26 minute read
Parenting, Media Everything in Between
How Video Games Can Help Special Needs Kids
For kids with special needs, video games can offer opportunities to practice everything from communication skills to organization -- even social interaction -- in a comfortable environment where players set the pace. While games designed specifically for kids with special needs can address certain issues, many mainstream titles can support your kid’s learning. Mainstream games can boost a sense of independence and confidence in kids with special needs, provide the ability to ask for help, and let them challenge themselves. Try these games to help kids with special needs in these four areas:
Communication: Games that use visual storytelling, social modeling, and language patterns can help kids with speaking, listening, and communicating. Learn more about communication challenges.
Overcooked, age 8+, Switch, PlaySta-
tion, Windows, Xbox One: This arcade game about cooking is fast-paced, hilarious, and ridiculous. Designed for same-room co-op play, it relies on players to trust each other and communicate effectively to prepare dishes at an everdizzying pace.
Among Us, age 10+, Windows, iOS,
Android: This action/strategy game set in space has it all: deception, deduction, confusion, and plenty of humor. Designed for a crew of 4 to 10 players, Among Us promotes teamwork, working toward a goal, and helping others under challenging circumstances.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, age 10+, Mac, Oculus Rift, PlayStation, Win-
dows: Kids can learn about problem-solving and teamwork in this bomb-defusing simulation game. Players have to communicate quickly, clearly, and effectively to solve puzzles -- similar to an Escape Room -- so the bomb doesn’t go off.
Motor Skills: Games that encourage movement -- from dancing to sports to drawing to handwriting -- strengthen muscle memory and put a name to an action.
Beat Saber, age 10+, HTC Vive, Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift,
PlayStation VR: In this action-rhythm game designed for virtual reality, players are challenged to use their sci-fi swordlike sabers to attack and dodge flying beats in time with the rhythm of individual music tracks.
Just Dance 2021, age 10+, Google Stadia, Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One,
Xbox Series X/S: Just Dance lets players get physically active with their dance moves, while it teaches music appreciation, choreography, and rhythm.
Ring Fit Adventure, age 10+, Switch: To make progress in this fitness adventure game, players must get physical. Kids explore a large world and use exercises like jogging in place, sit-ups, and yoga poses to defeat enemies.
Organization: Developing new routines, transitioning activities, and managing time are challenges for kids who struggle with executive functioning skills. Games that emphasize visual scheduling and break big jobs into smaller tasks can help.
Minecraft, age 8+, Mac, Switch, PlaySta-
tion, Windows, Xbox One, iOS, Android: Minecraft is a virtual sandbox that gives players all the tools they need to explore a vast world, harvest resources, and create nearly everything they can possibly imagine.
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Variety Kit,
age 8+, Switch: Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Variety Kit combines real-world crafting with video games and digital activities for the Nintendo Switch (which is required to put these creations together).
Social Interaction:
Games that let kids identify facial expressions, provide plenty of time for responses, and offer safe, supported chatting can be effective socialskills boosters.
Assemble with Care, age 8+, Apple Arcade:
On its surface, Assemble with Care is about fixing sentimental items. Deeper down, though, the game explores different types of loss in people’s lives, from death to strained relationships, and how people repair the holes those losses leave. It’s a game with a strong message of hope, empathy, and love.
Unravel, age 8+, PlayStation 4, Windows,
Xbox One: Through a jumble-of-yarn protagonist named Yarny, kids can explore the nature of relationships in a slow-paced world with no right or wrong answers.
Doki Doki Universe, age 10+, PlaySta-
tion: Named for the Japanese word for heartbeat, Doki Doki lets players explore an unusual world and meet people, with the ultimate goal of understanding human behavior.
Wednesday, September 1
Military Wednesday at the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game -- Also September 15
6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. We thank all the members of our Armed Forces on Wednesdays by offering ticket, drink and food specials and discounts! For more info, visit https://www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.
Montgomery Kickoff
6:30-9:30 p.m. Historic Cramton Bowl, 915 N Jackson St. Jacksonville State and UAB will open the college football season. For more info, visit https://montgomerykickoffgames.com/.
