Raising a family involves navigating every stage of life—from early childhood and school years to caring for aging loved ones and supporting unique needs along the way. This special Parenting Guide brings together valuable resources and expert insights to help families thrive. Explore ideas for family fun, educational enrichment, senior living solutions, special needs support and health care services designed to strengthen and enrich your family’s journey.

Family Fun: A Gift for Children’s Growth by Giana Scafide
Taking time to travel with the people who love us is something we all value—those rare moments where we step away from the busyness of our lives just to be together. But beyond the excitement and relaxation, traveling, especially with kids, is much more than a break from our daily routines—it’s an opportunity that helps them grow and develop valuable skills and knowledge needed for their future.

A Boost in Self-Confidence
Travel shapes a child’s self-confidence in ways being at home can’t. When they step into new environments, they’re not just observing—they’re participating. Speaking a language they never spoke before, navigating public transit in a foreign city or engaging in activities they never had access to are moments that get them out of their comfort zone.

“I’ve noticed that my kids have gained a huge amount of self-confidence since I started traveling with them years ago,” says Jessica Kinkead, a family travel specialist and CEO of Journeys by Jess. “Whether it’s speaking to new people in Paris, jumping off a small cliff in Greece or swimming in the ocean with marine wildlife in Honduras, they’re not as afraid anymore since having experienced so many things that pushed them outside their comfort zone.”

It’s one thing to get to know your way around an unfamiliar destination. Even though it may be difficult to navigate, there is that sense of enjoyment about exploring the unknown. When it comes to departing for a trip, that’s the part everyone can dread, considering that it’s an overwhelming and intimidating process—especially for children.

“My kids grew up traveling, and now as teenagers they’re extremely comfortable with things that can feel overwhelming to a lot of adults, like navigating airports, understanding flight changes, communicating with airline staff and figuring out where they need to go,” explains Victoria Detz, agency owner and advisor at Wishlist Travel Collective. “Travel made those situations feel normal to them instead of stressful. Travel naturally builds confidence because kids are constantly learning how to adapt.”

Adjusting to the Unexpected
Adaptability and problem-solving skills are perks obtained when traveling. When plans change at the very last minute, children are forced to think quickly. Real-life challenges are put to the test, teaching them that setbacks are temporary and problem-solving is necessary to overcome issues.

“Children quickly discover that unexpected challenges can be managed,” Lynn Fenster, owner and travel advisor of Vacation Planners of Metro Orlando states. “Depending on their age, children may make decisions about activities, manage spending money or adjust plans when circumstances shift. These experiences help build resilience and reinforce the belief that they can handle new situations.”

Exposure to new environments can help further develop a child’s social skills as well. Children are usually only exposed to interactions with family members, friends, classmates and teachers, but travel throws them into a diverse mix of personalities and backgrounds. Certain interactions teach them the art of conversation and the importance of active listening, qualities that will be handy in their future.

“You meet all kinds of new people—that’s one of the best things about traveling with kids,” Kinkead exclaims. “They learn how to start conversations, ask questions, listen carefully and interact with people of all backgrounds. This exposure to diversity helps them feel more comfortable with people who may look, speak or act differently than they do.”

Empathy Through Exposure
One of the most beneficial aspects of travel is its ability to express empathy. When children see how others live, whether that’s in a city, a countryside or an island, they develop a deeper understanding of the world they’re a part of and others who live in it.

Detz says, “I think one of the biggest gifts travel gives children is perspective. It takes things from learning about it to actually experiencing it. As a mom and travel advisor, I’ve seen how travel naturally creates more curious, empathetic and open-minded children without it ever feeling like a lesson.”

Broadening children’s understanding of different cultures exposes them to different traditions, languages and ways of life. They begin to see that there’s no single “right” way to live, and instead, learn to appreciate this difference. Over time, this exposure helps them develop a more inclusive mindset, one where differences are celebrated rather than ignored.

“Children can read about other countries in books or learn about them in school, but firsthand experiences often leave a deeper and more lasting impression,” Fenster says. “Trying local foods, hearing different languages, observing customs and traditions, and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds help children understand that there are many ways to live, communicate and celebrate.”

“Meeting people from different backgrounds and seeing the way other people live helps children become more open-minded and compassionate,” Kinkead says. “They learn that there are other people out there who live their whole life without the many things that we take for granted in our everyday lives.”

These moments spark curiosity, and curiosity leads to heartfelt conversations about privilege and respect. Travel shows them the beauty in diversity and the importance of kindness no matter how someone chooses to live or where they come from.

“I think it’s important for children to see how other people live—to experience new cultures and environments that are different from their own. Even if it pushes them outside their comfort zone, that’s where the real growth happens. They come home with a broader understanding of the world and of humanity that you can’t teach any other way,” explains Jessica Griscavage, founder of Runway Travel Co.

Traveling with children isn’t just a memory maker—it’s a chance to allow them to create a strong skill set to carry into adulthood. It teaches children that the world they are a part of is diverse and full of multiple opportunities. Whether it’s through the lens of a new culture or relief in solving a last-minute issue, traveling is a great way for children to combine learning with leisure and help them become more well-rounded individuals. 

Sidebar: Flying With Ease
Getting the chance to travel comes with its perks, but one setback when it comes to traveling with children can be when they are first-time flyers. But with a little preparation, taking to the skies with children can be a smooth experience, no matter their age.

A couple days before arriving at the airport, a smart strategy for parents is to have an informative conversation to prepare children for the airport environment. Talking to them about protocols and procedures beforehand helps them understand what to expect, relieving them of any anxiety that may arise.

“For younger kids, making it feel like part of the adventure helps a lot. I’d have my kids hold their own passports, hand them to the agent, state their names and immediately hand the passports back to me. Now as teenagers, it’s second nature to them. Those small habits over time helped build confidence and familiarity with travel instead of making airports feel intimidating,” explains Victoria Detz, agency owner and advisor at Wishlist Travel Collective.

