ML Interest Tag: cerebral-palsy

Adaptive Clothing for Kids That Doesn’t Sacrifice Style

by Kate Cartia

When it comes to clothes, your kid is all about perfecting “the look.” And nowadays, having sensory processing disorder or other disabilities doesn’t have to hold your fashion-forward kiddo back; plenty of companies out there offer on-trend adaptive clothing for kids. From compression shirts to sensory-friendly pants, these inclusive clothing lines have something for kids of all abilities.

French Toast

French Toast is the destination for all things school uniforms, and that includes every kiddo. Their adaptive line includes polos, dresses, hoodies, and more, all with the same color and style options of their other offerings. You’ll be set for the school year with a French Toast haul.

Shop French Toast Adaptive School Uniforms Here!

 

Sense-ational You

Sense-ational You goes beyond just sensory friendly options to offer styles with built-in sensory tools that help neurodivergent kids regulate all day. From hidden adjustable compression to sound reducing hoods to built-in fidgets and more, their goal is to make unique sensory garments that make sure kids have what they need no matter where they are.

Shop Sense-ational You Here!

 

Spoonie Threads

This line of adaptive pieces offers collections for both kiddos and adults. Their goal? Creating practical, helpful, and easy clothing that doesn’t sacrifice fashion. There are options for stoma, feeding tubes, diabetes care, wheelchair users, amputees, surgical recovery, and to manage cancer treatments. Kids’ sizes range from preemie to kids 18.

Shop Spoonie Threads Here!

 

Thereabouts by JCPenny

This inclusive line of kids’ clothing from JCPenney has something for every shape, size, style, and ability. Sizes range from 2T-22, has plenty of gender-neutral options, and has adaptive features like sensory-friendly seaming, hook and loop closures, hidden abdominal openings, magnetic zippers, and no tags.

Shop JCPenny’s Thereabouts Line Here!

 

befree

befree, the company behind zipOns, the adaptive pants for kids and adults, was created when a mother, whose daughter has cerebral palsy, couldn’t find pants to accommodate her daughter’s recovery from surgery. The pants have zippers up the side of each leg, making it easy to accommodate medical gear, and they help make it easy for kids to get dressed quickly. They are offered in black, charcoal, or navy, with different zipper colors to choose from. They’re comfy pants with a drawstring waist and can be put on or taken off standing up or sitting down. Plus, the zippers are covered inside the pants, meaning kids don’t have to worry about contact with their skin.

Shop befree zipOns Here!

 

Kohl’s Adaptive & Sensory-Friendly

Kohl’s sensory-friendly and adaptive clothing for kids include special features like flat seams, longer lengths, abdominal access, and two-way zippers (to name a few), indistinguishable from the rest of the brand. With faves like Nike, Land’s End, Tak Gear, and more, there’s something for every kiddo.

Shop Kohl’s Adaptive & Sensory-Friendly Here!

Billy Footwear

Universally designed Billy Footwear is a blend of function and fashion, so everyone can rock cool kicks, no matter who they are. What makes them so accessible to everyone is their design—a simple full zipper that runs from toe to top so they open completely, making it easy for feet to just slip right in. An easy zipper tug closes them snugly around the wearer’s feet. And the funky patterns and shimmery metallics give them total kid appeal.

Shop Billy Footwear Here!

 

Patti + Ricky

Consider Patti + Ricky your one-stop shop for every disability-friendly clothing option under the sun. Founder Alexandra Connell has curated collections for people of all abilities. Looking for magnetic shirts? They’ve got them. How about Velcro belts? Those too. And our favorite, Chewelry (yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like), is a must-have for kids with sensory sensitivities who like to fidget or chew. They even have Braille shirts by Braille’iant that allow you to customize a name or saying in Braille right onto the shirt.

Shop Patti + Ricky Here!

 

Kozie Clothes

Kids who dig weight or pressure to help alleviate anxiety or mitigate responses related to ADHD, Autism, or SPD can find everything they need to dress for success at Kozie Clothes. From compression clothing (think: long, short, and double-layered tees and pants, too) to weighted vests and special swimwear, Kozie offers the building blocks of a functional wardrobe. And the removable tags, elastic bands, and multi-use pockets are a bonus.

Extra credit: If their weighted and compression clothes are a hit, check out the weighted blanket, too.

Shop Kozie Clothes Here!

 

The Good Day Lab

Imagine a world where spills don’t stay on that school shirt. Yup, The Good Day Lab has a line of comfortable 100% cotton t-shirts that have an added clean shield technology that repels liquids. Soft, breathable, and offered in eight colors, kids struggling with anxiety won’t have to worry about staining their clothes. Our editor’s kids tried these shirts, and we can say they live up to expectations.

Shop The Good Day Lab Here!

 

Mightly

While this line isn’t technically considered to be adaptive, Mightly has tagless, itch-free labels, covered elastic waistbands, and flat seams, which are perfect features for a kiddo who feels everything. With adorable graphic tees, leggings, dresses, shorts, and even underwear, you’ll be able to find plenty to outfit your child this fall.

Shop Mightly Here!

 

Lands End Universal Collection

Quality and function are what Lands’ End bring to their Universal Collection. And easy dressing—for everyone—has driven their designs. Offering a full line of school uniform pieces that replace buttons and zippers with magnets, and including magnetic openings to accommodate leg foot braces, they’ve thought of pretty much everything. No more morning hassle as you rush the kids out the door because they can throw on these school uniforms with ease and independence.

Extra credit: Sensory-friendly tags are part of the whole package here, too.

Shop the Lands’ End Universal Collection Here!

 

Cat & Jack by Target

From the moment Target debuted its Cat & Jack Adaptive clothing line, it has been a go-to for affordable clothing options for kids with disabilities. And it runs the gamut. From wheelchair-friendly options to clothes that offer abdominal access to tagless and seamless clothing for kids with sensory issues—you can find it all here. The best part? Their adaptive line has the same playful graphics and colorful patterns found on all their clothing. Plus, with most items topping out under $15, it’s easy on the wallet.

Extra credit: They now have baby sizes!

Shop Cat & Jack Adaptive Collection Here!

 

Ez Socks

Whether your kiddo needs mobility or motor skill support, putting on socks can be challenging. But the reinforced loops on Ez Socks make it…well, e-z-er. This simple redesign is helping lots of kids gain independence in every aspect of getting ready for school in the morning. And the sock patterns are all super cute.

Extra credit: Tweens and teens can get in on this simple sock design too.

Shop Ez Socks Here!

 

Lander’s Kid-Approved Reversible Sweats

It’s a kid’s dream to live in “soft pants” at all times (who are we kidding, it’s our dream, too!). Lander has breathable, double-knit cotton clothes free of zippers, seams, or tags. You can wear them four ways: inside out, outside in, and with the front/back swapped. Brilliant!

Shop Lander’s End Kid-Approved Reversible Sweats Here!

 

Little Green Radicals Adaptive Line

Little Green Radicals Adaptive Line is created  with input from parents of children with disabilities who wanted comfy, adaptive clothing that’s also bright, beautiful, functional, and organic. Whimsical prints and cheerful colors make this mix-and-match line a winner for sure. Make sure to check out their sizing guide here.

Shop Little Green Radicals Adaptive Line Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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Cord Blood Banking: 7 Things All Pregnant Moms Should Know About

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

From immune system rebuilding and genetic matching to regenerative medicine efforts, cord blood banking can help offer your family additional peace of mind.

Pregnancy is life-changing. Along with a rush of emotions that can range from joy and relief, to disbelief and even worry, it feels like major decisions are begging to be made at every turn. Do you want a midwife? How will you agree on a name? Have you added all the essentials to your registry (and are those really even the essentials)?

Among these decisions, one in particular stands out, which can happen right after delivery and may potentially help benefit the future of your baby and your family: cord blood banking.