Muses Kickoff Meeting
5-6 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The Muses return onsite to the Museum. Teens, ages 13 and up, are welcome to join. This meeting will include introductions to new and current members, looking at the year ahead, and preparing for the upcoming interview with artist Lesley Dill. For more info, contact epalmer@mmfa.org.
Thursday, September 2
Community Market in Wetumpka -- First Thursdays through November
5-8 p.m. Merchant Alley, Downtown Wetumpka. Join us in Merchants Alley (along the riverwalk behind Hill Street) first Thursdays through November and enjoy shopping local from community merchants! If you’d like to be a vendor, e-mail market@ mainstreetwetumpka.org.
City of Wetumpka Farmer’s Market -- Weekly 4-7 p.m. 304 E. Coosa St., Downtown Wetumpka.
Board Game Night w/ T-Shirt Giveaway at the Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game
6:35 p.m. Baseball won’t be the only game played at Riverwalk this night. We’ll have classic board games set up throughout the stadium along with a t-shirt giveaway to the first 1,000 fans 15 & older. For more info, visit https://www.milb.com/ montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.
Friday, September 3
MPAC Presents Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit will present a finely calibrated set of 10 songs from their new album, The Nashville Sound. Tickets begin at $50. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline.org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.
Friday on the Green -- Also Sept. 10, 17 & 24
6:30-8:30 p.m. Town Green at Russell Crossroads, 19 Russell Farms Road, Alexander City. Free music and entertainment. For more info, visit www.russelllands. com/ or call (256) 397-1019.
First Friday ArtWalk in Wetumpka -- First Fridays through November
4-8 p.m. Business District, Downtown Wetumpka. Take to the streets every first Friday and watch the village artists in action as they create and curate new pieces of art for onlookers.
ASU Labor Day Classic -- Through September 6
Alabama State University has a weekend of events planned, including the Bama State Music Fest; the Pre-Tailgate Block Party; the President’s Gala; and the battle on the gridiron between the ASU Hornets and the Mile College Golden Bears. Visit https:// visitingmontgomery.com/ for details and schedule.
Saturday, September 4
MAX Fireworks at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game
6:05 p.m. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. On the eve on Independence Day, we get the party started early and celebrate all things AMERICA! Stick around after the game for a MAX Fireworks Show. For more info, visit https://www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.
Yoga on the Green -- Saturdays through Sept. 25
8-9 a.m. In the green space adjacent to Pies + Pints at Shoppes at EastChase. Free classes are hosted by Breezeville Yoga and Bandaloop Yoga. Please bring your own mat and bottle of water. For more info, find us on Facebook.
Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market Saturdays through September 25
7 a.m.-noon. One of the top five largest markets in Alabama, the Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market is back for its 17th year. Guests will enjoy goods from more than 40 vendors featuring homemade breads, jams, baked goods, Wagyu beef, local honey and more. Everything is grown or made in the state of Alabama! Visit theshoppesateastchase.com or follow The Shoppes on Facebook and Instagram.
Sunday, September 5
Lil’ Crumbs Kids Club & Bark in the Park at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game -- Also Sept. 19
3:33 p.m. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. Bring your leashed 4-legged best friend and don’t forget to join the Lil’ Crumbs Kids Club, offering complimentary game tickets along with a variety of other perks. For more info, visit www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.
Inaugural Red Tails Classic
6 p.m. Cramton Bowl, 1022 Madison Avenue. Join us in showcasing Historically Black Colleges and Universities in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen who fought in World War II. Tuskegee University and Fort Valley State University will play in the inaugural game to open the 2021 college football season. For more info, visit espnevents.com/ red-tails-classic/.
Labor Day Concert
6-10:30 p.m. The AMP on Lake Martin, Eclectic. Featuring The Vegabonds, The Bank Walkers and Sam Burchfield. Tickets are $20. For more info, visit http:// theamponlakemartin.com/ or call (256) 397-1019.
Sunday Makebreak at Michael’s -- Other projects available September 12, 19 & 26
2-4 p.m. Free fun events with no registration required. For more info, visit https://www.michaels.com/.
Tuesday, September 7
Art Explorers Jr. -- Also September 14, 21 & 28
1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers will enjoy this series of classes featuring the books of Peter Reynolds. This series will focus on Reynolds’ books titled, The Dot, Ish and Sky Color. Each class, children and their caregivers will create a different project inspired by the books together to take home. For questions or
to register by phone, contact Brandy at bmorrison@ mmfa.org or call (334) 625-4365.