To ensure your child is entertained throughout the whole flight, be sure to pack enough essentials to bring onboard. A tablet with movies, games, or books and a comfort item like a stuffed animal are always a necessity with little ones.

Having enough snacks for when they get hungry is a must have as well. “Parents should think carefully about meals and snacks. Even when food is available onboard, bringing familiar options is often a good idea,” says Lynn Fenster, owner and travel advisor of Vacation Planners of Metro Orlando.

For babies, feeding during takeoff and landing can help with the changing pressure in their ears. And when it comes to older children, they can benefit from drinking water or chewing gum. “During takeoff and landing, nursing, a pacifier or a bottle helps babies manage ear pressure,” Jessica Griscavage, founder of Runway Travel Co., concurs.

One concern that dwells on parents’ minds is the possibility that their child will begin wailing while in the middle of the flight. While these moments can be extremely stressful, it is important to remember that this is very common among families who travel with younger children and babies. Griscavage notes that, “It’s OK to ask flight attendants for help—they’ve seen it all and are happy to assist. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your little one will be.”

Remember, kids pick up on energy. If you are calm and reassuring, they’re more likely to mirror that behavior. So take a deep breath, embrace the unpleasant moments and focus on the excitement to come.

Education: Nurturing Young Minds by Abigail Twiford & Giana Scafide
There is one simple truth to raising children that affects their performance in education: when parents take the time and engage with their child, the results speak for themselves. They’ll receive positive feedback, higher test scores and a new found love for learning. These aren’t just hereditary talents, but qualities built from their parent’s support, encouragement and showing up when it matters the most.

True Academic Success
Academic success looks different for every child. Many parents like to define it as an A+ on every test or more than four hours dedicated to studying each night, but academic success is all about embracing a child’s enthusiasm for learning, their attitude when faced with obstacles and their readiness to increase their knowledge. But what does meaningful parental engagement look like, and how can parents support their children without overwhelming them? 

“I see success when children develop confidence, curiosity, independence and a genuine love for learning. Every child learns differently, so success means helping each student reach their individual potential academically, socially and emotionally,” Paola Rosado, owner of Build Brains Academy says.

Academic success can even begin long before students step into a traditional classroom, with staff at Children’s Lighthouse, an early education childcare organization in Winter Garden, working to engage children’s neurodevelopment as early as possible.

“The teachers are constantly talking with the kids to try to make those brain connections with the infants, and then moving on from there and introducing other things … like having them exposed to different words and interactions that they’re having with the teachers and other children here as they get older. Even when they’re playing, they’re still learning because our kids are trying to figure out how the world works and putting all that stuff together. They’re getting to learn basic skills with us and how to use those skills,” says Deanna Gustafson, executive director of Children’s Lighthouse. 

From an educator’s standpoint, academic success is not just about achieving high grades or passing tests. It is about nurturing a child’s ability to think critically, engage actively and apply knowledge in all aspects of learning. Children who take ownership of what they’re learning and actively participate in classroom discussions embody this vision, and parental involvement is the core in forming these qualities. When parents show genuine interest in their child’s education, they show just how valuable learning is.

“For me as an educator, I think it’s about the love for learning. It’s a child’s desire to always question, explore and try new things,” Danielle Hunter, Ed. D, director of education at The Nest Schools Winter Garden says. “When children love and are truly excited by learning, then teaching them any number of skills becomes possible.”

Balancing Support and Independence
When it comes to involvement with children, parents often struggle with how much effort is needed. Too little interest might convey that education is unimportant, while too much can come off as controlling, undermining a child’s independence and creating added pressure. Praising effort rather than perfection promotes a growth mindset, helping children understand that learning is a long process.

“When we engage deeply with a child about their education, and we’re asking them questions about what they’re learning, how they’re learning it, how they’re growing and what kind of challenges they’re facing, that shows them that their education matters. That then implies a level of importance for what they’re dedicating a majority of their time to and showing that we care about their progress. And the most important thing is that when we have those conversations, we really are focused on the growth of the child, on what they’re learning and how they’re growing through the process,” says Brenda Fields, assistant high school director and IB diploma program coordinator for Windermere Preparatory School. 

Avoiding the urge to redo assignments or set unrealistic expectations is just as critical. Children need space to make mistakes and learn from them without fear of failure. Framing school as an opportunity rather than a punishment allows children to form a positive attitude toward learning.

“Parents can encourage their children to succeed by creating an environment that promotes growth, confidence and student responsibility. A balanced approach involves setting clear expectations, providing guidance and offering emotional support without dictating every decision or outcome,” says Sarah Reynolds, upper school, principal at Foundation Academy. 

Engagement Through Conversation Starters
The most common question parents ask their children about their school day is just that—“How was school today?” While the positive intention is there in wanting to inquire about their school day, it often leads to brief and uninformative answers. To further the conversation deeper, parents can question what their child found most interesting or surprising in class, what challenges they faced or what they would teach others if given the chance—questions designed to make them think deeper.

“Rather than asking, did you have a good day or a bad day, ask, ‘What’s the most interesting thing you learned today? What were some of the positives and some of the not so positives in your day? What’s something you struggled with today that you want to try again tomorrow?’ Asking those in-depth questions actually gets conversations going and it engages the kids more,” says Joyce Kwak, upper school principal at The First Academy. 

Parents can also show interest by connecting school topics to everyday life or exploring their child’s interests through certain activities. This type of engagement makes learning enjoyable, reinforcing the connection between both school and home.

Rosado says, “[Parents] can stay involved by reading together, attending school events, reviewing classwork positively and maintaining communication with their child’s teachers. It’s important to have those small daily interactions—these make children feel valued and supported, which allows them to continue their amazing work.”

