A special needs parent’s response to “I don’t know how you do it.” “I don’t know how you do it.” Special needs parents, raise your hand if this a sentiment you hear often. I hear it a lot. And I make a charming joke, “Not very well, that’s how I do it.” Small, calculated chuckles abound for five seconds making my conversation partner and I both feel good. But then the laughter dies, and I
Special needs celebrations are still celebrations … “Mom, no! Too loud. I don’t like it!” I’m standing on the sidewalk outside our house with Polly, my seven-year-old daughter with Down syndrome. It’s the 4th of July, and our neighbors are shooting off fireworks. “Come on, Polly! It will be fun! Let’s just look. We won’t go close.” “No Mom! I don’t like it!” Polly crouches down to the ground and curls up in a ball.
Go with the strength you have … It’s happening again … That horrible feeling that comes and goes as a special needs parent. Am I failing my kids? Should I be doing more? Could someone else parent my child better? I’m starting to feel like a failure. I just don’t think I have enough strength for this parenting gig today. And then I remember I am reminded of a lesson God taught me through a
Joni and Friends Special Needs Family Retreat Report Last week my family had the honor of attending a Joni and Friends Special Needs Family Retreat at the Maranatha Center in Muskegon, Michigan. I’ve been on the Joni and Friends Chicago Equipping Team for the last year, teaching churches about special needs ministry on Sunday mornings and about respite. My friends at Joni and Friends gushed about Family Retreats that take place in several different locations