OCTOBER 2026
The Science of Cozy
Exceptional Needs Resource Guide
Fall Fun FIND YOUR
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When Struggling at School Is a Symptom, Not the Problem
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CONT ENT S October 2026
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THE MAMA FILES
LOCAL
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THINGS WE LOVE MOM NEXT DOOR THINGS TO DO
features
14 THE SCIENCE OF COZY
20 EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS LISTING Local resources, services, and support all at your fingertips to help children and families with exceptional needs. 18 HOMEWORK HACKS FOR KIDS WITH DYSLEXIA Homework with dyslexia is never easy, but learning the best strategies that build knowledge and confidence can help support kids with dyslexia. 16 FAMILY FUN FALL-ABRATION ‘Tis the season for fall fun! Celebrate with our listing of the best fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and spooky fun. Explore the psychology and science behind why we crave the warm drinks, cozy sweaters, soft blankets, and cooler weather that fall brings.
Photos by magnific.com and rawpixel.com
what’s on the web
Pumpkin Patch Picks Here are our top picks for the pumpkin patches you should visit this year. Halloween Outfits the Kiddos Will Love Tired of the same old ideas? Try some options your kids might actually enjoy wearing this Halloween. Where to Get the Best Tacos for National Taco Day October 4 is National Taco Day, and these are the go-to spots to get the best tacos. Scary Movies the Whole Family Can Watch Don’t miss out on the holiday season—catch all these kid-friendly scary movies.
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THE Mama FILES
MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher
They Still Need Me... Right?
EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor
AMANDA CIANI REBECCA FAST MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors KAILEY GREMILLION Editorial ASsistant
ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager
T here is something about fall that makes me want to change things around the house. The pumpkins come out, the fall decorations make their annual appearance, and even the throw pillows get their seasonal wardrobe change. Over the weekend, my daughter walked into the house and immediately noticed I had changed the pillow covers for fall. Of all the things in the house, she noticed the pillows. Such a little thing, but I loved that she noticed. She is in her first semester of college, although technically it’s her second thanks to dual enrollment in high school. She still lives at home, but some days I feel like we just happen to share the same address. Between classes, sorority life, friends, and picking up as many work shifts as possible to support this new lifestyle she is thoroughly enjoying, she is busy. She comes through the door with a story, changes clothes, grabs something, and is usually back out again. I love watching her enjoy this stage of life, even if I occasionally feel like I need to make an appointment just to see her. The boys are 13 now, and school starting back means the morning shuffle is back too. I’ve started doing carpool again, so there went my extra sleep. Thankfully, the school start times changed this year and bought me a little more time in the mornings. At this point in motherhood, I’ll take every extra minute of sleep I can get. They’re almost taller than me, their voices are starting to change, and sometimes I look at them and think, when exactly did this happen? They can do so much for themselves now that I’m pretty sure they humor me occasionally just so I can still feel useful. Of course, all that independence disappears the second they need a ride, can’t
find something sitting directly in front of them, or are hungry. Then Mom suddenly becomes very important again. At night, though, they’re still my boys. We have our shows we watch together, they still ask for back rubs, and every night I tuck them into bed. Yes, I still tuck in my almost- taller-than-me 13-year-old boys, and I have zero plans to stop until they make me. I know those bedtime routines won’t last forever, so for now, I’m soaking them up for as long as they’ll let me. Maybe that’s why the fall pillows stuck with me. Every year I pull out the same decorations, but the kids around them are a little different. The little girl who once needed me for everything is running between college classes, sorority events, work, and friends. The little boys aren’t so little anymore, even if they still want Mom to rub their backs before bed. And I’m somewhere in the middle, trying to figure out what being a Mom looks like at this stage. These days, my job seems to be a combination of chauffeur, listener, pantry stocker, back scratcher, and keeper of home. Honestly, I’m good with that. I’ll keep putting out the pumpkins, driving carpool, watching our shows, and tucking those growing boys into bed. And when my daughter flies through the front door on her way to the next thing but stops long enough to notice I changed the pillows, I’ll take that too. They may not need me the way they used to, and I’m learning to be okay with that. I just want them to always know I’m here when they do.
KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MAIH MANUSO Content Multiplication Specialist TRINITY GRAYSON MERCEDES MITCHELL Client Success Representatives ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN THOMAS DRYBURGH JENNIFER HOFFMANN
JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives SARAH MILLER Account Manager
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships
ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach
ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Associate Chief of Staff KELSEY TAYLOR Administrative Assistant
CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC CORPORATE OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816
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Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.
