THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA
APRIL 2026
College — Or Something Else?
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CONT ENT S APRIL 2026
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in each issue
The Mama Files
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Book Corner: Spring into Reading!
10 Community 21 Things To Do 26 Things We Love: Spring into Fun!
12 MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: PARENTING WHILE MANAGING AN INVISIBLE ILLNESS Through one mother’s journey with primary
Discover the essential life skills—from budgeting and time management to communication and everyday responsibilities—that teens should develop before move-in day to confidently step into college independence. COLLEGE PREP: BUILDING INDEPENDENCE BEFORE MOVE-IN DAY immunodeficiency, this article explores the realities, adjustments, and hope involved in parenting while managing an unseen health condition.
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Photos by freepik.com
what’s on the web
SPRING EVENTS IN BIRMINGHAM: FESTIVALS, MARKETS & FAMILY FUN THIS APRIL
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COLLEGE PREP SERIES: IS COLLEGE THE RIGHT FIT?
There’s nothing like spring in Birmingham… head to these local family-friendly events to make the most of April, from weekend festivals and farmers markets to kid-friendly outings the whole crew will actually enjoy.
This article explores how families can help teens thoughtfully evaluate whether college—or an alternative path like trade school, military service, or a gap year—is the right personal, academic, and financial fit for their future. 18 Learn why fidgets are so much more than just a toy or a fad; dig into the world of fidgets, why they work, who they benefit, and also why it might be worth reintroducing them to the classroom. FIDGETS: NOT A FAD
EARTH DAY WITH KIDS: EASY ACTIVITIES THAT ACTUALLY TEACH SOMETHING
Celebrate Earth Day with these creative, simple activities for all ages, meant to inspire a deeper appreciation of nature. Includes age-based ideas and “why it matters” explanations.
OUTDOOR PLAY FOR TODDLERS: 7 EASY IDEAS THAT DON’T REQUIRE A PLAYGROUND
APRIL FOOLS’ DAY JOKES & PRANKS FOR KIDS: SILLY, SIMPLE & SCHOOL-SAFE IDEAS Looking for harmless fun the whole family can laugh about? These kid-friendly April Fools’ Day jokes and easy pranks are simple to pull off, safe for school or home, and guaranteed to spark giggles—not tears. The sun is out, and it’s time to play! From age-old classics to simple sensory activities, these toddler-friendly outdoor ideas will keep little ones busy—no playground, special equipment, or big setup required.
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AUTISM SUPPORT & RESOURCES A curated guide to local services, programs, and community resources in the Birmingham area designed to support individuals with autism and their families in accessing therapy, education, advocacy, and everyday assistance.
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Mama FILES
Running the Invisible Marathon M . y calendar has a standing monthly date with Ivy—my IV bag full of antibodies. It’s not the kind of appointment most people schedule, but it’s become part of life with primary immunodeficiency. For most of my life, being sick was just… normal. Sinus infections, allergies, and endless rounds of antibiotics were part of my routine. If I cleaned the house and ended up down for a few days afterward, I blamed my allergies. My doctor kept refills ready, we switched medications when one stopped working, and life kept moving.
MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Coordinator SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager MERCEDES MITCHELL SABRINA SMITH BREE WRAY Client Success Representatives JILLIAN NORMAN Production Intern ADVERTISING/MARKETING ASHLEY ZANDERS Sales Operations CRYSTAL BARRETT ANTOINE COURTNEY KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director Of Community Partnerships
On the outside, nothing seems unusual. But fatigue is constant. Not the kind that disappears after a good night’s sleep—the kind that settles into your bones and stays there.
And motherhood doesn’t slow down for any of it.
My kids have grown up watching me man- age this, even if they don’t fully understand it yet. They know infusion Fridays means Mom might be on the couch with a book and a blanket when they get home from school. Those days they’re surprisingly sweet—a little quieter and a little more helpful. We usually order dinner or go somewhere easy because cooking a big meal isn’t high on my priority list after treatment… especially when that meal involves feeding three teenagers, two of whom are growing boys who seem to be hungry every 15 minutes. Living with an invisible illness has taught our family patience and flexibility. We plan around treatments, pace ourselves when needed, and adjust when my body needs a break. Because once a month I’ll show up for my standing date with Ivy—then come home, take a nap, and jump right back into the real marathon of the day: keeping up with three teenagers who treat the kitchen like it’s open 24 hours a day and a husband whose brain doesn’t always know when it’s time to shut down for the night.
Eventually it became clear something bigger was going on.
After years of infections that refused to stay gone, I was diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency—which means my immune system doesn’t have the antibodies it needs to fight illness the way it should. Now I receive IVIG infusions once a month, and I try to schedule them on Fridays whenever possible. By noon I’m usually heading home, grabbing a snack, setting an alarm, and taking a long nap. The first few treatments wiped me out, but now the routine is manageable. Most of the time the only evidence left behind is a bruise on my arm and a strong desire to stay under my blanket for the rest of the afternoon.
ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN CHIEF Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA
Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator
What makes conditions like this tricky is that most of the time no one can see it.
CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC CORPORATE OFFICE (205) 624-2405 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816
I can walk into the office looking completely fine—hair done, makeup on, coffee in hand.
Amy L. Foreman Publisher Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.
BIRMINGHAM PARENT MAGAZINE is published by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. BIRMINGHAM PARENT MAGAZINE Copyright© 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited.