Wednesday, September 8
An Afternoon with Lesley Dill
4-5 p.m. Designed for middle and high school students and teachers. Join the Muses Teen Council as they sit down with artist Lesley Dill about her career, work, and the upcoming exhibition, Wilderness, at the MMFA. Participants will have the opportunity to ask their own questions. For more info, call (334) 6254333 or visit https://mmfa.org/.
Thursday, September 9
MPAC Presents The Junkyard
6-10 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The Junkyard is an open mic events for friends to decompress from stress and pressures of life through music and love. It provides people the opportunity to express themselves musically and others to enjoy the camaraderie and entertainment at no charge. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline.org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.
The Capri Presents The Big Lebowski
7 p.m. When “The Dude” Lebowski is mistaken for a millionaire Lebowski, two thugs urinate on his rug to coerce him into paying a debt he knows nothing about. Deception leads to more trouble, and it soon seems that everyone wants something from The Dude. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.
Baby and Me
10-10:30 a.m. and 10:4511:15 a.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Working with the Alabama Partnership for Children (APC) organization, this new version of Baby & Me will be taught by Tish MacInnes, APC’s Alabama Strengthening Families Coordinator, and Kaci Norman, MMFA’s Assistant Curator of Education. These free classes are designed for toddlers ages 10 to 36 months and their caregivers and will focus on brain and physical development milestones while introducing fun and engaging art basics like colors, shapes, and textures.Call (334) 625-4333 or visit https://mmfa.org/ for more info.
Friday, September 10
Cloverdale Playhouse Presents A Staged Reading of The Guys -- Also September 11
7:30 p.m. Written by Anne Nelson and directed by Greg Thornton to benefit the Capital City’s Fire and Rescue Department on the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. All firefighters and first responders are invited with free admission. Due to limited seating, please call (334) 262-1530 to reserve your comped ticket. Also visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/ for more info.
Monday, September 13
Cloverdale Playhouse Acting Classes for K-12-- Through November 4
4:30-5:30 p.m. Divided into K-3, 4-7 and 8-12 classes. Class sizes will be capped at 15 students. Masks are required when inside the Playhouse building. For information about registration and scholarships, please call (334) 262-1530 or e-mail sarah.thornton@ cloverdaleplayhouse.org! Also visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/ for more info.
37th Annual College + Career Night
5-8 p.m. Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, Montgomery.Sponsored by the Junior League of Montgomery for high school students and parents located in Autauga, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery and Pike counties. Students and parents are able to meet representatives from colleges and careers they might not otherwise be able to visit. In 2019, we had more than 5,000 students and parents in attendance, with more than 120 colleges and career representatives present. Last year’s virtual event allowed access to 90 colleges and careers over three months. For more info, visit https://allevents.in/ montgomery/.
Tuesday, September 14
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Annual Senior Fishing Rodeo
6 a.m.-noon at the Montgomery County Ponds, off Hwy. 231 across from SweetCreek Farm Market. For more info, call (334) 832-2515.
Wednesday, September 15
Deadline to Apply for ASF Playwriting Workshop for College Students
Implement the methods and skills necessary to create your own short stage plays from idea inception through polished final draft execution, ready for contests, readings and workshops. Workshop your play via moderated online table readings with other playwrights in the workshop. For freshman undergraduate–postgraduate ages. These ZOOM classes will be held Saturday mornings October 30–November 20 from 10 a.m.–noon with instructor Quinton Cockrell. There is no cost, but application is required. Students are expected to be present for all classes and to participate in discussions. For more info, visit asf. net/ or call (334) 271-5353.
Newcomers’ Club of Montgomery, Inc. Hosts All Members’ Coffee/Brunch
Hillcrest Manor Bed and Breakfast. All members are invited to join us, and we ask that you bring a friend. Come and chat with the activity chairs and find out the plans for the year. Check for RSVP details in the newsletter. For more info, contact kweimar@ icloud.com or ijwetzel@msn.com. Also, visit http:// newcomersmontgomery.com/.
