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A Message from Mary Anne

Celebrating Dads

Dads play an important role in our families. As a little girl, I saw my Dad as our protector. He'd work more than one job if ne needed to. He also was by my Mom's side in all of the research and extra care needed for my sister, Marcia, who had cerebral palsy. We expected him to be strong for all of us.

As a society, we see dads as sources of strength. They are the providers and protectors of their families. And dads fix things. All of which can leave dads of children with special needs feeling confused and vulnerable because some things can't be easily "fixed".

In honor of Father's Day (this year on June 16 in case you need a reminder), we are pleased to present guests from the Special Fathers Network, a dad-to-dad mentoring program for dads raising children who have special needs, at our June Parent University session. I hope you will join us to talk about the important role fathers of children with special needs play.

In my years of experience working with families, I've leaned some of the ground rules for being a "special father." Here's what I've learned from dads I've known:

1. Dads need time for self-care, too, and be able to express feelings of stress, frustration and fear.
2. Community is crucial. That's why the Special Fathers Network is an important resource for dads.
3. Be a partner with your spouse. Divvy up medical appointments and responsibilities. Give each other leave to occasionally sleep late.
4. Learn to advocate for your child. Parents instinctually know when something isn't "right." Don't hesitate to speak up.
5. Spend quality time with your child. What do they like to do? Listen to music? Dance around the room? Visit the zoo?
6. Give siblings time and space, too. They shouldn't just be known as the sibling of a child with special needs. At the same time, give them tools to be able to advocate for their brother or sister.
7. Plan for the future. This is where we come in. Tax laws, trusts, guardianships - it's all very complicated, and no one can be expected to know it all. Don't go it alone.

Happy Father's Day to all our dads out there!

Yours truly,

Mary Anne Ehlert

President, Protected Tomorrows

"Dads, Dads and More Dads! Father's Day Month at Its Best: The Important Role of Dad in Planning for the Future"

June 13 | 12 - 1 PM CST

Parent University

Our guests from the Special Fathers Network will talk about their experiences. How can dads help identify employment opportunities for their child? How might the Special Fathers Network help you through its personalized mentor/mentee program?

Our guest speakers include:

Mark Cronin - John's Crazy Socks, Long Island

Robert Hendershot - Angel For Higher, Los Angeles

Michael Kohler - Special Kneads & Treats Bakery, Lawrenceville, GA

If you'd like the information, but can’t attend, register, and we’ll provide you with a link to the recorded video after the class. 

For Zoom security, when you register, you’ll receive an email with a link to the class and a passcode, which you’ll be asked to enter when you log on. (To avoid disruption, we'll close the class at 12:05. If you’re late, you'll be able to watch the video later.) 

Registration is required. Click below to sign up!

2024 Parent's University Class 6