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and preserving blood from the umbilical cord (a.k.a cord blood) at birth. The preservation of this blood sample can potentially change or even save a life, as it can be used to treat over 80 conditions,1 from blood disorders and certain cancers to immune disorders and metabolic disorders.


In honor of National Cord Blood Awareness Month this July, we’ve turned to the trusted experts at Cord Blood Registry® (CBR®), the largest private newborn stem cell preservation company in the world,2 to share details every parent-to-be should know about cord blood banking.

Read on to discover seven facts about cord blood banking with CBR and how it can help your family take the steps to plan for a potentially healthy future.

1. Cord Blood is a Wealth of Stem Cell Potential

After your baby is born, a small amount of blood remains in the umbilical cord. This valuable blood (commonly called cord blood) is a rich source of newborn stem cells that have the potential to help the body heal and repair itself.

The main type of stem cell found in cord blood is hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). These HSCs are blood-forming cells that can self-renew and help rebuild both blood and immune systems.

2. Cord Blood is Easy and Safe to Collect

Once your family enrolls with CBR, you’ll receive a collection kit that’s sent directly to your home with everything needed on your delivery date. As you begin to prepare your hospital bag, be sure to pack your CBR collection kit alongside your other must-need essentials.

After delivery, your healthcare provider will use this kit to collect your baby’s newborn stem cells after clamping and cutting your umbilical cord. This cord blood collection process is quick, safe and non-invasive.

Some parents choose to wait a little longer before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord, a process known as delayed cord clamping that allows more cord blood to flow back to the baby prior to collection. If your family chooses to clamp right at birth or delay clamping, the cord tissue itself is still rich in valuable newborn stem cells that may potentially be able to benefit your infant or family. So, you can collect both cord blood and cord tissue, or just collect the cord tissue.

3. Cord Blood Isn’t the Only Part of the Umbilical Cord You Can Save

The umbilical cord isn’t only made up of cord blood; it also contains a special tissue (called cord tissue) that can be collected at birth along with cord blood. Cord tissue includes mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that may potentially provide more treatment options in regenerative medicine in the future.

MSCs also have the potential to reduce inflammation3 and balance the immune system to help improve autoimmune disorders.4

4. Cord Blood Has a Successful History of Saving Lives

While the awareness about cord blood banking is growing—especially with experts and celebrities spreading word about their own experiences with CBR, like cookbook author Chrissy Teigen and board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Christine Sterling5—the lifesaving potential of newborn stem cells (or cord blood stem cells) has helped families all around the world for decades.

In the last 30-plus years, cord blood has been used for stem cell transplants, which have helped rebuild blood and immune systems to treat various blood disorders, cancers, immune disorders and metabolic disorders.6

To date, cord blood has been used in more than 45,000 transplants worldwide6 and can be used to treat over 80 conditions.1

5. Cord Blood Can Potentially Provide Your Family with a Healthier Future

When you preserve your cord blood with CBR, you’re helping to provide your baby and family with the potential gift of a healthy future. Your collected newborn stem cells are safely stored in CBR’s laboratory and storage facility located in Tucson, Arizona.

Your infant is a 100% genetic match to their own stem cells, and in some cases their cord blood can treat immediate family members who are genetically compatible. Samples have a 75% chance of being at least a partial match to full siblings, and are always a partial match to biological parents.

6. Cord Blood May Potentially Help With Future Medical Challenges

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes unforeseen medical challenges can arise. Fortunately, cord blood banking can help offer you peace of mind given cord blood’s potential to help rebuild the immune system in conditions like blood disorders, certain cancers such as leukemia, immune disorders and metabolic disorders.

With CBR, the #1 choice of parents2 and the most recommended newborn stem cell preservation company by OB/GYNs,7 over 700 cord blood samples have been released, intended for use by families in stem cell transplants and investigational therapies.

7. Cord Blood Banking May Also Give You Access to Medical Advancements

Cord blood stem cells have already played a pivotal role in the treatment of various diseases, but its capabilities in helping families and providing promising results don’t end there. As science continues to advance, cord blood is playing a role in ongoing research and advancements in regenerative medicine to help expand the possibilities of new treatments.4

In fact, over 80% of the CBR families whose cord blood units were released were intended for use in experimental regenerative medicine applications, such as cerebral palsy, acquired hearing loss, and more.2


For more information on cord blood banking, visit cordblood.com.

In honor of National Cord Blood Awareness Month, CBR is also providing families the chance to win their CBR® Bundle of Joy Prize Package.* This special giveaway includes free CBR newborn stem cell processing plus one year of storage, a SNOO® Smart Sleeper and SNOObear®, and $200 cash card (a $5,000 value).

Additionally, once you enroll, you’ll be automatically entered for one of two chances to win the CBR Baby & Me Must-Haves Giveaway.*  This $15,000 selection of prizes includes free cord blood and cord tissue preservation, plus lifetime storage, a SNOO® Smart Sleeper and SNOObear®, a cuddle+kind bunny, a cozy CBR blanket, and more! Drawings are held 7/16 and 8/1.

1 Mayani, H., Wagner, J.E. & Broxmeyer, H.E. Cord blood research, banking, and transplantation: achievements, challenges, and perspectives. Bone Marrow Transplant 55, 48–61 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41409-019-0546-9
2 CBR’s internal data on file.
3 Fan, XL., Zhang, Y., Li, X. et al. Mechanisms underlying the protective effects of mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 77, 2771–2794 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-020-03454-6.
4 Verter, F., Couto, P. S., & Bersenev, A. (2018). A dozen years of clinical trials performing advanced cell therapy with perinatal cells. Future Science OA, 4(10). doi: 10.4155/fsoa-2018-0085
5 Chrissy Teigen and Dr. Christine Sterling are paid CBR influencers.
6 Wagner JE. Cord blood 2.0: state of the art and future directions in transplant medicine. Blood Res. 2019 Mar;54(1):7-9. doi: 10.5045/br.2019.54.1.7. Epub 2019 Mar 21. PMID: 30956957; PMCID: PMC6439299.
7 Blind survey, Egg Strategy, 10/19, funded by CBR.

*No purchase necessary. The purchase of any good or service will not increase your chances of winning. Must be a US resident over 18. See official rules for further restrictions and an alternative method of entry.

The use of cord blood is determined by the treating physician and is influenced by many factors, including the patient’s medical condition, the characteristics of the sample, and whether the cord blood should come from the patient or an appropriately matched donor. Cord blood has established uses in transplant medicine; however, its use in regenerative medicine is still being researched. There is no guarantee that potential medical applications being studied in the laboratory or clinical trials will become available.

Cord tissue use is still in early research stages, and there is no guarantee that treatments using cord tissue will be available in the future. Cord tissue is stored whole. Additional processing prior to use will be required to extract and prepare any of the multiple cell types from cryopreserved cord tissue. Cbr Systems, Inc.’s activities for New York State residents are limited to collection of umbilical cord tissue and long-term storage of umbilical cord–derived stem cells. Cbr Systems, Inc.’s possession of a New York State license for such collection and long-term storage does not indicate approval or endorsement of possible future uses or future suitability of these cells.

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10 Books for Moms Who Want to Feel Seen (& Not Judged)

by Amber Guetebier

Being a new mom can be tough. These books let you know you’re not alone

Navigating life with a newborn is anything but simple. Whether it’s your first or your fourth, the only constant new parents can count on is to expect the unexpected. With all the snarky comments and harsh judgments out there, moms need all the support—and commiseration—we can get. When you get a few minutes, stop doom-scrolling and pick up one of these 10 beautiful books for moms that celebrate the messy truth of motherhood in a way new moms need.

1. Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year by Anne Lamott

Writer and essayist Anne Lamott offers new moms inspiration and commiseration in this collection by one of the most talented writers out there. And don’t worry; the short vignettes are not only relatable, they’re easily readable in the few spare moments you have in between diaper changes , feeding, and naps.

