Welcome to The Parenting Cipher! In this episode, host Genie Dawkins sits down with Nicole Stewart Jones, founder and president of the National Association of Black Micro School Leaders, to uncover how micro schools are transforming education for Black and Brown families. With 18+ years as an educator and administrator—and personal experience as a mom […]
Are You Ready for the 2025 IEP Fight? Are you worried about how 2025 New IEP changes could affect your child’s education? With sweeping policy shifts happening at both federal and state levels, it’s more important than ever to understand what’s changing—and how to protect your child’s rights. In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, […]
Halloween is supposed to be fun — costumes, candy, spooky decorations, and silly excitement everywhere. But for many neurodiverse kids, the holiday can feel like chaos wrapped in glitter and fake spiderwebs. Loud noises, flashing lights, scratchy costumes, crowded sidewalks, and unfamiliar social rules can overwhelm their senses fast. If you’ve ever tried to enjoy […]
Have you ever watched your child struggle with Halloween costumes, loud noises, or unpredictable sights and wondered, “Is Halloween supposed to be this overwhelming for neurodiverse kids?” In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, host Genie Dawkins unpacks the sensory challenges that come with Halloween and offers how to make Halloween sensory-friendly solutions so […]
Are you wondering how to protect your neurodiverse child's education when it feels like the systems designed to support them are unraveling? You're not alone—and The Parenting Cipher is here to help. In this powerful return episode, host Genie Dawkins brings honest reflection and actionable strategies for parents navigating special education in 2025. As a […]
Are you looking for ways to make homework time more enjoyable for your child and turn it into a positive experience for the whole family? This episode is all about transforming the sometimes dreaded homework hour into a celebratory and enjoyable experience for you and your children. We'll be exploring innovative ways to reshape […]
Are you finding it challenging to set and support educational goals for your child? In this episode, Genie Dawkins delves into practical strategies for parents to help their children achieve their academic goals by maintaining clear communication and ensuring they receive necessary accommodations. Episode Summary: In this episode we explore the common challenges parents face […]
Welcome back to "The Parenting Cipher," the podcast where we decode the complexities of parenting, especially for neurodiverse children. I’m your host, Genie Dawkins, and in today’s episode titled “Ensuring School Success: Accommodations, Routines, and Parent Advocacy Tips,” we’re setting our sights on creating a smooth, successful school journey for your child. This episode is […]
