The countdown is officially on! We are just days away from Mother Hen’s Family Fun Day on July 18, 2026, at the beautiful East Lake Park.
If you’ve been following our daily blog series since July 5, you know that we are more than just an educational consulting firm, we are a community. At Mother Hen (and 2 Mother Hens), our mission is to empower families navigating developmental, educational, and emotional challenges. We know that for many of our families, a "fun day" at the park isn't just about showing up; it’s about preparation, regulation, and ensuring that every child, regardless of their neurotype, feels seen, supported, and successful.
Whether you are navigating a transition like divorce, managing the unique joys and hurdles of ADHD, or simply looking for a meaningful way to connect with your community, this ultimate guide is for you. Here is everything you need to know to make July 18 a day of triumph and joy for your entire family.
1. Preparing for the Transition: The Pre-Event Prep
Transitions can be tricky. For children who thrive on routine, a large-scale event at a new location can feel overwhelming. This is where family coaching for transitions becomes a game-changer. Instead of surprising your child with the outing, start "priming" them now.
Preview the Day
Talk through what the day will look like. Use "anchor points" to give the day a predictable shape. For example: “First we drive to East Lake Park, then we find our Mother Hen blanket, we play one game, have a snack, and then we explore the playground.”
Use Visuals
If your child uses a visual schedule at school or home, bring that same tool into the summer. A simple "First/Then" board (e.g., First: Scavenger Hunt / Then: Juice Box) can reduce anxiety and help children feel in control of their environment.
The "Outing Toolkit"
Pack a sensory-friendly bag. Include noise-canceling headphones for sensitive ears, a favorite fidget toy, and perhaps a familiar book to help ground them during downtime. We highly recommend bringing along "Two Hugs and Two Kisses" by Natoya Cole Evans. It’s a wonderful resource for children navigating life between two homes, providing a sense of consistency and love that can be very grounding in new environments.
2. Managing the Big Day: Parent Coaching for ADHD
For parents of children with ADHD, outdoor events present a unique set of challenges: impulsivity, sensory overload, and difficulty with transitions between activities. Parent coaching for ADHD often focuses on "front-loading" expectations and building in flexibility.
Establish a "Home Base"
When you arrive at East Lake Park on July 18, identify a "quiet zone" immediately. This could be your family’s picnic blanket in a shaded area or a specific bench away from the main music and crowds. Let your child know: “If you feel like things are getting too loud or you just need a break, our blanket is our safe spot.”
Use Transition Warnings
Avoid abrupt changes. Instead of saying "It's time to go to the next activity," use the 5-2-1 method. Give a 5-minute warning, a 2-minute warning, and a 1-minute countdown. This allows the ADHD brain time to disengage from the current dopamine-heavy task (like the playground) and prepare for the next step.
Specific Praise
Catch them being good! Use specific praise like, "I love how you used your words to ask for a turn on the swing," or "Thank you for staying close to our home base when we walked to the snack table." Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in emotional regulation.
3. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities for Children
Family Fun Day isn't just about running around; it’s an opportunity to practice essential life skills in a real-world setting. We have integrated several social emotional learning activities for children into the event's design. Here are a few you can try on your own while at the park:
The "Feelings Scavenger Hunt"
Challenge your children to find things in nature that represent different emotions.
- "Find a leaf that looks calm."
- "Find a rock that looks strong and steady."
- "Find a flower that looks happy."
This helps children label emotions and connect them to the world around them.
"Winston’s Word" Quiet Time
If the excitement becomes too much, take a "brain break." We will have copies of our educational workbook, "Winston’s Bible Adventure Word Search," available. This screen-free resource is designed for children aged 5–10 to enhance vocabulary and cognitive focus, perfect for a 15-minute cool-down period on the grass.
4. Neurodivergent Parenting Support: Navigating the Crowds
We understand that neurodivergent parenting support means recognizing that "fun" looks different for everyone. At Mother Hen, we advocate for "inclusive play", where children are encouraged to engage at their own pace.
If your child prefers to observe from the sidelines before jumping in, that is okay. If they need to spend 40 minutes looking at a specific bug they found in the grass instead of joining the group game, that is okay too. Our staff and volunteers are trained in school advocacy and behavioral guidance; we are here to support your family's unique rhythm, not force you into a "standard" box of what an event should look like.
5. Event Details: Everything You Need to Succeed
To ensure you have the best time possible, keep these logistical details handy:
- When: July 18, 2026
- Where: East Lake Park, Atlanta
- Time: Check your registration for specific wave times!
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, water bottles, a picnic blanket, and your child’s sensory toolkit.
- Registration: If you haven't yet, please visit our website at www.2motherhens.com to secure your spot.
We are still accepting a few more vendors and community partners! If you are a local business that aligns with our mission of supporting families and mental health, please see our flyer below for contact details.
Why We Do This: The Mother Hen Mission
At the end of the day, Family Fun Day is about more than just one Saturday in July. It is a reflection of the work we do every day at Mother Hen LLC. From IEP advocacy and school mediation to professional counseling and parental coaching, we are dedicated to the holistic health of the family unit.
We know that when parents feel supported, children thrive. When families have the tools to navigate transitions, the entire community becomes more resilient.
If you are currently struggling with school accommodations, navigating a difficult family transition, or seeking a professional advocate for your neurodivergent child, don't wait for the event to reach out. We are here for you now.
Join Us on July 18!
Let’s celebrate the milestones, the messy moments, and the incredible strength of our families together.
Register today and take the first step toward a more supported, connected family journey.
Contact Information:
Phone: +(1) 470-242-1235
Email: info@2motherhens.com
Address: 1372 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 113, Atlanta, GA, 30309
Website: www.2motherhens.com