Embracing Emotional Support
Children who feel emotionally supported are less likely to experience feelings of stress, confusion and conflict while being more likely to take academic risks, persist through difficulties and ask for help when they need it.

“Social-emotional development in our children is one of the most important areas of growth,” says Hunter. “There’s so much pressure to perform academically on young children, which starts at a younger age as the years goes on, and the emotional support and guidance that we as trusted adults can give them plays an important part in the overall outcome.”

Providing children with this support involves normalizing mistakes and struggles by listening without immediately giving solutions, validating feelings and celebrating their efforts regardless of the outcome.

“When children experience stress or low self-esteem, it impacts their focus, motivation and confidence in the classroom. That’s why strong emotional support helps children, which leads to a development of resilience, confidence and the ability to navigate challenges more successfully both academically and socially,” Rosado says.

Ensuring that the home environment feels consistent with their schooling also helps to ensure children, especially younger ones, feel safe to learn and grow in both.

“We always try to encourage whenever we’re talking with the families, so we’re all saying and doing the same things. That way the kids have consistency from home to school. If we’re all using the same words and doing the same things because the kids need the routine and they need the structure, that’s going to help them,” says Gustafson. 

Recognizing and Addressing Disengagement
Being disengaged from school can have numerous causes and can lead to avoidance with homework, negative self-talk, not participating in class discussions, a drop in grades, missing or incomplete assignments, absences and possible outbursts. Even not wanting to be part of school functions or activities can be a sign of this mental withdrawal.

“Some children may also show signs of frustration, boredom, anxiety or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed. When parents notice these signs, it is important to approach the situation with support rather than criticism. Open and nonjudgmental conversations can help uncover the underlying reasons for the disengagement,” Reynolds says.

As students get into middle school, it may be harder to see these signs of angst and frustration, so it remains vital to have open conversations with a child whenever you may deem it necessary. 

“Finding careful moments to pry and to dig deeper and say, ‘I really need you to tell me what’s going on. What are you learning in school? What do you like?’ When they say they don’t want to talk about it, ask them why. They might not want to engage in that conversation [readily], but I think it is our job as parents to make some time,” says Fields. 

Sidebar: Preparing for Lifelong Learning
The end of high school is an exciting time for college-bound students as they prepare to graduate, decide on a major or program and get ready for life on campus. 

Though this time in one’s life can be very positive and full of anticipation, it can also be anxiety-inducing or even scary—for both students and their parents. As young adults begin looking into which colleges they are interested in, it raises many questions about how they will be able to handle their lives when they are on their own, particularly for students heading to distant locales out of state.

Many parents will consider if it may be best for their soon-to-be college student to stay closer, if not continuing to live at home altogether. But before worry takes over too much, there are several factors to be considered.

The starting point for many students going to college is to determine what careers they are interested in and which schools offer the best programs to set them up for success. 

“It really depends on the program or the major the student is pursuing. I think that’s one of the factors, because we want to make sure that our students, or even one who just graduated this year, is able to pursue a major that’s not going to put him or her in a bad situation later on when they graduate college,” says Angel Nguyen, Windermere Preparatory School’s director of admissions, marketing and communications.

Besides choosing the right program and getting finances squared away, if a student is going to go out of state, or even just live on their own while remaining in Florida, they will need to have some basic life skills to ensure they will be able to successfully navigate being truly independent for the first time in their lives. 

“I don’t think there’s a true gauge of if a child is ready or not. If parents feel like they aren’t confident their child will survive elsewhere and they don’t have certain life skillsets, that’s something that they need to be working on,” says Joyce Kwak, upper school principal of The First Academy. 

Besides being able to cook, keep their space clean, get to their classes and finish assignments on time without being managed by an authority figure, students also need to be able to operate their own social lives without having anyone else to fix things for them if they mess up. Self-advocacy, problem solving, communication and the ability to work things out for themselves are some of the most important skills for anyone living on their own.

Additionally, Kwak emphasizes that some level of struggle isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as not everything will always work out perfectly and those challenges can help to develop positive qualities. 

“Thinking that everything’s going to be smooth sailing; that’s the wrong expectation [to have]. That’s not life,” says Kwak. “… There’s going to be challenges, there will be trials, there will be tribulations … but you can stay committed, put in the work, persevere through all the ups and downs and you can still be successful.”

Health & Wellness: Hit the Sack by Matt Cosentino
Most parents give a lot of thought to setting a good example for their children when it comes to polite manners, a strong work ethic or a positive attitude. Being a role model in terms of having the right sleeping habits, however, is usually not top of mind—but maybe it should be.

“Children are like sponges,” says Dr. Chirag Panchal, a family medicine physician with Orlando Health. “My son is 2 years old and he copies everything that I do. They learn from what we do and what we say, and healthy sleep is something that we can adopt as a family habit, not just a child habit.”

Sleep recommendations vary according to age, but both children and adults are urged to prioritize a good night’s rest in order to feel fresh on a daily basis and to avoid any long-term health issues.

“Sleep deprivation causes us to make poor choices during the day,” says Dr. Holly Skinner, a sleep medicine neurologist who serves as medical director of the AdventHealth Center for Sleep Disorders at AdventHealth Orlando.

“We tend to be less physically active and eat less healthy food. So inadequate sleep can lead to excessive weight gain. Also, sleep deprivation can cause impaired learning, mood dysregulation, tired appearance and lower self-esteem. Furthermore, we are more likely to get sick with infections when we are sleep deprived.”

Dr. Panchal and Dr. Amber Teague, the chief of pediatric emergency medicine at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, zero in on signs that a child may not be getting enough sleep. These include mood swings, irritability, difficulty with paying attention or problem solving, short temper and falling asleep on short car rides.

