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Raising neurodivergent kids is a lot — the appointments, the advocacy, the mornings that fall apart before 8am. This is where real neurodivergent families come to find routines that actually work, homeschool strategies that flex with real life, and information about Georgia resources that are hard to find anywhere else. I’m Maryellen, and we’re figuring this out together.
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![Swap plastic toys for meaningful handicraft gifts. This approach helps neurodivergent kids build fine motor skills while reducing household clutter.
Many parents find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of toys entering the home. By shifting our focus toward activities that result in useful items, we can support development in a way that feels intentional and calm. Whether you are navigating occupational therapy needs or simply want to simplify your space, these projects provide a practical way to engage your child's hands and mind.
Using simple materials for DIY presents allows us to prioritize capacity and regulation over mass-produced items. This strategy is about creating a home environment that feels manageable for everyone. Developing these creative habits offers a great alternative to traditional gift-giving, ensuring that what we bring into the house serves a purpose.
Subscribe for weekly support on navigating neurodiversity at home, and tell me:
what is one activity your child enjoys that helps with their motor skills?
Not medical advice, just a mom sharing what she's learned. Handicrafts are not a replacement for occupational therapy, just more chances to practice.
⏱️ CHAPTERS
0:00 Why fine motor gifts this year
0:36 Why I love handicrafts as gifts
2:06 1. Potholder looms
4:07 2. Round peg looms (soap sacks)
5:14 3. Finger knitting 5:44 4. Lacing cards and hand sewing
6:29 5. Bead threading
6:43 6. Cross-stitch
7:31 7. Soap carving
8:04 Wrap-up and part 2
📌There are Amazon affiliate links below. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
🧶 WHAT WE USE
Potholder loom kit (cotton loops): https://amzn.to/3WYkPSzExtra
Cotton loops: https://amzn.to/4BW7bQ1
Large-gauge round peg loom (with hook + darning needle): https://amzn.to/4zLQqWm
Cotton yarn: https://amzn.to/4C3oVsW
Lacing cards: https://amzn.to/4tebTVv
Elastic string: https://amzn.to/4sSuCp4Pony beads: https://amzn.to/4iSX3id
Cross-stitch ornament kit: https://amzn.to/4kgFsmR
Soap carving kit: https://amzn.to/3Vl61go
For these ideas, supplies, and more, click this link: https://amzn.to/3WragHF
*For soap sacks, the recommendation is cotton yarn because it is absorbent, dries quicker, and will mildew less quickly. For more information or to donate, check out Soap S.A.C.K.: https://www.soapsacks.com/
🎁 MORE GIFT IDEAS Full ND gift guide (sensory, movement, quiet play): https://growingtogetherathome.com/gift-ideas-for-neurodivergent-kids/
Last year's gift videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyiJcZTBcezS0UIbLDtgztC4XdDSt52rj
Part 2: Art Supplies Worth Buying (and Skipping): [coming on Nov 19th]
▶️ WATCH NEXT
Dysgraphia and Writing: How We Adapt Assignments at Home: https://youtu.be/MZu3-RBX5EIRegulation
Comes First: https://youtu.be/qJyhzurK7PU
Homeschooling for Beginners: Neurodivergent Kids (playlist): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOJkG04qdmxQ
💛 ABOUT THIS CHANNEL
Practical support for parents raising neurodivergent kids — from someone living it too. I’m Maryellen, a homeschool parent in a neurodivergent family. On Growing Together: Neurodiversity at Home, I share real-life parenting and homeschooling support for families navigating ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning differences.
My content focuses on capacity, regulation, and practical supports — not pressure or perfection. Whether you’re homeschooling, supporting a struggling learner in public school, or rethinking what learning looks like for your family, you’re not alone here.
I share tools, strategies, and reflections that have helped our family reduce overwhelm and make learning feel more possible — especially for neurodivergent kids and the parents supporting them.
New videos focus on real life, real parenting, and neurodiversity at home.
🌐 Visit my website: https://growingtogetherathome.com
📬 Join my email list + free resources: https://growingtogetherathome.com/newsletter/
▶️ Start here: https://youtu.be/eoMQcWxC84o
📌 Affiliate Disclosure:
Some links in my descriptions may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only share resources we personally use or genuinely find helpful. I appreciate your support of my channel!
#finemotorskills #giftguide #neurodivergent #homeschool #dyspraxia](https://growingtogetherathome.com/wp-content/plugins/feeds-for-youtube/img/placeholder.png)
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Hi, I’m Maryellen
Homeschool mom, problem-solver, and fellow traveler in the neurodivergent parenting world. Everything here is tested at home — so you can skip the guesswork.