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book corner
4. Little Homesteader: A Spring Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom by Angela Ferraro-Fanning Discover what foods are in season and various recipes you can make with them, as well as some fun gardening projects and crafts that complement springtime! Find insight on seasonal crops, how to make press flowers, and how to make your own strawberry jam. 5. The Good News of Easter – Celebrating the Glory of the Resurrection Story by Rousseaux Brasseur Follow the events surrounding Easter and Jesus’ resurrection in this poetical and artfully illustrated book.
7. Bert & Ernie’s Spring Cleaning by Stephanie Williams With the arrival of spring comes spring cleaning on Sesame Street. In this graphic novel, Ernie learns about the importance of giving things away and making room for the new. 8. When Spring Comes by Ekaterina Trukhan From the buzzing of the bees, the plants, and more, experience spring through the eyes of a little girl finding the wonder and magic of spring and all that comes with it.
Gear up for spring with these fun reads perfect for the season! YOUTH 1. Now I See Spring by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen With minimal text and rhymes, this book captures the essence of spring through a child’s eyes and playfully reflects a child’s musings during the springtime. 2. The Colors of Spring by Danna Smith From the orange of Grandpa’s shed and the brown soil in the flower bed, this Little Golden Book perfectly radiates the sights, sounds, and most of all colors of spring! 3. The ABCs of Spring by Jill Howarth Learn the ABCs with some fun-filled spring illustrations!
Lea invites her friend Camille to St. Louis for spring break. After they find a mystery, friendship tensions arise. Will Lea be able to fix her friendships while solving the mystery? 2. It’s Raining, It’s Pouring (The Adventures of Sophie Mouse) by Poppy Green Sophie and her animal friends are gearing up for the first Silver- lake Forest Spring Fling. Sophie has planned games, activities, and costumes for the big event, but when rain threatens to spoil her big event, she’ll have to figure out how to save the day. 3. Being Mary Bennet by J.C. Peterson (TEEN) Coming off several disasters at boarding school, Marnie Barnes enlists the help of her roommate to help her reinvent herself and become a leading lady like in Pride and Prejudice . A fun, comedic coming-of-age story.
9. A Special Spring! by Cat Reynolds
See what your favorite Disney princesses are up to this spring. Follow along with Mulan, Cinderella, and Tiana as they do things like dance in rain showers and plant flowers. TWEENS & TEENS 1. American Girl: Lea & Camille by Lisa Yee and Kellen Hertz
6. Easter Fun by Nikki Shannon Smith
Join a young girl and her family as they spend Easter together. From brunch to egg hunts, this book is nothing short of a sweet and rhythmic encapsulation of being with your loved ones for a celebration.
This book is bright and colorful as it displays the letters of the alphabet with bright artwork featuring ants, bunnies, chipmunks, and more.
Book Corner is provided by librarians at the Homewood Public Library. To learn more about the libraries in Jefferson county, visit jclc.org.
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community
Snag a sweet treat at the new Baskin-Robbins that’s coming to Inverness Corners (940 Inverness Corners, Birmingham). Located snugly between Mellow Mushroom and Kyuramen, right off Highway 280 and Valleydale Road, Baskin-Robbins offers 31 rotating flavors of ice cream. From America’s favorites, including OREO® Cookies ‘n Cream and Chocolate Chip, to their special flavor of the month, the options are bountiful. Shake things up with a milkshake or sundae… or party with an ice cream cake or Polar Pizza® Ice Cream Treat. Needless to say, sugar addicts won’t go hungry here. Call them at (318) 516-9472 or stop by any day of the week from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. to secure yourself a scoop (or three!) of ice cream. baskinrobbins.com BASK IN THE SWEETNESS OF BASKIN-ROBBINS
THE LITTLE BAND THAT ROCKED: TWEEN BAND RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE
In fall 2025, five Birmingham student musicians joined Mason Music’s Rock Band League for the first time: Falynn, Maggie, Finn, Grey, and Trey. Together they formed Iron City Revival, a rock band that now has released its first single, “Iron City Revival (Come Together),” across several streaming platforms. “I like to think of them as the little band that could,” shares Park Butterworth, Mason Music’s Operations Manager. “Not because they were underdogs, but because we almost weren’t able to form the band!” Many of the students were waiting on the waitlist for the right combination of age, skill level, and instrument—but two last-minute additions made it just in time! “They were naturals right from the get go. You could tell during their very first performance that they meant business,” Butterworth recalls. “They had coordinated outfits, color schemes, and picked a song that highlighted their strengths.”The band, composed of kids ages ranging from 10 to 14, got their big break with an epic win at the Battle of the Bands Openers division at WorkPlay. “When it was time for the Battle of the Bands, they strolled into Workplay sporting their very own band merch, confident in their soon-to-be winning performance,” Butterworth adds. After receiving a standing ovation to their version of the Beatles’ song “Iron City Revival (Come Together),” the winning band had the opportunity to record their winning song at Mason Music’s Recording Studio. Head to their website ironcityrevival.com to give their song a listen and discover any upcoming shows. Photo by Iron City Revival
THE FRESHEST SPOT IN CAHABA HEIGHTS: BRICK & TIN The restaurant brick&tin has become a Birmingham staple since its opening in 2010, expanding from one location to three: Mountain Brook, downtown Birmingham, and, more recently, Huntsville. The Cahaba Heights area now has its own “brick-and-mortar” at 3151 Green Valley Road, Vestavia Hills. They’re a local farm-to-table kind of restaurant—so expect high-quality and fresh food. “[W]e have carefully sourced our ingredients from purveyors as close to home as possible,” their website explains. “We also believe that it is important for people to enjoy food that is free of hormones, chemicals, or other additives.”They offer everything from brisket panini and salad to sautéed salmon and Tuscan hunter’s ragu. They’re open Monday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Order online or find their menu on brickandtin.com