“Sometimes increased anxiety and depression can be side effects of not having enough sleep,” Dr. Teague adds. “Sometimes children will complain of daytime fatigue and sleepiness, and that can be communication from them that they’re not getting the right amount of sleep. If they’re not getting good quality of sleep over a period of time, it can lead to other health things like increased blood pressure or obesity. If you’re struggling with those things with your child … a sleep issue might be a component of it.”

The physicians interviewed for this article agreed that having a regular routine, with established times for going to bed and waking up, is beneficial for both children and adults. Other suggestions to promote healthy sleep are avoiding caffeine later in the day, stopping screen time 60 minutes before going to bed, not eating four hours before falling asleep and doing relaxing activities like reading or yoga before bed.

Of course, some of those are easier to pull off than others.

“These are recommendations, but our lives are challenging and it can be hard to follow them,” Dr. Teague says. “A lot of families are busy; they have multiple kids who are active in sports and doing things late, so sometimes you have to figure out a balance that you can make work for a happy, healthy kid, but also try to think about the consequences it can have on that sleep schedule.”

Also, just following the medical recommendations does not ensure a person will get sufficient sleep.

“If you or someone you love seems to be following good sleep practices—including regular bedtime and wake time, avoiding caffeine after lunch, not using electronic devices in bed and being physically active during the day—but is still having trouble sleeping, then they may benefit from being seen in a sleep medicine clinic,” Dr. Skinner says. “Additionally, snoring, recurrent nocturnal awakenings, unrefreshing sleep and daytime sleepiness despite adequate time in bed for age, are all clues that someone may benefit from seeing a sleep medicine provider.”

For children, poor sleep can be signs of sleep apnea, anxiety or ADHD, Dr. Panchal explains.

“Before we treat the poor sleep, we have to diagnose it,” he says. “We have to see what’s going on. This is where it’s very critical for parents to be involved and just attuned to how the child is doing. … There are a whole host of medical conditions that can affect and impact a child’s ability to sleep and sleep well. So, I always encourage bringing your child into a pediatrician or your family medicine doctor if you’re concerned that they might be getting poor sleep.” 

Dr. Wendi Wardlaw, who practices airway dentistry, stresses the importance of airway health for wellness throughout the body. She believes that sleep disorder breathing is often misdiagnosed as something else, such as ADHD.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics said over a decade ago that every child being evaluated for ADHD should be screened for sleep apnea first. Physicians are still not doing that,” she says. “A child who is not breathing properly at night looks inattentive, looks hyperactive, looks impulsive and looks emotionally dysregulated every single day, and we are calling that ADHD and medicating it. The mouth is where it starts and nobody is looking there.

“Before we put a child on a stimulant medication for ADHD we should be asking, ‘Is this child breathing properly at night? Is their mouth closed? Are they grinding their teeth? Are they mouth breathing during the day?’”

Dr. Wardlaw adds that obstructive sleep apnea is on the rise for children, and that those suffering from it may be at much higher risk of experiencing anxiety or depression.

She also encourages parents to consider that crooked or crowded teeth in a child may be a sign of an underdeveloped jaw and that braces might not necessarily be the answer. A thorough examination by an airway dentist can help.

“I’m super passionate about [airway dentistry] because nobody knows about it and we’re living in a society where we’re putting lipstick on a pig,” she says. “We’re just treating a symptom instead of going to the root cause, and the root cause of systemic disease goes back to the mouth.

“But I’m seeing miracles. I’m fixing airways and people’s autoimmune diseases are disappearing; their bodies are healing; they’re coming off high blood pressure and diabetes meds; they’re coming off ADHD and depression meds; my kids are going from barely making good grades to getting straight A’s. I’m seeing it, and that’s why I’m passionate.”

Sidebar: Setting Limits
There is no doubt that today’s children are growing up in a much different world than the one their parents experienced at the same age. Tablets have replaced textbooks in the classroom, many kids have their own cell phone by age 12 and social media has transformed the way interactions occur and information gets shared.

The big question, of course, is how much screen time is too much, and how do parents balance the pros and cons of technology?

“That is a hard one, and one that I think us as a society are going to continue how to figure out and find a balance,” says Dr. Amber Teague, the chief of pediatric emergency medicine at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. “The ability to have technology at our fingertips for our learners has a vast impact on the knowledge they can gain and their understanding of the world. There’s an ability to grow and respect new cultures and societies in a way that wasn’t there before. At the same time, the constant exposure to technology and screens does have negative health affects.”

Dr. Teague points to research showing an increase in anxiety, particularly in teens and young adults, because of social media. She also explains that screens and their lights can affect the way people focus and ultimately eye function, and can have negative impacts on the sleep-wake cycle.

With that in mind, recommendations for children are no screen time at all for infants six months and younger; an hour a day for medium-aged children; and no more than two hours a day for those 6 and older. Of course, kids are often getting more screen time than that just during school hours.

“That’s a challenge to accomplish with all of the demands of life,” Dr. Teague admits. “There is research coming out, and the CDC even put out a policy statement recently, about evaluating the way we use technology in school and how we can balance the positive learning that we can achieve with it, while at the same time switching to more pen and paper rather than continuously using technology because of these potential side effects we’re noticing that are out there.”

Research into increased body mass index and obesity for the pediatric population suggests that screen time is one of several factors that may be influencing the rise. Screen time has also been linked to sleep deficiency.

As with many aspects of life, Dr. Teague encourages moderation.

“We have to figure out how to have healthy sleep, less screen time, encourage more activity, encourage more creative and independent thinking, but still at the same time support advanced learning opportunities,” she concludes.

