For 100 years, LAPL has helped Angelenos discover new worlds through books, research school projects and family histories, learn new skills and connect with the larger community. And the library possesses an uncanny ability to reinvent itself: rebuilding Central Library after a devastating fire in 1986, finding new ways to provide services to people in need, fighting against book banning, creating a makerspace lab named in honor of the great sci-fi novelist Octavia E. Butler and running one of the wittiest and most culturally engaging Instagram accounts in the social media universe. 

As the iconic Art Deco landmark celebrates “Central 100” this year — with special exhibits, multiple programs and events (including the Centennial Festival on July 11), online podcasts and blogs and an old-fashioned melodrama to close out the year —families have plenty of reasons to join the party and the memory-making journey. And don’t forget to pick up your free copy of L.A. Parent magazine at nearly 70 branches!

LAPL Timeline

Central 100 Summer Bucket List

□ Attend the July 11 Centennial Festival
□ Explore a centennial exhibit
□ Pick up a special Central 100 library card
□ Complete a reading challenge
□ Collect and stamp catalog cards
□ Take a docent-led architecture tour
□ Visit a neighborhood branch
□ Share a family memory with the Oral History Project

Library Events for All

Centennial Festival – July 11: The biggest celebration of the year is a free, family-friendly festival held both inside and outside Central Library. Expect hands-on crafts, musical and dance performances, author talks, artist presentations, book signings and activities for all ages.

Central Library Stories – Dec. 5–6 and 12-13: A lively, family-friendly melodrama will chart the ups and downs — and twists and turns — that led to the building we have today and will take place at the end of the year with free performances.

Find dozens more events at branches across the city can be found on lapl.org. And check out six special centennial exhibits exploring the library’s history and impact. Includes two recently opened time capsules.

More Ways to Celebrate

Go on a library adventure. Visit Central Library or any LAPL branch to pick up special centennial color-by-number sheets featuring scenes from the library. Families can also participate in a reading challenge while exploring different library locations. And don’t forget to order your limited-edition Central 100 library card!

Collect history. One of the most creative centennial activities invites visitors to collect historic catalog cards and stamp them at library branches throughout the city. Turn them into keepsakes, collages or family art projects.

Share your story. Families can contribute memories through the Community Oral History Project, helping preserve personal stories connected to one of Los Angeles’ most beloved institutions.

“L is for Librarian.” The first children’s book published by Angel City Press introduces kids to the ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library.

Explore the Octavia Lab. Named in honor of the legendary science-fiction author Octavia E. Butler, the library’s makerspace offers opportunities to create, invent and learn, using modern technology and hands-on tools.

For littles, tweens and teens. Central Library continues to host storytimes, performances, workshops, teen programs, films and special events throughout the year.

Free architecture tours. Central Library is one of L.A.’s most beautiful buildings. Guided tours reveal hidden details, artwork and stories behind the landmark’s famous “Light of Learning” theme.

The post Happy 100th Birthday, L.A. Central Library: Family Guide to Central 100 Events appeared first on L.A. Parent.

The Ed Asner Family Center is one of the premier facilities in our community that serves neurodiverse children and adults. What makes it unique is not just the breadth of services it offers – from summer camp to job training to mental-health counseling and more – but the drivers behind it.

Matt and Navah Asner are long-time friends of L.A. Parent and champions for children with learning difference – with three of their own. They are passionate about giving all children who come through their doors the education and self-confidence to grow, and helping adults take steps toward independence. We featured Matt and Navah 10 years ago in this article that continues to be accessed through our website, but that was before they launched The Ed Asner Family Center.

When we ran into Matt and Navah recently and listened to what they are building, we knew it was time to share an update.

L.A. Parent: What was the driving force to create The Ed Asner Family Center, what was your vision and when did you hatch the idea?

Matt Asner: Before founding The Ed Asner Family Center, I spent years working in leadership roles at Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of America. Navah worked as a life coach to special needs families and also ran programing for Friendship Circle of The Pacific Palisades. Those experiences gave us a broad view of the autism community and the challenges families face, but they also showed us that there were still significant gaps in services and support, particularly as children became teens and adults.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: At a certain point, I remember saying to Matt, ‘We can keep working for other organizations, or we can build the place we wish existed for our own family. As parents of multiple autistic children, we understood the challenges firsthand. We weren’t just advocates, we were living it every day.

Matt Asner: The idea didn’t come from a business plan. It came from our kitchen table. We talked constantly about what families needed and what was missing. We wanted a place that wasn’t defined by limitations, but by opportunities.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: I envisioned a community where neurodivergent individuals could discover their strengths through the arts, build friendships, develop job skills and feel a genuine sense of belonging. I also wanted families to have support because autism affects the entire family, not just the individual.

