The Parenting Cipher

In today's episode Genie Dawkins delves into the importance of introducing your child to their new teacher. With the school year in full swing, Genie shares her own routine for creating a strong foundation between parents, teachers, and students. She emphasizes the need for a parent's letter of introduction, outlining key aspects such as a child's strengths, interests, challenges, and support requirements. Genie also explores the significance of setting expectations for the upcoming year and advocating for equitable education for children in special education, especially children of color. Stay tuned as Genie provides a template for crafting your own parent's letter of introduction, empowering both parents and children to have a voice in their.Insight from this episode:Writing a letter of introduction for your child is a helpful tool in conveying their strengths, interests, challenges, and the support they need. It also allows you to share your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming school year.Mentioning specific triggers, such as test anxiety or sensitivity to noise, and suggesting support strategies can help teachers understand and better support your child.Collaboration and communication with the school team, especially during the IEP process, is crucial in advocating for your child's needs and ensuring their progress.Addressing the systemic and educational inequities faced by children, particularly children of color, is important. By setting high expectations and providing the necessary support, parents can help their child succeed despite these challenges.Quotes from the show:"When crafting the parent's letter of introduction, include your child's interests, triggers/challenges, support needed, hobbies/activities outside of school, and your hopes/aspirations for the upcoming year. Setting expectations and advocating for your child is vital, especially for children in special education." - Genie Dawkins"Creating a letter with your child gives them a voice and helps them get used to introducing themselves. It promotes self-advocacy and collaboration between the child, the teacher, and the IEP team." -Genie DawkinsResources MentionedParent-Teacher Collaboration for Child Success KitStay Connected:Genie DawkinsFacebook: Genie DawkinsInstagram: @geniedawkinsLinkedIn: Genie Dawkins The Parenting CipherWebsite: The Parenting CipherTwitter: @ParentingCipherFacebook: @PcipherInstagram: @theparentingcipher

On this episode of The Parenting Cipher, join our host Genie Dawkins as she delves into the exciting topic of summer adventures. In this episode, Genie shares her love for connecting with people and imparting valuable information.Get ready to pack your bags, because Genie is taking her family on a thrilling trip to Disney this summer! But this episode isn't just about the fun and excitement; it's about ensuring that all families, including those with disabilities, can have an unforgettable experience at amusement parks.Genie takes a deep dive into the accessibility options available for families with disabilities at amusement parks, with a special focus on Disney and Universal parks. She explains in detail the disability access service, fast pass/express pass, ride reservation systems, and rider switch pass. Genie also highlights the benefits of early entry and late hours for guests staying on-site, ensuring that families can optimize their time and enjoy the attractions to the fullest.But that's not all – Genie stresses the importance of park maps and apps, especially for families with physical disabilities who may need to plan their routes accordingly. By utilizing these resources, families can navigate the parks more efficiently, making the most of their visit.Tune in to this episode of The Parenting Cipher for an insightful and practical guide to summer adventures at amusement parks. Join Genie Dawkins as she tackles the topic of accessibility with compassion and enthusiasm, ensuring that all families can create lasting memories this summer."Genie DawkinsHost of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins is a single mother of four and has over 25 years of being a parent advocate of special needs children. In addition to obtaining her Certification in Integrative Health Coaching, Lateefa holds an M.S. in Non-Profit Management and a B.S. in Social Sciences. Genie is the best-selling author of two books “Not My Child: Navigating Your Child’s Learning Difficulties with IEP’s and Education Resources” and a recent release “The Joyful Family Planner”. As an educational advocacy specialist, her mission is to help parents achieve a balanced life and overcome inevitable challenges both at school and home in a way that empowers parents and children.Insights from this episodeHow to plan a stress-free amusement park vacation                Available accessibility options for special needs familiesPlanning routes for families with physical disabilitiesResources and LinksDisney Disability Access SystemUniversal Studios Accessibility System

