but not to worry about typical milestones or compare my child to others his age. To celebrate his successes big and small, exactly where he is. To see him for him and remember his path will be different and that is okay.

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

I love Kate Swenson from Finding Coopers Voice

Is there anything else about your journey that you would like to share with other parents?

My son is seven years old and we live in Amherst. He has autism and ADHD and it has changed the scope of our family. But, having a village of moms and families who understand has helped me to find services and also to get him into a new school this year and I am so grateful since I love their approach and what they do. I never would have known about Insight Academy if it wasn’t for Connecting for Kids and these moms!

C.J. has 2 children and lives in Solon.

What do you do to relax?

Listen to music, go for a walk, journal.

What else would you like to tell us about yourself?

I'm a short, left-handed, queer, Caucasian, Jewish man, married to a queer woman, with two African American adopted children, all living with ADHD. Being able to advocate for my family is my superpower!

What benefits has Connecting for Kids brought to you and your family?

From the educational programs to the Facebook groups, Connecting for Kids has provided me with tools, resources, and connection to others for my ever-changing family needs.

How parenting a child who struggles has changed my ideas on parenting...

From an early age, I was a caretaker. Taking care of my mom who had depression and my two younger sisters taught me to be resilient, tough, yet loving and caring. I went to college and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Caring for and teaching young children gave me true joy. Being a positive male role model in a predominantly female industry was at times difficult. Still, I pressed on. The way their brains were like sponges craving for every bit of knowledge was what drove me forward. Flash forward 13 years, I'm married and thinking about children. I knew I wouldn't have biological children but how children fit into our lives was unknown. We started foster parent classes and knew it would be a long hard road ahead. The adoption agency we worked with, was known for providing intensive training specializing in severely abused, neglected, and traumatized children. What we didn't know is that we would change from foster parenting classes to adoption and be matched with brothers ages 2 and 4. While learning to be a family we realized the needs of both children were severe. Our 4-year-old was behind educationally and had big feelings he couldn't verbalize. Our 2-year-old was doing excellent educationally but struggled with sensory, speech, and basic movements. Having two very different but high-needs children as a new parent forced me to throw out everything, I thought I knew about children, development, and basic needs. My ideas of what a typical child should or could do did not apply to either one of my children. As we navigated through countless services, appointments, and care providers, I became an excellent advocate. My children are now 8 and 10 and still have very different needs. We’ve been through hospitalizations, therapists, treatments, and assessments. No matter how much education a person has, there is no book for real-life experiences or lack of resources for your unique needs. Connecting for Kids has been a great resource for our family. The parenting groups, educational programs, Facebook groups, and the very kind and personable staff has helped us navigate some difficult times.

The hardest thing for me to learn was...

Admitting I didn't have to do it alone. Tapping my wife in when things just got too hard or simply searching and asking for help. Help for my immediate needs and my emotional well-being. I don’t have to take on the stress of four people alone. People want to help but they need to be clued in. Pretending I have it all together or not allowing others in not only pushes people away, but it also doesn’t open up the door for them to ask for help. We’re all just bumbling around doing the best we can.

The best thing about parenting a child who struggles is...

Overcoming the hurdles together. Difficult days won't last forever and when I see a smile, get an impromptu hug, or a simple I love you, every bit of anger, sadness, tear was well worth it. Deep down I know that the struggles we share are only surface level. There are so many internal and unknown struggles we haven't and may never get to but showing up, being there, means they will never have to do it alone.

Do you have any recommended resources such as blogs, websites, or books that we can share?

Positive Education Program (PEP), Transracial Journeys, Understood and any book by Dr. Hallowell.