Thursday, September 16
Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Shoebox Picnic Road Side: Route One (World Premiere) Through September 26
Written by Deneen Reynolds-Knott. In 1955, a black family travels by caravan on Route One from Harlem to visit their matriarch in Littleton, North Carolina. Knowing they were unlikely to be served by eateries along the way, the family prepared a picnic feast placed in shoeboxes lined with tin foil. This is your invitation to join them, hear the stories of the food in their picnic, and enjoy some classic Southern cuisine. For more info, visit https://asf.net/ or call (334) 271-5353.
Friends and Newcomers Club of Prattville/ Millbrook
9:30 a.m. at location to be announced. All ladies welcome. Program is “Let’s Get Acquainted.” For location or details, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 414-8185 or nschrull47@gmail.com. Also, visit www.friendsandnewcomers.org for general info.
2021 Lunchtime Lecture Series: Food For Thought
Third Thursdays at noon. Fascinating hour-long lectures on the history of Alabama presented by the Alabama Department of Archives & History. In-person lectures are held in the ADAH’s Joseph M. Farley Alabama Power Auditorium. They are also livestreamed through the ADAH’s social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Visit www.archives.alabama.gov for more info about upcoming programs. Today’s topic is “Food in the Native South and the Curious Case of Coontie,” presented by Andrew Frank.
Wetumpka Depot Players Present Big Fish Through October 2
7:30 p.m. performances except for 2 p.m. matinees September 19 & 26. With music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, and a book by John August, Big Fish is based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton. It tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose incredible,
larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him. Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft. For tickets or more info, visit wetumpkadepot. com or call (334) 868-1440.
Fan Appreciation Night at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game
6:35 p.m. This night we say THANK YOU to all of your support during the 2021 Biscuits season! We’ll be giving away prizes all throughout the game! For more info, visit www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.
Saturday, September 18
Dino Dig Education Program
10 a.m.-noon. Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Museum. Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. Advanced reservations required. All participants must be registered no later than September 17 @ noon. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com/.
Military Appreciation Night w/ MAX Fireworks at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Game
6:05 p.m. Tickets will be made available for military personnel for at a discounted rate courtesy of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and the night will feature in-game promotions recognizing our local military heroes and in-stadium displays. The night will also conclude with a MAX Fireworks Show! For more info, visit www.milb.com/montgomery/ or call (334) 819-7483.
Sunday, September 19
Battle of the Bands University/College High School Marching Bands
3-7:30 p.m. Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall Street, Montgomery. For more info, visit https://stayhappening.com/.
Bark in the Park 2021
1-5 p.m. Fort Toulouse Historical Park, Wetumpka. Blessing of the Pets followed by showing off your pet in our Pet Parade. From 1:30-3:30, you can get your dog microchipped for only $25 (includes the registration) thanks to the Tuskegee Veterinarian School. There will be numerous arts & crafts vendors, vendors specializing in pet products, local businesses and more. Admission is $5/person 13 years old and older. ALL dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public AND they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination. For more info, call (334) 567-3377 or find us on Facebook.
Tuesday, September 21
The Joe Thomas, Jr. Third Tuesday Guitar Pull
7 p.m. Our Singer/Songwriter Series is a great night of original music and songwriters talking about how they craft their music and performing original works on the Playhouse’s intimate stage. For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit http://www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/.
Thursday, September 23
8 and under. Includes various theme-related activities! All materials provided. Cost is $5 per participating child; adults free. Space is limited, so call ahead or e-mail mvines@alabamawildlife.org. For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (334) 285-4550.
Newcomers’ Club of Montgomery, Inc. Monthly Luncheon
11:30 a.m. at Arrowhead Country Club. The luncheon speaker is Linda McGinnis, who will demonstrate wreath decorating. For more info, contact kweimar@ icloud.com or ijwetzel@msn.com. Also, visit http:// newcomersmontgomery.com/.
Friday, September 24
The Capri Presents Manhattan Short
7 p.m. The film festival where you vote for the winner. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.
MPAC Presents The Black Jacket Symphony: Pink Floyd’s The Wall
8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The Black Jacket Symphony recreates a select classic album live in its entirety—note for note, sound for sound—plus a full set of greatest hits from the evening’s artist. Tickets begin at $35. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline. org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.