In this special episode of The Parenting Cipher, Tiffany Hamilton from Victor Wear shares her experiences and insights as a mother raising a son with Autism and preparing him for the workforce. Join us during Autism Awareness Month to learn about the challenges faced by differently abled children, as well as practical tips and strategies for preparing them for the workplace. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and support for your own parenting journey.About our guest:Tiffany Hamilton has nearly 20 years of experience working as a marketer for some of the world's biggest brands. And now, she has decided to create a brand of her own - Victor Wear - an inspirational casual wear brand that celebrates victors and amplifies their stories of resilience. Victor Wear's mission is to inspire triumph over obstacles and empower underserved communities to be victorious. . Their ultimate goal is to grow the brand to become a major employer of people with disabilities.Stay Connected:Tiffany HamiltonWebsite: Victor WearFacebook: Victor WearInstagram: @victorwearco

In the latest episode of The Parenting Cipher, explore valuable tools and knowledge to enhance your parenting journey. Gain insights on resources that can support your child's growth and well-being. Discover strategies for navigating discipline, advocating for children with learning disabilities, and managing stress. Education is highlighted as a key factor for personal development and success. Don't miss out on this informative episode! Tune in now to improve your parenting skills.Genie DawkinsHost of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins is a single mother of four and has over 25 years of being a parent advocate of special needs children. In addition to obtaining her Certification in Integrative Health Coaching, Lateefa holds an M.S. in Nonprofit Management and a B.S. in Social Sciences. Genie is the best-selling author of two books “Not My Child: Navigating Your Child’s Learning Difficulties with IEP’s and Education Resources” and a recent release “The Joyful Family Planner”. As a Special Education & Family Lifestyle consultant, her mission is to help parents achieve a balanced life and overcome inevitable challenges both at school and home in a way that empowers parents and children.Stay Connected:The Parenting CipherWebsite: The Parenting CipheriTunes: The Parenting CipherSpotify: The Parenting CipherTwitter: @ParentingCipherFacebook: @PcipherInstagram: @theparentingcipherYoutube: The Parenting Cipher

In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie delved into navigating the holiday season with a child who has different diagnoses that may cause social, auditory or sensory challenges. Genie talks about her own experience of dealing with relatives who don't understand her children's challenges and how she handles expectations of well-behaved children. Genie emphasizes the importance of having conversations with immediate family members and explains how they can help. Genie also shares a personal story of her child's struggle with pivoting plans and social interactions during a visit to his grandmother. Tune in to learn valuable tips for navigating family and friends during the holiday season, especially coming out of COVID, and supporting children with different diagnoses.Genie DawkinsHost of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins is a single mother of four and has over 25 years of being a parent advocate of special needs children. In addition to obtaining her Certification in Integrative Health Coaching, Lateefa holds an M.S. in Nonprofit Management and a B.S. in Social Sciences. Genie is the best-selling author of two books “Not My Child: Navigating Your Child’s Learning Difficulties with IEP’s and Education Resources” and a recent release “The Joyful Family Planner”. As a Special Education & Family Lifestyle consultant, her mission is to help parents achieve a balanced life and overcome inevitable challenges both at school and home in a way that empowers parents and children.Stay Connected:The Parenting CipherWebsite: The Parenting CipheriTunes: The Parenting CipherSpotify: The Parenting CipherTwitter: @ParentingCipherFacebook: @PcipherInstagram: @theparentingcipherYoutube: The Parenting Cipher

