Simple Ways to Support Special Needs Parents

Friendship is hard when you’re a mom.  

Add special needs parenting to that mix, and it often feels impossible.

I can count on one hand – er… 2 fingers? – the friends who really get it.  Who support me as a mom and understand me as a special needs parent, too.

Here is my advice for everyone else – with 4 simple steps to support your friends who are special needs parents…

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4 Simple Steps to Support Your Special Needs Parents Friends

1. Don’t Take Offense – I might not call as often.  And I probably won’t schedule as many playdates.  Or I might text and cancel at the last minute.  It’s not you.  It’s me.  I’ll be too busy taming a tantrum to get out the door.  Or too tired from a sleepless night.  Please, don’t take offense.  Give me grace when I’m less than a good friend.

2. Listen without Solving – Yes, I am venting about the problems of the day again.  But, I don’t necessarily need a solution.  I just need you to LISTEN.  To look me in the eye and shake your head in understanding.  To be a sounding board without worrying about solutions.  To give a hug at the end, once in awhile, too.

3.  See the Good in Our Kids – I know my kids can be difficult.  And difficult to connect with.  But I also love them and see the sparkle and love in their eyes, too.  If you observe quietly for a minute you might see it, too.  Please tell me if you do!  I’m so often hearing about the trouble a child caused at school or the frustration in Grandma’s voice.  I need to hear the positive about my kids, too.

4.  Call and Text and Call Again – Check in on me, friend.  I know I don’t call enough.  But my lack of texts doesn’t mean I don’t need you.  I just get distracted with all the doctors-appointment-managing and routine-following and meltdown-averting and… laundry.  Your calls and texts help me feel less alone, even if I don’t have time to answer them at the moment.

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More From Fellow Special Needs Parents:

Make sure to check out these other blog posts about supporting special needs parents from my fellow mama bloggers with special needs kids:

Supporting Yourself and Your Child with Special Needs | Natural Beach Living

Am I Going Crazy? | Every Star is Different

Tips For Supporting A Child With Trauma History | STEAM Powered Family

Special needs parents: we all need support (even you) | My Home Truths

12 Things That Special Needs Mom Needs from You | The Chaos and The Clutter

Classroom Supports & Accommodations for Kids with Hyperlexia | And Next Comes L

Finding Support: From The Wind in Your Life  | 3 Dinosaurs

A Letter to Parents with a Child on the Spectrum | Carrots Are Orange

Supporting a Family with High Medical Needs  | Grace and Green Pastures

And check back here on the 23rd of each month for more in our Parenting Children with Special Needs series.  

MORE ABOUT OUR SPECIAL NEEDS JOURNEY:

  

This post contains affiliate links.  Which just means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will receive a small percentage of the sale – without your price being any higher!  Thank you for your continued support.  For more information, see my disclosure policy.