Matt Asner: When we launched The Ed Asner Family Center in 2017, our vision was to create more than a service provider. We wanted to create a home. A place where people could come for therapy, recreation, employment training, social connection, mental-health support and creative expression, all under one roof.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: We didn’t set out to build a large organization. We set out to help families like ours. The growth has happened because the need is so great, and because families are looking for places where they feel seen, understood and accepted.

Matt Asner: Everything we do is rooted in the belief that neurodivergent individuals deserve opportunities to thrive, not just services to survive. That philosophy has guided us from day one and continues to drive our work today.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: The Ed Asner Family Center was born out of love for our children, but it has grown into something much bigger, a community where families know they are not alone.

L.A. Parent: How long did it take to find a location and then map out your programming?

Matt Asner: The idea for The Ed Asner Family Center came together relatively quickly, but finding the right home for it took time. We spent close to a year exploring locations, meeting with potential partners and trying to find a space that could accommodate the vision we had in mind. We weren’t looking for just another office or therapy center — we wanted a place where families would feel welcome the moment they walked through the door.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: At the same time, we were mapping out what the programming would look like. In many ways, the programs came before the building. We started by asking ourselves what our own children needed and what we wished had been available to our family over the years.

Matt Asner: Because of my experience at Autism Speaks and the Autism Society, I had seen many successful programs across the country. We took those lessons and combined them with our personal experience as parents. But there was another influence as well — my father, Ed Asner. He firmly believed that the arts build self-confidence. He saw it throughout his life and career, and he understood that when people are given opportunities to express themselves creatively, they begin to discover their voice and their value. That belief became one of the cornerstones of the Center.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: For me, one of the foundational pillars was mental health. Before Matt and I married, I was a single mother raising children with significant needs. I know what it feels like to carry the weight of caregiving, often without enough support. Families are so focused on helping their children that they frequently neglect their own self-care. I wanted to create a place that recognized that mental-health services are not a luxury, they are essential for both individuals and families.

Matt Asner: From the beginning, we knew we wanted arts programming and mental-health services to stand side by side. Too often, families are forced to piece together support from multiple places. We wanted to create a community where creative expression, emotional wellness, social connection and practical support could all exist under one roof.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: Just as important was our commitment to including autistic voices in the planning and delivery of our programs. I would never create programs for the autism community without the autism community helping to shape them.

Matt Asner: Some of our most valuable insights have come from autistic self-advocates, staff members, instructors and participants. Their lived experience helps us understand what works, what doesn’t and where we can do better. We believe that meaningful inclusion means having autistic individuals not only participate in programs but also help design, lead and evaluate them.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: Today, autistic staff members and facilitators have leadership roles throughout the Center. They bring authenticity, perspective and mentorship that simply can’t be replicated. For many participants, seeing autistic adults in leadership positions changes what’s possible in their minds. It allows them to envision a future for themselves.

Matt Asner: The vision evolved organically. We began with camps, arts programming and social opportunities, but we always knew we wanted to build something comprehensive. As we listened to families, it became clear that they needed more than one service. They needed a community.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: Looking back, the planning never really stopped. The Center continues to evolve because the needs of our community evolve. That’s one of the things I’m most proud of: we’ve never been afraid to listen, learn and grow alongside the families we serve.

L.A. Parent: The values of TEAFC are Inclusion, Family and Hope. How did you select those and how are they woven into the culture of your business?

Matt Asner: At its core, The Ed Asner Family Center reflects the values that shaped our family: my father’s belief that the arts foster confidence and connection, Navah’s conviction that mental-health support can change the trajectory of an entire family, and our shared belief that autistic individuals should have a seat at the table when decisions are being made. Those ideas continue to guide everything we do today.

L.A. Parent: How many families do you serve?

Matt Asner: The Ed Asner Family Center serves hundreds of families each year through our camps, arts programs, employment initiatives, social groups, mental-health services and community events, and our reach extends well beyond the individuals enrolled in our programs because we support entire families.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: What makes our approach unique is that we’re not just serving one person — we’re supporting parents, siblings, caregivers and loved ones as well. When one family member thrives, the entire family benefits. That’s why we’ve always viewed our mission through a family-centered lens. Whether it’s a child attending Camp Ed, a young adult participating in our Academy employment program or a parent receiving counseling and support, our goal is to create a community where families feel connected, empowered and understood.

L.A. Parent: Is there a program(s) you are especially proud of?

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: If I had to choose one program, it would be the Academy. When we started The Ed Asner Family Center, we knew there were limited opportunities for neurodivergent adults after high school. Too many families were facing a future filled with uncertainty, isolation and a lack of meaningful options. The Academy was created to change that. What makes me most proud is that we’ve built a program that sees the whole person. Participants can explore the arts, develop job skills, build friendships, improve their independence and discover what they are capable of in a supportive environment. We’ve watched individuals who were once hesitant to leave home grow into confident adults who are volunteering, working, creating art, making music and contributing to their communities. The Academy embodies everything we hoped The Center could be: a place where neurodivergent adults are celebrated for their strengths, given opportunities to thrive, and surrounded by a community that believes in them. Seeing that transformation happen every day is what makes me the proudest.

