Other things may change, but we all start and end with family. | Issue 4, Spring 2018

Support for Families Looks Different for Everyone

Finding another parent to share ideas with about parenting a child under 3 years old can be difficult, especially when you have a child working on improving a developmental delay. Sometimes it feels like everyone you know has a little one that is meeting milestones and not dealing with a lifelong diagnosis. In the meantime, you would like to talk with someone who knows what it feels like to have a little one with a language or motor delay or a diagnosis that is life changing. There are many options available that may provide support making Early Intervention and transitioning to school seem less scary.

Support for families with young children with developmental delays looks different for each family. Social media can be your friend if you are comfortable weeding out the good from the bad. Maybe you would enjoy a delicious grown up dinner with other parents or a family friendly outing where you can talk about life raising your child, treatment plans, and celebrate special milestones. A group that sits in a circle and shares experiences may be just right for you. Meeting with a specific group that knows exactly what it is like to have a child with the same diagnosis or delay as your child, may provide much needed support. Connecting with a family of a child with a similar diagnosis to create a meaningful relationship is another option. If reading about other’s experiences is helpful, check out what your library and the Early Intervention Clearinghouse have to offer by searching 'special needs children'.

Finding the right support for you, can make the parenting journey a little less challenging. If you are looking for support, the following information can help you navigate available options. You are welcome to contact me to find a support group, meet a family in Early Intervention, ask for guidance if starting a support group, or just talk about your concerns. 

Melissa Carnes
Early Intervention Parent Liaison
MCarnes@lakecountyil.gov
(847) 377-8923

Find the Right Support for You

Center for Parent Information & Resources
The Parent to Parent Program; Parent Groups on Specific Disabilities 

Lake County Parent/Mom Groups
Find a listing of local support groups on Little Lake County.

Moms of Kids with Special Needs Northern Suburbs
An Early Intervention graduate’s mom started this group for parent/mom outings and family events.

10 Reasons Special Needs Parents Should Join a Support Group
One of the best reasons: Sharing experiences, programs and doctors saves valuable research time for parents.

Tips to Start a Parent Support Group
If you can’t find a parent support group that meets your needs, find advice and tips to start your own. Contact the Parent Liaison for guidance if you are interested in starting a support group.

7 Tips for making the Most of Online Support Groups
Our favorite tip: Respond mindfully.

Early Intervention Clearinghouse
Free lending library. Call (877) 275-3227 for information.

Early Intervention Play Groups
Look for emails and newsletters from Parent Liaison with upcoming Early Intervention Playgroups.

"The Greatest Happiness is Family Happiness."

- Joyce Brothers

Things to Know and Places to Go Brookfield Zoo Sensory-Friendly Family Room The Sensory-Friendly Family Room has soft toys, social stories, visual schedules, and an inclusion resource center.  Chicago Parent Online Un-annoying, useful, and to-the-point—that's the goal of Chicago Parent’s email newsletters. They know your time is valuable, so they are bringing the best of ChicagoParent.com to you, delivered right to your inbox.   Chuck E. Cheese Chuck E. Cheese offers a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Lights are dimmed, Chuck E. makes limited appearances and the show and music are turned off.  Parents can bring snacks for children due to dietary needs. Local locations include: Arlington Heights - 41 W. Rand Road, (847) 577-8801 Vernon Hills - 700 N. Milwaukee Avenue, (847) 327-9122 Gym Spot for Gymnastics 915 Tower Road, Mundelein, (847) 949-7768  Gym Spot offers a staff supervised open gym for you and your little one on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to Noon. Non-members $7 per child. Ages 12 months to Kindergarten. Caregivers must stay with child.

Author Spotlight: Denise Brodey

Author Denise Brodey and other parents share their personal stories of the highs and lows of parenting children with special needs in The Elephant in the Playroom.

Invitation to Early Intervention Playgroups

If you are interested in attending an Early Intervention Playgroup, please RSVP to Melissa Carnes at (847) 377-8923 or MCarnes@lakecountyil.gov.

The Treehouse in Deerfield
Date: Thursday, April 12
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Private Play for EI Families)
Address: 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield
Phone: (847) 945-0650
Details: Climb and play in the imaginative indoor playground. $2 per child.

Pediatric Interactions
Date: Monday, April 23
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Private Play for EI Families)
Address: 649 Barron Boulevard, Grayslake
Phone: (847) 223-7433
Details: Have fun playing with toys for small and large muscle development. FREE.

The Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
Date: Saturday, May 12
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. (Private Activity for EI Families)
Address: 21850 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods
Phone: (224) 633-2424
Details: Indoor story time and family trail walk on a stroller friendly path. FREE.

Zion Park District
Date: Saturday, June 2
Time: 10:30 - 12:00 a.m.
Address: 240 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion
Phone: (847) 746-5500
Details: Come and play with the indoor Imagination Playground and more! FREE.