On The Blogroll: The Life Unexpected

The NYMetroParents blogroll features the best blogs in the parenting world, from New York and beyond. Here’s a closer look at why we love these mom bloggers and dad bloggers and how they’re shaping the web for parenting today.

Blogging From: Manhattan

“Being a special needs parent changes you, it can change you for the better, it all depends on you,” reads Marianne Russo’s blog, The Life Unexpected.

Her blog has teeth, yet expresses sympathy. It speaks of the times she felt empowered and of the times she felt weakness. It lets you know what Marianne is thinking, how she is handling each new scenario that comes her way, and how the world is changing in favor for and against the special needs community. As you read, her fears become your fears, her excitement becomes your excitement, and in the end, you find yourself more informed and more connected than you ever were before. Her beautiful writing makes each word dig into your heart like a stent during an angioplasty—she helps you shove all the dirt aside and get you back on your feet.

Between her and the professionals she conducts interviews with, you can find help, guidance, and solace in knowing that you are not only special needs parent out there.    Also listen to Marianna on “The Coffee Klatch: Special Needs Talk Radio.” — Holly Tucker

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Treehouse Shakers

<div>Treehouse Shakers’ Branching OUT After-School program is for ages 12-14. This awarded program is for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, or are seeking to become better allies. Branching OUT centers on discovering and exploring one’s story and identity through an intentionally artist-led format. During our community-based program, young people will explore and reflect on their own story to create a larger, more meaningful experience, while gaining self-empowerment and gathering with like-minded peers. Through the guidance of our awarded teaching artists, young people will create narratives that will be turned into podcasts, dances, songs or poetry. </div> <div> </div> <div>Young people have the opportunity to learn new art forms, work with professional artists, while building a meaningful community.</div>

Collina Italiana, The Italian Language and Cultural Center

<p>Learn Italian the fun way. Children practice and absorb the language through arts & crafts, activities, games, songs and stories!</p>

Chickenshed NYC

<p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed’s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.</p>