L.A. Parent: What’s next for you and for TEAFC?

Matt Asner: What’s next for TEAFC is continuing to grow thoughtfully while staying true to our mission. We want to expand opportunities for neurodivergent adults, particularly in employment, residential living, social connection and the arts. The need is greater than ever and we’re constantly listening to our community to understand where we can make the biggest impact.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: For me, the future is about deepening what we’ve already built. We want to create more pathways to meaningful employment, expand our mental-health services, grow our residential options and continue strengthening the Academy so that more neurodivergent adults can find purpose, confidence and community. One of the greatest concerns families have is what happens when parents are no longer able to provide support. We want to help create safe, supportive living environments where neurodivergent adults can live as independently and fully as possible. At the end of the day, our goal hasn’t changed. We want The Ed Asner Family Center to be a place where families know they belong and where neurodivergent individuals of all ages have the opportunity to thrive. As long as there are families looking for support, we’ll keep evolving to meet their needs.

L.A. Parent: Anything else to share?

Matt Asner: One thing I’ve come to believe through both my personal journey and my work is that everyone deserves a chance. Before I was an advocate, I was a kid who struggled. In a piece I recently wrote about my childhood, I talked about feeling different, dealing with anxiety and often feeling like I didn’t quite fit in. Those experiences gave me empathy for people who are overlooked or underestimated. What I’ve learned is that when people are given support, encouragement and the opportunity to discover their strengths, incredible things can happen. Too often, society focuses on limitations instead of possibilities. At The Ed Asner Family Center, we try to do the opposite. We look for potential.

Navah Paskowitz-Asner: Every person deserves to be seen, valued and given the opportunity to succeed on their own terms. That’s what drives me every day.

The Ed Asner Family Center is located at 16340 Roscoe Blvd. in Van Nuys and is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Visits and tours are by appointment only, and the phone number is 818-302-0712.

The post How The Ed Asner Family Center Supports Neurodiverse Children and Adults appeared first on L.A. Parent.

The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education has appointed longtime educator Andrés E. Chait as superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, making permanent the leadership role he has held on an interim basis since February. The former superintendent, Alberto Carvalho, resigned June 21 amid federal investigations.

The new appointment comes as the district works to maintain academic progress, address financial challenges and provide stability for nearly 400,000 students.

Chait, who began his career with LAUSD as a kindergarten teacher nearly three decades ago, was unanimously selected by the school board after serving as acting superintendent through labor negotiations, budget planning and the completion of the 2025-26 school year. Board members cited his institutional knowledge, collaborative leadership style and commitment to students as key reasons for the appointment.

“At this moment, our students, families, employees and communities deserve stability, focus and confidence in the future of Los Angeles Unified,” Board President Scott Schmerelson said.

Throughout his career with LAUSD, Chait has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, Local District superintendent, superintendent of Local District Northeast, chief of school operations and acting superintendent, giving him experience in both classroom instruction and districtwide leadership.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as superintendent of Los Angeles Unified,” Chait said. “This district has shaped my life and career.”

He said his priorities include strengthening academic outcomes, supporting educators and staff, maintaining safe school environments and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education.

Board members said appointing Chait provides continuity at a critical time as the district advances key academic, financial and operational priorities.

The post Andrés E. Chait Named LAUSD Superintendent appeared first on L.A. Parent.

The other day, I sat with a new mom while she fed her baby and cried at the same time. She wasn’t crying because something terrible had happened — she was just exhausted. Overstimulated. Trying so hard to do everything “right.”

At one point she looked at me and said, “I don’t even know what I’m supposed to listen to anymore.”

And honestly, I understood exactly what she meant.

As a birth worker serving families throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties, I see this all the time. Parents today have access to more information than ever before, but many feel more anxious, isolated and unsure of themselves than ever.

Everywhere you look, someone is offering advice. One video says your baby should be sleeping independently by a certain age. Another says the opposite. One expert says to follow a strict routine. Another says routines are stressful for children.

Even during pregnancy and postpartum, moms are constantly being told what they should be eating, buying, tracking or preparing for.

It’s a lot.

Too much information; not enough support

I think social media has created this feeling that there’s a “correct” way to parent and that if you just research enough, buy the right products or follow the right routines, you can somehow avoid mistakes.

But parenting doesn’t really work like that.

Babies are different. Families are different. Parents are different. And sometimes, all the information online just leaves people feeling more disconnected from themselves.

