Saying ‘Yes’ Isn’t Always Easy

The sweet infant that you swaddled in warm baby blankets and held in your arms, promising to keep him safe forever is now growing up. Independence is rearing its ugly head. But your child is a special child with chronic and painful illnesses, and you are a special mother reading about every diagnosis, spending nights in […]

child riding a horseThe sweet infant that you swaddled in warm baby blankets and held in your arms, promising to keep him safe forever is now growing up. Independence is rearing its ugly head. But your child is a special child with chronic and painful illnesses, and you are a special mother reading about every diagnosis, spending nights in the Emergency Room, and driving to each specialist’s appointment, plus so much more.

playing children sunset

Silhouette, group of happy children playing on meadow, sunset, summertime

She wants to go to a sleepover with her friends.  He wants to run a relay race for the third grade Olympics games. Thoughts of the many things that could go wrong are swimming through your mind.  Fear takes over. Fear is normal. You live with it every day questioning whether you are doing everything right. What if he has an emergency at school, and the worst fear of all, how much time do we have together? It is in these moments that you reach with all of your strength to conquer that fear with your mother’s love for her child. Stay in the present and make your decisions carefully.

Remember that your precious child has a host of limitations to what he/she can or cannot do that other children take for granted, and feels that she doesn’t fit in with the others at school. Children with chronic illnesses feel that their entire life is overshadowed by all of their health problems, leaving them without any control over their lives.

special needs child driving session with familyThe first thing you should do is to plan for the slumber party, the new sport they want to try, or a trip with the school. Make sure there is enough medicine for the time they will be gone.  Have a note from the doctor explaining your child’s health problems, dietary needs and what is necessary in an emergency along with his contact number. Check their machines, such as breathing machine, to be certain that it is in good repair and with plenty of medication. You will need a letter of permission for the adult(s) in charge to make decisions in your absence with all of your contact information. You are the mother. You know your child better than anyone. Trust your instincts.

It is important that you allow your special child to have as many experiences as possible.  You will never be sorry. For further information please visit their website and follow their Facebook page.