Buy it here, $15

2. Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir by Emily Adler Mosqueda

As a second-time mom, Emily wasn’t anticipating the postpartum depression and anxiety she would experience. Exploring the not-always-joyful emotions of motherhood, including rage, irritability, guilt, and shame, Emily opens up about the impossible standards of motherhood and offers moms the judge-free understanding that sometimes you aren’t okay.

Buy it here, $24

Related: 21 Everyday Victories New Parents Should Celebrate

aint that a mother book cover is a great book for moms

3. Ain’t That a Mother: Postpartum, Palsy, and Everything in Between by Adiba Nelson

Writer and all-around bad*ss Adiba Nelson knows a thing or two about the unexpected journey motherhood brings. As an Afro-Latina, Nelson grew up knowing motherhood was anything but easy. When her daughter is born with cerebral palsy, Adiba begins a fight—a fight for love of her child and of herself. The kind of self-love and courage that created success and changes in her life. It’s a messy, bold, beautifully written story of Adiba’s truth and her quest to live it.

Adiba also wrote a children’s book, Clarabelle Blue Is Just Like You, to offer her daughter visibility in the world and to teach other children the value of loving one another. This new memoir will have you laughing, loving, and celebrating.

Buy it here, $21

4. Enough About the Baby: A Brutally Honest Guide to Surviving the First Year of Motherhood by Becky Vieira

Touted as “an unapologetic guide to the first year of motherhood,” author Becky Viera challenges society to stop undervaluing the new mother and start establishing self-care as a necessity to motherhood. Full of actionable advice about what to expect and how to handle even the most taboo subjects, poop, and postpartum depression among them, this book reminds us that taking care of our own needs is vital to our survival.

Buy it here, $18

5. The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

Though this book is not explicitly about being a new mom, our relationships with our bodies post-partum can be a mixed bag, full of pressure to get back to “pre-baby weight” and struggling with self-esteem. In this book, activist and poet Sonya Renee Taylor offers us tools for radical self-love and a way out of the shame cycle that perpetuates the oppression of ourselves and others around the world. There’s even a workbook to help you personalize and radicalize your feelings about your own body.

Get it here, $15

6. The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell

If you’re looking for a relatable novel to read when you can steal a moment, this one will fit the bill. It’s the story of two different mothers—one a single mom in post-war London and the other a young painter named Elina navigates who can’t seem to remember actually giving birth. A gorgeously written novel that touches on so many feelings we have as we stumble into motherhood.

Buy it here, $14

Related: Level Up: Baby Hack to Simplify Life for New Parents

the cover of its been pouring, books for new moms

7. It’s Been Pouring: The Dark Secret of the First Year of Motherhood by Rachel Papo

In this photo book, author and photographer Rachel Papo set out to document the experience of postpartum depression. A collection of photos and interviews of mothers at their darkest moments, it’s also an honest exposition of Papo’s own postpartum depression and allows mothers everywhere to connect and recognize the real struggle of motherhood. Buy it here, $37

8. Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of My (In)Fertility by Michelle Tea

Award-winning author Michelle Tea gives an honest and totally amazing account of her life entering into motherhood as a 40-year-old, queer, uninsured woman. A story of love and love of family, Tea tells it all in a can’t-put-down memoir. Buy it here, $28

9. Knocked Down: A High-Risk Memoir by Aileen Weintraub

Told with humor and grace, this is a memoir of a high-risk pregnancy when author Aileen Weintraub is prescribed five months of bed rest. What she experiences includes confronting the state of her marriage and her own grief for her father while fighting for the life of her child. For moms that have experienced high-risk pregnancies, there are relatable emotions, and for all moms, the book offers deep insight into what we do to ourselves as women and mothers in our own minds.

But it here, $7

10. Waiting for Birdy: A Year of Frantic Tedium, Neurotic Angst, and the Wild Magic of Growing a Family by Catherine Newman

A hilarious and honest book by popular Baby Center columnist Catherine Newman, this is her account of navigating toddlerhood while preganat and giving birth to her second child. Spoiler alert: it’s really hard! But with humor, wit, and her warm writing style, new moms everywhere will feel 100% seen in her book.

Buy it here, $17

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The Very Best Family Travel Blogs to Bookmark Now

by Gabby Cullen

From Trekaroo to 2 Travel Dads to The Bucket List Family, this list of the best family travel blogs will help you plan your next vacation with kids

Travel and kids in the same lifetime? We say yes, please! For parents determined to keep the travel adventures coming—even if it means with the kids in tow (and possibly flying with a baby)—we looked to our favorite family travel blogs. After all, there are massive benefits to traveling with kids! Each one of our picks promises to inspire you to take that trip already (even if it’s just to granny’s house and back).

In this list, you’ll find families that are big on outdoor adventure, ones who know what it’s like to travel with a disability, national parks fanatics, and Disney parks fanatics. We know you’ll find inspiration for your next family travel adventure from this eclectic list of family travel blogs.

2 Travel Dads
Not only do we love accompanying this adorable family on their adventures via their awesome IG account, but we love their tips for schooling kids on the road and their open-minded approach to travel.

Online: 2traveldads.com

Our Vie
Inspired by the 100th Anniversary of the National Park System, husband and wife duo Cees and Madison decided to hit the road and see every single one. Once "out there" they decided they loved the adventure too much to return to normal life. Their son Theo (named after Theodore Roosevelt!) was born in 2016 and continues to accompany his parents across the country in Vie, the family rig (a Toyota motorhome build).

Online: ourvie.com

She Buys Travel
This site is created by moms for moms and their families. Filled with real-life experience and TONS of info on Disney adventures, you can get great content from all over the country, as well as discounts and packing tips. 

Online: shebuystravel.com

National Park Capable
Amanda is a mom with Cerebral Palsy and an avid hiker. She explores National Parks and advocates for more accessibility. She also gives tips for those with mobility issues and moms of toddlers.

Online: nationalparkcapable.com

Insider Families
This Colorado-based family will inspire even the most reluctant to get out and experience the great outdoors. From skiing and hiking the majestic peaks of Colorado to exploring the rainforests of Costa Rica and the fjords of Norway, the stories and photos of their adventures are sure to inspire you and your family to get outside. Readers will also find some great tips on traveling and adventuring with kids.

Online: InsiderFamilies.com

Angelica Kajiwara
Looking for a practical family travel blog about trekking across America with young kiddos? Angelica's blog might be for you. With kid-friendly hiking suggestions and content about campgrounds and RV travel, this blog is perfect for families that want to keep it simple and make incredible memories together. 

Online: angelicakajiwara.com 

Related: Easy Travel with Kids? The Solution We Can’t Stop Talking About

Trips with Tykes
Traveling with little kids can be a little daunting, so be sure to check out this site's helpful information that ranges from how to handle car seats on airplanes to hiking with toddlers, there's plenty of content to inspire and help you take the leap. Plus, this CA-based blog has an incredible archive of information about how to survive Disney with kids! 

Online: tripswithtykes.com

ROAM
This website is dedicated to the kind of travel you thought got put away with your backpack after the kids were born. But ROAM founder, Maryann Jones Thompson, has spent more than 15 years traveling with her own family and wants to share what she's learned with a new generation of parents. With content written by and for parents (that includes the good and the bad!), you'll find advice on how to navigate places as far and wide as Croatia, Peru, and even Mount Everest. 

Online: roamfamilytravel.com

Carful of Kids
Mom Catherine has logged over 70,000 miles behind the wheel while exploring North America with her kids. Her blog has detailed info, especially for outdoorsy-type who enjoy skiing, National Parks, and road trips. Follow her on IG for more fun!

Online: carfulofkids.com

Bay Area Family Travel
Don't let the name fool you; this blog is for anyone visiting the Bay Area, but also offers excellent reviews of trips around the world. From hidden gems in Northern California to the arts and culture of Hong Kong, you'll find plenty of practical tips from someone who has done it themselves.

Online: bayareafamilytravel.com

The Bucket List Family
Touting over two million IG followers, this family of five has been traveling the world since 2015. Follow along for good clean fun and breathtaking scenery.