 The reward process from utilizing social media alters the way social interactions occur in young adults and teens, which can be negative in the long run. It changes their ability to cope with certain things. There’s been some really good research that shows it increases anxiety in a portion of the population. Just the screens and the lights themselves alter our eyes and the way we can focus; the way our eyes function over time can be affected by it; and it affects the light that our brain receives during the day, which changes the sleep-wake cycle. There are really beautiful things with technology, but also a lot of danger. I think as we continue in a medical society, we’re making more and more recommendations about limitations for young children, especially those 6 months and less. It really does not benefit them to have any screen time. Medium-aged children, the recommendation is an hour; for 6 and above, the recommendation is no more than two hours of screen time. That’s a challenge to accomplish with all of the demands of life. There is research coming out, and the CDC even put out a policy statement recently, about evaluating the way we use technology in school and how we can balance the positive learning that we can achieve with it, while at the same time switching to more pen and paper rather than continuously using technology because of these potential side effects we’re noticing that are out there.”

“There is a lot of data our there that looks at body mass index and obesity in our current pediatric population, and that component is much higher and has been increasing. It’s not necessarily linked directly to screen time in the research—there are a lot of factors that play into it, and the research shows that part of it is screen time and part of it is the way our lifestyles have modified the time that we get up, the emphasis on healthy activities as physical education requirements, and the change in that has affected healthy choices, which increases obesity. … 

We have to figure out how to have healthy sleep, less screen time, encourage more activity, encourage more creative and independent thinking, but still at the same time support advanced learning opportunities.”

Special Needs: Partners in Progress by Peter Proko
Parents of special needs children are used to meeting challenges head-on, no matter how unique or unfamiliar they may be. This is especially true when it comes to education, where parents are relied upon to provide valuable insight into their child’s strengths, struggles and needs. As their child’s first teachers and strongest advocates, their participation in decision-making, communication with educators and support at home helps ensure that children receive the services and opportunities necessary for success.

After all, while educators bring expertise in teaching and development, parents know their child better than anyone else. But it’s also important that parents understand they are not on this journey alone and that there are numerous services and support organizations ready, willing and able to lend a much-needed hand when the path forward becomes harder to navigate. 

Natassia Ferguson understands this well. In her professional role with UCP of Central Florida, she has witnessed the notable impact these forged partnerships can make. And as a parent of a child who attended a UCP charter school, she personally knows that the journey can sometimes feel overwhelming. 

“At UCP, we encourage families to be active partners in their child’s education. We want parents to ask questions, share concerns, celebrate successes and advocate for what their child needs. The best outcomes happen when families and educators work together toward a common goal,” says Ferguson. 

As both a clinician and a fellow parent, Rachel Desandro feels similarly. The speech-language pathologist is the founder of Speech For Life and believes parents play one of the most important roles on a child’s educational team. 

“They know their child in ways that no assessment, report or school team ever could,” she says. “They see the struggles, strengths, frustrations and successes that happen outside the classroom which in turn have an impact on academics.”

But while their role is integral, Desandro advises that parents don’t need to have all the answers or become experts in special education. “What matters most is staying engaged, asking questions, sharing what they’re seeing at home and trusting their instincts when something doesn’t feel right.”

Taking an active role
Parents who take an active role in their child’s special education process help create a stronger foundation for success. By attending meetings, communicating regularly with teachers and staying informed about their child’s progress, parents become valuable partners in educational decision-making. Their involvement allows them to advocate for appropriate services and accommodations while ensuring that their child’s needs are being met. 

Active participation also helps maintain consistency between home and school, as parents can reinforce learning strategies and goals outside the classroom. When parents remain engaged throughout the process, they contribute to a more supportive and effective educational experience for their child.

According to Moresa Culbreath, Psy.D., a licensed school psychologist as well as the executive director and founder of We Care Support Services, early detection can not only help formulate the best approach to suit a child’s needs, it can also be an eye-opener for parents. 

“As someone who has been doing this for almost 20 years, I see a lot of parents of children with disabilities that don’t know the importance of early detection,” Culbreath says. “A lot of times they think their child is going to grow out of being nonverbal or that the child will grow out of being socially awkward. They see these things as something that is going to go away and so they do not get those early intervention services that are so important in a child’s developmental journey.

“There’s nothing wrong with a parent finding out that maybe their child isn’t shy and on the spectrum, which a lot of times happens when a child is 10 or 11 years old. … A lot of the times when I do a clinical interview, the child has always had developmental challenges, but parents just interpret it as something else.”

Forming a strategy
When it comes to the partnership between parents, advocates and educators, frequent communication, transparency and a shared focus on the child’s growth help build a foundation of trust. 

“Families need to feel heard, respected and valued,” says Ferguson. “And educators need opportunities to understand the goals and concerns of each family.”

Encouraging parents to share information about what is happening at home, even what one may view as a small or inconsequential detail, can also provide important context that helps educators better support a student.

“Open communication helps establish common goals, trust and ongoing support,” says Margaret Newman Thornton, Psy.D., chief operating officer with OCA, who adds that the communication should include both positive and negative feedback, and any novel changes that will impact the other. “Without thorough and complete information, each party cannot properly support each other or the child.”

“When everyone is working from the same information and toward the same goals, children are more likely to thrive,” affirms Ferguson.

Culbreath also stresses the need for parents to regularly meet with teachers to learn of their child’s progress and to be sure key questions are being answered or areas of concern are being addressed.

“If they have a 504 plan or an individualized education plan (IEP), you want to make sure those plans are tailored to the child,” she says. “What are those accommodations and are they being implemented? If it’s an intervention, is it being done by an ESE teacher or someone else that comes in to provide those services? And are those services being implemented when they are supposed to be?”

Desandro says she wishes schools put more emphasis on helping parents understand the IEP process, noting that she has many parents come to her feeling afraid, anxious and completely unsure of what to expect. 

“Facing an IEP team can feel overwhelming, especially for families navigating it for the first time. There are acronyms, assessments, meetings and recommendations that can be difficult to make sense of. Learning how to navigate within the system and structure can be tricky. … Many parents want help, but aren’t always sure where to start,” she says. 