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Photo by Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo is becoming even more fun for kids of all ages and abilities with a new Sensory Room addition! KultureCity®, the world’s leading nonprofit focused on helping individuals with sensory needs and invisible disabilities, is now partnering with the Birmingham Zoo to build out a permanent Sensory Room in honor of Libby Hagan. The zoo has long been supportive of KultureCity, implementing comprehensive sensory features across the property’s many family attractions. GET WILD ABOUT THE NEW KULTURECITY SENSORY ROOM AT THE ZOO
The new Sensory Room provides a safe space for kids with sensory processing challenges and their families to reset, rest, and recharge during their visit to the zoo, with soft lighting, calming visuals, sensory tools, and interactive elements. National Autism Resources explains that sensory rooms are critical to “manage overstimulation and stress or to provide sensory integration therapy,” because “too much stimulation can further escalate problem behaviors.” The room has been designed by KultureCity’s gold-standard sensory inclusion guidelines and honors Libby Hagan. Libby suffered an injury at 12 days old in the NICU that forever impacted her and her family and inspired the creation of Libby’s Friends. After living with joy and a sense of adventure, Libby passed away on May 13, 2025, just one month short of her 11th birthday.
“This sensory room is more than a physical space,” shares KultureCity leadership. “It is a place of dignity, understanding, and belonging. Libby’s life reminds us that every child deserves access to joy and adventure—whether at school, in their community, or at the zoo.”
For more information about KultureCity’s sensory inclusion initiatives, visit kulturecity.org. To purchase tickets to the zoo, visit birminghamzoo.com.
HOOVER CREATING CAREER PATHWAYS IN CONSTRUCTION The Central Alabama Home Building Academy is a new workforce development in Hoover that offers a free training course to eligible participants age 17 and older. The program will teach the participants construction trades like plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, and more. The residential trade program will use a new $20 fee from residential building permits to fund the training, modeled after a successful initiative in Huntsville. The aim is to increase the number of knowledgeable trade workers, which will lead to better affordability in the long-run and open doors to meaningful career paths for the next generation. Read the minutes of the Hoover City Council meeting where they approved it on hooveralabama.gov.
Photo by V Ruff Crew
LOCAL PUP & TRAINER HEAD TO THE WORLD AGILITY OPEN This May, Vestavia Hills’ own Viveka Rosenberger and her Shetland Sheepdog, Monty, will represent the US at the World Agility Open (WAO) 2026 in Ermelo, Netherlands. The competition will be held May 13–17 and will feature “the highest level of agility training, human/canine partnership, and athleticism,” according to worldagilityopen.com. The dog agility competition will require speed, efficiency, and consistency. Viveka and Monty have already placed in several prestigious competitions, including the AKC Premier Cup in Ocala, FL, and another in Tulsa, OK. A mother of four, Viveka also manages her business V Ruff Crew LLC alongside her husband Parker, teaching dog agility to over 40 students across Alabama, and competing internationally. “She continues to be an inspiration to young mothers across the country and within the agility community, demonstrating that it is possible to be a devoted mother while also chasing your dreams,” the V Ruff Crew website states. Viveka’s dedication is paying off—be sure to watch her and Monty compete soon! Learn more on vruffcrew.com.
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More Than Meets the Eye:
Parenting While Managing an Invisible Illness By Julianna Steen
12 APRIL 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM which they define as “a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities.” Of course, since you can’t see these symptoms, it’s easy to dismiss them—until There’s a good chance they are grappling with what the Invisible Disabilities® Association calls an invisible disability, E ver been secretly suspicious of the healthy-looking person who snagged the handicapped spot while you hoofed it from half a mile back? Just because someone may look healthy on the outside doesn’t mean they are: CDC research reveals that more than one in four adults in the US deal with some type of disability every single day. That means over 61 million people struggle with debilitating hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, and independent living—and many of these are not visible disabilities.
all of a sudden you’re trying to parent while managing your own invisible illness.
immunodeficiencies (PIs), also called inborn errors of immunity (IEI), are “a group of more than 550 rare, chronic conditions where a part of the body’s immune system is missing or does not function correctly.”While no PI functions the same, all disrupt the body’s immune system. Amy’s affected her body’s antibodies, the proteins needed to fight off illnesses, which led her to a constant state of sickness. The solution? In September of 2025, her doctor recommended she start regular Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments. While the infusions drain her limited energy, she says the tradeoff is worth not getting sick all of the time. “For me, fatigue is constant,” Amy admits. “I am always tired, regardless of how much sleep I get or don’t get. It’s not the kind of tiredness that goes away with a good night’s rest—it’s a deep, ongoing exhaustion that becomes part of daily life. And yet, I still show up. I still take care of my responsibilities.