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local
Little Blue Pigeon: Building Community One Book at a Time
A fter 22 years as a book publicist, Paige Dungan decided to take her love of stories in a new direction: opening a bookstore of her own. “I’m a big advocate for telling stories and sharing stories, and the bookstore was a natural next step in doing that,” she explains. You can feel the love and community walking into Little Blue Pigeon. From the soft blue pictures on the wall to the bay window filled with sunshine and pillows, to the bookshelves handpicked with reads meant for everyone, Dungan’s hard work is obvious. Opened in April on Larimer, Dungan hopes the store provides the access to books and the bookstore that she believes the neighborhood of downtown Denver needs. The store also hosts free events for the community, welcoming everyone from babies to retirees. She says her audience so far has been split in the middle, half locals and half visitors, which she adds has been amazing. Dungan greets every single customer with a smile and a “Welcome in!” As you check out, you get the chance to chat about your day, the trip you’re on, which books you like to read, or how hot the BY AMELIA ROESSLER
weather is. The genuine interactions make the shop feel less transactional and more like a neighborhood gathering place. “Because we are a small store, it’s curated,” explains Dungan. “I make sure all voices are being represented, all stories are being told, that everyone can find and see themselves in a book, too.” Every Monday, Dungan takes six to eight hours to place an order, purposely choosing every title in the store. Whether it’s what’s trending, what she’s heard from other bookstores, or the top pick at book clubs, you can find all types of titles. “We have amazing authors, so many readers, and I hope to really help bring more programming around reading and literacy to the city because we have such an audience for it here,” she says. Programs for the Community From Saturday morning storytimes to a children’s area with coloring and train tables, Little Blue Pigeon was designed with families in mind. Storytimes often involve local authors, happening before the store opens to accommodate sensory needs and provide an intimate space to learn. “I wanted it just to be soft and approachable,” emphasizes Dungan. “Like, all day, outside we get loud noises, loud colors, which is why I picked soft blue and white. Because the one place a bookstore should be is just calming, and you get whatever you need out of it for that day. And then you can go back out to the chaos and the outside world, too.” Little Blue Pigeon also provides different workshops for kids throughout the month where different artisans come in to teach. Dungan believes neighborhood bookstores are where you trade knowledge and learn different skills.
Mostly, Dungan wants to know that everyone is welcome—no matter the age or if you’re shopping for a book or not. Visitors are welcome to use the Wi-Fi, color with the kids, or play pigeon bingo—a game Dungan’s oldest son created that challenges visitors to find little pigeons hidden throughout the store. “I really want to bring literacy and book access more into the community,” says Dungan. “I think the more that we can just give access to the books, the more well developed we all become as humans. Because that’s what really helps us imagine and grow and believe in things.” That’s why Little Blue Pigeon has a book- forward program where Dungan partners with a different nonprofit. For every five books sold in the store, one always gets donated to the nonprofit, and the nonprofits choose what type of books they need.
And Dungan says she is always open for ideas and recommendations.
“The only way we can show up in our community is if we have the resources that they’re looking for,” explains Dungan. “The store really is a collaboration.” Little Blue Pigeon is located at 1413 Larimer St. in Denver. You can also call (720) 456-6973 or visit littlebluepigeonbooks.com.
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Things We Love As screens become a bigger part of everyday life, finding activities that spark creativity, critical thinking, and family connection is more important than ever. Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day project, a brain-boosting challenge, or a game the whole family can enjoy, these screen-free favorites encourage kids to build, create, imagine, and play—no charging required. Screen-Free Fun
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Educational Insights Kanoodle The TikTok-viral brainteaser puzzle game is perfect for kids and adults. The original Kanoodle game has 200 puzzle challenges—a great way to take a brain break, work on spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills, or for screen-free entertainment while traveling. $9.99, amazon.com
LEGO Dump Truck & Front End Loader With two highly detailed construction truck toys, kids can scoop, lift, and tip with the loader’s bucket and articulated steering. $129.99, lego.com
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Sentence Building Dominoes Designed for beginning readers ages six years old and up, these dominoes are printed with nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and punctuation marks; everything students need to build full sentences. $16.37, target.com
Monopoly Junior This Monopoly Junior board game features simplified gameplay for budding Monopoly fans. Players move around the gameboard buying kid-friendly properties such as a movie theater, a zoo, or a video game arcade. $16.99, amazon.com
Hello Hobby Make & Create Craft Box Kit Unleash creativity with the Hello Hobby Craft Supply Library—packed with bright, colorful materials like pipe cleaners, googly eyes, pom- poms, craft sticks, and sequins, this set has over 700 essentials to make art fun and hands-on. $14.88, walmart.com
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mom next door Meet Kim Hernandez
just doing something creative, she has found it to be a beneficial outlet in her line of work.
As a parent, Hernandez says the biggest chal- lenge she has faced recently is her daughter’s and husband’s simultaneous ADHD diagno- ses. Her daughter was around two or three when signs started showing up, but she was diagnosed at age five, which is when they began to see the signs of her husband’s similar patterns. Now, her daughter is nine. “Prior to her diagnosis, we had a lot of very confounding behaviors that we couldn’t fig- ure out,” she says. “There was just a lot of this stuff where I remember telling myself, I don’t know how to handle this. I don’t know what to do with this. I am not equipped for this.” Even with all her clinical training, including ADHD training, Hernandez found herself doing a lot more research on her own. She found that there are so many people who experience ADHD. “I’m looking at my daughter and I’m thinking, okay, here’s this tiny little being who doesn’t know why she can’t control her body, doesn’t know why she can’t control her brain,” Hernandez emphasizes. “And then I as the parent could very easily make that worse.” The ADHD diagnosis gave their family a path- way. And now they all figure out how to live together, how to develop skills on how to work with each other, and what living with ADHD is like, especially after learning that her husband has ADHD also. “What’s been the joy is watching these two very different kids do what they do best,” says Hernandez. “No, it’s not the same line of logic that I would pick. And no, it doesn’t look the same way other kids her age look, but they’re both brilliant and they’re so fun to watch when you just let them be.” Hernandez says her kids have taught her about how to let go and let them be them- selves because they’re beautiful. She says she tells people that she’s done a lot of hard things in her life—run businesses, worked in leadership, started from scratch—but par- enting is by far the hardest thing she’s ever done. And the most rewarding.
“
Here’s this tiny little being who doesn’t know why she can’t control her body, doesn’ tknow why she can’t control her brain. And then I as a parent could very easily make that worse.