In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, join Genie and Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein from Think Dyslexia as they explore Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. If your child has been diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder in reading or writing, this episode is for you. Discover strategies to support your child's progress in school and enhance their reading and writing skills. Don't miss out on this valuable discussion! Tune in now to empower your child's learning journey.About our guest:Dr. Lauren McClenney-RosensteinDr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein’s passion for educating, advocating, and bringing awareness to dyslexia at the domestic and international levels began in the elementary classrooms of private schools serving students with language-based learning disabilities. She has been a certified Special Educator for a decade, and she earned her Doctor of Education in Teaching, Learning, Leadership, & Curriculum in 2019 from Northeastern University and holds a dual master in Special Education and Elementary Education from Syracuse University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Syracuse University. Her dedication to providing the gold standard of instruction to individuals with dyslexia led her to obtain her endorsement at the Associate level through The Orton-Gillingham Academy in 2014.ResourcesThink Dyslexia Youtube ChannelThink Dyslexia Resource StoreStay Connected:Dr. Lauren McClenney-RosensteinWebsite: Think DyslexiaTwitter: @thinkdyslexiaFacebook: Think DyslexiaInstagram: @thinkdyslexia

In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, explore the common issue of relying on school systems to support our children's academic progress. Genie discusses how to determine if your child is truly making progress and provides actionable steps for advocating on behalf of your child. Discover how to ensure your child receives the necessary services to improve their academic performance and boost their self-confidence. Don't miss out on this valuable information. Tune in now! Genie DawkinsHost of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins is a single mother of four and has over 25 years of being a parent advocate of special needs children. In addition to obtaining her Certification in Integrative Health Coaching, Lateefa holds an M.S. in Nonprofit Management and a B.S. in Social Sciences. Genie is the best-selling author of two books “Not My Child: Navigating Your Child’s Learning Difficulties with IEP’s and Education Resources” and a recent release “The Joyful Family Planner”. As a Special Education & Family Lifestyle consultant, her mission is to help parents achieve a balanced life and overcome inevitable challenges both at school and home in a way that empowers parents and children.Stay Connected:The Parenting CipherWebsite: The Parenting CipheriTunes: The Parenting CipherSpotify: The Parenting CipherTwitter: @ParentingCipherFacebook: @PcipherInstagram: @theparentingcipherYoutube: The Parenting CipherTake control of your education and unlock your true potential with our FREE Individual Education Plan eBook!

On this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Leanne Sherred and Genie discuss the importance of addressing speech and language concerns in children. Limited resources in schools may lead to some concerns not qualifying for services, but parents can seek evaluation and care outside of school through resources like Expressable. Trusting your parent gut and advocating for your child's progress is crucial. Tune in for more insights on speech and language development. Don't forget to be your child's voice and check out available resources!About our guest:Leanne Sherred, M.S., CCC-SLP, is the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Clinical Officer of Expressable. She is a practicing clinician with a passion for helping families find accessible, comprehensive speech-language pathology (SLP) services. She has worked on school assessment teams to determine which children qualify for services, while also writing goals to help them succeed. Outside of school, Leanna works hard to ensure that families can access SLP services as needed, so that they don't have to choose between either school services or private care. Her commitment to helping families get the care they need is unwavering.Stay connected:Leanne SherredWebsite: ExpressableFacebook: ExpressableInstagram: @expressablehqDon't miss out on this informative episode of The Parenting Cipher, and be sure to check out their website www.expressable.com for more resources, blog information, and to schedule a free consultation!

In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, the importance of self-care and recognizing the signs of burnout and depression are discussed. Cassandre shares their personal experiences with burnout and how they learned to prioritize their own well-being. The discussion also touches on the cultural pressure to constantly push through and not take breaks, and the importance of having a supportive community around us. Tune in for advice on managing burnout and modeling self-care for our children. Don't forget to take care of yourself!About our guest:Cassandre Dunbar is the host of the Be Well, Sis Podcast. She is a mother, wife, and podcast host who is actively working on recognizing her humanity. After going through a traumatic birth experience with her son, Cassandra suffered from burnout and depression, leading her to seek help from a therapist. With her therapist's help, Cassandra was able to identify her burnout and implement self-care practices to help her cope. Cassandra is now committed to helping other women recognize their humanness and prioritize self-care.Stay Connected:Cassandre DunbarWebsite: Be Well, SisFacebook: bewellsis_podcastInstagram: bewellsis_podcast