Nanny to Mommy

Parenthood is never without its challenges. However, if your child has been diagnosed with a learning difficulty or special needs, providing them with the support they need can feel even more daunting. Thankfully, increased research and awareness into these conditions mean that navigating parenthood with a special needs child is no longer as difficult as it once was.

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to support a child with special needs.

- Understand what support services are available to you. There are various support networks out there that you can rely on during this time. Whether you’re looking for general advice, healthcare options or coping strategies, there are a lot of resources at your fingertips. For example, companies such as Berry Family Services (https://berryfamilyservices.com/) can help you figure out which specialized therapy programs are suitable for your child or ensure you receive the financing you need to make home modifications.

- Join a support group. Many parents of children with disabilities report feeling alienated, especially if their friends have not gone through similar experiences. Despite this, it's important to remember that you are not alone. Nearly 240 million children worldwide have been diagnosed with special needs, meaning there are 240 million families in a similar situation to you. Do some research to see if there are any support groups in your local area or join online forums.

- Do your research. Medical terminology and phrases can sound a little scary, especially if you’ve heard very little about these conditions beforehand. As a result, you should do plenty of research into the conditions your child has been diagnosed with. However, you should also ensure that you gain this information from reputable sites and journals instead of random blogs on the internet. Your physician will usually be able to provide you with a list of resources you can rely on to expand your knowledge and understanding.

- Don’t neglect yourself. Parents are often guilty of putting their own needs behind their children, but this is particularly prominent among parents of children who may have disabilities. However, it's important that you are able to take care of yourself as a parent, which means treating yourself with grace and giving yourself a break when you need one.

- Create routines. Children with special needs often thrive when they’re given a routine to follow. This is because it provides them with structure and stability. As such, you should work to create dependable routines within your family home. For example, you should aim to wake up and go to bed at the same time each evening.

- Talk to their siblings. Siblings are awesome - they’re the first friend you’ll have in your life and your most loyal supporter. As a result, it's important that you have a discussion with other children in your family about your child’s diagnosis and what this means. This will help them prepare for any challenges that go alongside this, while also enabling them to gain a better understanding of their siblings and behaviors.