I’ve worked with mothers who spend hours reading parenting advice at 2 a.m. while questioning every decision they make. I’ve also seen parents feel guilty for not enjoying every second of early motherhood because online it can seem like everyone else is handling things perfectly.

Meanwhile, many new parents are deeply overwhelmed and barely getting enough sleep.

Parenting was never meant to be this lonely

One thing I hear from families over and over again is how alone they feel.

A lot of parents are raising babies far away from family or without the kind of community support people used to have naturally. Many are trying to balance work, household responsibilities, recovery and childcare all at once. And even though we’re more digitally connected than ever, many parents still feel like they have nobody to really lean on.

Sometimes what helps most isn’t another parenting podcast or a new routine chart. Sometimes, it’s simply having someone sit with you and remind you that you’re doing OK.

That support matters more than people realize.

Learning to trust yourself again

One of the most important things I try to remind parents is that they do not need to perform parenthood perfectly. Children don’t need parents who have all the answers every moment of the day. They need parents who are present, loving and supported themselves.

Some of the moments children remember most are usually the simple ones anyway. Eating popsicles outside. Being rocked to sleep. Listening to stories before bed. Sitting together after a hard day. Those moments don’t usually make it onto social media, but they matter.

I think many parents are craving permission to slow down a little and stop feeling like every decision carries enormous weight. At the end of the day, parenting is not about perfection. It’s about connection.

And most parents are doing far better than they think.

Rachael Jerahian is the founder of Nature & Nourish Birthing Co., where she supports women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood with holistic care from bump through baby. Find her on social media @natureandnourishbirthingco and at natureandnourishbirthingco.com.

The post Parental Burnout: Why Parents Feel Overwhelmed and What Helps appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Summer is made for simple pleasures: running barefoot through the grass, family game nights on the patio, bike rides around the neighborhood and long days spent exploring. Whether you’re planning beach trips, backyard adventures or educational activities to prevent summer learning loss, our Summer Fun Guide is packed with products designed to help families make the most of the season.

Every item featured has been tested and evaluated by the NAPPA Awards team, giving parents trusted recommendations for fun, learning and adventure.

Savor the longer days, warm nights, friends, family, laughter, picnics and the beach. To add to the summer fun and make your backyard the place to be for all the kids, how about a Monster Jam truck with 360° donut water spraying power, candy-scented hoops and balls or a bow launcher?

Invite the neighbors for an outdoor art show with giant spirographs to turn your sidewalk into a dazzling spiral canvas. Or test your skills with a Giant Color Stack Challenge, Cone Toss or Tower Stack. Summer wouldn’t be the same without long bike rides and some gardening.  Check out all the fun here.

The post Best Summer Toys, Games and Gear for Kids appeared first on L.A. Parent.

One of the key worrying points for parents of neurodiverse children is how will their kids engage with others. Social skills can be slow to development, and connecting with others isn’t always easy. But we found one person who is on a mission to change that.

Having spent most of his career working with neurodiverse children, young adults and adults, Eric Amundson knows the importance of friends and having a community, so much so that in January he founded Momentum Academy, a Los Angeles-based brand that blends adaptive gymnastics, ABA therapy‑informed practices and social development in a way that feels joyful rather than clinical.

We caught up with Eric to tap into his knowledge in this area and ask what led him to create Momentum Academy.

L.A. Parent: How did your business get its start?

Amundson: Momentum Academy was born out of both professional experience and a deeply personal belief that children grow best when they feel confident, connected and supported as whole human beings. For more than two decades, I’ve worked alongside individuals with special needs and their families, and I kept seeing the same thing: When movement, learning and relationships come together, real progress follows. Momentum Academy grew from that vision. It’s a space where children are encouraged to explore their strengths, build independence and move forward at their own pace.

L.A. Parent: What age range do you serve and how many students do you have at the moment?

Amundson: Momentum Academy serves individuals from early childhood through adulthood. Our programs are intentionally designed to adapt to each student’s developmental stage, sensory needs and learning style.

Rather than focusing on numbers, we focus on relationships. By keeping our groups thoughtfully sized and individualized, we’re able to give each student the attention and encouragement they need while allowing families to feel connected and supported every step of the way.

L.A. Parent: You offer gymnastics, applied behavior analysis, social-skill development, cooking courses and yoga — and for good measure a summer camp. Tell us how the programs run, from the teachers to the curriculum.

Amundson: Every Momentum Academy program is built around one core idea: Skills should be taught in ways that feel engaging, meaningful and transferable to daily life. Our multidisciplinary team includes behavior analysts, therapists, coaches and movement specialists who collaborate closely and share a common commitment to inclusion. Adaptive gymnastics help children develop confidence, coordination and body awareness. Social skills groups focus on communication, emotional understanding and real‑world interactions. Cooking classes build independence and practical life skills, while yoga and movement support regulation and self‑awareness.