Online: thebucketlistfamily.com

Wonders within Reach
This family of five shares wheelchair-accessible adventures for all types of families. You'll be inspired to get out there and explore when you follow along with them on their next national park visit or international trip. 

Online: wonderswithinreach.com

Related: Diverse Outdoor Adventure Families to Follow on Instagram

Related: 21 Amazing Packing & Travel Hacks to Try on Your Next Trip

Local Passport Family
You'll just love following along with this adorable family on their world travels, RV adventures, and NorCal day trips. Mom Preethi is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and you'll often find her sharing diverse children's books and ways to be better global citizens. 

Online: localpassportfamily.com

LA Family Travel
The perfect family travel blog for Southern California families looking for everything from local adventures, weekend trips, exciting destination travel, and everything in between. Don't miss the travel survival trips that parents need to keep packed away for emergencies! 

Online: lafamilytravel.com

Suitcases and Sippy Cups
There is nothing extraordinary about Jessica Bower, her husband, and four kids. This is why this blog is so special. It's the diary of an ordinary, middle-class family who put their suburban life on hold to travel the world—on an average American middle-class budget. From tips on weekend camping trips to roadschooling kids Suitcases and Sippy Cups is filled with awesome resources for families who don't have a travel agent on speed dial.

Online: suitcasesandsippycups.com

La Jolla Mom
Okay, so maybe luxe travel isn't on the itinerary this year (more like road trips to the local lake/beach/watering hole), and that's okay. Get your fix for all things glamorous by checking out La Jolla Mom. Luxury travel writer Kate Dillon provides gorgeous pics and daydream-worthy adventures as well as giveaways, lifestyle trends and insider tips on her home city of San Diego, Ca.

Online: lajollamom.com

Walking on Travels
For parents who don't want life to stop when the kids arrive, Walking on Travels is a bookmark must. From real-life tips on breastfeeding while traveling to the adorable Friday Postcard Series—a digital "postcard" from some cool spot that shows up every Friday—it's a go-to resource for parents on the go.

Online: walkingontravels.com

Ciao Bambino! 
Discerning travelers take note! With travel portfolios covering Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and other popular tourist destinations, this is a great resource for family-focused advice, directions, and accommodation information. It was founded based on the belief that traveling as a family shouldn’t mean lowering your expectations or standards. They will also plan your entire trip for you, check out their travel agent services. 

Online: ciaobambino.com

Pitstops for Kids 
The title of this site says it all—and boy, are we thankful for this much-needed resource! Pit Stops for Kids is a place to share your reviews of the places you’ve stopped during various road trips (whether you’ve been there once or one hundred times), and to take advantage of the experience and information other parents have to offer. It’s a community of parents who share a goal—finding kid-friendly detours and pit stops—and a philosophy: it’s about the journey and the destination.

Online: pitstopsforkids.com

Related: 12 Essential Life Skills Kids Can Learn from Travel

The Mom Trotter
This full-time traveling family of three lives in an RV when they are at "home" and heads off to all sorts of exotic locales when they are on the road. In addition to travel inspiration, you'll get budgeting tips and loads of ideas for becoming better global citizens while traveling with kids. 

Online: themomtrotter.com

Gone with the Family
Lisa Goodmurphy has been traveling with her kids since her oldest daughter was four months old. Fast-forward eighteen years—family adventures include playing with sled dogs in Alaska, getting lost (in a good way) in Mykonos, standing on the Prime Meridian, and hanging out at Catherine's palace in St. Petersburg. Goodmurphy is a regular contributor to Lonely Planet, Family Travel Magazine, and Travelmamas.com. FYI: If there's a devoted Harry Potter fan at home, be sure to check out the extensive info on Potter-themed travels! 

Online: gonewiththefamily.com

Have Baby Will Travel 
Yes, babies and traveling can go together … and this online guide for travel with babies, toddlers, and small children proves it. Founder and mother of two Corinne McDermott is a passionate advocate of the value traveling can have for everyone in the family. Her site is a collection of travel advice, trip reports, and helpful tips, tricks, and resources for traveling with small children (Psst …the particularly helpful “Flying with Baby” section even breaks down travel by airline!).

Online: havebabywilltravel.com

Trekaroo
The Trekaroo blog is an offshoot of the Trekaroo website—an invaluable resource for discovering activities, hotels, and restaurants, booking accommodations and flights, and contributing to reviews and discussions. The blog is more of the same great content and can-do attitude: resort reviews, “off the beaten path” guides, museum suggestions, weekly digests, and much more!

Online: blog.trekaroo.com

The Vacation Gals
Jennifer Miner, Kara Williams, and Beth Blair are three professional travel writers—and moms—who share their favorite destinations for family trips, girlfriend getaways, and romantic escapes. They also discuss tried-and-true travel gear, the latest travel news, and helpful travel tips. Their writing typically covers North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but the sky is the limit for these awesome Vacation Gals—they take at least 45 trips a year! Whew.

Online: thevacationgals.com

No Bedtimes No Borders
This family of five decided to leave their normal lives behind and travel around the world for 180 days. Follow along as they share the places they experience along the way and get inspired by their "no bedtimes" philosophy that allows them to experience life as it comes, even if that means a few lost hours of sleep.

Online: nobedtimesnoborders.com

3 Kids Travel
Follow this family with three girls as they travel from their home in SLC all over the world. They are always sharing helpful tips like how to get your kids to carry their luggage at a young age (hooray) and what you do and don't need for a long-haul flight. 

Online: 3kidstravel.com

Family Travel Magazine
From theme parks to European vacations, Family Travel Magazine has something for everyone. Their goal is to help make travel more accessible to families—readers can find killer packaged deals at affordable prices. There are downloadable packing lists, the very latest on Disney destinations, and of course, founder Jodi Grundig's tips and tricks for heading off into the sunset with the whole family in tow.

Online: familytravelmagazine.com

Travels with Baby
Shelly Rivoli launched Travels with Baby as a modest site with answers to many of the real questions parents ask when planning to travel with babies and toddlers. Today, it has evolved into a full-fledged trusted voice among traveling parents. Shelly is also the author of several award-winning travel guidebooks.

Online: travelswithbaby.com

The Educational Tourist
Natalie Tanner is a teacher by trade, so her travels always include learning somewhere along the way (she can't help herself!) Hit up her family travel blog for great ideas on making every trip an educational learning experience, pop by her online shop to purchase one of eight e-books she's written, or, if you want to leave the planning to a pro, engage her services by signing up for the new Concierge Travel.

Online: theeducationaltourist.com

Travel Mamas
This site is for mamas (and daddies and grandparents!) who need a break from their everyday lives, want to see the world, experience new cultures, and maybe even indulge in a spa treatment or margarita while away. Travel Mamas is a community of regular women and men who want to learn and share not only how to survive a trip with children, but also how to love exploring the world with their families.

Online: travelmamas.com

Wanderlust and Lipstick
Here you can find travel stories to whet your appetite for adventures around the globe: join a women-only or co-ed tour to Bhutan, India, Burma, Vietnam, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, or Santa Fe; peruse posts from the ever-expanding group of WanderBloggers; read travel tips from experienced globetrotters, and learn about recommended travel gear.

Online: wanderlustandlipstick.com

Related: 7 Reasons to Travel with Kids, No Matter How Young They Are

No Back Home
Mom Karilyn and son Cian make the most adorable travel duo and you'll love following them on their national park adventures all across the world. Looking for info on how to expand your travel adventures by homeschooling your kids? This blog is for you! 

Online: nobackhome.com

The Mother of All Trips 
This family travel blog is part travelogue, part memoir, part meditation on motherhood, with just a dash of how-to. The mother behind The Mother of All trips is Mara, who emphasizes the potential for learning and fun when it comes to traveling with kids. With each post on her family’s excursions, both big and small, and helpful advice gleaned from real first-hand experience, she “brings the world to your kids and your kids to the world.”

