As we all try to find our way through massive changes in our lives brought about by COVID-19, my heart goes out to military families and to our Naval Special Warfare families in particular.

As Naval Special Warfare service members defend our country abroad, I can’t help but reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this country. One of the many amazing opportunities we have as Americans is federal law that requires that our children’s educational needs be met.

January has brought an opportunity for reflection and for thinking about the year ahead, and the decade ahead. Here at SEALKIDS, it is amazing to think that about the way it all started 8 and ½ years ago with a mom and her kids talking around a kitchen table. It seems like yesterday…and at times, like a hundred years ago.

This past weekend while most people were holiday shopping, we were celebrating college graduations. Two of our kids walked across the stage, one for an undergraduate degree and the other for his MBA. Both have worked so hard, in school and out, and both took longer than planned to complete their degrees, but it didn’t matter as they received their diplomas. As I sat in the audience I was reminded of how different children are and how they all need different support to achieve their goals.

As a young mom, I remember being told to take a “wait and see” approach as my child struggled through the first three years of elementary school. Yes, the school implemented extra support, but it never made the difference or put him in step with the other children. He started to show signs of depression as school became the place where he was most likely to not succeed. 

Not everyone approaches the start to a new school year with optimism and hope. If your child struggles academically it can be a very stressful time for the whole family. There are a few things you can do to help your child have an amazing year and to alleviate the dread you all may be feeling.

Help us celebrate SEALKIDS' 8th Birthday!

SEALKIDS was honored to throw the first pitch at the June 26th St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Game.

The beginning of summer is a wonderful time of year, but it can feel really hectic. As a parent of special needs children, I understand the crazy pressure of trying to help them end the school year well and on the same level as their classmates…