Raising special needs kids takes a bit more planning, support, and strength. While special needs cover a wide range of disabilities, including autism and Down syndrome, the fact remains true; parents who are raising special needs kids love big, love hard, and work hard to make sure their child can grow up as healthy and happy as possible.
This is why we wanted to feature some parenting hacks for special needs kids. These hacks will help every parent out there breathe a bit easier, and fly through their day with little to no mishaps.
Good Enough is Good Enough
Let’s start this off by telling you that no matter what you’re doing right now, your good enough is truly good enough. Stop giving yourself a hard time about whether you’re doing this right or having guilt that your child may suffer in ways other children don’t. Your child may have special needs, but they also have a special parent who loves them beyond measure.
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These parenting hacks for special needs kids are meant to help make your life easier so that you can appreciate the little wins and remember that you’re doing your absolute best every day for your special needs kid.
Let Your Kid Pick Clothes
Have your kid go through their clothes and select one or two outfits that they’re most comfortable in. They can point to it, or perhaps you already know which outfit that seems to make them the most comfortable. Buy at least 5 of these outfits in the same color, and fabric so that you no longer have any meltdowns over having to find an outfit that your special needs kid can tolerate.
Use Headphones
Headphones are not just for music! Once your kid has a set of headphones that they adore, perhaps have them wear these headphones out in public when you have to run errands with them. This will help reduce the impact of loud noises in grocery stores or other places as you try to get errands done with your special needs kid in tow.
Electrical Tape Lights
If your special needs kid has a sensitivity to lights around the home, you can easily put some electrical tape over any of the smaller bright lights. This will help reduce the impact of your kid having a meltdown over the bright lights that blink or shine all over the home.
Use a Visual Schedule
Last but not least one parenting hack for parents who are raising special needs kids is to have a visual schedule. This can be pictures or words, depending on the level of your kid. This simple visual schedule will help keep them calm as they transition from one activity to another one during a busy day.
These are just a few of our favorite parenting hacks for special needs kids that can make life a little easier. These hacks will help you and your kid enjoy more time together with fewer meltdowns.