Online: themotherofalltrips.com

Mini Time 
This site is dedicated to making family travel planning easier, cheaper, and less stressful with in-depth reviews of kid-friendly accommodations, expert strategies for traveling with kids, insider city guides, and advice on where to find money-saving deals on family vacation packages. As if that weren’t enough, the site also has free printables like packing lists and car and travel games for kids, and a Trip Planner tool that helps you create an individual itinerary and travel journals.

Online: minitime.com

Suzette Mack Travel 
As a Family Travel Advisor, Suzette Mack’s specialty is creating memorable vacations for families with children of all ages. As a blogger, she offers readers her expertise (for example, travel insurance is a must when planning a family cruise) and personal experience (a la if she could do it all again, she’d buy the Paris Museum Pass).

Online: suzettemacktravel.com

Jetlag and Mayhem

This mom has been traveling and backpacking ever since she was in her teens. Now with two kids strapped to her side, she's still insistent on making the world her oyster. From Europe to Asia, Jetlag and Mayhem will make your flying and planning an easier process. Plus, if you're looking for travel and kid-friendly gadgets, mom-blogger Nicola has a list of recommendations just for you.

Online: jetlagandmayhem.com

FamiliesGo! 
How much time do you spend planning your vacation when you should be enjoying it? FamiliesGo! takes the guesswork out of organizing family trips with one simple site run by a community of savvy travelers (who happen to be parents). They share their advice on everything from hotel accommodations to how to pack your suitcases.

Online: familiesgotravel.com

Jet Set Family
Jet Set Mom Nicole Standley cut her teeth on luxury PR, so when Jet Set Tot came along, it only seemed natural to bring her along for the ride. What started as an online diary of one family's travels became a luxury travel/lifestyle with contributors with the same passion for quality travel with kids. We love the Invitation Only series. With glam coverage of LA premieres and Hollywood glitz‚ it's an instant getaway without leaving home.

Online: jetsetfamily.com

The Family Adventure Project
If you had to pick between white-water rafting in Costa Rica and checking out the latest art exhibit in Paris and you chose the former, The Family Adventure Project is the travel blog for you. Filled with incredible ideas for kid-friendly adventures at home and abroad, it's kinda crazy how many cool options there are for families. From taking a road trip in Patagonia to a tree-top adventure in Wales, thrill-seekers will find plenty of inspiration here.

Online: thefamilyadventureproject.org

 

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Sorry, but I Won’t Be Giving You My Babysitter’s Number

By Jamie Sumner

“Anybody have a really good babysitter you can recommend? Available at the last minute?” This group text popped up on a Friday afternoon and was quickly drowned in a sea of “nopes!” and “good lucks!” and teary emojis from unrecognized numbers. No one lets go of that number lightly. None of these people, other than the sender, were in my contacts. None of these people, including the sender, will get a response from me.

I could say it’s because this person wasn’t a close friend or that I didn’t have the time while hauling my kids around in the sub-freezing darkness that January evening. But the truth is, I just cannot give it up. Because I only have one number.

Other than family, I have one number, one person, I can call to babysit my children. I’m not being picky; I am being deadly serious. I have a five-year-old with cerebral palsy whose 40 pounds might as well be 100 when you’re carrying him up the stairs or lifting him out of the van and into his wheelchair or changing a diaper on the floor. He also has limited speech, so you must be part psychic, part lip reader, to intuit his needs. His babysitter is an employee at his preschool and has known him since he was two. I can’t afford to give away the one person I trust.

Related: 11 Incredible Books That Feature Kids with Disabilities

I know it’s tough to find someone older than 14 and responsible and available and consistent and friendly and cheap-ish to watch your kids. But for us, it is so much more than that. It takes a background in working with children with disabilities, a secret handshake, a personality test, and some serious magic for me to feel comfortable leaving my children in the hands of someone I’m unrelated to.

That number on my phone with “babysitter” in parentheses is sacrosanct. The days of protecting it began in infancy. When we first brought our son home from the hospital, he came with a tracheotomy, suction machine, oxygen monitor, and g-tube. I barely left the room, much less the house. Date nights were not a priority.

And just before I went back to work, we said goodbye to the daycare we had lined up a year in advance. How could we ask them to hook him up to a feeding pump or suction out the snotty gunk from his trach hole? Not to mention pitting him against the invariable sicknesses that pass from kid to kid. A registered nurse or my mother watched him instead.

Thankfully, the trach and the g-tube and all the most precarious of his medical issues faded away with age. We no longer need a nurse. But we do need someone physically strong enough and trained enough to meet his needs.

Related: 5 Things Every Special Needs Parent Should Hear

And did I mention I also have twins? They are insane, in all the natural ways threenagers are, and require just as much eyes-on time—if not so much hands-on time—as their older brother. They will empty the entire roll of toilet paper into the toilet and lock themselves in the bathroom in under 30 seconds. Date nights are happening again, but they are still rare enough to make me feel giddy just backing out of the driveway.

This is why I let the text go unanswered. This is why I let someone else fill in that blank. Our family situation calls for a very particular set of skills. We need the Navy SEALs version of babysitters. And I don’t know another mother with a child with special needs who doesn’t feel the same. We already get less free time, much less time away without worry over our children’s safety. We can’t afford to hand out freebies.

It’s nothing personal. It’s business, the business of running our family. We need the people we trust. And so we keep them close.

This post was originally published in January 2018.

Jamie Sumner is the author of the book, Unbound: Finding Freedom from Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood. She is a writer for The Washington Post, Parenting Special Needs Magazine and Scary Mommy, and an editor for Literary Mama. She is mother to twins and a son with cerebral palsy. 

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Diverse Outdoor Adventure Families to Follow on Instagram

by Aja Hannah

These families really know what it means to get out into nature and we know you’ll be inspired by them to plan your next adventure

Want to try kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking as a family? Or are you up for bigger thrills in faraway places? It’s time to get your outdoor adventure on and get out into nature. Whether it’s in your own backyard or Bali, follow in the footsteps of these families and their kids’ adventures in the wilderness, and get ready to be inspired! We hope that the diversity of these families helps all kids to really see themselves getting out and making outdoor spaces their own. 

 

National Park Capable
Amanda is a mom with Cerebral Palsy and an avid hiker. She explores National Parks and advocates for more accessibility. She also gives tips for those with mobility issues and moms of toddlers.

Related: The Best National Parks to Visit with Kids

Local Passport Family
Headed up by mom Preethi, this family of eight—yes 8!—has been to 43 countries and all but one of the national parks. Their Instagram is full of iconic mountaintop shots of their family adventures, tips on hiking and road trips, and advocacy for AAPI representation.

Related: The Very Best Family Travel Blogs to Bookmark Now

Colin and Meg
Colin and Meg are a lesser-known, beautiful Instagram couple with two kids. This family does outdoor adventure in a more relaxed style with a focus on culture and people. They love beaches and all things water—out on the ocean, in a kayak, snorkeling, and swimming.

The Mom Trotter
Taking the family on the road, mom Kay and dad (@thedadtrotter) homeschool their nine-year-old son nicknamed A while living in an RV. These parents take a gentle parenting approach that we absolutely love. This couple founded @blackkidsdotravel and their posts also dip into budget travel and financial literacy.

Related: 11 Reasons Why RV Camping Will Save Your Family Vacation Plans

The Traveling Twin Mama
Marquita has twin toddler boys and, yes, she has traveled solo with them before! Her account is about trying new things with her family from hikes to helicopter rides and long-haul flights.

Adventure Mamas
This collaborative Instagram account showcases mamas who love adventure travel and supports their mental wellness on their trips. Aside from the usual travel content, this Instagram also showcases resources and workshops for mothers.

Down with Adventure
Melody and her family hike the rugged UT wild and they are big national parks fans. They are also advocates for trisomy 21 because seven-year-old daughter Ruby has Down Syndrome. She comes along on the adventure alongside her two older brothers.

