Parents & Caregivers of Kids with Special Needs
November is a month we recognize caregivers of many types. It is hospice or palliative care month, when we focus on showing our appreciation for those who care for others. These healthcare providers are often on the frontlines and embedded into the deep care of the children with the most intensive needs. They are a valuable resource to parents, as they navigate the stressful and overwhelming healthcare system.
Parents of kids with special needs, including parents through adoption or fostering, typically manage a lot of appointment juggling and often need to learn new things to provide care for their child. Parents deserve so much recognition for the hard work they do every day. All parents of kids with special needs know how difficult things can be at times, and there are some important ways parents should reconnect and recharge to be able to continue to do that work! Here are some things you can do or some things you can remember to help you on your way:
Share with a Support System
Sometimes the day-to-day difficulties of managing the lives of your family members, particularly if they have special needs, can make parents feel very alone. If you are at home providing care most of the time, things like social calendars and outings with friends fall away. Even parents whose kids don’t have special needs can feel that way. Whenever parents are feeling alone and isolated from what their version of “normal” life is, they should look for a group to join. Even something like a Facebook group for parents can help by allowing you to share or read about other’s experience. Chances are, you’ll wind up feeling very not alone and gain a support system at the same time! Check local resources to find something near you.
Read, Watch, and Learn
Parents might get overwhelmed with their own experience at times, and gaining perspective always helps. If you aren’t involved with a parents group or don’t share those difficult moments with friends or family, it is important to feel and recognize that others share in like experiences. Today there are so many blogs, Instagram profiles or YouTube channels devoted to documenting the life of a parent. While you might see picture-perfect, you’ll also get to read about working moms of kids with special needs, and learn about their most difficult times.
Your Efforts Matter
Something that isn’t said enough and is so important to say, is that your hard work, dedication, abilities, and willpower do not go unnoticed by those around you. Although you might feel exhausted, frazzled, or having a hard time keeping up, the people around you are likely looking on with admiration for your efforts, not judging you.
The Washington Post published an article this year talking about parents of kids with special needs in relation to careers. They found that in fact, parents of kids with special needs are more desirable to hire based on their developed leadership skills through advocacy, and balancing a difficult schedule. It is important to recognize that there are many skills gained because and not despite being a parent to a child with special needs.
Ways You Can Help
If you aren’t a parent of a child with special needs, there are a lot of ways to help! If your friend cancels plans often or isn’t able to attend different gatherings, give them extra passes. Another way to make sure they know you understand is to continue inviting them to your gatherings! When visiting friends at home, you might help them by simply doing a few dishes or tidying up. Offer to assist with paperwork organizing and filing to take that stress away, or take their dog for a walk! Any parent will appreciate a night of babysitting if possible, but even just a text or call here and there to check in can help them feel supported and heard.
Special Needs Resources in the Las Vegas Community
Las Vegas has a number of great organizations you can get involved in and create a sense of community. From programs like Best Buddies of Nevada to Summit Autism, there are places you can learn more about your child’s development and introduce new social environments. Outside of healthcare professionals and therapists who dedicate themselves to your child’s progress, it is an opportunity to meet others seeking the support system. Check out our full list of top resources for parents of kids with special needs.
At Tilton’s Therapy for Tots, we’re committed to providing families with resources to help their children develop and reach their maximum potential. You can find articles with pertinent topics for parents, activities you can do at home for continuing therapy practices (and fun), or learn more about our therapists and why they do what they do in our resources section.
Have a question about our services? Learn more about the process of becoming a patient with Tilton’s Therapy for Tots and get your questions answered.
