North State Parent magazine

A MAGAZINE SERVING FAMILIES IN BUTTE, GLENN, SHASTA, SISKIYOU & TEHAMA COUNTIES SINCE 1993

Jennifer Arnold

Jennifer Arnold

Shasta County author Jennifer Arnold is the mom of four, two of whom have been diagnosed with multiple special needs. She hopes to raise awareness of many issues that parents of special needs children face on a regular basis.

Author Archive

Matthew is pictured here with students from The YMCA's Diverse Abilities Program.

Summer Programs for Kids with Diverse Abilities Allow Them to Thrive

Summer can be a challenging time for parents of children with special needs. While other families plan vacations and days at the beach, parents of children with special needs are […]

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Adult Supervision: A Must To Prevent Drowning

As the weather warms up across the North State, families begin flocking to our lakes and rivers to enjoy boating, waterskiing, and swimming. And, with scorching summer temperatures typical in […]

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For Parents of NICU Babies, the Risk of Developing PTSD is Real

The emotional stress that parents experience when they have a child in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can last long after their baby is discharged. Years later, certain sounds, […]

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Mental Health Issues in Kids – Signs & How to Ask for Help

Roughly 7.7 million children in the United States live with at least one mental health disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety, Depression, and behavioral disorders such as Oppositional Defiant […]

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What to Do if Your Child’s IEP Isn’t Being Followed

If you are a parent of a child with special needs, you most likely know what an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, […]

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How to Talk to Young Kids About Disabilities and Differences

For many parents, the first time their child asks about or points out a person with a disability in public is an awkward experience. Even if the child already has […]

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Chico Down Syndrome Connection: Support and Empowerment For Local Families

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness day that the United Nations has officially observed since 2012. Each year, about 6,000 babies in the United States are […]

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Teen Clubs — Life Skills and Learning Beyond the Classroom

Parents with pre-teens and teenagers, know that extracurricular activities and clubs look good on college applications, and at the same time, they can offer valuable life skills and learning experiences […]

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Rare Genes Day – Raising Awareness in the North State

Rare Disease Day — also known as Rare Genes Day — is a globally coordinated movement that takes place around the last day of February, and will be celebrated with […]

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Local Art Stores Offer Inspiration, Knowledge and Quality

Visiting an art supply shop can feel a little like being a kid in a candy store for artists and art lovers. With everything from rich pastels, delicate watercolors and […]

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Art Therapy – A Healthy, Creative Outlet for Kids with Special Needs

Art has been used for decades as an outlet to provide relief from stress and anxiety for people of all ages and abilities. It has also been shown to improve […]

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What to Know When Choosing Gifts for Kids with Special Needs

Finding the perfect holiday gift for the people in your life can be a challenge, and finding something for a child with special needs is no exception. While all kids […]

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