When a crisis or abrupt change of life occurs, it can be difficult to express our needs. It’s no different for parents with special needs children. Depending on the needs of our child, we may get better at navigating the changes of routine, Dr. appts, surgeries, and special education, but we never get to a point where we don’t need help. (more…)
Last week we talked about how to be a friend when your friend has a special needs child. This week, I want to turn the table and encourage all of us who have friends who don’t share our same experiences. Friends or family who may not understand our child’s behavior, beeping machines, medical terminology, or crazy schedules. Grab yourself your favorite beverage and let’s talk about, how to be a friend when your friend doesn’t have a child with special needs. (more…)
I sit listening to the giggles and imagination play from across the room. My granddaughter, Miss Emmy, and Danny Boy (my youngest son who has special needs) are playing. I can hear the exchange of ideas between the two of them. As I peek around my desk, I see Emmy pick up a toy Danny dropped and hand it back to him, without skipping a beat in her conversation. Danny continues to play as well; it’s as if they both are oblivious to the inconvenience of Danny’s limitations. (more…)
Special needs parenting is messy. You can have it all together one moment, be on top of all the appointments, changes in medication, activity schedule, insurance issues and then… BAM! You discover you’re not on top of any of it. As a special needs mom, I’m baffled by this reality. I can’t imagine what people around me must think. As I was pondering this situation tonight I thought, “I wish everyone knew…” (more…)
