8 Ways to Create a Fulfilling Life with Your Special Needs Child (Part 2)
Just because your child has received a special needs diagnosis, doesn’t mean you, your child, and your family can’t have a gratifying life. Mighty Mommy has 4 more ways to find balance and enjoy your life with your child.
Cheryl Butler
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8 Ways to Create a Fulfilling Life with Your Special Needs Child (Part 2)
In the first episode of this 5-part series on raising developmentally delayed children, we discussed steps to take if you suspect your child has any type of special needs. The second episode of the series focused on coping with a formal diagnosis. And in the third episode we looked at the process involved for your child to receive an Individual Education Plan (IEP) through the school district. In the fourth episode of this series, we focused on creating a positive, fulfilling life for you and your special needs child, and I gave you my first 4 tips on how to do that.
Before you go on, I recommend reviewing Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of this series.
Today, we will wrap up our series and I will close with 4 additional tips on moving forward and living your best possible life with your amazing child.
Tip #5: Create a “Parents’ Wish List”
Whether you have a special needs child or not, I think every parent should have a “wish list” that they can share with others to ease the burden of parenting every now and again. Your list can include anything that might make your life easier and more enjoyable, and it can even include other members of your family. Some items might include:
Babysitting. A few nights or days off throughout the year with no strings attached.
Carpooling. Perhaps friends, co-workers, or close family members could offer to take up one leg of the basketball practice all season or offer to take your special needs child to one of his therapy appointments so you can have a break.
Meal Preparation. We often see friends pitch in and make meals for new mothers, how about for a “tired” or “overwhelmed” mother instead? And you can do the same for a friend in need when it’s her turn for a little parenting TLC
Play dates. This can be a win/win situation for both parties involved. Sometimes you can score an easy couple of hours off if a good friend will offer to take your child(ren) to her house for a play date to free you up for some quiet time. She benefits as well because her kids can be entertained by yours. Then you can return the favor when she’s feeling overwhelmed.
Tip #6: Make Time for Your Marriage and Your Other Children
Naturally, your special needs child will be the focus of much of your attention, but don’t let your relationship with your spouse and other children suffer because of it. Be mindful of keeping a strong connection even if it’s just taking a few moments to text your partner and let him know how grateful you are that he is such an important part of your life. Put love notes in your other kid’s lunchboxes or under their pillows letting them know how much you love them and what a big help they are to their sibling in need.
Tip #7: Find a New Family Hobby
Families that spend time together, grow strong together. Don’t let your child’s disability stand in the way of checking out some new hobbies that you can all participate in. If your child’s disability is physical, then maybe skiing or hiking is out, but how about starting a family collection together that everyone can participate in, like sports memorabilia, stamps, or Disney items? Older kids might be interested in learning more about your family tree.
If your child’s disability isn’t physical, the whole family can participate in walkathons or other group activities to raise money for worthy causes. Brainstorm ideas with your spouse and kids, and then pick the ones that are the best fit for your family. Don’t forget artistic and cooking hobbies as well. Because our family lives close to the beach, we make a point of beach combing all year long, despite the weather outside. My daughter’s and I love to collect sea glass, with which we use to make jewelry and decorative items like colorful picture frames and beachy wreaths for our home. The boys in our family love a good adventure. They’ve found everything from old radios to baseball bats washed up on the shore. Once my son even found a wallet with $50 in it! It keeps us active and the ocean is a place we all love spending time together.
Tip #8: Stop and Smell the Tulips
When 3 of my 8 children first received their developmental delay diagnoses, a good friend of the family shared the following poem with me. I cried when I read it, but I printed it and hung it up in my kitchen so I would always be reminded that all children are a blessing, regardless of their disabilities:
And for those of you just starting on this scary journey into developmental delays, therapy, special education, and other terrible things you never planned for, I want to assure you that this isn’t necessarily going to be the rest of your life. My first developmentally delayed son, now 18, is graduating from high school this year and heading off to college in the fall, with a promising future in college baseball. My daughter, now 17, is a junior and in the top 25 of her class. She never stops talking and is planning on going to college to become a dental hygienist. My third child with speech delays turned 14 this week, and is not only talkative, but also an excellent student, a social magnet, and although he still has an IEP, he may not have one for much longer if he continues to progress as he has.
Are you raising a child with special needs? Please share your thoughts in the comment section or post your ideas on the Mighty Mommy Facebook page. You can also connect with me on Twitter @MightyMommy or e-mail me at mommy@quickanddirtytips.comcreate new email. Don’t forget to check out my family-friendly boards at Pinterest.com/MightyMommyQDT.
Check back next week for more parenting tips. Meanwhile, remember, you are your child’s biggest advocate and you are not alone. Enjoy and love your precious child for the individual that he/she is—and watch what happens. Until next time…happy parenting!
About the Author
Cheryl L. Butler was the host of the Mighty Mommy podcast for nine years from 2012 to 2021. She is the mother of eight children. Her experiences with infertility, adoption, seven pregnancies, and raising children with developmental delays have helped her become a resource on the joys and challenges of parenting. You can reach her by email.