AMY’S STORY Family Resource Group’s Publisher Amy L. Foreman always knew something wasn’t quite right with her health. After all, it only took one day of cleaning the house to knock her out for a few days because of the dust. However, she just sucked it up and chalked it up to allergies. Eventually, though, in May of 2016, Amy shares the moment when that changed: “The right side of my face went numb, and a trip to the ER showed my sinus cavities fully blocked requiring me to have sinus surgery to clear them out.” After years of almost endless sinus infections—and countless allergy shots, pneumonia vaccines, and refills of antibiotics and steroids—she was finally diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency. According to the Immunity Deficiency Foundation, primary
I still try to live fully.” She explains that she doesn’t want pity or for people to treat her differently; rather, she just needs a little extra grace, flexibility, and recognition that her sickness is real and challenging, even if it’s not visible.
the house—even if you feel guilty for letting them, as Amy’s husband Brandon likes to say, “pull their weight.” It might mean avoiding certain chores completely: For instance, Amy is no longer allowed to dust or vacuum the house. On treatment days, the Foremans tend to go out to dinner or order takeout so Amy doesn’t have to cook. It also requires going with the flow, and being okay setting the kids up with a quick snack and a movie so you can rest for an hour. Most importantly, in order to “pull off” parenting while battling an invisible illness, you have to be willing to ask for help when you need it. Your family and friends are likely on the outskirts, just waiting and willing to step in and help the moment you ask. Let them, even if it feels embarrassing to admit you can’t do it all. HOW TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a chronic or invisible condition, Amy suggests that you get your facts together first before talking with your children. “Once you fully understand your illness and what your options for wellness are, you can explain to your children the game plan,” she says. “I know my kids do better if I give them the problem but have the solution ready to follow so they don’t spiral or go to Google or ask Alexa a million questions. It’s not the end of the world. Yes, your lifestyle will change, but at least you have answers now and can
start getting the proper healthcare that you need.”They may not fully understand, and that’s okay. Amy’s kids are still confused why she was always sick growing up and why she has to get monthly IVIG treatments. But keeping them informed (age-appropriately) and in the loop is important. And who knows? Perhaps they’ll learn a few things along the way, like patience—or how to clean! KEEP FIGHTING Parenthood on its own is hard enough. Adding a chronic illness into the mix can make it feel nigh unto impossible some— or rather, most—days. Nevertheless, Amy describes it well: “Parenting while managing an invisible illness feels like running a marathon every single day—showing up fully for your very active kids even when your body is exhausted and no one else can see how hard you’re pushing just to keep going.” But don’t lose heart! You don’t need to be the “perfect” parent—after all, there’s no such thing. Do your best, ask for help when you need it, take naps when you can, prioritize what you need to do vs. what you can delegate, and keep loving those kiddos. Wondering if your never-ending infections and health problems are something more? Take IDF’s free primary immunodeficiency (PI) self-assessement.
PARENTING WHILE MANAGING CHRONIC ILLNESS
Sometimes just doing basic tasks like walking into the office, riding the elevator, and sitting down at her desk requires Amy’s body to work overtime. “Just because someone looks okay doesn’t mean they feel okay,” she states. “Invisible doesn’t mean insignificant—it just means you can’t see the battle they may be fighting.”Throw in motherhood, and you’re looking at a tough balancing act. So how do you do it? “Most of us who have dealt with this for a long time have made adjustments in our lives that work for our families and our lifestyles,” Amy explains. “We learn our limits. We plan carefully. We pace ourselves. We build routines around treatments, doctor visits, and recovery time. It may look ‘normal’ from the outside, but it takes intention and resilience behind the scenes.” THE EVERYDAY CHANGES Practically, you’re going to have to set some new boundaries to protect your health. This may look like letting the kids help out around
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | APRIL 2026 13
BUILDING Independence
Before Move-In Day
By Madeline Pistorius
Photo by Freepik
14 APRIL 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM From managing money and time to maintaining communication and well- being, independence requires intentional preparation before a student’s move-in day. While parents may only be a phone call away, learning how to navigate these I know that moment well—I’ve lived it myself. And as a first-year college student, I quickly learned that the biggest challenges weren’t just lectures and exams, but the life skills and responsibilities that suddenly became my own. A time comes when parents unload boxes into dorm rooms or wave goodbye as their not-so-little kid pulls out of the driveway of their childhood home, car packed to the brim, heading towards a new stage of life. The dorm room door shuts. The rearview mirror no longer reflects home. And just like that, in these moments, independence begins.
responsibilities helps set the foundation for a capable adulthood. SMART MONEY HABITS There’s a difference between purchasing things they want versus what they truly need. Establishing a form of income, like a part-time job or monthly allowance for expenses like groceries, social life, and personal needs, and creating—and sticking to—a budget is necessary. It’s equally important to send them off with an understanding of how to withdraw money from an ATM or deposit a check at the bank. TIME ACCOUNTABILITY The world of relying on a parent’s wake-up call is no longer. The first step to success is timeliness: Setting the alarm, waking up, and getting to class—on time. Whether using a digital calendar with alerts or a weekly
planner to track important due dates, staying on track eliminates long-term stress and feeling behind. CONFIDENT COMMUNICATION Has your child ever scheduled their own doctor’s appointment? It’s understandable if they haven’t, but it’s essential they learn how. At their next appointment, encourage them to check in, complete paperwork, speak directly with their pediatrician, and answer questions on their own, while you quietly offer support besides them. Do they know how to speak to professionals? Observe their phone call tone and email etiquette—do they speak with confidence and respect? Small steps make a difference. Whether it’s ordering food at a restaurant, asking for assistance in a store, checking out at a register, cashing a check at the bank, or picking up a prescription from the pharmacy,
everyday interactions build confidence. Without these steps, children miss important chances to develop communication skills, which may lead to social anxieties that become more difficult to outgrow.
