Encouragement for the Parent

There is so much noise when it comes to living with a family member who has special needs or disabilities. "Try this, do that, don’t do 'x, y, or z'." Our goal this month is to encourage parents/caregivers.

You are doing the best you can with the information you have. You are doing a great job! Being a parent is hard. Caring for a child with special needs or disabilities which cause him or her to think/behave differently than typical children can be stressful. 

Here is a small checklist to  help reduce the potential 
overwhelm of family life with special needs. 

Spiritual Health

• Do you make time for prayer and Bible study? 

• Are you connected with a supportive church or life group?

• Find a life group 

Emotional Health

• Do you have a supportive community? 

• Do you have a life coach/counselor/therapist? 

• See recommended providers

Daily Supports

• Do you use simple routines to start and end the day?

• Do you use transitional warnings?  (“We are leaving in 5-min”)

• Read about developing routines

Rest & Respite

• Do you schedule times for rest? 

• Do you have access to respite services able to help? 

Joni & Friends Arizona

• Retreat opportunities

• Respite opportunities