Executive functioning is often described as the brain’s “air traffic control system.” Just as air traffic controllers coordinate planes so they don’t collide, executive functions coordinate mental processes so we can focus, make decisions, and reach goals. The below checklist can help you identify areas of challenge for your child and help start a conversation about options for support.

When parents hear the term executive functioning, it can sound intimidating—like something out of a corporate boardroom. But in reality, executive functioning describes a set of mental skills we all use every day to get things done. These skills help us plan, organize, remember, and control our behavior. For kids with ADHD, executive functioning challenges are often at the heart of their struggles with schoolwork, routines, and daily life.

When your child struggles with reading, it can be both confusing and overwhelming. You may wonder: Why is this so hard for them? Are they just behind, or is there something deeper going on? And perhaps the most important question: How can I help my child succeed? Reading isn’t a single skill. It’s a complex process that involves decoding words, recognizing patterns, using memory, and ultimately understanding meaning. Children can experience reading differences for many differ

When we think about disability, many of us imagine something visible: a child using a wheelchair, a hearing aid, or a mobility support. But the reality is that many disabilities are invisible. They don’t show up at a glance, yet they impact children’s daily lives in profound ways. For parents raising children with invisible disabilities—or navigating them in their own lives—this invisibility can be both a blessing and a challenge.

When parents first hear the word dyslexia, it can stir up a swirl of emotions: worry, confusion, relief at having an explanation, or fear of the unknown. One of the biggest challenges is sorting through all the information—and misinformation—about what dyslexia is and what it means for a child’s future.

When your child is diagnosed with dyslexia, it can feel overwhelming. They may feel different from their classmates or worry that school will always be harder for them. As a parent, one of the most powerful gifts you can give your child is the reassurance that they are not alone—and that many bright, talented, and successful people share their journey. Dyslexia doesn’t define a person’s potential. In fact, some of the world’s most well-known leaders, creators, and innovators

When a child struggles to learn letters, avoids reading, or has difficulty remembering words, parents often wonder: Is this just a normal stage—or could it be something more? Reading differences, like dyslexia, are one of the most common learning differences. The earlier these differences are identified, the sooner children can get the help they need.

This month is dedicated to increasing understanding about dyslexia, which is a specific learning disorder related to reading. Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences that affects children’s ability to read, write, and spell, and yet it’s often misunderstood. The good news is that with the right understanding and supports, children with dyslexia can thrive academically and emotionally.

Each year, International Dysgraphia Day brings awareness to a learning difference that affects countless children and families worldwide. Dysgraphia is often less discussed than dyslexia or ADHD, but it is equally impactful on a child’s school experience, self-esteem, and daily functioning. For parents, understanding the signs of dysgraphia is the first step toward advocacy, early intervention, and helping your child thrive.

The start of a new school year brings fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and the promise of new beginnings. But for many families, the first months of school are also marked by tears at the breakfast table, forgotten homework, or phone calls from teachers. Parents often ask themselves: Is this just part of the back-to-school adjustment—or is my child’s struggle a sign of something deeper?

Parent-teacher conferences are soon approaching. Conferences can feel intimidating, even for the most seasoned parents. Add in the complexities of supporting a neurodivergent child—whether they have ADHD, a learning disability, autism, anxiety, or another unique profile—and those short meetings can feel high-stakes. How do you use the information from psychoeducational testing in a way that truly benefits your child’s school experience?

Every parent wants their child to thrive in school and in life. While we often focus on academics, extracurriculars, or even enrichment activities, there’s one often-overlooked foundation that makes all the difference: healthy sleep, predictable routines, and consistent structure. These three factors create the backbone of a child’s ability to learn, self-regulate, and manage the ups and downs of growing up.

When a child learns differently—whether because of ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety, or another neurodivergent profile—the relationship between home and school becomes even more important. Success is not just about what happens in the classroom, or only about what happens at home. It’s about both environments working together in partnership. For parents of neurodivergent learners, that partnership often hinges on one key skill: strong communication strategies.

Most parents know the scene: your child walks in the door after school, backpack slung over one shoulder, and within minutes they melt down. They might snap at a sibling, burst into tears, refuse to do homework, or collapse into silence. You wonder: What happened? Did something go wrong at school? Did I miss something? Behind this reaction lies a very real experience for kids: the strain of holding it together all day and finally taking off their mask at home.

If you’re the parent or caregiver of a neurodivergent child, you already know that navigating school life can feel like walking through a maze—sometimes with helpful guides, and sometimes with unexpected twists. Teachers, too, are navigating this maze. The truth is, most teachers want to partner with parents in a way that truly supports neurodiversity—but there are practical realities, communication gaps, and misconceptions that can get in the way.

In every classroom, there’s a diverse range of minds at work. Some students learn in conventional ways, while others process information, communicate, and interact with the world differently. These students may be described as neurodivergent. As a teacher, your role isn’t to “normalize” neurodivergent students, but to create an environment where their learning styles, strengths, and challenges are respected and supported.

The start of a new school year is exciting—and often a little overwhelming. There are new teachers, new routines, and new expectations. For many kids, especially those who learn differently or face challenges like ADHD, dyslexia, or anxiety, a new school year also means adjusting to fresh obstacles. As parents, we naturally want to protect our children from struggle. But one of the most powerful tools we can give them is not constant protection—it’s the ability to advocate fo

The first day of school has a special kind of magic. New pencils, new clothes, new teachers, and fresh opportunities for growth are in the air. But alongside the excitement, there’s often a mix of jitters—for both children and parents. Parents across the country share these same emotions every year. The good news is that these feelings are normal, and there are many positive ways to support your child, manage your own emotions, and celebrate the milestone of a new school year

I have been hearing more and more about parents creating a one page “information” or About Me sheet that can be shared with a student’s new teacher in the fall. This sheet is used to introduce the student, their strengths, areas of difficulty, and how to best support them. I haven’t created something like this before but am going to give it a try this year for my early elementary aged student.

The start of a new school year is the perfect time to help your child develop habits and routines that will make the entire year easier and more enjoyable. When kids have good habits, they’re more organized, confident, and less stressed about schoolwork and responsibilities. In this final post, we’ll explore practical, easy-to-implement strategies to build lasting school habits and routines that work for your family.