We Chose Adventures
Jessica and her three “wilds” (as she calls her kids) love to hike and camp. Their outdoor family adventures have them roadtripping and “wildschooling” across the US.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcE7nN5u3FF/?hidecaption=true

Pato and Lola
Pat and Lola are another van-life family with two toddlers, Marcus and Mila. They travel in a 4×4 sprinter van from Cancún to Alaska. What may be the best part is their content is in Spanish!

The Bucket List Family
Maybe the most well-known adventure travel family, this family of five set out to be nomads after dad Garrett sold his iPhone app to Snapchat. Like their namesake, they have been checking things off their bucket list ever since.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChK5g9cF2Mu/?hidecaption=true

Real World Mami
Rocio describes herself as a mami to two boys, based in California. She focuses on her Peruvian culture, outdoor California travel tips, and their family’s adventures.

Day Trips LA
Dad Ralph takes his two kids to on day trips out West, escaping their Los Angeles home. No matter the weather this family is out hiking, skiing, and exploring.

2 Travel Dads
Calling themselves the original LGBT Family Blog, these two dads like to explore with their two kids on paddleboards, hikes, and road trips. Chris and Rob live in North Florida and they do a lot of outdoor excursions in the area as well.

No Back Home
Mom Karilyn and son Cian make the most adorable travel duo and you’ll love following them on their national park adventures and all across the world. Looking for info on how to expand your travel adventures by homeschooling your kids? This account is for you! 

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14 Bay Area All-Abilities Playgrounds That Welcome Everyone

by Christine Lai

Let’s face it, the one-size-fits-all approach does not work for kids. Not for parenting and certainly not for play but we do know all kids need to play. We’ve gathered up a list of Bay area playgrounds where children with sensory needs and physical challenges can play along with their peers. These all-abilities playgrounds are definitely worth the drive, no matter where you live in the Bay Area!

All-Ability Playgrounds in San Francisco

SF Rec Park

Mountain Lake Park: This recently-renovated city park sits just south of the Presidio. The under three set can play in their own self-contained toddler area that only has one gate to enter and exit (essential for toddler containment). Big kids will enjoy using the stairs or the climbing wall to reach the top of the cement slide and then grabbing a buddy to slide down together. There's also a great rope climbing area with gorgeous views of nearby Mountain Lake. The cushy ground and ramps make it accessible for all. 

One 11th Ave.
San Francisco, CA
Online: sfrecpark.org

Helen Diller Civic Center Playgrounds: Head to the Civic Center for a two-for-one playground combo that opened in early 2018. These two massive climbing structures boast innovative design and cushioned artificial turf for children to play. Multi-sensory areas and traditional swings provide kids with different ways to move their bodies. The park even has elements that allow children in wheelchairs to swing and play. Read all about them here. Bonus: Bi-rite set up shop in the plaza so you can get your pre-playground coffee fix!

Civic Center Plaza
San Francisco
Online: sfrecpark.org/helen-diller-civic-center-playgrounds/

All-Ability Playgrounds in the East Bay

Mia's Dream Come True Playground: A project many years in the making, Mia is a 13-year-old with severe cerebral palsy whose parents came up with a dream to build an all-access playground for their daughter and community to enjoy, located in Tennyson Park. The one-acre playground is almost entirely wheelchair accessible and boasts an actual Hayward Fire department fire truck and all-ability swings among many other play options. This playground is a dream for all! 

28377 Huntwood Ave.
Hayward
Online: haywardrec.org/1840/Mias-Dream-Come-True-Playground

Matteo's Dream Playground: This wonderful playground in Concord was spearheaded by mom Liz Lamach for her son Matteo who used a wheelchair due to a number of disabilities. Matteo's Dream has wide ramps to provide access to people in wheelchairs, along with many other features like a sensory garden, high-back swings and areas for spinning. 

2050 Olivera Rd.
Concord
Online: cityofconcord.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Matteos-Dream-39

Heather Farm Park Playground: Walnut Creek’s All Abilities Playground is 30,000 square feet in size and was designed to fully address the needs of the whole child by intentionally addressing the physical, cognitive, communicative, social/emotional, and sensory needs of all children. The playground has the following features: shock-absorbent, resilient-surface pathways and flooring beneath all play equipment, structures and equipment with wider ramps, ground-level play opportunities, swing set zone with tot swings and high-back special-needs swings, sound and sensory equipment throughout, shaded play structures, providing more protection from heat and sun, and benches within the play zones, so parents can sit close to where children play

301 N San Carlos Dr.
Walnut Creek
Online: wccivicpride.org

Athan Downs Park: Opened in 2013, Athan Downs was designed to bring kids of all abilities together to play and create memories and friendships. The playground includes many accessible and sensory-rich activities. Plus, with the extensive ramping system, kids using mobility devices will be able to get to the center of the playground action.

2975 Montevideo Dr.
San Ramon
Online: sanramon.ca.gov/

Roberts Regional Recreation Area: This East Bay gem near the Chabot Space & Science Center has an extra-large playground that all kids can enjoy. Fully wheelchair accessible, the structure has lots of educational stations: a map of the United States, tracing games and name that vegetable—all really great opportunities to engage with your child through play.

10570 Skyline Blvd.
Oakland
Online: ebparks.org/parks/roberts/

Imagine Playground: The City of Dublin has opened its new all-abilities playground, Imagine Playground at Dublin Sports Grounds. The playground was designed with the intent to provide a play structure and facilities that can be enjoyed by people with all kinds of special needs. Kids will love the music-making opportunities, swings, slides and more. 

6700 Dublin Blvd.
Dublin
Online: dublin.ca.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Dublin-Sports-Grounds-34

All-Ability Playgrounds in the Peninsula & South Bay

Kids play at the Magical Bridges playground in Palo Alto
Magical Bridge

Magical Bridge Playground Palo Alto: Touted as one of the nation's most inclusive playgrounds, the Magical Bridge opened its Palo Alto location in April 2015 to pleased children and parents alike. With five different "play zones" to choose from, kids can swing, sway, spin and slide to their heart's content. The music zone was provided to motivate interaction, facilitate socialization and improve social skills among children. Pretend play is encouraged throughout the playground but especially in the two-story playhouse that is fully accessible to all children via ramps and bridges. Read more about the park here.

Good to Know: New Magical Bridge all-abilities playgrounds are in the works for Santa Clara, Morgan Hill and Mountain View!

600 East Meadow Rd.
Palo Alto
Online: magicalbridge.org/palo-alto/

Magical Bridge Playground Redwood City: Parents were thrilled when this all-abilities Magical Bridge Playground opened in Red Morton Park at the end of 2020. You'll find all the elements of the Palo Alto playground that you love, plus more. Kids can head to the Innovation Zone to play the magical musical harp, and then head over to the tot zone area for some water play. Climb up the King Kong climbing ropes and slide down one of the various slides. Accessible swings, spinners for kids in wheelchairs and tons of other thoughtful features make this a great playground for all kids. 

1120 Roosevelt Ave.
Redwood City
Online: magicalbridge.org/redwoodcity/

A girl swings at a playground
Christine Lai

NEWLY OPENED!

Magical Bridge Playground Sunnyvale: The newest Magical Bridges playgrounds is now open in Sunnyvale! Modeled after the other two Magical Bridges playgrounds, this site invites multi-generations and all-ages to gather at the playground. A sensory spin zone, Innovation Zone, wheelchair accessible swings and treehouse welcomes all abilities and all kinds of play. During the warmer weather months, water play will keep the kids cool while Hideaway Huts are perfect for anyone who needs a breather for a quick escape. 

540 N Fair Oaks Ave,
Sunnyvale
Online: magicalbridge.org/site/sunnyvale/

LEO's Haven: LEO’s Haven in Santa Cruz is an inclusive playground for children of all abilities. You'll love the swings, spinners and tractor slide—all with a farm theme. From its rubberized surfacing, adapted swings, and tactile features to its wheelchair accessible play structure and quiet entryways for those with sensory difficulties, LEO’s Haven was designed to be accessible and enjoyable for children of all abilities.