Across all offerings, the curriculum is flexible and strengths‑based — meeting each student where they are, while gently encouraging growth beyond what once felt possible.

L.A. Parent: Your summer camp has a foundation of Movement, Friendship, Confidence. What will families find when they enroll their children?

Amundson: Families who enroll in our summer camp can expect more than just a structured day — they’ll find a place where their children feel safe, celebrated and excited to belong. Each camp day balances movement, social connection, creative play and moments of calm. Campers participate in adaptive physical activities, cooperative games and guided social experiences that help build friendships naturally. The atmosphere is upbeat and supportive, with plenty of opportunities for children to experience success alongside peers.

At its heart, camp is about helping kids feel proud of themselves and confident enough to try new things.

L.A. Parent: Anything else we should know about Momentum Academy?

Amundson: Momentum Academy is, first and foremost, a community. We believe progress doesn’t happen all at once.  It happens in one small step, one encouraging moment and one meaningful connection at a time. Our mission is rooted in compassion, inclusion and possibility. When children are supported in the right environment, they not only learn new skills, they begin to see themselves differently. And that belief in their own potential often becomes the most powerful outcome of all.

Momentum Academy is located at 2431 Eads Street in Los Angeles. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. There’s still room in summer camp, and you can learn more and register here. For anything else about Momentum Academy, call 424-599-4947 or email info@momentumacademyla.com.

The post Adaptive Gymnastics and Inclusive Programs for Kids at Momentum Academy appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Happy 100th birthday, Central Library! Los Angeles Public Library’s architectural icon marks its centennial in 2026. The year-long festivities for Central 100 include special exhibits, multiple programs and events, a family-friendly festival on July 11, online podcasts and blogs, two new books about Central Library and even an old-fashioned melodrama to close out the year.

An Art Deco masterpiece in downtown L.A., Central Library is not only a showcase for stunning art and architecture, but also a thriving community hub that welcomes thousands of visitors every week to read, research, tour its wonders and attend programs for all ages. The institution has evolved since the building, themed to the Light of Learning, first opened in 1926. The passing decades saw the Library survive calls for its demolition, recover from a disastrous fire and double its footprint and capacity during renovations that added a spectacular eight-story atrium with the Tom Bradley Wing. Central Library stands today ready to meet the needs of the city for the next 100 years.

A centerpiece of Central 100 celebrations are six new exhibits displayed throughout the building that explore the Library’s storied past — including two recently opened time capsules — as well as the services and resources on which Angelenos have relied for a century.

Visitors to Central Library or any of Los Angeles Public Library’s 72 branches can pick up one of three color-by-number sheets (each depicting a Central Library view) to participate in a reading challenge. Another hands-on activity is to collect a set of historic catalog cards that can be individually stamped at each library location or used to create a personal art project, such as a collage or paper sculpture. Feel free to request additional cards as the Library has plenty of them! 

You can also record your personal stories about Central Library with the Community Oral History project. Angel City Press, Los Angeles Public Library’s own publishing house, is releasing two new books that may be purchased at Central Library’s Library Store or through other booksellers.

Los Angeles Central Library POPS: Celebrating a Century of the Light of Learning is a unique, collectible pop-up book for adult readers. 
L is for Librarian: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Librarian, a picture book, is the first book for children published by Angel City Press.

The Central Library Centennial Festival on July 11 will welcome visitors of all ages to a free day-long extravaganza held both inside and outside the Library. Activities will include musical and dance performances, hands-on crafts for children, author talks, presentations by artists affiliated with the Library’s art installations, book signings and more. It’s a party held only once every 100 years!

It took 50 years from the founding of Los Angeles Public Library to create a dedicated headquarters building, Central Library. A lively melodrama that charts the ups and downs, and twists and turns, that led to the building we have today will open at the end of the year for free performances on Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. Save the date so you and your family can boo the villain and cheer the heroes!

While many special activities are being held during this anniversary year, Central Library welcomes visitors year-round with story times for multiple age groups, performing arts programs, workshops, teen activities, films and a dedicated makerspace (the Octavia Lab). Plus, highly trained docents offer free tours of the building’s amazing architecture with insights into the Library’s themes and history.

Visit lapl.org to learn more and to access library resources 24/7 with a library card — perhaps even a special edition Central 100 Library Card, available while supplies last. Join the celebration and wish Central Library a very happy birthday with many amazing years to come.

The post Los Angeles Central Library Celebrates 100 Years appeared first on L.A. Parent.

It usually starts subtly. A child who once moved easily through school begins to hesitate. Homework stretches longer than it should, and mornings feel heavier. Eventually, a simple assignment turns into a negotiation, then a standoff.

Teachers describe the child as “capable, but not meeting their potential.” Parents hear, “They just need to try harder.” 

