Parent & Pro Picks
Search by Topic
- Child Development and Preventative Care Resources
- Developmental Disability Resources
- Diabetes and Endocrine Resources
- Financial Support
- Financial Support Resources
- Gastrointestinal Resources
- Grief Support
- Hospice Resources
- Housing/Transportation Resources
- Informational Resources
- Legal Support
- Neonatal and Premature Birth Resources
- Neurological Condition Resources
- Orthopedic and Mobility Impairment Resources
- Palliative Care Resources
- Pediatric Cancer
- Rare Disease Resources
- Recreation/Wish-Granting Resources
- Sibling Support
- Special Education Resources
- Transplant Patient Resources
Spreading Hope, Love & Joy
The Valentine Project (TVP) began with a mission to spread love, hope, and joy to children and families affected by pediatric cancer and chronic illness. On Valentine’s Day and throughout the year personalized cards and care packages are delivered to children across the country. Each gesture serves as a reminder that even during the toughest times, there is a community that cares.
Supporting Your Child’s Early Development
Hospitalization during infancy and early childhood can lead to delays in normal development. If your child required a lengthy hospital stay at birth or soon after, they may benefit from early intervention support to help them reach physical and cognitive milestones. A mother and former elementary educator shares her story along with resources that can help you find support for your child’s developmental needs.
Medical Identification Accessories
A medical identification or medical alert accessory can be a life saver in an emergency. If you or a loved one has a severe allergy, medical condition, disability or special need, adding a medical identification accessory to your daily outfit can alert emergency or medical professionals before they provide care.
Medical Housing: Resources & Support
If your child is undergoing treatment for a serious medical condition, you and other members of your family may be eligible to stay close to the hospital or facility where your child is receiving care. The resources in this guide are a great place to start if you are preparing for a hospital stay, a long course of treatment, or if your child has an emergent medical need far from home.
Pediatric Hospice: Empowering Children & Families
Deciding when and how to engage with pediatric hospice services can be overwhelming. This guide, written by a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and grief counselor, includes resources that you may find helpful if your child’s medical team has mentioned hospice as a possible next step in your child’s care.
Healthy Handwashing: Tips from a Nurse
Handwashing is so essential to preventing the spread of infection that it is one of the first skills taught and tested in nursing school. If your child is hospitalized, then you are a vital member of their healthcare team. One important role you can play is keeping the germs at bay through frequent and proper handwashing, using the tips and techniques in this guide.
Parenting a Child with Special Needs: Diagnosis & Infancy
Caring for an infant is challenging enough without the added obstacles brought on by a diagnosis like spina bifida. Hillary Heaton shares her tips as a mom providing daily care to a child with special needs during her first year of life.
Candy, Sweets and Halloween Treats: Common Side Effects of Pediatric Cancer
Cancer treatment often comes with many unfortunate side effects. On special days like Halloween, where candy and treats take center stage, food-related side effects can make a child who is battling cancer feel left out at an already challenging time. With a little forethought, and some simple modifications and tricks you can help make sure that Halloween is a treat for all!
Attending School with Cancer
For school-aged children, cancer treatment can mean time away from the classroom and missing out on vital educational and social experiences. Thankfully, there are many organizations and tools available to help your child stay connected and engaged in academics during their cancer fight.
Parenting in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)
Kelli Argento never thought she would be a “PICU Parent,” but when her son Ryder was unexpectedly born with a congenital heart defect, that’s exactly what she became. During his young life Ryder has had multiple heart surgeries that have required him to spend more than 100 days recovering in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Kelli shares her wisdom, tips, and resources for parents who may be facing a long hospital stay with a critically ill child.
Representation Matters: Inclusive Play Resources for Children with Special Needs
“Positive representation matters. To see yourself reflected by huge toy brands like Playmobil and Lego is about more than just a toy. It’s about these brands sending out a powerful message that everyone should be included and celebrated, not just able-bodied people. If we leave disability out of the toy box what does that teach kids in real life? That it’s OK to exclude?” - ToyLikeMe
This resource feature highlights the importance of disability representation during play, and offers suggestions to help make your child’s toy box more inclusive.