1975 Chanticleer Ave.
Santa Cruz
Online: scparks.com/Home/Parks/AllCountyParks/ChanticleerCountyPark.aspx

Rotary Playgarden: Donated by the Rotary of San Jose in 2015, this playground located within Guadalupe River Park aims to enable children with special needs to play alongside their siblings and friends. Right near the airport (with loads of planes flying overhead!), the park offers a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round (moved by kid power!), slides, swings and all sorts of kinetic art to get kids exploring. The entire play area is fenced for safety but there's not a ton of shade there so go on a cloudy day. Read more about our visit here.

Coleman Ave. at Autumn St.
San Jose
Online: rotaryplaygarden.org/

A picture of an all-abilities playground
Kate Loweth

NEWLY OPENED!

John D. Morgan All-Inclusive Playground: Located on the Budd Ave side of the park, this newly opened all-inclusive playground is designed so that the sensory and physical needs of all kids can be met. A splash pad, diecast car race track, spinners, auditory play features and small climbing wall will delight all ages so pack a picnic and make a day of it!

540 W. Rincon Ave.
Campbell
Online: campbellca.gov/990/John-D-Morgan-Budd-Ave-All-Inclusive-Pla

 

 

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11 Incredible Books That Feature Kids with Disabilities

by Amber Guetebier

Whether we are reading to them or with them, books that put kids with disabilities at the center of the storyline benefit all children. For kids who have a disability, seeing themselves represented is validating and empowering. And children who do not have a disability can gain insight and empathy into the world of someone who does.

When it comes to children’s books, inclusion matters, and no one knows that better than parents of a child with a disability who has spent hours combing shelves trying to find a book that relates to their child. Many of the books on this list were written by parents of children with disabilities who wanted to see their children, and children like them, as the hero of the story. Scroll on for 11 great reads.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
Adiba Nelson

Meet ClaraBelle Blue

$6 BUY NOW

When mother and author Adiba Nelson struggled to find a single children's book that showed a Black child with disabilities, she wrote one herself. Inspired by Nelson's desire for her child, who has cerebral palsy, to see herself joyfully in a book and the world around her, Adiba wrote Meet Clarabelle Blue to do just that. Follow Clarabelle through her day and learn how she is just like you—she loves to giggle, she has to brush her teeth, she loves to laugh—just like all kids. An important book for children of all abilities to read to gain insight, compassion, and the importance of representation. Also available in Spanish.

Alice Park

Unique, You See: Autism

$11 BUY NOW

Written by the parent of a young child with autism, this book follows Landon, a boy who loves to play with his friends but struggles to communicate with others. Not only does it help show any kiddos on the spectrum that they're not alone, but it also educates all readers on some of the traits and behaviors linked to ASD. Above all, it serves as a reminder that each of us is unique and deserving of love and friendship.

The Amazingly Sensational Kids

The Amazing Sensational Kids Series

$15 BUY NOW

Inspired by their son, husband and wife co-authors Jamiyl and Tracy-Ann Samuels wrote The Amazing Sensational Kids series to empower children with autism as well as create empathy for those who have children on the spectrum in their life. All their books are fantastic, but The Sensationally Super Sandy stands out. Sandy has a big brother who doesn’t always speak or play with her, but as her parents explain to her what having autism means, Sandy learns how important it is to be kind when someone is different. And Sandy takes that to heart on the school playground.

Both main characters are relatable and loveable. The book gives perspective on what it can feel like to be the sibling of someone with autism and provides a very clear explanation of what autism is for children of any age. By Jamiyl Samuels and Tracy-Ann Samuels, illustrated by Nidhom.
Albert Whitman

Too Sticky: Sensory Issues with Autism

$15 BUY NOW

Children on the autism spectrum frequently have sensory issues, including disliking certain textures. Such is the case with our little hero, Holly, who loves science and doing experiments. But she is upset when she finds out the next experiment is going to be slime, something she strongly dislikes because it is too sticky! Together Holly, her teacher and her parents find a solution. Ages: 4-8. By Jen Malia, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff.

Marissa Nelson

Sensory Seeking Sebastiaan

$10 BUY NOW

Beautifully written by a parent with a child who has ADHD and Proprioceptive Sensory Disorder, this book is designed to empower sensory seekers and educate both sensory seekers and those around them with strategies that will help with self-regulation. But don’t just take our word for it, take their son’s: “This book gives me strategies to calm down,” he says. Using straightforward strategies and relatable language, this book is based on years of first-hand experience and Occupational Therapy. For any age child with ADHD, an SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), and their families. Written by Christia DeShields, illustrated by Marissa Nelson.

Undercats

The Fastest Woman on Earth

$19 BUY NOW

From Francesca Cavello, co-author of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Paralympian Tatanya McFadden. Born in Russia with spina bifida, Tatanya lived the first six years of her life in an orphanage, where she learned to walk on her hands. After being adopted by her moms and moving to the US, McFadden began wheelchair racing at the age of just eight years old. The images by Luis San Vicente invoke the astounding speed and movement of this Paralympic star.

One Three Nine Inspired Press

Xander's Cerebral Palsy Superpowers

$13 BUY NOW

With a little boy named Xander as the narrator, the book explains all about cerebral palsy, including causes, types, and how it affects both him and his friends with cerebral palsy. This book teaches children about cerebral palsy and provides a representation of a strong, positive character for children with cerebral palsy to relate to and be proud of. Best for children ages 4-8 but is suitable for all ages. Written by Lori Leigh Yarborough and illustrated by Roksana Oslizlo.

: ‎ Harry N. Abrams

El Deafo

$11 BUY NOW

This graphic novel geared toward children 8-12 not only made the New York Times bestseller list, it also won a Newbery Honor award. Based on Cece Bell’s own life as the only deaf child in a school of hearing children, Bell wore a hearing aid which allowed her to hear a little more than just the lesson plans. This humorous story reminds children that being different is good and that those differences are actually what become your superpowers. El Deafo is also now an animated series. Written and illustrated by Cece Bell.

Ann Murray & Jean Weir

Where Is Marshmallow?

$11 BUY NOW

This inclusive book for elementary-aged kids (ages 7-9) features multiple heroes who are on the search for Marshmallow, the classroom bunny. When Marshmallow goes missing, two students find him; one with a visual impairment and the other who has autism. Once found, the bunny is comforted by a student with down syndrome. By Kathryn Lynn Seifert with illustrations by Ann Murray and Jean Weir.

‎ Farrar, Straus and Giroux

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay

$17 BUY NOW

Zulay and her three best friends love the first grade. Zulay is blind, but she loves to do what all the other kids do, and study what they study. When the school’s Field Day comes along, Zulay announces she wants to run a race. With the help of her friends and a teacher, Zulay accomplishes her goal. The book, for ages 4-8, includes the Braille alphabet. Written by Cari Best and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton.

Albert Whitman & Company

We Want to Go to School!: The Fight for Disability Rights

$17 BUY NOW

Before 1971, millions of children in the United States were not allowed in public schools. But in 1971, seven kids and their families stood up for equal education and equal rights and went to court to fight for it. Co-authored by Janine Leffler and her mother, children’s book author and illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler, this book tells the story of Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia, which changed the course of disability education. Maryann has written a series of books based on her daughter Janine, who was born with cerebral palsy, but this is the first time they have written a book together.

This book will teach children ages 5-9, and all children and their grown-ups, about a landmark case that is not well-known. It is especially impactful for children to read at school to understand the significance of the law, the activists who fought for it, and both the history and future of disability education in the United States.

