As the school year approaches, getting your home ready for learning can make a huge difference in how smoothly homework and study time go. When kids know exactly where to find their supplies and have a quiet, comfortable space to work, they’re more likely to stay focused and feel confident. In this post, we’ll walk through easy, parent-friendly ways to organize school supplies, create effective homework stations, and set up routines that support your child’s learning all year

Whether you're caring for toddlers or teens, neurotypical or neurodivergent kids, one thing is certain: parents rarely get a break. And that’s why Relaxation Day—celebrated every year on August 15—matters more than ever. This isn’t a post about pampering yourself into oblivion (though that sounds nice too). It’s about redefining relaxation in a way that fits your actual, real-world life. We’ll explore what relaxation can look like as a parent, how to make it more accessible.

Starting a new school year can stir up a lot of emotions for kids—excitement, anxiety, curiosity, even sadness. For parents, it can be hard to watch your child struggle with worries or uncertainty. The good news? With some simple, parent-friendly strategies, you can help your child (and yourself) feel emotionally ready to face the school year with confidence and calm.

The countdown to the new school year has begun. Yes, we know it is only August. While August may still feel like summer, it’s actually the perfect time to start getting your home and daily routines in order—especially if you want to ease the stress of those first few weeks back at school. This post is all about setting up your space, schedule, and mindset so your family can begin the new school year with more calm and less chaos.

If your child struggles when it’s time to leave the playground, switch off the tablet, or get ready for school, you’re not alone. Transitions—those moments when we move from one activity or place to another—can be surprisingly tough for kids, especially those who are neurodivergent. But even neurotypical children can melt down, resist, or shut down when a change is coming.

Mental health is one of the most important aspects of our overall well-being — yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Despite growing awareness, many myths and misconceptions still surround mental health, mental illness, and psychological testing. These myths don’t just spread misinformation — they can actually prevent people from seeking the help they need.

Family road trips can be full of laughter, scenic views, and the occasional fast-food stop for fries and milkshakes. But if you're a parent of a neurodivergent child, you also know that those same road trips can bring a unique set of challenges—especially when it comes to managing sensory sensitivities, changes in routine, or unexpected meltdowns.

Summer can feel like both a breath of fresh air and a whirlwind—especially for neurodivergent families. The routines shift, sensory environments change, and expectations (hello, social gatherings and unstructured time) pile up fast. We’re now at that midpoint—July, the heart of summer. And it’s the perfect time to pause and gently ask: How are we really doing?

Neurodivergence is a spectrum of experiences, and not every child presents in the ways we expect. In fact, many children with neurodivergent brains exhibit signs that are subtle, misinterpreted, or even mistaken for personality quirks.

Parenting a neurodivergent child — whether they’re autistic, have ADHD, a learning difference, or sensory processing challenges — can be a deeply rewarding and complex journey. One of the most common (and emotionally charged) challenges that parents face is knowing how to talk to other parents about their child’s differences.

Summer can be a welcome break from the academic rigors of the school year, but for many parents of neurodivergent children, it’s also a time when routines unravel, attention spans shift, and boredom sets in quickly. While some children might revel in the freedom of long summer days, others—especially those with ADHD, autism, or other neurodevelopmental differences—may struggle with the lack of structure and stimulation.

Summer reading programs can help motivate students of all ages to continue to read over the summer months, while also fostering a lifelong love of books. In Minnesota, where Monarch is based, many libraries and organizations offer enticing rewards—free books, entries in prize drawings, and more! Even though there are only two more months of summer, there is still time to participate in multiple options.

Summer is a time for sunshine, camps, splashy playdates, and making memories. But for some kids—especially those with ADHD or executive functioning differences—social situations can be more stressful than fun. If your child is struggling to connect with others during camp or playdates, you might be wondering: Is this normal? Or is it time to seek more help?

As the school year wraps up, many parents eagerly await their child’s report card, hoping it will offer a clear picture of how their child is doing. Especially for parents of neurodivergent children—those with ADHD, learning differences, autism, anxiety, or other developmental differences—a report card can miss critical areas of growth, struggle, and need. Academic performance is just one piece of the puzzle.

A psychoeducational evaluation is one term to describe an assessment that looks at different areas of your child’s functioning. It can also be called a psychological evaluation, a psychological assessment, and sometimes a neuropsychological evaluation or assessment.

For many families, summer break brings a welcome shift—less homework, no early morning school rush, and more time to relax and reconnect. But for children with neurodivergent needs, such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disorders, or executive functioning differences, the lack of structure that comes with summer can be confusing, overwhelming, and even dysregulating. Creating a neurodiverse-friendly summer routine can help provide predictability.

Summer tutoring and other academic interventions are vital tools in supporting students with learning disabilities, helping them maintain and even enhance their academic skills during the summer months. This can prevent skill loss over the summer and ease the transition back to school in the fall.

Raising emotionally healthy children is no small task, and in today's world, where anxiety, stress, and big emotions show up early and often, parents need every tool they can get. One of the best resources? Books—both for you and your child. Whether you're trying to understand your child's anxiety, help them navigate big feelings, or simply foster emotional resilience, the right book can make a world of difference. In this blog post, we’ll explore must-read books for parents

Mental health is just as important as physical health and this is especially true for students with learning disabilities. These children often face unique challenges in school that can affect their self-esteem, stress levels, and emotional well-being. As a parent, understanding these challenges and knowing how to support your child’s mental health can make a powerful difference in their life.

The truth is, your child’s mental health is just as vital as their physical health. It plays a key role in how they grow, learn, build relationships, and handle life’s inevitable ups and downs. As parents, understanding this connection is one of the most powerful ways we can support our kids—not just during Mental Health Awareness Month, which is this current month, but all year long.