Published April 9, 2025 The 23rd Annual Earth Fair will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Goodells County Park.Parking, admission, and activities are free. What is Earth Fair? Earth Fair is Michigan’s largest Earth Day celebration. The […]
News
PHN Make a Difference Club Hosts Special Night Out May 9th
The Make a Difference Club at Port Huron Northern High School has hosted a Special Night Out for high school-age cognitively impaired students for around seven years. The event will be held on May 9th, 2025, at Port Huron Northern High School’s cafeteria. There is no cost to attend. The yearly event is a themed […]
Common Misconceptions of Autistic Kids: A Parent’s Perspective
Published April 8, 2025 Parenting Blogger, teacher, and mom of an autistic child, Jackie Davidson, shares her perspective on common misconceptions of autistic children that she has encountered. Background For those of you who don’t know, I’m a teacher. I have been a teacher since I was 22 and started to stay home with the […]
SC4 Offers Variety of Youth Summer Day Camps
Published April 8, 2025 St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron has announced the 2025 lineup of sports camps and science camps. STEM Camps SC4 is offering a CSI Stem Science Camp for middle schoolers, a Dino-Discover Stem Camp for kids in grades three through five, and a Drone Soccer STEM Camp with one-day […]
Rosebrook Child Development Center is Planning Summer Camp 2025
Published April 8, 2025 Winter might be making its last stand, but summer is on the mind of many, including the staff at Rosebrook Child Development Center in Kimball as they plan Summer Camp 2025. They are taking enrollments for this year’s summer camp, and spots tend to fill up fast. Rosebrook Child Development Center […]
Meal Plan in Minutes: Using AI to SaveTime
Published April 8, 2025 Using Artificial Intelligence to Plan Family Meals In today’s fast-paced world, where families are balancing work and home life, finding time to plan meals for the family can be a daunting task. After the emotional and physical drain of the week, who has the time or energy to plan for the […]
Healthy Kids Day is Coming to YMCA of the Blue Water Area April 26
Published April 4, 2025 You won’t want to miss all of the free fun at YMCA of the Blue Water Area’s Healthy Kids Day on April 26th, 2025, including a free pool party! The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at their location in downtown Port Huron. It features community agencies, businesses, and […]
Parenting Can Be Lonely
Published April 2, 2025 Parenting Blogger, Jackie Davidson, shares her perspective on feeling lonely as a parent of a child with special needs. Lonely/Never Alone The media portrays parenthood as a beautiful experience full of joy, excitement, and ease. If you are a parent, you’ll agree that there are moments like this, but other, less […]
New Car Seat Law Requires Children to be in Rear-Facing Seats Until Age Two
Published March 31, 2025 The Michigan Legislature has voted to change car seat laws for drivers in the state. The law hadn’t been changed since 2008. The new law goes into effect on April 2, 2025. Rear-facing until Age 2 The biggest change is the time that babies are required to stay in rear-facing car […]
Money Saving Tips for Families
Published March 31, 2025 Parenting Blogger, Alyssa Dock, shares her money-saving tips for families living on a budget.. When my husband and I made the decision for me to stay home and raise our daughters, it came with a massive sacrifice. I was giving up the career I loved, and also a career that helped […]
Creating a Calm Birth Environment
Published March 19, 2025 No Chaos We have all seen the movies of women in labor screaming, people running everywhere, bright lights, surgical supplies, etc. Quite frankly this chaos can happen, however, creating a calm environment is more common and attainable. There does not have to be any chaos when you set yourself up with […]
Things to Do in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Published March 17, 2025 Simple Steps Regardless of whether this is your first pregnancy or your tenth, there will be some simple steps you will need to take when you get your first positive pregnancy test. It may be overwhelming so keeping things simple will be key as you navigate the beginning of this beautiful […]
Kindergarten Roundups
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Huron Academic Endeavors Launches Little Endeavors for Infants and Moms
Published February 19, 2025 Playgroups are Essential Playgroups are essential for both parents and children. The connections made at playgroups can last a lifetime. Huron Academic Endeavors, which offers a hybrid homeschool program from their Fort Gratiot campus, has launched a new program, Little Endeavors Infant Playgroup and Mommy Support, for the youngest ones in […]
Postpartum Mood Disorders
Published February 15, 2025 *Trigger Warning: Discussion of many postpartum mood disorders and mental health* Common Struggle Far too often mothers struggle with postpartum mood disorders alone. Bringing education and information to light can help mothers feel less alone and provide them with more resources. The baby blues is the least severe of postpartum mood […]
Expecting a Baby? Things to Ask your Healthcare Provider
Published February 15, 2025 Communicate Goals While we know what our goals are for pregnancy and birth, it is important to ensure you have a provider that is supportive of your goals. You may have seen your provider for yearly checkups, but do they know your goals and lifestyle? It is important to question your […]
Register for A Beautiful Me’s “Bacon and Bubbles” Fundraiser
Published February 14, 2025 A Beautiful Me’s 7th annual Fun Run “Bacon & Bubbles” fundraiser will be held on June 14th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. starting at the DoubleTree and going along the St. Clair River. Registration opens Friday, February 14 with special 24 hour early bird pricing of $20. According to Founder Karen Palka, “This year’s theme, ‘Bacon & […]
What’s a Lactation Consultant?
