people don’t know how to help. Let’s try to change that. Here are 10 ways to support families with special needs: 1. Keep showing up. More than anything, families who have kids with disabilities need people who are not afraid to show up, even when they don’t know what to do. You don’t have to have the answers; just be present. 2. Invite the kids. Kids who have special needs are often left out of fun activities such as playdates and birthday parties. Have a quick conversation with the parents or send a text asking what you can do to help their child enjoy the activity. If needed, invite the child for a one-on-one playdate instead of group playtime, invite the parent to stay and ask if they need any accommodations. Simply ask how to meet the family “where they are” and help them feel welcome.
Rebecca Hastings
Love Your Neighbor 10 Ways to support families with special needs “I don’t know how you do it!” It was a simple statement. There was no ill-will behind it. It was an honest observation from one mom to another mom who was gathering five kids (most with special needs) into the car after coming from the store. She smiled and replied, “You just do.” 24 • SanDiegofamily.com • March 2024
Every parent has been there— has walked through something challenging and kept going. It’s what we do as parents. When you have a child with special needs (or more than one), there are more challenges. Sometimes it feels like they will never end. Oftentimes parents of kids with disabilities have to push through really hard situations alone because
3. Don’t gossip. This should go without saying, but it’s easy to forget. Don’t talk about the family or the child’s needs with other people. If you have a question, ask the parent. This is already a struggle with kids they encounter. They don’t need adults making it harder. 4. Get practical. Special needs usually require special care. This may mean multiple doctor, therapist and specialist appointments within one week or even in one day. Bring coffee for the parent at school drop-off. Offer to babysit their other kids. Leave a meal on their porch or have food delivered by a favorite restaurant. One of these gestures goes a long way for a tired mama. 5. Ask kindly. Most families are accustomed to people wondering about their child with special needs. Instead of steering clear, avoiding the subject or staring, ask thoughtful and kind questions. Disabilities are nothing to be ashamed of. We can talk about them in ways that are comfortable. 6. Respect privacy. Everyone has a story. It’s natural to be curious about someone’s situation, but it’s important
