Skip to main content

News & Info

Overview

20 Things Parents of Kids with Special Needs Should Hear

1) You are not alone.
There may not be anyone else with the same constellation of symptoms as your child, but there are people with similar challenges. Find those people.
 2) You too deserve to be cared for.
We are placed in a position of caring for others nearly constantly. However, you still need and deserve to be cared for.
3) You aren’t perfect—and that’s ok!
No one is perfect. We all make mistakes.
4) You are a superhero.
You encourage your child to do things doctors told you they would never do but you never gave up hope.
5) Therapy is play.
For children, therapy is play and play is therapy. The best therapists find ways to make children engage in challenging activities.
6) Play is therapy.
Yes this is different from number five! Seek extra curricular activities that offer therapeutic benefits.
7) Make time to enjoy your kids.
Make time to play, laugh, be silly and just enjoy your kids. Read to them, snuggle with them, engage with them with what’s important in their worlds. Make memories outside of hospital walls.
8) You will be obligated to make heart wrenching decisions.
You will have to make painful decisions that hurt your heart and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew or understood. Know that you are doing your best.
9) You won’t always get it right.
You will do your best but you won’t always get it right.
10) Forgive yourself.
Yes, you will screw things up sometimes despite the very best of intentions. Remember many of the toughest decisions have no right answer.
11) Being a parent is hard.
Being a parent to a child with extra needs is extra hard. It can also be extra rewarding. And will almost always make life extra interesting.
 12) Parenting a child with extra needs is like a marathon.
For those folks who are trying to win a marathon, there are no breaks. Remember, you don’t need to win, just make it to the end.
13) Don’t lose yourself.
Don’t let being the parent of a special needs child create or reshape your identity. We are many things, being the parent to a child with special needs is part of our identity. But it shouldn’t be all of our identity.
14) Keep your sense of humor.
15) Celebrate the little things!
Brag about those accomplishments that might seem small to others but are huge for our kids!
16) Don’t let typical parents get you down.
17) Don’t compare.
18) You don’t have to be “THAT” parent.
You know, the one who clearly spent 10 hours creating the amazing snack shaped like an animal with licorice whiskers. You have other things to do.
19) Make time for your marriage/relationship.
Marriage is hard work, parenting is hard work, parenting a child with special needs is especially hard work! Make time for your relationship away from your children.
20) Trust your instincts.
You know your children best. Don’t be afraid to fight for your child and their needs. While the professionals are experts in their areas, you are the expert on your child.

MENU CLOSE