BUILDING EMOTIONAL STRENGTH
Your child will immediately face countless decisions when starting college. It won’t be easy, but learning their limits (when to rest versus pushing hard in academics, friendships, and activities) is crucial. Equally important is utilizing on-campus support, asking for help when needed, and setting healthy boundaries. After all, independence doesn’t mean handling everything alone.
PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Many teenagers don’t know how to change a flat tire or schedule an oil change. Knowing campus police numbers, the nearest urgent care facility, and personal information like insurance details all contribute to emergency preparedness.
EVERYDAY HABITS
For your child’s sake, they should know how to leave laundry day without shrunken, pink-stained shirts. An understanding of how to cook easy, balanced meals goes a long way versus living off of fast food. Changing a lightbulb, unclogging a drain, sweeping the floor, and washing their sheets often are also habits worth having.
GUIDING WITHOUT TAKING OVER
Before your child leaves for college, start shifting your guidance. Look for workshops, online tutorials, or books that address specific skill gaps and provide practical tools. Preparation starts with allowing them to make more of their own decisions and to experience both outcomes and consequences. Offer advice when needed, but hold back on fixing problems for them. Gently remind them of their responsibilities while continuing to encourage independence. Consistency in these habits should be built before move-in day, because soon, the choices will be entirely theirs to make. Every student’s journey is different, but with support and real-world practice, they can enter college and adulthood feeling prepared with essential life skills.
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | APRIL 2026 15
Is College the Right Fit?
By Amelia Roessler
C . ollege isn’t a golden ticket to success, and it’s no longer the default option. For today’s teens, life after high school could mean a university campus, a welding apprenticeship, a military contract, or launching a small business. The real challenge isn’t choosing college—it’s choosing the right fit. A recent survey found that 90 percent of Gen Z students say they trust their parents to advise them on next steps after high school. The bad news? Parents say they don’t know enough about the vast majority of valuable education and training options their child could pursue and are especially in the dark about anything that isn’t either pursuing a career directly or getting a bachelor’s degree. After all, there are a finite number of traditional colleges, but a seemingly infinite number of pathways beyond college. And it’s not a glass slipper moment—several options could fit just as well.
chancellor for enrollment, says even though many higher education schools visit high schools, there is a lot of information out there about applications, financial aid, and what a school is like right on a school’s website. Rinehart says national enrollment in colleges has been trending down recently. He cites a decline in the number of high school seniors and smaller graduating classes as a reason, coming from the birth rates that have not returned since the 2007 recession. “I think what’s concerning in recent years, even before we started to see the decline in seniors in high school, you started to see a smaller percentage of graduating seniors going to college. So in recent years, maybe 70 percent of high school graduates would go directly to college, and in the last couple of years, that’s been closer to 60 percent,” he says. But maybe your student doubts if they could succeed at college. Rinehart thinks otherwise. He says students should try to avoid imposter syndrome and questioning whether they are good enough to go to college. He believes they are.
“I’m not saying that college is the right match for every person. It certainly isn’t, but I think for most students who really want a pathway to college, there’s a way to get there, and they can definitely do it,” explains Rinehart Local school systems are expanding opportunities beyond the traditional four- year degrees for the students who may choose a different path. The Birmingham Public Schools allow high school students to earn certifications, gain career-related work experience, take advantage of career focused leadership opportunities, and compete in Career and Technical Student Organizations such as Robotics and DECA. Their website cites that the Career & Technical Education aims to prepare students to be college and career ready with modern, advanced, and pertinent programs of today.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
As a parent, all you want is to see your child succeed. You can help by starting conversations on self-reflections of their goals, researching options, and discussing finances openly. Encourage them to explore career interests, think about what they are
THE BIG DECISION
16 APRIL 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM Thinking about college seriously starts in high school. Todd Rinehart, a university vice
and community colleges also offer associate or bachelor’s degrees. Vocational fields and jobs in construction, manufacturing, welding, electricians, mechanics, and plumbers are facing personnel shortages due to an aging workforce, according to Stephen Tave, president and CEO of American Higher Education Development Corporation. These hands-on jobs also come with a built-in advantage—they’re essentially AI-proof. Not to mention that vocational colleges are significantly more affordable than other universities, require less time to earn a degree, and graduates enter the workplace sooner. But no matter what decision is made, Rinehart says to just enjoy the process and try not to stress over it. “I think people get discouraged and stressed out of the gate, and really, they should just enjoy it. There’s nothing more fun than being on a college campus and just visiting different schools,” he explains. The goal to help your child succeed isn’t necessarily to chase prestige or follow tradition, it’s to help your teen choose a path that fits who they are and who they’re still becoming.