Saturday, September 25
Old Alabama Town Tavern Fest featuring Wet Willie
Gates open at 5 p.m. and music starts at 6:30. The stage will be set on N. Hull Street, in the heart of Old Alabama Town. This year’s event features Southern rock greats, Wet Willie and co founder, Jimmy Hall. This outdoor event benefits the community preservation and education efforts of the Landmarks Foundation and Old Alabama Town. We’ll have food trucks, local craft beer and other vendors available throughout. For more info, visit www.oldalabamatown.com/events or call (334) 240-4500.
Tickled Pink Women’s Expo
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, Montgomery. Join Legacy of Hope at this free event with vendors, food and giveaways! This special event will focus on women’s health and wellness, fashion, beauty, food & beverage, shopping, fun and more. Kicking off October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 100% of the admission to this unique event will directly benefit the Joy to Life Foundation! For more info, visit https://legacyofhope. org/ or call (205) 731-9200 or (800) 252-3677.
World Elephant Appreciation Day Conservation Event
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Montgomery Zoo. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about elephant conservation, promote the protection of natural habitat of elephants (African and Asian) and support elephant conservation issues. For more info, visit https://www.montgomeryzoo. com/ or call (334) 625-4900.
Sunday, September 26
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)’s Annual River Region Out of the Darkness Community Walk
2 p.m. Union Station Train Shed, Montgomery. To register for the event, visit www.afsp.org/MontAL. Pre-registered participants no longer need to check-in at the Walk. For more info, call (205) 778-8284 or e-mail jhall@afsp.org.
Monday, September 27
ACT Test Prep Classes at AUM -- Through Oct. 21
Prepare for the ACT exam and improve your test scores! Students can choose to attend class in-person or online using the Zoom web application. Masks are required for attending in-class sessions. Classes will meet Mondays through Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Books will be provided at the first class meeting. Math is available Sept. 27-30, Language is available Oct. 4-7 and Science is available Oct. 18-21. Each course costs $119 or the complete review is $309. Call (334) 244-3804 or visit https:// learning.aum.edu/.
Thursday, September 30
MPAC Presents Jeff Foxworthy
7 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Jeff Foxworthy is one of the most respected and successful comedians in the country. He is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and bestselling author of more than 26 books. Widely known for his redneck jokes, his act goes well beyond that to explore the humor in everyday family interactions and human nature, a style that has been compared to Mark Twain’s. Tickets begin at $57. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline. org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.
Prattville Way Off Broadway Theatre Presents The Addams Family -- Through October 17
7:30 p.m. except for 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa; directed by Hunter Smith. Tickets are limited and must be purchased for $12 in advance. Call (334) 595-0850.
ArtTalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
6-8 p.m. Free. For more than two decades, the Museum’s ArtTalk has offered local artists constructive feedback and camaraderie. Through its current virtual format, artists from beyond the River Region are able to enjoy the artful discussion too! Participants are invited to submit a work of art or just join the inspiring conversation. Free via Zoom. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit mmfa.org.
Saturday, October 1
Ballet and the Beasts by the Montgomery Ballet
6-9 p.m. Montgomery Zoo. Ballet and the Beasts is a FREE performance presented by the Montgomery Ballet under the stars at the Montgomery Zoo. It is fun for all ages, boys and girls. Admission is FREE, picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers are welcome. For more info, visit www.montgomeryzoo.com/ or call (334) 334-625-4900.
Jurassic Quest Dinosaur Experience -- Through October 3
9 a.m.-8 p.m. Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery. 100 lifelike dinosaurs, dinosaurthemed rides, live
dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for little explorers, face painting, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and more. For more info, visit www.jurassicquest.com/.
Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure Also October 6
6 p.m. both days and 10 a.m. Oct. 6. Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Concert Hall. For more info, visit: vstarentertainment.com. For more info, visit https:// www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.
National Federation of the Blind of Alabama 4th Annual Walk
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ida Bell Young Park, 5400 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery. For more info, visit https://allevents.in/ montgomery/.
Wednesday, October 6
MPAC Presents Bert Kreischer: The Berty Boy Relapse Tour
7 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Bert Kreischer is known for his unique brand of comedy, which interweaves party-boy antics with humorous anecdotes about family and fatherhood. Tickets begin at $70. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline.org/ events/ or call (334) 481-5100.