Published January 23, 2025 IBCLC An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. These women are skilled and undergo rigorous training and education to hold this title. An IBCLC specializes in breastfeeding and lactation care. This can vary from breastfeeding support, education, other healthcare referrals, and advocacy. The reasons you may seek the support […]
Keeping Perspective
Published January 20, 2025 Parenting blogger Jackie Davidson shares her thoughts on putting things in perspective when parenting. Ups and Downs In life, there are always ups and downs. Sometimes there are more downs than ups and it can be hard to dig ourselves out of that hole. Nothing has tested my ability to look […]
Intentionality in the New Year
Published January 15, 2025 Resolutions As a mom of two (soon to be three) little ones, setting New Year’s Resolutions are hard and oftentimes unrealistic. Last year our family decided to implement monthly goals to accomplish and it was a total game changer. (read more about that in Family Goals for the New Year). This […]
Invisible Battles
Published January 14, 2025 Parenting blogger Jackie Davidson shares her perspective on the invisible battles that parents face, particularly when parenting children with special needs. The Battlefield As parents to any child, there are battles we face at home that no one sees or can understand unless they are a parent or caregiver to that […]
Ice Skating
Here’s a list of public places to skate outdoors in the Blue Water Area. Click the links for maps to the rinks. Always check first to see if they are actually open. If there’s another one to add to the list, let us know! Drop a note to events@bluewaterparent.com. DISCLAIMER: Reading this means that you […]
Autism and Speech
Published January 9, 2025 Parenting blogger, Jackie Davidson, shares her experiences and what she has learned about addressing speech and autism. Autism and Speech One of the most apparent and common first signs of autism in young children is a lack or delay of speech. There is a reason why when a child is behind […]
‘Hearts for Hope’ Raises Money for Play-Based Therapy for Kids
Published January 8, 2025 A Valentine’s Date for a Good Cause The Hearts for Hope Fundraiser is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day while helping the most vulnerable children in the Blue Water Area. The community event will be held at the Port Huron Golf Club on Thursday, February 13th from 5:00 to 8:00 […]
Huron Academic Endeavors Hosts Sports Camp and Science Program
Published January 6, 2025 Homeschoolers have some exciting options for learning and socializing thanks to Huron Academic Endeavors. The St. Clair County hybrid homeschool learning center is planning sports and skills camps for student-athletes from as young as three years old up through high school. Participants will focus on tennis for the next 10-week session. […]
Potty Training Time
Published January 2, 2025 Parenting blogger, Alyssa Dock, relates her recent experience with potty training. No More Diapers There are so many milestones when it comes to raising kids, but for me personally, there was one I was specifically terrified of- Potty Training. We recently found out we were expecting baby number three, so I […]
Christmas Break Activities
Published December 16, 2024 Christmas Break Activities Christmas break is soon approaching, and for those of us with school-age children, that can be daunting if they are autistic. Sudden changes in routine can be hard for the kids and their parents. Autistic kids need a lot more attention and effort to keep regulated than non-autistic […]
Great Gift Idea for Expecting Moms: Doula Gift Certificate
Published December 16, 2025 Have an expecting mom on your shopping list this year? Give the gift that keeps on giving, a gift certificate for doula support! While every mom will have her preference for doula support and what she needs, you can still support her with a gift certificate! Ask her if she is […]
The Mental Load
Parenting blogger Jackie Davidson reflects on the mental load that parents carry and how that can be a heavier load for parents of children with special needs. If you are a parent, then you are familiar with all of the invisible things you think about every day. From the nutrition of your children to the […]
The Elf is Back
Elf on the Shelf. For some, it is a beloved family tradition. For others, it is an annoying marketing ploy that manipulates children’s behavior. Started with a Book The Elf on the Shelf tradition got its start with a 2005 book by Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell, a mother-daughter duo who self-published the […]
Tips on Communicating with an Autistic Child
Published December 3, 2024 Parenting blogger and autism activist, Jackie Davidson, shares tips on effective communication with families of autistic children. Thick Skin As a mom to an autistic child, I have acquired a pretty thick skin. I wasn’t born this way; I’ve been forged. Through this process, I have learned how to navigate how […]
Autism-Friendly Holiday Traditions
Published December 3, 2025 Parenting blogger and autism activist, Jackie Davidson, shares Autism-Friendly Holiday Traditions. If you participate in holiday traditions and have a child with autism, then you know how hard it can be. Change in routines with a break from school, family get-togethers, and high social expectations create a breeding ground for meltdowns. […]
The Village
Published November 20, 2024 Parenting blogger and autism activist, Jackie Davidson, reflects on the loss of “The Village” for modern parents. What is a Village? I am 37 years old, and when I was growing up, my mom had what she called a “village”. The village was a group of parents with their kids who […]
How to Improve Postpartum Sleep