Over time, the language shifts: “I can’t do this.” “It doesn’t matter.” “I don’t care.” At first, it sounds like frustration. Eventually, it starts to sound like something else entirely. For many families, this is the moment when they realize this isn’t just about school anymore.

What is agency?

In my work as a pediatric neuropsychologist, I spend a great deal of time with children who don’t fit the mold of a “typical learner.” Some have ADHD or autism, and some have learning disorders. Others have profiles that are simply uneven; they are exceptional in one area, unexpectedly challenged in another.

Many of these children have tremendous potential, are creative and perceptive. What they are often losing, quietly and over time, is something far more foundational: a sense of control over their own lives.

In psychology, this is described as locus of control. Children with an internal locus of control believe their actions influence outcomes, while those with an external locus of control experience life as something that happens to them.

In more practical, everyday terms, this is what I refer to as agency — the lived experience that effort matters, that choices have impact and that you are not just along for the ride.

When children have agency, they persist, tolerate frustration and stay engaged. When they lose it, even very capable children begin to withdraw. Research consistently shows that this sense of agency is deeply tied to motivation, resilience and mental health.

The problem is that many children lose agency in environments that were never designed with their brains in mind.Modern classrooms place heavy demands on skills such as sustained attention, organization, impulse control and planning.

These skills rely on the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which develops gradually over time and often more slowly in children with neurodevelopmental differences. This often creates a significant disparity between a child’s ability toreason at a high level and their ability to work efficiently.

The tremendous difficulty it takes them to regulate their bodies and sustain their attention to inherently uninteresting information leads to inconsistency and careless mistakes. From the outside, these children can be seen as lazy or unmotivated. From the inside, it feels like trying hard and not getting the expected result. When that happens repeatedly,the brain adapts and begins to conserve energy.

It naturally avoids tasks that feel unpredictable. What adults often interpret as laziness is, more accurately, a learned response to a loss of agency — or learned helplessness.

Over time, this pattern not only undermines a child’s academic performance, but it also shapes their identity. Children begin to internalize a narrative about themselves that reflects their experience in an environment that is not designed forthe way they learn. They come to believe that they are incapable or behind or simply “not a good student.” 

If these experiences are chronic, they can feel more real and begin to generalize to other areas of a child’s life. When this happens, emotional consequences follow. Children with ADHD, for example, are significantly more likely to experience anxiety and depression than their peers. Many of these children are not anxious because of an inherent vulnerability, but because their daily experience feels unpredictable and outside their control.

Shift your perspective

A strength-based perspective reveals a different way to understand these learners. 

• The child who appears distracted may actually have a broad, flexible attention system — one that notices everything, even if it struggles to filter. 
• The child who seems impulsive may be fast thinking and willing to take risks. 
• The child who struggles with organization may be approaching problems in a nonlinear, creative way.

These are not deficits in intelligence; they are differences in how the brain processes information. The issue is that most learning environments are optimized for a relatively narrow range of cognitive styles, and when a child falls outside that range, the expectation is often that the child should change rather than the environment.

Rebuilding a child’s sense of agency

This is where parents have enormous influence. The most effective thing a parent can do is not to push harder or demand more effort. These children are likely already trying their best or learned long ago that more effort does not equal more reward. 

Instead, parents can help their child rebuild agency through consistent experiences that teach them that their actions can produce meaningful outcomes. That often begins with small, practical shifts. Giving a child meaningful choices, such asdeciding what to start first (math or vocabulary), where to work on homework (desk, kitchen table, treehouse) or how to approach a task (use voice to text for a brain dump before starting an essay; starting from the middle of their math worksheet because they understand those problems best.) 

These seemingly inconsequential changes can move them from passive participant to active decision maker. Allowingthem to take ownership, even when the outcome is imperfect, reinforces the idea that their actions matter. Equally important is how effort is framed. If success is the only thing that is praised, many children will opt out of trying altogether. But when persistence, strategy and engagement are recognized, the focus shifts. 

In these situations, children begin to see effort as something worthwhile again. At home, this can be as simple as managing a responsibility, contributing to a household task or organizing part of their own routine. These moments are not really about the task.

They are about creating repeated experiences where effort leads to a visible outcome, especially when those outcomes are helpful for their family. Over time, those experiences accumulate into confidence.

How schools can help

Schools are also a critical part of this equation, and this is often where parents feel the most stuck. Conversations tend to focus on performance (grades) or missing assignments. However, those discussions are counterproductive and don’t address the underlying issues. A more productive question would be, “Under what conditions does this child succeed?”

When educators understand how a child learns, where they breakdown and what supports engagement, small adjustments can have an outsized impact. Extended time, movement breaks, flexibility in how a child demonstrates knowledge (e.g., oral presentation in lieu of a written paper) are not unfair advantages; they are ways of leveling the playing field.