Rinehart emphasizes that families should not expect college to be a golden ticket to success—a student is not automatically transformed, guaranteed with a job, promised a certain salary, and set fpr a successful life and career until they retire. “Life is a journey, it’s not as simple,” he explains. “You should come into college eyes wide open to know that you will transform personally and academically, but you still have another 60 years of your life and your career that will also be influenced by a lot of other things besides that you went to college.”
good at doing and what they find joy and passion in, visit different types of campuses, and consider alternatives like trade schools or a gap year. Act like a sounding board and guide them toward a school or path that fits best for them, rather than one with prestige. “I think families need to be evaluating colleges on three levels,” says Rinehart. “Is this particular school a personal match for me, is it an academic match, and is it a financial match?” And if a school, or even college in general, is not a fit—it’s ok! If your child is unsure, a gap year is perfect to work and explore interests, helping them mature and define their goals. Recent studies show that 90 percent of students who take a gap year before going to college return to school.
CAREER ALTERNATIVES
You spend 18 years preparing your child for the world after high school, so what do you do when your child comes home and says, “I don’t want to go to college”? First, make sure it isn’t just nerves—have them meet with a college counselor or their high school counselor to help alleviate some misguided expectations and ease the nerves. If it truly is that the traditional four-year college route is not for your child, but they still want to continue their education, there are other options. Many accredited online
IF COLLEGE IS RIGHT
Rinehart says there are numerous great colleges and universities that families should go explore, even locally. He encourages families to hop in the car and visit all different types of schools—public, private, small, medium, large. “You can start to get a feel for what resonates with you and what excites you,” he says.
There are many effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.
We can help, but you have to take the first step. We’re here for you.
THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter ®
800-992-9392 www.StutteringHelp.org
Post Office Box 11749 • Memphis, TN 38111-0749
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | APRIL 2026 17
Not a Fad Fidgets:
By Amanda Ciani
18 APRIL 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM they work, who they benefit, and also consider reintroducing them to the classroom (and boardroom, and beyond). Did fidget spinners get an unfair, bad rap? Probably so. But consider this: These sensory tools gained popularity as toys because when they were used as intended, they worked! Merriam-Webster defines the noun of fidget as, “something (such as a toy) that is designed to be held and manipulated (as to decrease stress and anxiety).” It may be suggested, however, that fidgets are so much more than just a toy, and they are truly so much more than just a fad. Let’s dig into the world of fidgets, how I . n 2017, American teachers had a new .classroom enemy: the fidget spinner. .Almost every homeroom had an abundance of students with pockets full of fidget spinners galore. Kids clacked them on their desks, flung them at their peers, traded them at lunch, and cried when they lost their favorite fidget. Some schools even went on to place bans on the popular sensory toy. But eventually, the cool factor of the fidget spinner faded, and the youth moved onto the next big craze.
A Fidget for Everyone
Visual Fidgets: bubblers, glitter jars, sand jars, lava lamps, and more.
Believe it or not, reader, you have probably fidgeted in your lifetime. Whether twirling your hair, clicking a pen, or bouncing a knee, fidgeting helps humans manage stressful moments and can even increase focus. There are SO many types of fidget tools on the market, and available to 3D print, in 2026. Deep Pressure Fidgets: weighted blankets, stuffed animals, and shoulder vests, compression clothing, and more. Gross Motor Fidgets: balance boards, trampolines, swings, rocking stools, exercise balls, and more. Oral Fidgets: chewerly (chewable jewelry), gum, sour candy, z-vibes, and more. Repetitive Motion Fidgets: chain fidgets, click rollers, fidget spinners, fidget cubes, spinner ringers, and more.
How Fidgets Work
While it may appear that fidgets just keep the user occupied, there is much more than meets the eye in terms of the purpose and the benefits of these sensory tools. Fidgets actually work in multiple ways, with a variety of benefits. First, fidgets can help with sensory processing. Many life experiences can be overwhelming with unpredictable or abundant sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and tastes, too. By providing predictable sensory stimulation and input through touch, pressure and movement, fidget users can regulate and balance their nervous system. Second, they can support self-regulation. Small, repetitive movements can provide an individual with a sense of calm and possibly reduce their stress and anxiety. Allowing the body to find a rhythm allows a release of nervous energy. Third, fidgets can help build sustained attention. Through releasing a bit of energy, fidgeting can improve focus. Allowing the
Resistance Fidgets: firm putties, hand grips strengtheners, resistance bands, and more.
Tactile Fidgets: stress balls, putties and doughs, tangles, pop-its, velcro strips, sensory rings, worry stones, and more.
body to move in a concentrated and rhythmic way can give the brain the focus needed to attend a task in a more meaningful way. Regulated. Calm. Focused. The abundant and deep benefits of fidgets definitely should urge society to reclassify them from mere toys to true tools.