M eet Kim Hernandez, a clinical coun- selor, ballroom dancer, and mom of two. Hernandez owned a ballroom dance school for 16 years before she decided to go back to school to get a master’s in clinical counseling. Now, she works in trauma and addiction, helping people understand how trauma can BY AMELIA ROESSLER
develop the bad habits that keep us stuck in life.
Outside of owning and operating her own practice, Hernandez says her family finds themselves traveling to new places a lot.
Hernandez also likes dancing, art, and being creative. Whether it’s sculpting or painting or
One of the things she’s learned from other parents is to vacuum while they’re sleeping.
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Hernandez says she learned it from a friend, who explained that if kids start to believe that they need silence to sleep, they won’t sleep when there’s no silence…and how many silent environments are there? As for advice she would give to other parents, Hernandez says whether you like it or not, the things that happen to you will show up in them. She adds to do your absolute best to handle what you need to handle in yourself and your past because your kids will bring it out of you. Hernandez knows firsthand that we come from hard places sometimes, some harder than others, and then we behave certain ways and we don’t really realize how much of that the kids pick up on. “It’s hard, but when you look at those faces, don’t give it to them,” emphasizes Hernandez. “Before I started on my healing journey, I was very controlling, my kids were very young when I started my healing journey.” She says she is grateful she got through most of her healing journey while her kids were young. When she started to notice that they couldn’t do anything right, that she was con- stantly on them, Hernandez says she realized it was anxiety of being a good parent and that she had to fix her own stressors. Even though she is a therapist, Hernandez says not everyone needs therapy to help them handle their past. Depending on where you are, who you are, it might not be accessi- ble or cost-effective. Any sort of community that can hold you in graceful and loving accountability will be beneficial. For parents with children who have ADHD, Hernandez says it’s really important that the family works together and not to target that child with all of the energy. “We do our best not to tell everyone we ever meet, ‘This is my daughter. She has ADHD.’ That is not who she is. It’s part of what makes her brilliant,” she explains. Hernandez says her family has found occupa- tional therapy very helpful for ADHD. She also recommends the books, Smart but Scattered and Raising Kids With Big Baffling Behaviors . RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Favorite date night… movies Words that best describe your family… humor-filled Favorite genre of movie or television show… historical dramas Favorite food… cake
We can help, but you have to take the first step. We’re here for you. There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.
THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947— Helping Those Who Stutter ®
www.StutteringHelp.org
OCTOBER 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 13
W hen the heat subsides just enough to turn off the AC and open the windows, there is a collective exhale of relief. Gone is the sweltering heat, replaced by comfort- able cool breezes that gently dance by, leaving little goosebumps and a whisper of “Fall is here.” So much more than just one of the four seasons, fall is an annual source of true joy for many people, and for a multitude of reasons. Autumn’s Aura The warm, rich, golden glow of fall encompasses all of the senses with the burning ferocity of a sun- set. Just saying the word “fall” brings up a mental vision board of all of the ways fall finds its way into our cores, taking root and leaving its mark on us. Close your eyes. Imagine leaves crunching underfoot, the smell of crisp apples, eek! the feel of stringy, gooey pumpkin guts while cleaning out and carving a crooked-toothed Jack-o’-lantern, and, oh, the flavors! Those pervasive warm hints of cinnamon, and the earthy flavors of pumpkin. Yes, fall flavors are peak—they’re picked during harvest time, after all. And even merely imagin- ing fall brings out all of the good feelings! Kathy Wu, PhD, Licensed Psychology, Author of The Self Regulation Handbook and Private Practice Owner of WuPsychology, notes that, “Most people ordering a pumpkin spice latte are, presumably, having a decent day, which sets the stage for lots of positive nostalgia points,” and it goes even deeper than that! She continues, “A pumpkin spice latte is like a shortcut to a feeling: a little sensory reminder that fall is here, and all the memories and rituals that come with it are here, too.” Yesteryear Nostalgia Sensory experiences and memories certainly go hand in hand. Little ones are in the thick of creat- ing their lasting core memories with harvest time happenings, and many adults may find themselves relating through their “When I was your age…” tales. Because while many things in life have changed over the years, some of life’s simple joys have stayed the same, being passed down gener- ation after generation with new little twists intro- duced here and there. Traditions of visiting pumpkin patches, baking fall treats, carving pumpkins on the porch, trick- or-treating with neighborhood friends, and more. Wu elaborates: “Rituals become vehicles for con- necting the past and present: they allow parents to recreate beloved experiences, create new pos- itive memories with their children, and establish traditions that may one day become nostalgic memories for future generations.” As adults repeat their treasured traditions with their own children, an emotional layer of the season is revealed. That wholesome, pure joy of multiple generations of kids enjoying childhood for the fun of it is some- thing to be reveled in. New Season, Fresh Starts And kids deserve fun! Part of summer’s appeal is its go-with-the-flow fun. Yet, Karen Wu explains that humans also crave routine that fall provides, remarking: “During the fall we experience that first return of structure and predictability through schools starting, sports beginning, work sched- ules settling, holidays approaching, bedtimes and mealtimes becoming more consistent, and daily or weekly rituals returning.” Summer can bring
The Science of Cozy BY AMANDA CIANI
14 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2026
2. Hit the books. Little readers love hearing about the changing seasons, while tweens and teens may be ready for a slightly spooky story. Reading by candlelight or lantern light adds to the aura. } 3. Embark on a u-pick adventure. Apples, and pumpkins, oh my! Enjoy time outside and the bounty that can be picked. 4. Gift a loved one a boo basket! What better way to get in your feels about fall than by sharing the excitement with someone special? 5. Decorate for the occasion. Set the autumn ambi- ance with pumpkins and scarecrows, or ghosts and skeletons. 6. Touch grass. And crunch leaves underfoot A walk in the woods is one of the best ways to experience fall and experience the changing seasons firsthand. 7. Attend a community event! There is so much fall fun for families- be sure to check out this month’s Things to Do calendar. 8. Bake something yummy. Apple pies, pumpkin bars, the sky is the limit when it comes to fall fla- vors and delicious desserts. 9. Plan a cozy day in. Puzzles, blanket forts, movies, and apple cider makes for a perfect autumn after- noon together. 10. Carve, or paint, pumpkins! Show off that cre- ativity and get crafty with the crew by transform- ing gourds into masterpieces.
