Parenting Support | Exceptional Lives
Our Blog: Advice & Support for Parents & Educators
The key to improving your child’s experience in school? Parent-teacher relationships
February 16, 2026
For some children with disabilities, interactions with teachers and staff can be difficult. Watch this quick video from school counselor John-Pierre LaFleur to find out how building parent-teacher relationships can help.
How to be a great advocate for your child with disabilities
February 9, 2026
Learn how to be a great advocate for your child with these 5 practical tips that will help you navigate the Special Education system.
What is self-regulation and how can it help me be a better parent?
October 14, 2025
If you’re parenting a child with a disability, you’ve probably seen the term self-regulation. But what is self-regulation? And how can improving your ability to self-regulate help you be a better parent?
Early Childhood FAQ: What happens when my child with a disability turns 3?
July 11, 2025
Learn what happens when your child with a disability turns 3 and whether they are eligible for services.
How do I cope with my child’s new diagnosis?
July 10, 2025
When you learn your child has a new disability diagnosis, how do you cope? It’s a big moment. Here are some tips to help you move forward.
Support for parents of a child with mental illness: 3 ways to be a great friend
May 7, 2025
When kids struggle, their parents do too. Support for parents of a child with mental illness matters. Here are 3 ways to be a great friend.
Exceptional Lives Disability Services Finder
January 21, 2025
Exceptional Lives’ Disabilities Services Finder is a free tool to help you find a provider in your area based on your child’s disability.
How you can support parents of a child with disabilities: holiday edition
November 26, 2024
Six ways to support parents of a child with disabilities at your holiday gatherings.
Early Childhood FAQ: How to get an IEP for a very young child
October 15, 2024
Watch this quick video to learn how to get an IEP for a very young child with disabilities or developmental delays.
Early Childhood FAQ: Why does my child need a special education evaluation?
September 17, 2024
Wondering why your child needs a Special Education evaluation? Watch this short video to learn why an evaluation from the school is important.
How to be a great health care advocate for your medically complex kid with Julia Roberts
July 3, 2024
Do you know how to be a great health care advocate for your medically complex kid? Do you know how to do it while also keeping yourself in one piece? Christina gets helpful information and insight from Julia Roberts, parent and long-time advocate extraordinaire, in this week's episode.
Taking pride on Autistic Pride Day: an invitation to celebrate joy with my autistic family
June 18, 2024
I’m taking pride on Autistic Pride Day. Learn about my and my child’s diagnosis, how we build community, and why autistic brains are great.
Early Childhood FAQ: What if my baby is behind on milestones?
June 11, 2024
What if my baby is behind on milestones? Learn ways to identify delays and be proactive in getting the support you need for your child.
Teaching problem-solving to kids
June 4, 2024
Teaching problem-solving skills to kids is hard. But with the right scaffolding, you can build their confidence and independence.
Re-Release: The importance of sleep in early childhood with Dr. Nilong Vyas
March 26, 2024
In this re-release listen to Christina and Dr. Nilong Vyas talk about the importance of sleep in early childhood.
Plain language examples before and after: Great communication with your Special Ed families
January 23, 2024
Watch this short video of plain language examples to improve your plain language skills and build trust with families in your district.
Feeling holiday parent stress? We are too. Here’s how managing your devices better can help.
December 28, 2023
You know that ‘bored’ feeling? No? You’re a parent. You're never bored. These days, our devices are a source of constant entertainment, information, and connection - but they can also increase our stress and take us away from our kids (even when we’re with them). Here’s the antidote. Narrated by Christina Kozik; Written by Julie…
Managing overstimulation during the holidays
December 19, 2023
Let’s talk about overstimulation, especially during the holidays. All of our kids - no, wait. This one is about how to manage when the ADULTS get overstimulated. Here are 4 tips that have helped me a lot. Narrated and written by Christina Kozik
Parenting mantras for the holidays
December 14, 2023
Extra stressed during the holidays? We are too. Here are some of our favorite parenting mantras to add to your phone's lock screen or a sticky note on a mirror. Repeat after me...
Self-care for parents of medically complex children: Tips from a seasoned mom
December 5, 2023
If you're parenting medically complex kids, how do you take care of yourself even when it seems impossible? Julia Roberts, a parent and long-time advocate, shares her hard-earned wisdom.