Princess for a Day: Miss Lily’s Special Teas, Part 2
In the first post in the series the creator of the business, Jennifer Ciptak, told about how Miss Lily’s Teas began. Though she does teas for kids ages three and up, she especially enjoys arranging teas for children with special needs. In this post, she describes the services available for princesses with special needs.
The Jennifer and Jack Connection
What is your connection to families of kids with special needs?
While in college and beyond, I tutored to special needs students, worked as a TSS (therapeutic staff support) and taught special needs students in public, private and alternative education schools. I have met some wonderful families while volunteering at Children’s Hospital and for Special Olympics. I have also worked for a supported employment program where I met a client, Jack, a young man with Down syndrome. At the instant we met, it was like we’d always been life-long friends – just one of those beautiful, rare occasions with another human being, special needs or not. I always recall fondly a birthday card he made for me that same day which he signed, “I love Jack.” And I do – I love Jack. I was motivated to action to protect and aid him by his innocence and vulnerability. I have a soft spot for children and people facing challenges in their everyday tasks, tasks often taken for granted. Because I admire their strength, courage and achievements, Miss Lily’s SpecialTeas is dedicated to kids with special needs.
Describe how you adapt your teas for children with special needs.
We adapt our par-teas to children with special needs by consulting with parents and researching, if need be, the disability. We choose crafts according to skill level and make any necessary modifications to our menu, dress-ups and games. We listen to what the parents and children suggest and either use what has worked for them in the past or get creative together. We also staff our par-teas so that there is a low princess hostess to guest ratio, helping to ensure everyone gets the attention and assistance needed to participate and enjoy the par-tea to the fullest.
Release Your Child’s Inner Princess
Does that description have you aching to help your daughter release her inner princess? If so, come back next time. Jennifer will talk about how kids respond to her teas. You’ll also find out how to contact her for more information. Until then, start wearing your tiara…just for fun.
Jolene
