Special Needs Parenting

All kids are special. And by that I mean that all kids are magic and deserve to feel adored and unconditionally accepted by their family. Children all have things that make them unique and quirky. As parents, we learn the parenting dance with each of our children when it becomes readily apparent that each kid has the audacity to respond differently to parenting strategies. In this way, ideally, we are parenting differently from one another because our kids are different from one another.

Some of us are raising children with disabilities. They range dramatically from mild to significant. Some are visible and involve medical complications. Others are less visible to the casual observer but require specialized services and techniques just the same. In addition to coping with our change in parenting expectations, special needs parents learn to juggle appointments, medications, adaptive equipment, bizare routines, caregiver fatigue and debilitating sleep deprivation. To keep things even more chaotic, we parent in the era of the internet where opinions are plentiful and judgement lurks around every corner.

Somehow in the midst of all this complexity, special needs parents earn a virtual degree in their child's disability. Over time, you will become the expert for your child. You will draw from resources to gain insight and perspective. You can feel centered in remembering that you know your child. Raising special kids pushes families to the edge of capability. I believe, however, that most of us have the ability to step up and become our child's best advocate. We have the capacity to love them and to provide a custom family experience that will enable them to thrive with their disabilities.

Carry on moms and dads! You've got this. When you start to wonder, "What will I do for this child?" you will answer "Whatever it takes."

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“There’s no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections.”

— Ziad Abdelnour

Thoughts for keeping your sanity in the special needs parenting journey

Make peace right now that your parenting journey won't look like anyone else's.

No, really. It won't. Even other families with similar special needs will not adapt in the exact way that your family will establish.

Get educated. Learn all you can about your child's special needs. Find the best doctors, psychologists, teachers, advocates and classes. And then take a step back and look at your beautiful child. They will help you to know what they need. Together you will uncover the balance that will bring growth and sanity to your home.

The best part? The greatest thing all children need is to be loved. They need to be adored and know that they matter. They need to know their needs matter and you are there for them unconditionally. You'll figure out the details from there. Together.