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06/03/2026

Repetitive movement can help a child’s nervous system settle down. Some children also enjoy vibration or music paired with movement. Others prefer quiet movement without extra sensory input.

There’s no single “right” way to regulate so work on what feels good with your child.
Learn more about movement as a regulation tool on our blog https://starthereparents.org/2026/05/28/when-calm-doesnt-look-still/ here!

06/01/2026

Accidents happen. Glasses break. Milk spills. Emotions get big. Mistakes are part of being human, for kids and adults alike.
A calm response doesn’t mean there are no boundaries or accountability. It means we lead with connection first.

05/30/2026

The Atlantic with a great reminder for parents: “islands of competence.”
Instead of focusing on what your child struggles with, find what they’re good at - what lights them up - and build from there.

When kids feel capable in one area, that confidence carries into everything else.

This article explains it in a way that really shifts how we think about motivation:
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2025/05/parenting-islands-of-competence-kids-motivation/682739/

When children fall short, many parents’ instinct is to take away something they love. That’s the wrong impulse.

05/27/2026

Your mental health matters, too.

Caring for a child, especially one with extra needs, can be overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. You don’t have to carry it all alone.

Small moments count: a walk, a pause, asking for help, taking a breath.
Save this for a reminder, and share with a parent who needs it today.

05/24/2026

So, What Can They Actually Help With?
Parents often wonder: “When would I actually use this?”

Here are real examples:
You might reach out if…
• You feel your child isn’t receiving the services they’re approved for
• You’re not getting clear answers from providers or care managers
• There are concerns about staff behavior or quality of care
• You’re worried about safety, treatment, or respect
• You don’t know your rights, or feel like they’re not being honored

They can help by:
• Listening and understanding your situation
• Explaining your rights in plain language
• Helping you communicate concerns effectively
• Working behind the scenes to resolve issues
• Guiding next steps if something needs escalation

https://starthereparents.org/2026/04/23/when-something-doesnt-feel-right-a-free-independent-advocate-you-can-call/

05/22/2026

We say yes - because understanding keeps our kids safe.

05/20/2026

The Knowledge Center was built with three NY Care Coordination Organizations:
ACANY, LIFEPlan, and Person Centered Services.

CCOs help people with disabilities and their families navigate services, connect to supports, and build a Life Plan centered on their goals.

Every person is paired with a Care Manager to help coordinate care, transitions, and services - so nothing falls through the cracks.

Explore what’s available near you!

Advanced Care Alliance of NY is here to help you connect to the disability services you need. Care Coordinators will assist you directly.

05/18/2026

Play. Sleep. Connection. Movement. Laughter.
These are the tools that help your child’s body feel safe.
When behavior feels hard, come back to this.

Save for later + share with a parent who needs the reminder.

05/15/2026

Plan a family outing on International Family Day! I LOVE NEW YORK official tourism site highlights accessible zoo trips, museums, adaptive hikes, festivals, and more for people of all abilities.

05/14/2026

A New Resource in New York: Disability Ombudsman

This means families now have:
- A place to go with concerns about services or supports
- Help understanding rights and options
- Someone to step in and help resolve issues when things feel stuck

More information on this resource for you and your family here: [ https://starthereparents.org/2026/04/23/when-something-doesnt-feel-right-a-free-independent-advocate-you-can-call/ ]

Community Service Society of New York