moments. “The fall represents a slowing down and a refocus on the smaller joys that come from togetherness and connection,” Wu agrees. The Clock is Ticking For big-time fall fans, the worst part of the season is that it has to end. Yet, the temporary-ness of autumn may also be a part of its allure. “The fleet- ingness is part of the appeal, making us ultimately more appreciative of what we get to experience each season, and making us look forward to repeating these experiences all over again in the future,” says Wu. On those final dog days of summer, crisp, cool nights are the subject of sincere yearning. During the fall season, most pumpkin patches are only open on weekends, making them feel like a scarce- ly available attraction! Then, ultimately, come mid-October, it doesn’t take much effort to find peppermint flavors and snowman decor. Because life is cyclical, and winter family fun is around the corner. Fall is temporary, fall is limited, and so, fall is to be savored. If you are one of the many people who love fall, you are in good company, because there certainly is plenty to love. And no matter what your reasons are for loving fall, we hope you have the loveliest fall ever in 2026. Happy fall memory-making, families! Top 10 Ways to Embrace the Season of Cozy 1. Cook up a crockpot dinner. There is something so warm and comforting about smelling a tasty dinner slow-cook all day long. Bonus points if it is soup!
fun-but-chaotic unpredictability, whereas fall provides relief by giving children a sense of what comes next. Wu continues by explaining that the predictability can “feel calming by nature and a welcomed relief from all the extra running around we tend to do during the longer and warmer days of summer.” Yes, there is more routine come fall, but there is definitely still room for lots of leisure, too. Kids can find comfort in the routine of being students again, settling into their schedules like a nice warm bath. During fall, many children are able to see their friends with more consistency, now as their classmates or teammates. So where summer may be spontaneous, fall feels like getting the train back on the tracks, which for many, is desirable. A Season of Simplicity On nice weekends, when the weather is not too hot and not too cold, families flock to farms for fall fun. Those just-right days off provide a mood boost as bountiful as a harvest itself! Sunshine on the face, getting your hands dirty to find the perfect pumpkin, bodies in motion. It’s simple, but it is also everything. And as it starts to get a little cooler, and the dark emerges earlier each evening, warmth and light become their own little treats. Inside, we have thick knit blankets, big mugs filled with hot cider, and maybe an ever-so-slightly spooky movie that results in the kids needing to cuddle close to their parents, even though they claim they definitely aren’t scared! Inside itineraries include meaningful time together through game and movie nights, craft time, cook- ing, baking, storytimes, and overall, sweet little
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C elebrate the best of fall with family-friendly adventures all season long! From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to apple orchards, farmers markets, harvest festivals, and spooky attractions, there are countless ways to enjoy autumn together. FALL PUMPKIN PATCHES, APPLE ORCHARDS, AND CORN MAZES 7th Generation Farm (720) 499-8199 Family Fun Fall-Abration
Hankins Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (970) 408-0608 26745 Weld County Rd. 17, Johnstown hankinsfarms.com
6914 Ute Hwy., Longmont yayafarmandorchard.com
FARMERS MARKETS City Park Farmers Market City Park Esplanade, Denver cityparkfarmersmarket.com 8am-1pm, Saturdays through Oct. 31 Boulder County Farmers Market 13th St., Boulder bcfm.org 8am–2pm, Saturdays through Nov. 21 Harvey Park Farmers Market 2250 S. Quitman Way, Denver harveyparkfarmersmarket.com 9am-1pm, Saturdays through Oct. 31 Highlands Ranch Farmers Market 9288 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch denverfarmersmarket.com 10am-2pm, Sundays through Nov. 1 Parker Farmers Market 19565 Mainstreet, Parker thelocalcolorado.com 8am–1pm, Sundays through Oct. 25 Real Farmers Market Front St., Louisville realfarmersmarketco.com 9am–1pm, Saturdays through Oct. 10 South Pearl St. Farmers Market S. Pearl St., Denver southpearlstreet.com 9am-1pm, Sundays through Nov. 8 Southwest Plaza Farmers Market Southwest Plaza, Littleton denverfarmersmarket.com
100 S. 96th St., Louisville 7thgenerationfarm.com
Miners’ Pumpkin Patch (719) 488-0880 225 N. Gate Blvd., Colorado Springs minerspumpkinpatch.com
Adam’s Apple Orchard & Country Store (970) 760-0279
42135 County Rd. 43, Ault adamsapplecolorado.com Anderson Farms (303) 828-5210 6728 County Rd. 3 ¼, Erie andersonfarms.com
Mile High Farms (720) 383-8227 11 Cavanaugh Rd., Bennett milehighfarms.com Munson Farms (720) 491-1421 7455 Valmont Rd., Boulder munsonfarms.com Osborn Farm (970) 541-1212 1230 S. Boise Ave., Loveland osbornfarm.com Rock Creek Farm (303) 465-9565 2005 S. 112th St., Broomfield rockcreekfarm.com
Anderson Patchwork Pumpkins (970) 227-4661 15415 CO-14, Ault facebook.com
Bartels Farm, The (970) 493-3853
3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins thebartelspumpkinpatch.com Berry Patch Farms (303) 659-5050 13785 Potomac St., Brighton berrypatchfarms.com Cottonwood Farms (720) 890-4766 10600 Isabelle Rd., Lafayette cottonwoodfarms.com
Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch (303) 684-0087 9059 Ute Hwy./CO 66, Longmont rockymtnpumpkinranch.com
Tigges Farm Roasted Chilies & Pumpkin Patch (970) 686-7225 12404 County Rd. 64 1/2, Greeley tiggesfarm.com
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms (720) 865-3500 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton botanicgardens.org
YA YA Farm & Orchard (303) 485-5585
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8am–2pm, Saturdays through Oct. 31
University Hills Farmers Market 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver farmersmarketscolorado.com 9am–1pm, Saturdays through Oct. 31 FALL EVENTS & FESTIVALS Magic of the Jack-O’Lanterns (720) 802-0006 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton magicofthejackolanterns.com/denver
Pumpkin Fest (303) 424-2346 5222 Quaker St., Golden
prospectdistrict.org Oct. 4, 10am–1pm
Pumpkin Festival (720) 865-3500 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton
botanicgardens.org Oct. 9-11, 9am-4pm
Pumpkin Harvest Festival (720) 865-0800 Four Mile Historic Park, Denver fourmilepark.org Oct. 17-18, 10am-4pm Pumpkin Patch Party 5280 Carr St., Arvada calabresegreenhouse.com Oct. 24, 10am HAUNTED HOUSES 13th Floor Haunted House (303) 355-3327 3400 E. 52nd Ave., Denver 13thfloorhauntedhouse.com Denver Terrors (720) 885-9930 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver denverterrors.com
Haunted Field of Screams info@hauntedfieldofscreams.com
10451 McKay Rd., Thornton hauntedfieldofscreams.com
Horror Theatre Haunted House (720) 263-1178 4504 S. Independence St., Denver horrortheatredenver.com The Empty Grave Haunted House (949) 257-2279 218 Kimbark St., Longmont theemptygrave.com The Frightmare Compound (303) 467-2273 10798 Yukon St., Westminster thefrightmarecompound.com The Ritual Haunted House (720) 837-3425 895 W. Hampden Ave., Englewood theritualhauntedhouse.com
OCTOBER 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 17
Homework Hacks
for Kids With Dyslexia BY JULIANNA STEEN
A 20-minute homework assignment doesn’t always take 20 minutes— especially for a child with a specific learning disability (SLD) like dyslexia. For many kids with dyslexia, the school day doesn’t really end when they come home. Reading, writing, and organizing assignments can turn homework into a second round of the hardest parts of their day. As a parent, you want to help—but knowing how to help isn’t always obvious. Why does homework take so long? How much should you step in? When does your child need a break? And do tools like audiobooks and text-to-speech actually help? We asked Dr. Caroline G. Richter, assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and director of STARS (Science of Child DevelopmenT And NeuRodiverSity), for 10 research-backed ways parents can make homework less stressful and more manageable for kids with dyslexia.
brains process the information. Research has also shown that using artificial intelligence- assisted tools to support learning can prove beneficial to those with SLDs. Bonus: For younger children, Dr. Richter encourages parents to integrate fun into learning in unique ways, like playing board games, counting items at the grocery store, and pretending to budget. 4. Let your child make mistakes. Don’t do their homework for them. It is so hard to watch a child struggle, making it especially tempting to step in and “help”—aka do the work for them. While well-meaning, that’s actually one of the worst things you can do. “Parents who do the homework and the planning and the things the student should be doing are just keeping the frontal lobe small for the student,” Dr. Linzey explains. “Let your child fail. Mistakes are a huge part of success.” That’s not to say you can’t help them, though. “Parents can be a study buddy as long as they are asking the questions and letting the student write or talk through the answers,” Dr. Linzey adds.
for the different way their brain processes language.
You may be surprised at just how important it is for home to be a safe place for your child to struggle, mess up, and try again. Dr. Richter explains, “[K]ids with specific learning disabilities (SLD) [like] dyslexia experience chronic stigma and stereotype pressure at school (being labeled ‘lazy’ or ‘slow’), which raises stress and worsens anxiety and depression over time.” Don’t be afraid to ask your child how they feel and remind them their learning struggles do not define them. 2. Prioritize your child’s emotional and cognitive well-being over “perfect” homework. Don’t just focus on their academic performance—consider your child’s mental health as well. The study “Stress, resilience, and emotional well-being in children and adolescents with specific learning disabilities” by Brianna Stein, Fumiko Hoeft, and Caroline G. Richter highlights how your family can really foster your child’s level of resilience: “[E]motional and cognitive support provided in the home environment is particularly important for psychological resilience.” In essence, the more you speak life into your kid, the more they will believe it, fortifying their mental health. Don’t let them spiral down into a negative self-fulfilling prophecy: Help them build their self-esteem, self- concept, grit, and self-efficacy, all important factors found by the study! 3. Use technology to your advantage. According to Dr. Linzey, audiobooks, text- to-speech, or speech-to-text are always appropriate when the student feels they are useful. It’s not “cheating”—it’s using the resources available to your child to help their
