May: Planning for Summer Success

Making Room for Rest, Joy, and Sensory-Friendly Adventures 🌞💛

Hey friends,

May is here—and for many of us special needs parents, that means the pressure of planning a “successful summer” is knocking on our already full plates. Whether it’s figuring out childcare, routines, or how to navigate travel with sensory sensitivities, the mental load is real. 😅 Let’s take a deep breath together. 🧘‍♀️ Summer doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to work for your family. That might look like choosing the right camp, creating flexible routines, or saying no to that 4th of July BBQ because fireworks are a hard no for your child (I see you!).  🎇🚫

As a special needs coach and mama to a child with complex needs, I know firsthand that planning ahead—and planning with intention—makes all the difference. This month, let’s lean into preparedness over perfection, flexibility over pressure, and presence over performance.

🌞 What a Sensory-Friendly Summer Can Look Like

Every family’s summer will look a little different—and that’s the beauty of it. Here are a few ways you can prep with purpose:

✔ Plan for the Transitions: Shifting out of school routines can be hard. Visual schedules, countdowns, and keeping some consistent daily anchors (like breakfast, quiet time, or evening walks) can help ground your child.

✔ Choose Camps or Activities That Fit: Look for programs that understand sensory processing and neurodiversity. Ask questions. Advocate. You’re not being “extra”—you’re being prepared.

✔ Pack Smart for Travel: Whether it’s a weekend trip or a staycation, having a go-to bag with noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, comfort items, and snacks can be a lifesaver. I’ve put together a Sensory-Friendly Travel & Activity Checklist you can download here:

📥[Download Summer Checklist]

💛 Logan’s Summer Prep: Finding Our Rhythm & Celebrating Progress

We’re easing into summer with intention—not perfection.

Around here, that means letting go of the Pinterest-worthy plans and leaning into what actually works for our family. And for Logan, that’s a blend of structure, sensory-friendly moments, and space to just be.

Logan thrives when he knows what’s coming, so we’ve been preparing for summer by focusing on routine, communication, and giving him choices. Some of the things we’re doing right now include:

✨ A simple visual summer calendar to help him feel more in control of his days

✨ A “calm kit”— a favorite fidget, blanket and his comfort item—so he can handle transitions more easily when we’re on the go

✨ Letting him lead—whether it’s choosing between swimming or a quiet backyard bubble session, he’s learning to express his preferences and we’re following his cues

And friends… he’s showing up in new ways.

🌟 Logan has been initiating more—asking to go outside, requesting certain music, and even pointing to what he wants. That independence is huge.

🌟 He’s starting to use more purposeful language like “all done,” “move please,” and “my turn”—and not just in therapy, but in real-life, meaningful moments.

🌟 His appetite and oral feeding have improved so much that we’re building more independence during mealtime, one bite at a time (we call them “Logan bites” 💪).

The sunshine has been good for him. He’s calmer, more regulated, and smiling more. We still have hard days—because that’s real life—but we’re seeing so much growth and I’m just beyond proud of him.

This summer isn’t about checking all the boxes. It’s about helping Logan feel safe, heard, and empowered in the season we’re in. And so far? He’s leading the way beautifully.

🛠️ Tools & Resources for You

📥Sensory-Friendly Summer Checklist: From travel tips to activity ideas—this is your go-to. [Download Summer Checklist]

📖 My Coaching Practice: I’m working with parents just like you who are trying to navigate IEPs, therapies, meltdowns, and everything in between. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone who “gets it”—you’re not alone. Let’s talk.

📌 Join My Special Needs Parenting Community: This group is packed with support, real talk, and people who genuinely understand the journey.

🌟 Community Spotlight: From Overwhelmed to Empowered

A few weeks ago, I connected with a dad who was feeling lost navigating his son’s IEP process. Meetings felt like a battle, the language was overwhelming, and he wasn’t sure how to advocate without being dismissed.

We worked together on how to show up with confidence—prepping questions, prioritizing goals, and using clear, supportive language. He left our session with a game plan and a renewed sense of purpose.

After the meeting, he emailed me: “For the first time, I felt heard. They actually listened to me.”

💛 That’s the win.

Not just the services or supports—but the shift in how he showed up for his child.

These are the moments that matter. This is why I do what I do.

🌸 Mother’s Day: To Every Special Needs Mom

To the moms doing feedings at midnight 🌙, prepping sensory bins at 6 AM 🧺, researching therapies in between appointments 💻📚, and holding it all together when no one else sees…

I see you. 👀💛

You are not just a mom.

You are a therapist 💬, advocate 🗣, nutritionist 🥦, nurse 🩺, teacher 📖, and fierce protector 🛡 all rolled into one.

And you are doing an incredible job. 🌟

This Mother’s Day, I hope you find a moment—just one—to honor yourself. You deserve that and so much more. 💐💖

🌱 Summer Tip: Take Care of You Too

✔ Don’t over-schedule. 🗓️❌

✔ Make room for quiet. 🤫🧘‍♀️

✔ Say yes to help. 🙋‍♀️💛

✔ Say no without guilt. 🚫😌

✔ You are not responsible for making summer magical—you’re responsible for making it manageable. ✨➡️💼

You’ve got this—and you deserve care too. 💪💖

Thanks for being here, for showing up, and for making space for conversations that matter. Let’s keep learning, growing, and showing the world what acceptance really looks like.

With you every step,

Jennifer Hendricks-Fogg

Certified Special Needs Life Quality Coach

Founder, Logan Strong Foundation

💛 Helping you navigate and advocate.

Taking that first step can be daunting, but it’s also the most crucial. I invite you to join me for a complimentary 30-minute connection call. This session is your opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and see how targeted support can positively impact your family's journey. To schedule your session, please contact me today!

Your journey is unique, and connecting with others who understand can make all the difference. Follow us and join our Facebook group, 'Special Needs Parenting Community,' to connect with a supportive network that shares your experiences. Also, keep an eye out for our upcoming courses and additional services designed to support and empower special needs families.

Together, let's embrace the challenges and triumphs of special needs parenting with confidence and support. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

The content in this newsletter reflects my personal experiences and insights as a special needs parent and empowerment coach. I am not a medical professional, attorney, or licensed therapist. The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals like

medical doctors, therapists, or legal advisors before making decisions based on this content.

Your use of any information from this newsletter is solely at your own risk.