When this happens, the shift can be immediate. A child will begin to understand that their effort produces results. When effort produces results, agency begins to return.

Small wins matter

I have sat in countless meetings with parents who are exhausted — and who have spent years trying to find the rightcombination of supports and interventions to help their child feel happy. In those moments, I try to reframe the goal.

The aim is not to manufacture happiness or protect a child from difficulty. It is to consistently place them in situations wheretheir effort produces a visible result, where failure is informative rather than final and where recovery is part of the process. 

When that happens often enough, something in a child shifts. A child who once experienced the world as something happening to them begins to experience

themselves as someone happening to the world. They make choices, take ownership and re-engage. More importantly,they begin to build a self-narrative that is accurate. It’s not that things come easily, but the child becomes more capable of figuring things out. 

That is agency. In my experience, it is the foundation on which everything else — motivation, resilience and genuine confidence — is built.

Oren Boxer, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist and director at Insight Collective.

The post How to Build Motivation and Confidence in Kids Through Agency appeared first on L.A. Parent.

The mental health of our children was a chief concern during the pandemic in 2020, and it hasn’t faded. We worried about them being isolated, about their social skills declining and their overall outlook being not as positive. In the years that followed, mental health among kids has stayed front and center.

At L.A. Parent, we’ve engaged with a variety of caregivers and services providers to best equip parents to handle this fluid situation. What to watch for, who to turn to and how to education yourself. See our content here.

This month, we are connecting with one of many organizations that is standing by to help. The team at HillsidesCares believes that comprehensive care should be the foundation of mental health treatment for children and adolescents, so we asked for their perspective on the state of mental health and education among our children. We discussed things with Stacey Roth, a licensed clinical social worker and the CEO of Hillsides.

L.A. Parent: How did HillsidesCares get its start, and when?

Stacey: For over a century, Hillsides has supported children, youth and families through some of life’s most challenging moments, especially those impacted by trauma and emotional or behavioral health needs. While this work historically focused on children already within the county system, it became clear that many families were facing similar challenges without access to the intensive, coordinated care their children needed.

HillsidesCares was created to bridge that gap. Today, the program provides comprehensive mental health treatment for children and families with both health insurance and Medi-Cal, expanding access to the same trusted care and expertise that Hillsides has delivered for generations.

L.A. Parent: Where are you located and what services do you offer today?

Stacey: HillsidesCares is located in Pasadena on a beautifully wooded 17-acre campus with safe and comfortable cottages, 24/7 nursing services, serene outdoor spaces and enrichment areas including an art studio, music room, gym, pool and basketball court.

We provide a range of mental health services for children and teens, including residential treatment and day treatment. These services are designed to meet each child’s unique needs, with the flexibility to adjust the level of care as they grow and heal.

A key part of HillsidesCares’ approach is continuity. Families work with the same trusted treatment team throughout their journey, creating consistency and stronger relationships. We serve children as young as six and partner closely with families to ensure care is compassionate, coordinated and focused on long-term wellbeing.

L.A. Parent: You offer three types of treatment programs: Residential, Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient. How are they different and how do parents know which one is right for their child?

Stacey: HillsidesCares offers three levels of care based on the individual’s child needs. Our residential program provides 24/7 care in a structured, therapeutic environment for children who need the highest level of support. The partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers a similar level of intensive therapy during the day, while allowing children to return home each evening. The intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the most flexible, with shorter sessions a few days a week, so children can continue living at home and practicing new skills in their daily routines.

Choosing the right program depends on your child’s needs, and our team works closely with each family to guide that decision. We assess each child’s situation and recommend the level of care that will provide the right balance of support, structure and independence to help them heal and grow.

L.A. Parent: What should parents watch for in their children that are signs of mental illness and how do they start the discussion with their child?

Stacey: Parents may notice changes in their child’s mood, behavior or stress levels, such as increased anxiety, sadness, irritability, withdrawal, difficulty focusing or reactions tied to past experiences. Some children may also show signs of challenges like ADHD, autism or substance use. These shifts are often signals that a child or teen may need extra support.

When starting a conversation, approach it with curiosity and care. Keep it collaborative and nonjudgmental by sharing what you’ve noticed: “I’ve seen some changes lately…” and giving your child space to respond. It can also help to normalize their experience, reminding them that many kids go through similar feelings and that support is available. Most importantly, validate what they’re feeling, offer reassurance and emphasize hope letting them know there are options and people who can help them feel better.

Sometimes, it’s also helpful for families to visit a program in person to see how it feels for both parent and child. HillsidesCares welcomes tours, offering a chance to ask questions, meet the team and better understand the environment before taking next steps.

L.A. Parent: How many people are on the HillsidesCares team and approx. how many families do you help each year?