Published November 19, 2024 You have probably heard the phrase “Oh, just sleep when the baby sleeps”. While this may work for some, this doesn’t always work, especially if you have other children to care for. Sleep can be important for not just you but your baby as well. A well-rested and cared-for mama will […]
Successfully Managing the Holidays
Published November 18, 2025 Parenting blogger, Jackie Davidson, shares her tips and tricks for managing the holidays with a child with autism. Holidays Can Be a Struggle For many autistic kids holidays are a struggle. A loss of control, predictability, crowds, and implied social cues create an autism nightmare for both the child and the […]
Tips for Packing Your Hospital Bag
Published November 15, 2024 Certified Doula, Tayler Morrison shares expert tips on packing a bag for the hospital when having a baby. Start Early While some may enjoy this task, others may feel stressed and overwhelmed. This can be an easy, stress-free task to prepare for your little one’s big day! You will want to […]
Christmas Gift Ideas for Autistic Children
Published November 13, 2024 Local parenting blogger, Jackie Davidson, a parent of an autistic child and a professional educator, shares her insights on choosing the perfect Christmas gift for kids with autism. Why It’s Hard to Shop For Autistic Individuals Buying gifts for autistic kids can be difficult. The main reason is that they might […]
Sensory Processing and Autism
Published November 11, 2024 Local parenting blogger, Jackie Davidson, a parent of an autistic child and a professional educator, shares her findings on the relationship between sensory processing and autism. Sensory Processing Disorder Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is something that affects many autistic people. Did you know that people with autism tend to experience the […]
Babywearing
What is babywearing? Babywearing is something that has been done for thousands of years across the world. Babywearing is essentially carrying a baby in a carrier either in front of you or on your back. Infants typically are worn facing you on your front until they develop more skill to hold themselves upright as well […]
Cesarean Recovery
A cesarean section, otherwise known as a c-section, is a surgical procedure done to deliver a baby without the mother having to push the baby out. An incision is made in the mother’s lower abdomen and the baby is delivered through the incision. Reasons for a C-Section There are many different reasons a c-section is […]
Autism 101: Resources for Parents of K-5 Students
What is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological difference in how 1.5% of the population thinks and processes the world around them. This results in differences in communication and social skills along with repetitive or restrictive interests and behaviors. While kids with autism may behave, communicate, interact, and learn differently than their peers- […]
Parental Trauma
Parental trauma is real. As parents, we are strong for our kids. We often feel the need to hide any struggles we are having so that not only to others we seem like we know what’s going on, but for ourselves to feel in control. First of all, no one really knows what they are […]
I Think My Child is Autistic, Now What?
Do you suspect autism in your child? I know so many people who when faced with something scary or the unknown do one of three things: shut down and/or spiral, pretend it’s okay, or get fired up and take care of business. We are many things as parents, but most of all we are human […]
Early Signs of Autism
Could it be Autism? Have you ever watched your baby do something and wondered if it’s normal? Have you ever met another child who has a diagnosis and tried to see if your child has any of the same tendencies? I sure have, and most parents can relate. So why do we do that? Well, […]
What is Autism?
Defining Autism Take a moment and think about what your mental images and understanding are of the word “autism”. Just take a moment and visualize what autism is. On a very basic level, autism is short for Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. People who are autistic have a different brain structure than those who aren’t […]
Fall Crafts
Coffee Filter Bats One of my favorite crafts to make with my kiddos every spring is coffee filter butterflies. I remember making them myself when I was in elementary school, a classic! I discovered how to update these from a butterfly into a bat, just in time for Halloween! The materials you will need are: […]
Time for a New Bathroom? Remodeling Tips for Families
If your bathroom is working for your family, you don’t think about it much. But if something is broken, functionally outdated, or just plain ugly, you are probably thinking about it a lot. You can change that problem bathroom, and it might take less time and money than you think. Showers Over Tubs Jim White […]
What are VBAC & HBAC?
You may have seen the abbreviations VBAC & HBAC. VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean and HBAC stands for homebirth after cesarean. Both More Common These terms are being heard more and more as they become more and more common. In 2017 the VBAC rate was 12.8% and in 2018, it was 13.3%. (Dekker, […]
How to Support Mom During and After Labor
Every birth partner will be different, some may be pros and others may not know what to do. Your birth partner’s support through labor and delivery can be incredibly beneficial. Not justfor the support but also for the oxytocin. Oxytocin is the love hormone. When we increase this hormone naturally, it will support labor progression. […]
Painted Pumpkins
Halloween is quickly approaching, and I love doing all of the fun fall-themed crafts with my kiddos. Over the next few weeks, I plan to share all of the projects we create, but I needed to share our easiest craft so far: painted pumpkin rocks! We went to the beach and chose rocks of various […]