Autism Support & Resources
Who Benefits from Fidgets
An individual does not require a diagnosis of any sort to enjoy a fidget’s benefits. Anyone looking to hone their focus or enjoy an exhale of relief from the world’s stressors can pick up a fidget and give it a whirl. Feel itchy with stress? Take a moment and try bouncing a leg, flexing fingers to a beat, chewing some sour-flavored gum, or squishing a stress ball. With all of that said, individuals with anxiety and neurodivergent individuals with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorders may benefit from adding fidgets to their arsenal of everyday tools used to navigate life. The benefits are the same. The main difference between neurotypical vs. neurodivergent use of fidgets would be that the level of need would affect the frequency of use. Re-Introducing Fidgets to the Classroom (and Boardroom, and Beyond!) Kids will be kids! And children playing with fidgets in an unintentional, unruly way may have teachers considering rules regarding fidgeting. However, when used intentionally and with clear expectations, they can be a helpful tool rather than a distraction. A classroom with students that are regulated, calm and focused is also a classroom that is set up for success and lots of learning! So whether a
Photo by Kien Pham
An official autism diagnosis may come with a pamphlet—but it doesn’t include a step-by- step handbook. That’s where this helpful collection of resources comes in. Inside, you’ll find a wide range of early intervention programs, therapies, nonprofits, support networks, and more, all designed to guide families toward the right support at the right time. While navigating differences can feel overwhelming, no two journeys are the same. Every family’s path is unique. Birmingham Parent wishes your family continued strength and success as you reach milestones and exceed goals—each step forward a meaningful leap ahead.
ABA–APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS
Behavior One 500 Century Park S., Suite 100, Birmingham (205) 991-2584 behavioralone.com Connect ABA 1286 Oak Grove Rd., Suite 100, Birmingham (205) 201-1885 connect-aba.com
Birmingham 200 Vestavia Pkwy., Suite 2400, Vestavia Hills 350 Rex Lake Rd., Leeds (312) 965-2997 earlyautismservices.com Freedom Therapies 1051 Oak Mountain Dr., Pelham (205) 358-7311 freedomtherapies.net
In-Home (888) 329-4535 keyautismservices.com Milestones Behavior Group Inc. 1280 Columbiana Rd., Suite 101, Birmingham (205) 974-4519 milestonesaba.com
child is using a fidget at home or at school or whether an adult is embarking on a fidget finding journey of their own, it is clear: Fidgets are so much more than just a fad!
Thrive Behavioral Services, LLC 2685 Pelham Pkwy.,
Early Autism Services 151 Narrows Pkwy.,
Key Autism Services
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | APRIL 2026 19
Suite C, Pelham (205) 624-2200 thrivebehavioralservices.com
Suite 100, Birmingham (205) 733-7910 thehandsprogram.org
childrensal.org/services/early- intervention-services
Regional Autism Network (RAN) (205) 348-3131 mh.alabama.gov
DIAGNOSIS
Alpha Kids Therapy Services 1024 Railroad St., Suite D, Alabaster (205) 538-0125 alphakidstherapy.com
Links2Learning Consulting 3100 Lorna Rd., Suite 103, Birmingham (205) 861-0594 l2lconsulting.org Regimen Pediatric Healthcare 600 Vestavia Pkwy., Suite 251, Vestavia Hills (205) 419-7376 regimenpediatric.com
Triumph Services 2301 Arlington Ave. S., Suite 200, Birmingham (205) 581-1000 triumphservices.org UAB Medical Autism Clinic The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (1600 7th Ave. S., Clinic 7, Birmingham) (205) 638-5277 uab.edu/medicine/peds UAB Sparks Developmental Clinics 1720 2nd Ave. S., CH19 307, Birmingham (205) 934-5471 uab.edu/medicine/civitansparks/ developmental-clinics
Child’s Play Therapy Center 104 Foothills Pkwy., Chelsea 2151 Old Rocky Ridge Rd., Suite 100, Hoover (205) 978-9939 childsplaytherapycenter.com Endless Speech and Language Service 200 Beacon Pkwy. W., Suite 108D, Birmingham (205) 677-5036 endlessspeechandlanguage.com Expressions Pediatric Therapy 2279 Valleydale Rd., Suite 240, Birmingham (205) 739-2066 expressionspediatrictherapy.com
Upward Behavioral Health (205) 983-4063 upwardbehavioralhealth.com
Wise Center, The 631 Beacon Pkwy. W., Suite 105, Birmingham (205) 747-0758 thewisecenter.com
United Ability 100 Oslo Cir., Birmingham (205) 944-3900 unitedability.org
EDUCATION
Glenwood Behavioral Therapy Center / Intake 614 38th St. S., Birmingham
Allan Cott School for Autism 150 Glenwood Ln., Birmingham
Vulcan Psychology Group 3840 Ridgeway Dr., Birmingham (205) 377-4642 vulcanpsychology.com
(205) 939-1088 glenwood.org
(205) 969-2880 glenwood.org
Hope Bridge Autism Therapy Centers Avondale: 3500 7th Ave. S., Birmingham
Mitchell’s Place 4778 Overton Rd., Birmingham (205) 957-0294 mitchells-place.com
NONPROFITS
2244 North Rd., Gardendale 1820 Southpark Dr., Hoover (855) 324-0885 hopebridge.com I Can Pediatric Therapy (205) 775-7944 icanpediatricot.com Playful Pathways Pediatric Occupational Therapy 100 Hall Ave., Homewood (205) 235-2738 playfulpathwaysot.com Progress Therapy Services (205) 719-6554 progresstherapyservices.com
Autism Support of Alabama (877) 4AUTISM [28-8476] autism-alabama.org
SERVICES
Arc of Central Alabama, The 6001 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham (205) 323-6383 arcofcentralalabama.org