Some children may also need more intensive, specialized or frequent assistance away from school. Outside services can help address specific developmental, academic, behavioral, emotional or communication needs and provide additional opportunities for growth and skill development.

All in all, parents play a vital role in the special education process by working alongside educators and other professionals to support their child’s growth and success. Their involvement helps guide important decisions, strengthens communication between home and school, and ensures that a child’s individual needs are understood and addressed. While additional services and support systems are often necessary, parents remain key advocates for their child throughout the process. When everyone works together, students with special needs receive consistent support and are more likely to reach their full potential.

Sidebar: Making Connections Count
For many children with special needs, social interaction can be one of the most complex parts of the school experience. While academic support is often at the center of special education planning, the ability to form friendships, navigate group settings and build peer relationships is just as important. Parents often find themselves in a unique position—not only advocating for services, but also helping their children develop the confidence and skills needed to connect with others in meaningful ways.

This support frequently begins at home, where everyday interactions become opportunities for growth. Parents may help their children rehearse conversations, interpret social situations or recognize emotional cues that might otherwise go unnoticed. Over time, these guided moments help children build a stronger understanding of how relationships work, making social environments feel less unpredictable and more manageable.

Beyond the home, many families actively seek out structured environments where social skills can develop more naturally. Organized activities such as community programs, interest-based clubs, or adaptive sports can provide valuable opportunities for peer interaction. In these settings, children are often able to connect through shared interests rather than social expectations, allowing friendships to form in a more organic and less pressured way.

“Children engage when they are interested in the topic,” says Margaret Newman Thornton, Psy.D., OCA’s chief operating officer. “Find ways to incorporate their personal interests into engagement, and they will naturally be drawn to participate. When children engage with others in an environment focused on their preferences, the engagement becomes naturally reinforcing and promotes further engagement.”

While these social skills are developed with practice, there can be bumps in the road along the way. On the surface, parents may wish to not expose their children to any negative experiences but those moments of discomfort can actually have some underlying benefits.

“While it’s natural to want to shield our children from disappointment, growth happens when they have opportunities to experience, navigate and learn from social situations with appropriate support,” says Natassia Ferguson of UCP of Central Florida. 

Ferguson further advises parents to start small and build confidence gradually. This might mean arranging one-on-one playdates, participating in clubs or activities centered around a child’s interests or practicing social scenarios at home before entering new situations. They key is to provide support by helping children process social experiences without immediately stepping in to solve every challenge. 

“Social skills training is one of the most important interventions when a child has difficulty with social engagement,” says Moresa Culbreath, Psy.D., executive director and founder of We Care Support Services.

Culbreath recalls her former career as a school psychologist when she would introduce students to various social scenarios where they would hear a story and learn about how one is supposed to act in these specific situations. 

“They may not understand social innuendos, jokes or things like that,” says Culbreath. “These social scenarios give the children the necessary tools to express themselves and also to understand how to interpret what is being said to them as well.”

Another helpful approach is for parents to focus on having their child form individual friendships rather than seek inclusion in larger peer groups. Ultimately, it’s important to recognize one’s natural preferences for how they like to engage socially and respect those preferences. 

“My advice is usually to start small. Rather than focus on large groups, focus on helping a child build their turn taking, expressing feelings and problem solving with you in an effective way before expecting them to be able to do that with peers,” says Rachel Desandro, speech-language pathologist and the founder of Speech For Life. “That said, shared interests can be an incredibly powerful way to spark a friendship, so starting at the [LEGO] club at the library or gymnastics may be a great place to start. Sometimes children connect more naturally through a common hobby, activity or passion than through direct instruction on social skills.”

“There are introverts and extroverts throughout history, and the type of engagement that is promoted should meet the individual needs of that person to reduce the risk of it being aversive. Personal comfort will make the experience more meaningful,” says Newman Thornton.

Because social development can be just as important as academic development, parents are encouraged to be proactive with these situations and beginning to do so at a young age will only further help prepare a child as they enter into adulthood and a series of new experiences. 

“We learn through experiences, and having a loved one to help us navigate makes the experience far less stressful and provides a model for appropriate responses. Debriefing after a new experience also provides a learning opportunity to prepare for when a similar situation is encountered in the future,” Newman Thornton says. 

Culbreath echoes this sentiment, saying that parents of young children who are taking these proactive measures are ahead of the curve. 

“You’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing at the right time because a lot of times once children get these interventions, they thrive. They may struggle a bit with the transition from elementary school to middle school or from middle school to high school, but once you get them ready for [life’s] big changes, they are able to navigate them pretty well,” she says. 

Ferguson stresses that while being proactive is essential, it should never translate into pushing a child into situations they are not ready for. 

“It means intentionally creating opportunities for them to practice communication, problem-solving, self-advocacy and relationship-building in age-appropriate ways,” she says. 

“Some of the most successful young adults I’ve worked with aren’t necessarily the most outgoing. They’re the ones who understand their strengths, know how to ask for help when needed and feel comfortable building relationships in ways that are authentic to them,” says Desandro. 

As children with special needs approach adulthood and prepare to leave school, the transition to employment becomes another critical milestone. Through early planning and collaboration with schools and community partners, families can help ensure a smoother path to meaningful employment.

One organization that helps prepare people with disabilities transition into the workforce is employ, which works to establish individualized career plans that help create opportunities while simultaneously working to build up confidence. 

“Our goal is not only to prepare youth for employment, but to empower them to envision a future where they are meaningfully contributing to their communities while achieving their personal goals,” says Kim Amiro, marketing and communications director. 

As children grow under employU’s guidance, they become increasingly more comfortable, making the transition to starting a career less daunting. 