1. Don’t rush—make home a safe, low-stigma space where they can learn at their own pace.
5. Connect them with someone who understands. Another great option is considering
“Many students with dyslexia have slow visual processing speed, so their ability to take in visual information is limited,” states educational psychologist Dr. Tere Linzey. “It can feel like breathing through a straw all day: You can do it, but how exhausted would you be?” While there are some options out there, like brain training classes or Brain Cardz, that may help speed up their visual processing and attention, on a regular Tuesday night, you’re just going to have to practice patience. Reframe dyslexia and teach them to give grace to themselves
peer mentoring. “Our team’s 2026 study on the Superpower Mentors program found that caregivers reported significant improvements across anxiety, depression, self-esteem, executive function, and even sleep difficulties after kids with learning differences were paired with a young-adult mentor who shared the same learning difference,” Dr. Richter says. “At home, this could translate to connecting your child with an older sibling, cousin, or family friend who has navigated dyslexia successfully, someone
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who can model routines like breaking down assignments or organizing a homework schedule.” Sometimes, all it takes is talking to someone who has also navigated the same hurdles and overcome them to encourage your child to keep fighting! 6. Don’t take your stress out on your kid. There are few things more frustrating than not being able to fix your child’s “problem,” especially when you’ve explained something 12 times already. (Why are 4th grade math problems so hard?!) It’s easy for that frustration to build and build until it reaches a tipping point. Whether it leaks out as anger or stress, your child can sense and be negatively affected by your emotions. “Findings from our review show that when mothers develop positive coping strategies and lower their own stress, their children with SLD show fewer internalizing and externalizing behavior problems,” Dr. Richter says. She recommends easing homework- time tension by using a calm tone, taking breaks, and practicing patience. 7. Take homework breaks. While it may feel like it’s more effective for your child to sit down and knock all of their homework out at once, that is not necessarily true. “Studies our team reviewed found that longer homework time is associated
with more perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in kids with dyslexia, while shorter homework sessions and regular breaks acted as protective factors,” Dr. Richter shares. “Chunking homework into shorter, timed segments with breaks can reduce this stress response.” 8. Don’t slack on sleep! Sleep is really important for everyone, but especially for brains working hard to process the day’s information. You wouldn’t expect a cookie baked for 50 percent of the recommended time to taste the same as one fully baked, so don’t expect your child’s brain to function at 100 percent when they’re not recharging it fully each night. “The mentoring study specifically found reductions in sleep difficulties among mentees, and separate research on stress physiology in SLD shows disrupted cortisol and melatonin patterns in these children, tying poor sleep to the broader stress response,” Dr. Richter reveals. She recommends working on homework before bedtime, giving kids’ brains time to relax and unwind. “A calm, consistent bedtime routine free of late-night homework pressure can support both sleep and next-day learning.” She also suggests creating scaffolding around homework time like checklists, visual
schedules, and consistent routines so your child’s brain can know what to expect. Cheer on your child’s strengths! Take the wins where you can get them. Sometimes it may look like your child spelling a whole sentence correctly, or completing one problem without help. “One of the best ways to support your child is to focus on what they did right and encourage those behaviors,” says Dr. Richter. “For example, if your child gets three out of five questions right, the parent should focus on the correct questions and ask what they can do to get better next time.” Encourage your child on the hard days by pointing out what they are good at. Don’t dismiss their struggle with offhand comments like “It’ll get better” or “One day this will be easy.” “Framing schoolwork around what your child does well (creativity, verbal reasoning, problem-solving) while scaffolding the academic challenge can reduce the shame that often derails at-home learning,” Dr. Richter assures parents. Give yourself (and your child) grace. You’re not going to be perfect, and neither is your child. It’s okay! And while homework may not be a fun experience, you can both grow together.
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Exceptional Needs Listing E very family’s journey is unique, and finding the right support can make all the difference. This listing is designed to connect individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers to trusted organizations, educational programs, health- care providers, therapies, and support services throughout Colorado.
ABA Applied Behavioral Analysis Behavioral Innovations (855) 782-7822 Multiple Locations behavioral-innovations.com BehaviorSpan (720) 206-9644 14707 E. 2nd Ave., GL 100, Aurora 2111 S. Dahlia St., Denver behaviorspan.com JumpStart Autism Center (303) 284-7328 369 Inverness Pkwy., #375, Englewood jumpstartaba.com Key Autism Services (888) 329-4535 6855 S. Havana St., Ste. 150, Centennial keyautismservices.com Parallel Play, LLC (720) 900-5331 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 260, Aurora parallelplay.today
(720) 777-6820 13123 E. 16th Ave., Aurora childrenscolorado.org Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (720) 754-1000 2001 N. High St., Denver healthonecares.com UCHealth Adult Congenital Heart Disease - Anschutz Medical Campus (720) 848-5300 12505 E. 16th Ave., Aurora uchealth.org
