6 Resources Helping Parents Do Right By Their Kids

Parenting isn't easy. Children are often juggling schoolwork on top of personal challenges such as learning differences, bullying, or medical issues. Thankfully, many people and organizations exist to aid caretakers by providing unique resources, advice, and community. This list, in no particular order, identifies several resources supporting parents to ensure their little ones have the best childhood possible.

For #1, we present the Parents' Place of Maryland. Based in Glen Burnie, it offers a variety of programs and services that support families of children with disabilities and special health care needs. The organization's Training and Information Center helps caregivers understand and navigate the special education system, and provides them with the information and tools they need to be informed and active participants in their child's education. All services are provided to parents and families at no cost.

The organization's LEADers parent program is designed to develop leadership skills among caregivers of children with disabilities and other special needs. It is meant to appeal to various adult learning styles, and includes traditional workshops, webinars, experiential learning, mentoring, and independent study. The Parents' Place also has the Family-to-Family Health Information Center, which provides resources about medical care.

Coming in at #2, we have Sarah Hamaker, a certified leadership parenting coach. She produces numerous publications and has authored a book, Ending Sibling Rivalry, that is meant to teach kids conflict resolution and how to get along with others. Hamaker's podcast covers a range of parenting topics and ideas, such as the power of play and gratitude journaling.

Hamaker uses two models in her coaching, which include principles from the National Center for Biblical Parenting. It is considered a traditional approach to child-rearing, focused on raising self-reliant, self-confident, and respectful young adults. Hamaker can be booked for private mentoring sessions or group work.

The #3 entry is Rattles & Heels, the 2015 Black Weblog Award winner for Best Parenting Blog. Creator Adanna has been featured in many media outlets, including BuzzFeed Life, Essence, and elsewhere. She was also a featured guest on a Huffington Post parents panel about mom-shaming.

The site features a diversity of content for mothers, with articles including Signs and Symptoms of Eczema Every Parent Should Know, and Screen-free Activities to Keep Kids Busy While You Work. For parents who homeschool, Rattles & Heels has a wide variety of workbooks and other lesson-planning materials.

Next up, at #4, we have Positive Parenting, a program in Malaysia assisting caregivers with child-rearing. Created by the Malaysian Pediatric Association, it aims to bridge the gap between the nation's healthcare professionals and parents, providing unbiased, accurate, and practical information.

The organization's quarterly Positive Parenting Guide features articles on maternal health, baby and child medical care, nutrition, and family wellness. It is available free of charge to parents through a network of health professionals in pediatric and maternity clinics and hospitals throughout the country.

At #5 is Your Teen Media. This magazine, which is available in print or online, is a source for parents seeking information and advice about raising teenagers. Articles include 4 Study Hacks from Good Students Who Don’t Like to Study, What Parents Need to Know About Teen Dating Violence, and Discussing The Difference Between Sadness and Depression.

Your Teen offers mini-courses for parents wishing to delve deep into one subject, such as how to help a disorganized student learn executive function skills, or how to get a kid to break their gaming habit. The publication has been featured in various media outlets, such as the College Scoops Podcast and CBS This Morning.

Last but not least, at #6, we present With Understanding Comes Calm, a consultancy offering advice and strategies to parents of gifted and distractible children, also known as 2e kids. Founder Julie Skolnick is the parent of three twice exceptional little ones, and serves as Secretary to the Maryland Superintendent's Gifted and Talented Advisory Council.

With Understanding Comes Calm can be booked for consultations with parents or 2e adults. Educators who have twice exceptional students in their classroom can book workshops to understand these kids better, as well as to create appropriate lesson plans for them.