Stacey: The HillsidesCares team is made up of 50-60 dedicated psychotherapists and professionals, including clinical staff, nursing a certified teacher, child-care counselors, leadership and campus support teams — all working together to provide comprehensive care. Each year, we support hundreds of families, with many children moving through different levels of care as they progress, ensuring they receive the right support at every stage of their journey.

If your family is in need of mental health treatment for children and adolescents, call HillsidesCares at 323-641-4842 to request a tour, or use this form: https://www.hillsidescares.org/healing-together/#form

The post HillsidesCares: Mental Health Support for Children and Teens in Los Angeles appeared first on L.A. Parent.

The Los Angeles community is fortunate to have a variety of exceptional service providers, dedicated to helping families who have children or adults with learning differences. But few have been doing it as long and as well as Villa Esperanza Services. What began in 1961 when Rachel Keith started a school in her home for her son Ronnie and other children with Down syndrome has today grown into a beautiful school in Pasadena – as well as second location in Thousand Oaks – that is celebrating six decades of being an environment of love, caring and hope for so many.

We asked Robyn Stack Reagan, Vice President of Special Education Services, to tell us more about Villa Esperanza Services, its history, programs and its future.

L.A. Parent: Your school has a fascinating history. Can you share some details on how and why it started, and what the first 20 years or so looked like?

Robyn: The saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention” truly applies to Villa Esperanza since it started with a mother who needed a school for her son and invented it! Yes, Villa started in Rachel’s home and grew to occupy storefronts and small houses on our current 1½ -acre lot on Villa Street in Pasadena. From those humble beginnings to our current campus, Villa has continued to move forward.

L.A. Parent: Your growth and impact are impressive. You offer school for students ages 5-22 years old, occupational therapy, speech and language, and behavior therapy, and you have three adult day programs, adult residential services and adult employment services. How does your team manage it all?

Robyn: Villa’s 10 unique programs are managed by an exceptional group of directors who oversee their respective programs. They meet regularly to go over what is working well and where improvement is needed.

Villa’s programs have evolved with our population and their families. Starting with Early Intervention Occupational Therapy or Speech services, a child can then attend our school from age 5 to 22 years old, and transition seamlessly onto one of our adult programs. Throughout this journey, staff work together to understand the unique support needs and potential for growth of each individual.

The magic truly happens with our direct care staff. Whether it’s a 1:1 instructional aide at our school or a direct support professional for one of our adult programs, their day-to-day commitment, care and creativity is a huge reason for the progress we see in our participants.

L.A. Parent: Villa Esperanza Services’ school was recently featured at the Architecture 4Learning Environments national conference in Phoenix. What did that mean to your team?

Robyn: The acknowledgment from Architecture4Learning Environments was such an honor. A great deal of thought and planning went into creating a campus that put our students’ first. The architecture team at Practice worked with our philanthropy team, school staff and operational staff to determine what kinds of spaces would set our school apart from the rest. Our state-of-the-art Occupational Therapy Center, classrooms with sound-absorbing ceilings and high windows for natural light, interactive playgrounds and our Independent Living Skills studio all contribute holistically to positively impact and inspire students and staff on a daily basis.

The school campus encompasses Phases 1 and 2 of our 3-part capital campaign. We appreciate the many donors who have supported our vision to create this therapeutic learning and working environment. We hope to showcase to the larger community of families in the Los Angeles area that we are here to serve your children’s educational, social and emotional needs.

L.A. Parent: What’s next for Villa Esperanza Services?

Robyn: At this point in time, Villa has about $5 million raised toward the $15 million goal of completing our 3-part capital campaign. The last phase of our campus will include an incredible new Speech and Language therapy center where we can continue to provide exceptional support for Villa students and outside clients. It will also feature modernized meeting and workspaces for our administrative and program leadership. From our origins of humble storefronts and houses, we are excited to complete this transformation.

Beyond our capital campaign goals, Villa remains continually eager to support the Pasadena and Los Angeles community. We welcome students from more than 25 different school districts. As we work toward growing our enrollment, we are committed to helping their child with intellectual and or developmental disabilities reach their potential though comprehensive services to works toward their overall growth.

L.A. Parent: Thanks for the updates, Robyn. Is there anything else we should know about Villa Esperanza Services?

Robyn: Villa is here for you and your loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more than 65 years, our team has served thousands of individuals and we remain committed to growing our impact. If you are in the Pasadena or the larger Los Angeles area, we encourage you to visit us for a tour. Whether you are prospective parent or interested in getting involved with our cause, we would love to welcome you for an up-close look at the work being done. For tours of our campus, you can reach out to our Director of Philanthropy Michelle Cox at MCox@VillaES.org or (626) 449-2919, ext. 128.

The post Villa Esperanza Services Supports Special Needs Families in Los Angeles appeared first on L.A. Parent.