humanexacademy.org Instructional Services Center (720) 542-4500 2401 W. 80th Ave., Denver wps.org Learning Differences World (720) 446-0848 1090 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood learningdifferencesworld.com Monarch Academy (303) 805-9110 12201 S. Parker Rd., Parker monarch-hq.com Results Learning (303) 771-1160 7860 E. Berry Pl., Ste. 120, Greenwood Village results-learning.com TACT (303) 295-0163 2960 S. Umatilla St., Englewood buildwithtact.org The Joshua School (303) 758-7171 2303 E. Dartmouth Ave., Englewood joshuaschool.org THRIVE Center (303) 632-6840 3131 S. Vaughn Way, #214, Aurora TLC Learning Center (303) 776-7417 1444 E. 3rd Ave., Longmont learningwithtlc.org
UCHealth Heart Clinic - Memorial Hospital North (719) 364-6550 4110 Briargate Pkwy., Ste. 400, Colorado Springs uchealth.org
Education Aurora Exceptional Student Services (303) 340-0510 15751 E. 1st Ave., Aurora aurorak12.org Dyslexia Solutions of Colorado (720) 291-3763 3701 W. 25th Ave., Denver dyslexiasolutionsofcolorado.com
Diagnosis HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children’s at Presbyterian St. Luke’s (303) 860-9933 2055 High St., #255, Denver healthonecares.com HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Pediatric Cardiology (303) 860-9933 10099 RidgeGate Pkwy., Ste. 300, Lone Tree healthonephysiciangroup.com Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado
Hulstrom K-8 (720) 972-5400 11551 Wyco Dr., Northglenn hulstrom.adams12.org Humanex Academy (303) 783-0137 2700 S. Zuni St., Englewood
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Nonprofits Ability Connection Colorado (303) 691-9339 801 Yosemite St., Denver abilityconnectioncolorado.org AdvocacyDenver (303) 831-7733 950 S. Cherry St., Ste. 1100, Denver Blind Children (303) 377-9732 2550 Roslyn St., Denver anchorcenter.org Bridges of Colorado (844) 921-1568 2600 S. Parker Rd., Aurora bridges.colorado.gov Developmental Pathways (303) 360-6600 14280 E. Jewell Ave., Aurora dpcolo.org Global Down Syndrome Foundation (303) 321-6277 3239 E. 2nd Ave., Denver globaldownsyndrome.org Peak Parent Center (719) 531-9400 917 E. Moreno Ave., Ste. 140, Colorado Springs peakparent.org The Arc (303) 864-9334 Multiple Locations thearc.org The Rise School of Denver (303) 756-7473 4901 E. Eastman Ave., Denver risedenver.org Special Kids Special Families (719) 447-8983 3450 N. Nevada Ave., Ste. 110, advocacydenver.org Anchor Center for Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association (303) 797-1699 3033 S. Parker Rd., Aurora rmdsa.org Imagine! Colorado (303) 665-7789 1400 Dixon Ave., Lafayette imaginecolorado.org Colorado Springs sksfcolorado.org
(303) 233-1666 Multiple Locations easterseals.com Family Voices Colorado (303) 877-1747 303 E. 17th Ave., Ste. 400, Denver familyvoicesco.org RiseUP (303) 757-8008 3443 S. Galena St., Ste. 310, Denver rup.org Rocky Mountain ADA Center (800) 949-4232 1170 Campus Box, #155, Greeley rockymountainada.org Rocky Mountain Branch of International Dyslexia Association (303) 721-9425 740 Yale Cir., Boulder idarmb.org The Stepping Stones Group (877) 900-6497 thesteppingstonesgroup.com Therapies Budding Futures ABA Therapy (720) 613-8837 7900 E. Union Ave., Ste. 1100, Denver buddingfuturesaba.com Consultants for Children, Inc. (720) 272-1289 265 S. Harlan St., Lakewood cfcico.com Developmental FX (303) 333-8360 3615 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Denver developmentalfx.org EMME (720) 960-2134 emmeco.org Firefly Autism (303) 759-1192 2001 Hoyt St., Lakewood fireflyautism.org Little Champs ABA Therapy (385) 494-3500 6312 S. Fiddlers Green Cir., Ste. 300E, Greenwood Village littlechampsaba.com Napa Center Denver Pediatric Therapy (720) 791-2881 11211 E. Arapahoe Rd., Unit 118, Centennial napacenter.org
Play & Recreation All Stars Club, Littleton Multiple Locations allstarsclub.org
Feel the Beat (303) 816-8683 Multiple Locations feelthebeat.dance
Megan’s Place (303) 881-4988 6175 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge megansplacellc.org Roundup River Ranch (970) 524-2267 8333 Colorado River Rd., Gypsum roundupriverranch.org Zach’s Place at the Laurie Hillyard Family Center (719) 329-1717 Respite & Childcare All for Kids Home Health (720) 456-8054 4155 E. Jewell Ave., Denver allforkidshealth.com RespiteCare (970) 207-9435 5000 Vista Del Pico Dr., Timnath 4795 Granby Cir., Colorado Springs sksfcolorado.org Services Anchor Center for Blind Children (303) 377-9732 2550 Roslyn St., Denver anchorcenter.org Autism Community Store (303) 309-3647 14095 E. Exposition Ave., Aurora autismcommunitystore.com Colorado Cross- Disability Coalition (303) 839-1775 1385 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver ccdconline.org Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (303) 233-3363 11177 W. 8th Ave., Lakewood ddrcco.com Easterseals Colorado respitecareinc.org Specialized Sitters (573) 462-0223 specializedsitters.com
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22 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2026
things to do
Our Picks OCTOBER
1 Durango
Cowboy Gathering Celebrate heritage, heart, and the timeless spirit of the American West with a parade, music, poetry, storytell- ing, and magnificent horse events. October 1-3. Durango. durangocowboygathering.org
OCTOBER 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 23
2
Pumpkin Harvest Festival Unleash fall fun by spending the day snacking on apple cider churros, discovering new traditions in the fun zone, wandering through the pumpkin patch, and checking out historic demonstrations. October 17-18. Four Mile Historic Park, Denver. fourmilepark.org
3
Lakewood Cider Days Celebrate Lakewood’s agricultural heritage with an entertaining mix of live performances, activities, and tasty harvest treats. October 3-4. Heritage Lakewood, Lakewood. lakewoodco.gov
PHOTO BY TODD PIERSON
4
Great American Beer Festival Heading into its 44th year, the Great American Beer Festival is one of the largest beer festivals in the U.S. celebrating all things beer. October 8-10. Colo- rado Convention Center, Denver. greatamerican- beerfestival.com
PHOTO BY CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO
5
Boo at the Zoo The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is hosting its annual Boo at the Zoo for seven nights for families seeking a safe and unique venue for trick-or-treating. Guests can tour select animal exhibits while they trick-or-treat at over 20 stations. Select weekends in Oc- tober. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs. cmzoo.org
PHOTO BY GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL
Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information. HEADS UP!