“One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is watching young people discover what they are capable of. Many participants begin with uncertainty about their abilities or discomfort in new social and workplace situations. Through hands-on experiences, skill-building activities and supportive coaching, we often see remarkable growth in self-confidence, communication skills, independence and problem-solving. As they gain experience and achieve successes, they become more willing to take on new challenges and advocate for themselves,” says Amiro.

Ferguson notes that as parents gradually expand a child’s comfort zone, it’s important to provide support and encouragement along the way. Celebrating growth wherever it occurs helps establish the ultimate goal: greater independence. 

“Every conversation, friendship, challenge and success contributes to helping a child become a confident adult who can navigate the world, build meaningful relations and advocate for themselves,” she says. 

Senior Living: Aging Without Worry by Abigail Twiford
Aging is a time in one’s life that’s completely unlike any other stage, coming with both its own special set of benefits and unique challenges. 

A person’s senior years can come with leisure and free time that allows older adults to relax, put more focus into their hobbies, spend time with family and friends, do house and yard work, learn new skills, stay active or volunteer for a cause they care about, especially for those who are able to partially or fully retire. 

While these benefits of becoming an elder are something for many to look forward to, growing into old age also comes with risks and concerns. Though many midlife adults have at least one chronic health condition, risks of these already existing conditions progressing or developing a new condition increase as one gets into their senior years.

Due to these concerns, especially for those who do have preexisting health conditions or disabilities, it is important to be prepared in the event of an emergency, especially one where the elderly individual in the situation may be incapacitated in some way, whether from an accident, a stroke or an illness that diminishes one’s capacity, like dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This is why establishing a power of attorney well in advance of actually needing one may be a good idea for anyone, especially seniors. 

A durable power of attorney, or DPA, is a legal document that allows a person, called the principal, to designate another person as their agent. In this role, the agent is authorized to handle all of the principal’s financial and legal dealings on their behalf during their lifetime.

Acting under this document, the agent is given the power to buy and sell real estate, refinance mortgages, access bank accounts to pay bills, and speak with creditors, utility companies or lenders on behalf of the principal. 

“A durable power of attorney is often the most valuable tool in an estate plan as it can give someone authority to manage your finances during your life,” says Pamela Martini, an Orlando-based attorney who, along with her team, specializes in elder law, probate and trust law, estate planning and guardianship. 

In the absence of a DPA, no one is given the automatic authority to act on an incapacitated person’s behalf, meaning a court process to establish guardianship is initiated and forcing families through the court proceedings. These court processes eat up time, are invasive to the family and can get very expensive, with attorney fees and other costs generally reaching between $5,000 and $15,000. In the case of a court-appointed guardian, the costs don’t end there, with required representation every year for the rest of the ward’s life, bringing in further fees and costs.

Costs aren’t the only worry in a guardianship case, as there’s a chance that the judge overseeing the case will appoint a professional guardian, a person who is unknown to the person and their family and who is not chosen by anyone but the court.

“They are now in charge of every aspect of your life, so it’s always best to be prepared with the documents, so that if you lose capacity, we’ve already planned for that, and we have the right person in the right role,” says Michelangelo Mortellaro, Esq., founding attorney of Mortellaro Law, which specializes in estate planning, elder law, asset protection and probate law. Mortellaro has also spoken at the Florida Geriatric Society’s Annual Symposium. 

In the best cases, this is an uncomfortable situation to be put in. In the worst cases, guardians can abuse their power to utilize finances and assets in ways that are not to the ward’s benefit.

Ensuring that a guardianship process does not need to be initiated is not the only benefit of having a DPA, as the document, when drafted properly, can also serve as a way to protect one’s assets and get governmental assistance when needed.

Mortellaro emphasizes that for these elements to be properly included in the document, a qualified elder law attorney should be the one drafting it over an estate planning attorney, explaining that DPAs drafted by estate planning lawyers are generally five to 12 pages while those drafted by legal professionals with expertise in elder law are 32 to 35 pages. 

“Elder law attorneys include asset protection and elder law language in their power of attorney documents that, at least in Florida, will allow you to obtain government benefits, such as Medicaid long-term care coverage, and let the government pay for home care, assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing, while allowing you to avoid the default Medicaid rules, which are that you spend all of your assets down to below $2,000,” says Mortellaro, going on to explain that his firm has done cases where individuals have had up to $12 million in assets that did not have to be spent down with the inclusion of the correct language. 

It’s important for a lawyer to guide the process, as all documents need to be drafted in accordance with state law in order to be effective.

“In Florida, the controlling law is Chapter 709 of the Florida Statutes. The attorney will explain which powers can legally be delegated. Without proper drafting, a DPA may fail when it is needed most,” says Carolyn Sawyer, a member of the Senior Resource Alliance Advisory Council and retired elder law attorney. 

Having a power of attorney in place in case of incapacitation is not only beneficial for ensuring legal and financial matters are squared away, but also for ensuring that medical questions and treatments are able to be handled as the person would wish. 

“We would all like for our aging relatives to always be with us mentally and physically, but unfortunately there come times when it doesn’t happen that way. We would like to know what their medical wishes and concerns are, and by having that power of attorney, that is already established before things take a turn for the worst, and their wishes could be taken care of, no matter what happens,” says Dr. Reo Peniston, chief of family medicine at Community Health Centers.

In addition, having a health care power of attorney in place can ensure care is given swiftly and arguments don’t arise among family members over major decisions about medical interventions like resuscitation and intubation if a medical condition progresses far enough.

“In the health care environment, when you do not have a health care power of attorney and life decisions need to be made, there can be things like family conflicts. Medical decisions can get delayed, which means treatment gets delayed,” explains Dr. Chirag Panchal of Orlando Health. 

Though it is important to establish a health care power of attorney, Florida has a default system that allows a person’s family to make those major decisions without going through the court process required for other financial and legal decisions. 

