Parenting Children with Special Needs

Parenting is difficult and while care-giving is a normal part of parenting, it becomes more complex and challenging for parents of children with special needs. It can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming since each experience and situation is unique.

Parents often juggle many responsibilities and portfolios as they navigate a world that is still coming to terms with the differently-abled.

Challenges Associated with Parenting Special Needs Kids

Children with disabilities are at a higher risk of experiencing bullying and various forms of discrimination. And in a number of cases one child may have multiple disabilities which creates additional challenges for parents to care for them.

For example, one child may be diagnosed with a Development Delay, a Seizure Disorder and below average weight; all of which have implications to the child’s health and wellbeing and to the parents’ ability to manage the situation emotionally, physically, and financially.

Parents are often faced with having to learn about and understand the disability, accessing the necessary treatment and resources, and managing numerous appointments doctors and therapists.  These parents must always be on the alert as they try to prepare for the unexpected. For example, constantly looking out for signs of a seizure or waiting anxiously for that emergency call from the babysitter.

Many parents are stressed and exhausted as they attempt to manage the emotional and physical demands of caring for a child with a disability.  Parents worry about the child’s future and often question their own competence as parents; they feel a sense of guilt and possibly apprehension towards parents with what they consider normal children. Very often, parents may find themselves feeling insecure as there is a fear that their child would be rejected and hurt by others.

Children with disabilities are also likely to place financial strain on parents since these children require specialist care that encompasses therapy, physical or otherwise, dietary needs, and other medical care. In a world of financial uncertainty, many parents struggle when one therapy session may be a minimum of five hundred dollars ($500.00), and ideally, a child may be required to attend one session per week.

There’s a lot going on when caring for a child with disabilities which can be daunting for many parents, and their own mental health should be of paramount importance. Parents of children with disabilities may be at a higher risk of developing mental health problems, particularly challenges with anxiety, depression, and insecurity.

Things You Can do to Manage

All parents need a break from time to time, and this is even more so for those who are dealing with the added responsibility of raising a child with disabilities. Taking a break could be in many forms.

One of the things parents can do is to consider taking micro-breaks as needed. For example, even something as simple as the opportunity to be free of responsibilities for thirty minutes. That can make the difference in an entire day.

The one thing that parents of children with disabilities need to know is that they are not alone. Even though it can feel like that sometimes, there are facilities they can access for mental health services where they can learn strategies that would assist in stress management and caring for their overall mental health.

Additionally, support networks are vital in managing life with a child with disabilities, so don’t be afraid of asking for help and ensuring that you have a good support network. There are few days when things will go perfectly, but just knowing you can pick up the phone and reach out to someone makes a huge difference.