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

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What to Pack in a “To-Go” Hospital Bag in Case of an Emergency

If you’re the parent of a medically complex child, you’re probably used to the unexpected. It’s crucial, especially with everything happening with COVID-19, to prepare for anything, including a medical […]

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Dealing with Unsolicited Advice When Raising Kids with Disabilities

If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve gotten unsolicited advice from family, friends, and even strangers. If you’re raising a child with special needs, you’ve probably had people chime in […]

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Unschooling Can Be a Good Fit for Neurodiverse Kids

For many kids, navigating the school environment is a challenge. And, for kids who don’t learn the same way as their peers, the structure and expectations can be especially taxing. […]

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Red Bluff Splash Park Project: Fundraising Is Underway Again

After being virtually on pause for more than a year, fundraising events for the Red Bluff Splash Park Project are underway again and building momentum. The project that has been […]

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Summer Road Trip Tips for Families with Medically Complex or Neurodivergent Kids

School is out, which means many families will take advantage of this time to plan getaways. Traveling with young kids is always an adventure, but traveling with medically complex kids, […]

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 […]