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Being a parent can be a joyful, rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges, particularly for parents of children with special needs. Resolving to set aside even 15 minutes per day to recharge can help you regain focus and control and be the best version of yourself for your kids.

Did you know that too many toys in a child’s play environment can have a negative effect on their development? Having access to fewer toys enhances children’s cognitive and neurological development according to the findings of a study conducted by the University of Toledo and recently published in The Journal of Infant Behavior and Development.

No one realizes before they have kids, how many “what do I do now?” moments are involved in being a parent.  There are so many parenting books that it’s impossible to know what to read (if you have the time and energy to read) and too many people are eager to tell you what your family should be doing. 

A generous grant, honoring the memory of Lawrence “Larry” Sherman, has been made to our Disruptive Behavior Clinic to subsidize children’s assessments funded through Medicaid. Larry was long active with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and has been a strong supporter of JCFS.

JCFS is formulating a support group, Queer Teens Connect, for teens between 15-17 years-old who identify as LGBTQ+. The purpose of this group is to provide a safe and constructive space to explore the issues confronting teens in the context of healthy peer relationships.

For parents of children who are interested in video games, it can be difficult to understand what makes one game harmful and another benign.  How do you know whether to buy a game for your child? Here are a few factors to look out for.  

The JCFS family of services works to strengthen the lives of over 30,000 people in the Chicago area each year. Our support for people with disabilities, career and employment services, therapeutic education and teen outreach strengthens the emotional and economic well-being of children, adults and families. Thanks so much for joining with us in this work.

The JCFS Therapeutic Day School operates on the principle that a therapeutic environment for students requires meaningful participation from everyone, including the students themselves. This year, students from the program took their vision of starting a coffee cart and made it a reality.

As the holidays approach, we sometimes equate the value of a gift with the level of love and caring we have for a particular person, or as a symbol of the gifts of the Magi during Christmas or the gifts to commemorate the miracle of the oil lamps during Hanukah. In a larger context, it is important for parents and caregivers to understand the real meaning, cost and benefits of giving rewards to children and youth in care.

With winter upon us, it's time for snowy day activities, holiday traditions, breaks from school and family visits. But, when your child has a sensory processing disorder it can be challenging to enjoy family traditions and special occasions together. Here are some suggestions to keep your child comfortable, safe and having fun this winter!