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6
Garden Bros Nuclear Circus Featuring over 60 world- class performers, a five-ring layout for unbeatable views, concert-style lights and sound, and a smooth, fast-moving show built for all ages. October 8-11. Denver Coliseum, Denver. gardenbroscircus.com
PHOTO BY GARDEN BROS CIRCUS
7
Growing Gardens Community Harvest Fest Exploring the largest farm stand of the year and enjoy interactive educational opportunities, yard games, music, and more.
October 7. Growing Gardens, Boulder. growinggardens.org
8
Pumpkin Festival Head on out to the 10-acre pumpkin patch and pick out your favorite pump- kin. October 9-11. Chatfield Farms, Littleton. botanicgardens.org
PHOTO BY BOTANIC GARDENS
10
Wild Fall Enjoy fall fun during zoo hours with creepy-crawly animal ambassadors, pumpkin carving, cryptid creatures, costumed characters, festive photo ops, seasonal snacks, and more! October 1-31. Denver Zoo, Denver. denverzoo.org
9
Day of the Dead Celebration Celebrate with the outdoor street festival, live music and dance, face painting, sugar skull decorating, crafts, food trucks, a kids’ play zone, vendors, and more! October 24. Downtown Longmont, Longmont. longmontcolorado.gov
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4 Sunday
Emma Crawford Coffin Races + Festival, Oct. 24
STEM Family Sundays 4-6:30pm Relax while your kids explore science hands-on, then everyone flies in a safe, indoor wind tunnel. iFLY Indoor Skydiving Denver, Lone Tree. iflyworld.com
~ Mercado de Derby 9am-2pm
A brand-new community market, Mercado de Derby is bringing together fresh food, handmade goods, local entertainment, and family fun. Shop local vendors, enjoy kids’ arts activities and crafts, and experience live entertainment. 6401 E. 72nd Pl., Commerce City. mercadodederby.com 6 Tuesday ~ “A Horse’s World” Book Signing With Janet L. Jones 6:30pm Janet L. Jones will speak about and sign her new book, “A Horse’s World: A Neuroscientist’s Journey into the Equine Mind.” Boulder Book Store, Boulder. boulderbookstore.com
~ = Free Events
1 Thursday ~ Durango Cowboy Gathering Through Oct. 3 Celebrate heritage, heart, and the timeless spirit of the American West with a parade, music, poetry, storytelling, and magnificent horse events. Durango. durangocowboygathering.org Elitch Gardens Fright Fest Through Nov. 1 The biggest Halloween event in the state, this “fun by day, fright by night” festival features a lot of Halloween-themed events for all ages to enjoy. Elitch Gardens, Denver. elitchgardens.com Wild Fall Through Oct. 31 Enjoy fall fun during zoo hours with creepy-crawly animal ambassadors, pumpkin carving, cryptid creatures, costumed characters, festive photo ops,
WWE Friday Night SmackDown 5:30pm
seasonal snacks, and more! Denver Zoo, Denver. denverzoo.org
WWE Friday Night SmackDown returns to Ball Arena, marking the first time this year the blue brand has brought the high- stakes thrills of SmackDown. Witness your favorite superstars live in the ring. Ball Arena, Denver. ballarena.com
2 Friday
Castle Rock Restaurant Week Through Oct. 11 Dine at fantastic restaurants during the Downtown Castle Rock Restaurant Week, where local and independent restaurants offer special, limited-time menu items created exclusively for the week. Castle Rock. crgov.com ~ Cedaredge Applefest Through Oct. 4 This applefest showcases local businesses, apple orchards, artists, and musicians, bringing together 200 plus vendors and over 30,000 attendees each year. Town Park, Cedaredge. cedaredgeapplefest.com
7 Wednesday
3 Saturday
Big Bigger Demo 9:30am
Cider Days Through Oct. 4 Celebrate Lakewood’s
Put on your hard hat and join outside to learn all about the mighty machines we use to dig, scoop, and sculpt at the Sand Dunes in Joy Park. Children’s Museum of Denver, Denver. mychildsmuseum.org ~ Growing Gardens Community Harvest Festival 3:30-6:30pm Celebrate the harvest season by exploring the largest farm stand of the year, enjoying interactive educational opportunities, yard games, bluegrass music, and the opportunity to meet the education team. Growing Gardens, Boulder. growinggardens.org ~ Long Term Care Planning 1-2:30pm Learn statistics, along with the definition of long term care,
agricultural heritage with an entertaining mix of live performances, activities, and tasty harvest treats. Heritage Lakewood, Lakewood. lakewoodco.gov Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues 7pm Watch professional hockey. Ball Arena, Denver. nhl.com Zoologist for a Day 9am-2pm Kids in grades 9-12 are invited to go behind the scenes to learn about animal diets, exhibit maintenance, and training. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com
~ First Friday Makers Market 4:30-8:30pm
Discover a mix of local makers, artists, and small businesses. Each month brings a fresh lineup of creative vendors featuring homemade goods, art, unique gifts, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else. Firehouse Art Center, Longmont. lexlocalevent.com
VISIT OUR DIGITAL CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
26 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2026
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