“If you don’t want your family making those decisions, if you’ve had a falling out with your kids … it’s critical to have powers of attorney. Otherwise, people that you don’t want to be making decisions for you may be doing it,” says attorney Randy Bryan of Hoyt & Bryan, LLC. 

Professionals in both the legal and medical fields agree that there are certain criteria that anyone being considered to take on the role of one’s power of attorney should follow. 

Honesty, reliability and the ability to make difficult decisions under stressful circumstances are all important traits for any agent to possess. 

“You must choose someone who you absolutely trust to manage your affairs on your behalf and not someone who would engage in exploitation or act outside the authority you have granted them. … When you execute a durable power of attorney in Florida, it is effective immediately, meaning that if your designated agent has the DPOA document, they can use it to access your accounts, even if you are not incapacitated. This is why you must designate a trustworthy party and remember that the authority can be revoked if any concerns arise,” says Martini. 

In addition to trustworthiness, the skills to properly execute financial and legal matters on the principal’s behalf are important.

“It is also wise to consider family relationships and potential sources of conflict. An attorney can help you think through these issues and select the person best suited for the role,” says Sawyer.

Additionally, a person’s health care power of attorney and DPA for legal and financial concerns can be different people.

“The decisions are very, very different for the two powers, and it’s not unusual for somebody to say, ‘I want this group of people over here to make my medical decision, but I prefer to have a different lineup or legal and financial stand for decisions,’” says Bryan. 

Power of attorney is not the only document available to those looking to ensure that all of their estate planning boxes are ticked. As the authority bestowed by a DPA ends with the death of the principal, for any matters that need to be taken care of post mortem, a last will and testament is needed. 

A revocable living trust is a document that gives a person of the principal’s choosing the responsibility for managing property at the principal’s direction during their life, as well as being able to execute the person’s wishes for their estate after death as well, distributing trust property to beneficiaries or managing the property for the benefit of said beneficiaries.

All of these documents require the proper professional care in their drafting, as they are important tools for estate planning and protecting one’s wishes before and after death.

“It’s about protecting your future voice,” says Dr. Panchal. 

Sidebar: Signs of Decline
One of the most commonly accepted parts of getting older is slowing down, both in the physical and mental aspects of life. Part of this is the choice of some seniors, but some of it is necessitated due to physical or mental limitations that can accompany aging in some individuals.

While it is generally accepted that some mental lapses come with growing into old age, it is important not to take that fact for granted, as some actions and behaviors that are often written off as a loved one simply getting older can be signs of cognitive decline that signal a larger overall neurological health concern.

“It’s just a matter of making sure we know the difference in just simple things that come with aging versus is this part of the cognitive decline, and that’s when we start doing examinations and tests and stuff like that,” says Dr. Reo Peniston, chief of family medicine at Community Health Centers. 

One early sign of cognitive decline is forgetfulness, especially if that forgetfulness is unusual for them or if it’s a pattern. Common initial indicators of this are bills going unpaid or appointments being missed, asking repetitive questions or telling the same story over and over again.

“While occasional forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, consistent or worsening changes should be evaluated,” says Karla Radka, president and CEO of the Senior Resource Alliance.

Simple forgetfulness can be a signal of decline that may degenerate as time goes on. Symptoms can become more concerning, like trouble planning and problem solving, difficulty finding the correct words, identifying objects, completing familiar tasks or getting lost while driving or walking around their own neighborhoods. Mood swings, isolation, depression, anxiety or other changes in behavior or temperament can also indicate that seeing a doctor would be wise.

While all of these can warn of cognitive decline, that is not the only possible cause, and it is important to rule out other conditions with a trip to their primary care doctor.

“There are several things that can look like dementia, but aren’t. So you don’t want to just hop to the worst-case scenario, and [instead] get that person checked out,” says Robin Rountree, director of communications and marketing for the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. 

If all other possible conditions are ruled out and some form of cognitive decline or dementia is the culprit, the next step is a referral to a dementia specialist, who can look for signs of neurodegenerative disease. 

“Alzheimer’s starts with mild changes in cognition, which progress over time (months to years). We now see that the earlier they are diagnosed the more options for treatment someone can have,” says Dr. Valeria Baldivieso of AdventHealth’s Neuroscience Institute. 

If the symptoms of decline are impacting the senior’s daily life, particularly if they are being endangered in any way such as through wandering or becoming disoriented, professional memory care is strongly recommended.

Mary Travis, PhD., of Travis Psycho Educational Services Inc., emphasizes the importance of getting memory care early, so that paranoia doesn’t arise in the individual and makes it more difficult to get them the help they need.

“At the earliest sign, like before it seems to be a problem, maybe just forgetting words and all that, have the conversation early. Because if you wait, people are going to become quite defensive. And if they get far enough along, they’re going to believe that you’re trying to kill them and take their money,” says Travis.

Memory care takes many forms. In early stages of any form of dementia or cognitive condition, care mostly takes the form of preventing further decline. Prevention and memory care in this stage can include medications to help slow the decline, as well as lifestyle changes that promote brain health.

“This is part of an all-encompassing approach to health. What’s good for your heart can be good for your brain, regular physical exercise, good social engagement within the community around you, mental stimulation. Screens in general, they’re more passive. I encourage people to read books, encourage people to do puzzles, whether that’s crossword puzzles or Sudoku puzzles, or even jigsaw puzzles, something that stimulates the mind. Learning a new skill or language, you’re never too old and you’re never too young,” says Dr. Chirag Panchal of Orlando Health. 

While all of these things can help to partially prevent a senior’s mind from slipping further, if these measures prove ineffective and the decline progresses, more comprehensive memory care like assisted living can help specifically to increase safety and aid the senior in the specific ways they may need. 

“Reach out for help before you think you need it. A lot of times our ego gets in the way and we think we can handle this. But if you’re dealing with a dementia-related illness, you really need a ton of support,” says Rountree.