C.A.R.E. Coffee Meet-Up | 1.22.25
C.A.R.E. Coffee Meet-Up | 1.22.25
Parenting children with unique needs comes with a profound mix of challenges and triumphs. For those of us navigating this journey, connecting with other parents who "get it" is invaluable. When parents of children with unique profiles gather, there's an immediate sense of mutual respect. We value each other's experiences and need each other's insights. The conversations are rich with empathy, problem-solving, and validation. As hard as it is to carve out time to connect, it’s even harder not to feel heard in our daily lives—making these moments together so much more impactful.
Getting to know each other and our kids was (and will continue to be) the foundation of our meeting. Each of us shared a quick overview of our journey, something we’ve learned to do out of necessity. But here, our abbreviated stories were received differently. Parents in this community listen intently, ask thoughtful questions, and acknowledge the sheer amount of time, energy, and love we pour into supporting our children.
Why Connection Matters
Talking openly about our children—their strengths, struggles, and everything in between—is cathartic. For many, it’s been a long time since we’ve voiced our feelings and frustrations aloud without fear of judgment. This vulnerability is a powerful step toward forming genuine connections and building a supportive network. We realized that truly supporting one another means understanding not just the parents, but the children as well. Beyond the IEP and 60 second overview, we want to understand their brains and hearts.
Building a Community of Support
So how do we take these conversations and turn them into meaningful action?
Pairing Children for Friendships: By getting to know each other and our kids, we can foster friendships that are supportive and meaningful.
Collaborating on Goals: Working together, we can help achieve IEP and therapy goals in a natural, community-based way.
Sharing Resources: From carpooling to forming teams, clubs, and tutoring groups, we can lighten the load and create enriching experiences for our kids.
- Code Ninjas (Franklin): The Terrell family tried a free class and loved it. They even chatted with the owner, who hopes to create a community center vibe for these kids. If more friends want to register for a class or camp, we could carpool and work on social skills and new routines together!
- Little League Challengers Baseball - Spring (Nolensville Youth Athletics): Two PPE friends have already registered. No practices, unless you want them. Games are on Saturdays and inclusive of all abilities.
- Autcraft: This unique Minecraft server was created by Stuart Duncan, who has autism and a child with autism. Administered by adults with direct ties to autism, it’s a safe, inclusive space where kids can connect and grow.
- RA or Read Aloud Accommodations: A helpful resource for understanding accommodations for children who benefit from auditory learning.
- Visual Timer: The ROYGBIV version is especially useful for teaching time management, as it’s not limited to just a "red zone" warning.
Conversations That Matter
At this meeting, the topics ranged widely: struggles with lunchroom noise, the challenges of knowing if accommodations are happening, navigating summer camps, middle school transitions, and more. We shared favorite therapists and evaluations, lessons learned, and celebrated the many teachers who have changed our lives.
We also discussed the grit, perseverance, and innovative thinking that parenting a child with disabilities demands. It’s in these quiet reflections—after the meeting, when the ideas are still spinning—that we realize how much strength we’ve developed as a community.
Moving Forward Together (THIS IS THE PART YOU JOIN:)) .
What’s next? There’s no single answer, but many possibilities. By playing together, dining together, and working together, we can make life richer and more manageable for our families. But it all starts with communication and relationships.
We invite you to join us for future meet-ups, host a gathering, or share virtually while we are on our journey. Let’s continue to share, support, and grow together.
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