—Amber Guetebier

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Celebrate Love & Friendship with These Must-Have Reads

By Keira Pride

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

If Valentinus of Rome (canonized St. Valentine in the 5th Century) had never lived, we humans would surely have invented a day to celebrate the greatest of all virtues–LOVE. But recorded history includes Valentinus’ story and the date of his death on February 14, which, for centuries, has been memorialized as Valentine’s Day!

The commercial version of Valentine’s Day has us scrambling to buy flowers, chocolates, and sentimental greeting cards for loved ones—and perhaps helping our school-age children assemble their own sets of Valentine messages and bags of emoji-imprinted candy hearts to take to school. For those of you who would like to use the celebration of Valentine as a teachable moment, we have some reading suggestions—love stories for children, books that show the many faces of love and honor its many forms, among them kindness, affection, and compassion.

Our February book choices are an eclectic mix that includes stories of first crushes, of observations and discoveries that lead to a love of Nature and all that is plain sight, and a beautifully illustrated book that attempts to answer the existential question, What is Love? Please consider our February book list to be our Valentine’s gift to you, our readers. Enjoy the day with a book—about love!

Preschool

Sardines of Love Written and Illustrated by Zurine Aguirre
This book was written as a tribute to Zurine Aguirre’s own grandparents, Lola and Lolo. It is about their love for each other, and for sardines. When Lola runs out of sardines, she goes off on an adventure to find some. Lolo is so sad that she is gone, he cries an ocean of tears, and floats away. Will they find each other? The sophisticated, retro illustrations help make this book sweet and silly at the same time. You and your children will be talking about what love really means, and what those in love will do for each other.

What is Love? by Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Carson Ellis
Love is hard to explain, especially to children. Sometimes love must be found by going out and looking for what it means to others, which is what the young main character of this book tries to do. He asks a fisherman, who replies, “Love is a fish.” Then he wanders all over, asking anyone and everyone. “Love is applause.” Says the actor. Each person has a vastly different answer to his question. Maybe there is no right answer, but instead a discussion about love, and how it is personal and unique to each of us. The watercolor art is worthy of framing, and portrays each character’s love superbly.

Kindergarten

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, Illustrated by Robert Lawson
This classic story, published in 1936, is about a bull that decides to be true to himself, mainly because of the unconditional love from his mother. Young Ferdinand doesn’t like to fight. He prefers relaxing in the meadows smelling flowers. An unfortunate encounter with a bee creates a misconception of Ferdinand’s personality to the bullfighting crowd in Madrid. As Ferdinand is placed in the arena, with the Matador ready to fight, he chooses instead to sit down and smell the flowers of the lady’s hair in the stands. The message that stands out the most in this story is the importance of the love, support and guidance from parents.

The Day I Became A Bird by Ingrid Chabbert, Illustrated by Raul Nieto Guridi
With poetic text and delicate line drawings, Chabbert tells the tale of a young boy who falls in love with a bird-loving girl in his class. The boy comes to school dressed as a bird to attract her attention, which then complicates his life and causes him to be bullied. The boy learns that we sometimes willingly undergo a change within ourselves in order to spend our time and emotions with another person. This story really shows that love, especially first love, can be as deep and agonizing as it is joyful.

Grades One & Two

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli, Illustrated by Paul Yalowitz
Solitary shoelace factory worker Mr. Hatch receives a Valentine card and box of candy with the words, “Somebody loves you.” This gesture touches him, moving him to then reciprocate to others he was once distant to, becoming a neighborhood favorite. But then the postman tells Mr. Hatch that the Valentine delivery was a mistake, causing him to question his new outgoing existence. Feeling unloved, Mr. Hatch soon returns to his former antisocial self. His friends and neighbors miss him, and show him in a big way that they all love him.

Grades Three-to-Five

Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Beth Griffin, Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga
Lily and her grandmother start a journey across Iowa in the car with a game in which they find ten beautiful things on the way. Lily is recovering from an implied loss and an uncertain future. Gram’s wisdom about finding beauty everywhere, even when it’s hard, helps the sad and anxious Lily to feel a bit better. Their list grows as they see a rural sunrise, a wind farm churning under pink clouds, and a thunderstorm breaking across the plains. When Gram tells Lily that their love for one another is the tenth beautiful thing, it is a tribute to the healing power of nature and love.

Middle School

Out of My Heart by Sharon Draper
Melody, a tween with cerebral palsy, convinces her parents to let her go to Camp Green Glades, a camp for kids with disabilities. It’s her first time away from home, and it is there that she makes friends that really understand her, and also has her first crush. The challenges that Melody and the campers face are sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always help the characters in the story to grow closer. This is a story about friendship, courage, optimism, and love.

Photo: Stratford School

Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California. 

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How a Conversation about Grief Helped Me See My Son’s Future

By Jason Lehmbeck

This summer, I described my son, who is thirteen, as splitting his time between Billie Eilish and the L.A. Dodgers—a typical L.A., young teen existence. If you’re in the same boat, you can probably relate—except that my son, Noah, was born with a genetic condition that comes with a cascade of medical, educational and social complications.

When Noah was born, there was so much we didn’t know. There’s no road map for most of us when we learn about a child’s disability for the first time, whether it’s something that’s commonly understood, or something rare and complicated like Noah’s, which presents a lot like cerebral palsy.

Since our journey with Noah began, we’ve experienced a lot of the frustrations common to parents of young children with disabilities, along with many moments of joy. We’ve met other families and learned that we share common experiences—the fractured nature of support and resources, and the frustrating dead-ends and U-turns that come with trying to access those resources, services, reimbursement, and yes, fun, too.

Staying grounded, reaching out to the community to find other families like yours, and paying it forward when you do are all good guidance, but sometimes it’s really hard to follow that advice when you most need it. The cycles of grief that can accompany parenting a child with a disability are completely normal and necessary—that’s one of the most important things I’ve learned in my journey as a parent, and I owe most of that to Diane Simon Smith, a mother of two boys with disabilities who has practiced marriage and family therapy for more than twenty-three years.

Diane’s guidance on going through the grieving process has had a big impact on me in this season of life as Noah’s dad. As Diane told me and a group of other parents recently, it’s necessary to sit with the emotion that comes with grief. Then, when we’re ready, try to picture a landscape that incorporates that emotion and start building a new future, one brick at a time.

Noah is now at the age when it’s time to start preparing for his Bar Mitzvah celebration. Thinking about how different it will be for him and our family has triggered a whole new cycle of grief for me, and served as yet another reminder that so many things aren’t typical for Noah. He won’t have the kind of ceremony that his mother and uncle did when they turned thirteen. Sadness overwhelms me every time I think about that. So I do my best to sit with the emotion. Then, taking Diane’s advice, I think about all that’s possible in building a Bar Mitzvah with Noah that’s not typical. And with that first brick, I see a future that fills me with joy.

As we engage with the Rabbi, Noah, and his family to prepare for Noah’s big day, we’ve all been reminded of the core purpose of this ceremony. The essential idea is to establish that Noah is ready to be a part of the community, and the community is ready to receive him as a fully-fledged member. Typically, the person does intensive studying in preparation to perform a Torah reading during the service. But we are taking a not-so-typical approach so that Noah can bring his whole self to the service through his strengths and loves. As with everything in Noah’s life, music will be everywhere. We are still working on which Billie Eilish song is most appropriate based on his portion of the Torah, but he will be rocking his eye-gaze device to let us know. And in doing so, he is opening the eyes of his family, his Rabbi, and the broader congregation to a new way of seeing this rite of passage. One that doesn’t feel rote, and reinvigorates a sense of a person’s responsibility to his community and the community to him.

Learning from experts, other families that share our experiences, and our children helps us as parents to not only cope, but heal and thrive. That’s one of the biggest motivators for me when it comes to supporting other families raising kids with disabilities—the idea that we can accomplish so much more when we work together.

—Jason Lehmbeck

When Jason Lehmbeck's son, Noah, was born with a genetic condition, he pivot his serial technology entrepreneur experience into his new mission: Undivided, a technology platform to help parents of kids with disabilities live their best lives.

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