KultureCity 732 Montgomery Hwy., PMB 392, Vestavia Hills support@kulturecity.org kulturecity.org Studio by the Tracks’s Transitional Exploratory Arts Program 301 20th St. S., Irondale (205) 951-3317 studiobythetracks.org
Autism on the Seas (203) 604-0278 autismontheseas.com
Behavioral Pediatric Institute of Alabama 3257 Cahaba Heights Rd., Vestavia Hills (205) 414-6686 behavioralpediatricinstitute.com
THERAPIES
Puzzle Piece 3140 Cahaba Heights Rd., Suite 102, Vestavia Hills (205) 969-8080 puzzlepiecealabama.com Steel City Speech 438 Carr Ave., Suite 6, Birmingham (205) 201-0413 steelcityspeech.com
Bell Center Early Intervention Programs, The 1700 29th Ct. S., Birmingham (205) 879-3417 thebellcenter.org
A by G Therapy and Consulting Services 529 Beacon Pkwy. W., Suite 101, Birmingham (205) 440-2294 abygtherapy.com
Children’s of Alabama Early Intervention Services, The 3600 Ridgeway Dr., Homewood (205) 638-6820
Alabama Autism Assistance Program 300 Shadow Wood Park,
20 APRIL 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM
APRIL Our Picks things to do
Friday, April 10 | 7 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. Film screening with live orchestra. $44–101.50. bjcc.org Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert 1
Photo by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Festa Italiana 2
Saturday, April 11 | 12–9 p.m. Sloss Furnaces. Italian food, music, culture + family activities. $10–$15; kids 10 & under free. festaitalianabham.com
Photo by Carnaggio Photo
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | APRIL 2026 21
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All day Friday, April 17– Saturday, April 18. Gardendale Civic Center. It will have 160 vendors, 2 stages of live entertainment, a pooch parade, miway-style carnival, car show, free kid zone, petting zoo/pony rides, and more! Parking and admission are free. magnoliafestival.org 25th Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival
Photo by Magic City Art Connection
Photo by Magnolia Festival
Friday, April 24–Sunday, April 26 Times vary daily. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. The 43rd annual con- temporary art festival featuring 150 juried artists, live music, and the Imagination Festival art workshops for kids on Saturday and Sunday. $12–15. magiccityart.com Magic City Art Connection 5
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Sunday, April 19 | 3 p.m. Railroad Park. Magic City Performing Arts presents a Ballet in the Park family-friendly afternoon of ballet and contemporary dance. Free. magiccityperformingarts.com
Photo by Lucky Dance Photography
Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information. HEADS UP!
1 | Wednesday City Center Art Spring 2026 4–6 p.m. Space One Eleven. Afterschool stu- dio art program for youth; spring session. $460–$515. spaceoneeleven.org Dino Safari 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Through Nov. 1. Birmingham Zoo. Walk-through dinosaur exhibit included with zoo admission (open days vary). Included w/ admission. birminghamzoo.com Racoma (with St. Yuma) 8 p.m. Woodlawn Theatre. Indie/folk show; doors 7 p.m. $18–$20. woodlawntheatre bham.com Revolutionary Roots 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Vulcan Park & Museum.
Ongoing exhibit . $4–8. visitvulcan.com Tot Spot: Preschool Story Time 10:30–11 a.m.
YMCA Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg Hunt 6:30–8 p.m. Trussville YMCA (5920 Valley Rd., Trussville). This annual egg hunt is open to the
Easter Bunny. Free.
avondalebrewing.com
Taylor Grace Music 7 p.m. Rails & Ales. Free. railsandales.com
mountainbrookchamber- ofcommerce.growthzone- app.com Birdsong Farmers Market 7 a.m.–noon. 2824 5th Ave S (Automatic Seafood lot). Weekly farmers market. Free. facebook.com Easter Egg Hunt at The Summit 10–11:30 a.m. The Plaza at the Summit. Enjoy a fun-filled, festive morning of activities including: egg hunts by age group, themed crafts, face painting, and goodies from your favorite retailers and restaurants! Free. thesummitbirming ham.com
public and will have food, games, crafts, candy, and more! Free. instagram.com
Taylor Hollingsworth 5 p.m. The Rougaroux. Free. taylorhollingsworth.org Vestavia Hills Easter Eggstravaganza 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Wald Park (1973 Merryvale Rd., Vestavia Hills). Take a pic with Big Bunny, hunt for eggs, play games, eat snacks, and pet cute animals! Free. vhal.org 4 | Saturday 2026 Easter Egg Roll 10 a.m. to noon. Grassy Field across from O’Neal Library (50 Oak St., Mountain Brook). Collect eggs and get your picture taken with the
Chelsea Public Library. Preschool storytime. Free. cityofchelsea.com 2 Thursday Drake Milligan 8 p.m. Workplay. Country show. $25+. workplay.com
3 | Friday Bunny Hop Egg Hunt 2 p.m. Fox Field (behind Cahaba Heights Elementary). The Vestavia Hills Library Forest is hosting an egg hunt with bunny photos, fun music and games, and a slide. Plus, Unless U Scoops will be there. Free. facebook.com In Color 8 p.m. Avondale Brewing Co (Upstairs). $21.50.
Musical Munchkins
9:30 a.m. Chelsea Public Library. Kids music program. Free. cityofchelsea.com
Warren Zeiders – World Tour 2026 7 p.m. Avondale Brewing Co. Outdoor concert. $47+. avondalebrewing.com
Easter Eggspress Departure times 10 a.m.,
22 APRIL 2026 | BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM
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