Friday, October 8
MPAC Presents Rob Schneider: I Have Issues Tour
8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $32. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline.org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.
Alabama National Fair -- Through October 17
Each day is different at the Alabama National Fair! Check out our Alabama National Fair APP (Free – download Alabama National Fair from your Apple or Android play store), where you will find a detailed schedule for each day of the Fair. For more info, call (334) 272-6831 or visit https://alnationalfair.org/.
11th Annual Riverwalk Wine Festival
6-9 p.m. Union Station Train Shed, 210 Water Street. The festival will include live music, food vendors and on-site sales (provided through Peppertree Steaks and Wine). For more info, visit https://visitingmontgomery.com/.
Sunday, October 10
Jamey Johnson Homecoming
7 p.m. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa St. For more info, visit www.jameyjohnson.com/events/.
Because of ever-changing circumstances due to Covid-19, please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.
Relena Ruffin
RRP: Being a mother to a special needs child, how have you embraced it, and what has it taught you?
Relena: My daughter’s disability has taught me that I have no control over certain things and that the only thing I can do is learn to accept things the way they are and lean on God. I used to be so angry with God. When it was time for her to have surgery, especially at six months, my heart hurt to the point that I could not take it. I could not believe that this was my life, and I had to accept it. I was tired of explaining to others why her arm was so different. Until one day, I realized that my daughter felt what I felt. She paid attention to me, and she was watching my every move. I tell people who ask me how I made it through... that she saved me. She’s so joyful. I’m such an impatient person. But there are so many things I go through that force me to slow down with her. I am a lot stronger than I thought I was, and every day, I’m grateful knowing that God chose me to be Nalani’s mother.
RRP: As a new mom of a three-year-old and expecting your second child, what advice would you give new moms who are trying to navigate the process of raising newborns and toddlers?
Relena: I would have to say, give yourself grace. Forgive yourself. There is no perfect way or wrong way to raise your child. God picked you for your child for a reason, and as you live through the journey of caring and loving them, your instinct to want the best for them is within you. It’s okay to want the best for your children and not be so hard on yourself. Relena: Being honest is huge with me. I think I’ve done so well with this that my toddler pretty much tells on herself now with everything. I’ll ask, “Why is my candy missing off of the kitchen counter?” And she’s confident with answering back, “I ate it.” It’s both a blessing and a curse. It also helps with open communication because they go hand in hand.
RRP: Being a working mom, you had to find child care. Whether entrusting your child with a family member, daycare center, or learning center, how did you overcome the fear and find the ability to trust your child in the hands of caretakers?
Relena: Before her nerve grafting surgery, my daughter could not be held or picked up like a normal baby. I spent extra time with my mother, showing her what she could and could not do. She became the only person I trusted at the time. Regardless of my daughter’s disability, I think as a parent, you never completely overcome that fear and always trust. Rather, it’s something you end up having to do. I know my daughter will eventually have to attend school. She can’t stay in this bubble forever.
RRP: Children all have different temperaments. But in comparison to raising your three-year-old, is there anything you would do differently with expecting your second child?
Relena: I would not do anything differently in terms of raising my daughter. I think parenting is a go-with-the-flow thing, and then everything that your parents instilled in you kicks in when it needs to without you realizing it. However, I am not a go-with-the-flow person. I am a planner. Unfortunately, you can’t always plan with a toddler. I try to remember to give myself grace and remind myself that I’m doing a great job. I keep that in the front of my mind all the time.
RRP: How does it make you feel, as a mom, knowing that you will impact the lives of your children and shape them into adults while preparing them for the real world?
Relena: As a parent, you know this, but it still doesn’t hit you the way you think it would. No one can ever be too prepared. You hope that your love overshadows everything. Having a three-year-old makes me feel like I have time. My daughter is still learning things, and if she doesn’t understand now, I know that she will eventually understand as she gets older. All you can do is try your best. You know that if you don’t teach them, the world is bound to teach your children. I try to continue to have an open relationship with my daughter so that one day what I’ve taught her stays with her forever, and she can say that she noticed I did the best I could... and she enjoyed having a mother like me.
