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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Special Needs Parents
Did you ever notice how some special needs parents seem to be not just surviving, but doing quite well?  Even with the challenges they face every day, and heavy demands on their time and energy, they're happy, organized, energetic, all-around "put-together" people - and they hardly ever seem to be in a rush or stressed out.  What are their secrets?

It's not that their children's special needs are any less serious.  And it's not because these parents just naturally have a sunny disposition. 

From my own experience as a special needs mom, from observing fellow special needs parents, and from seeing what works best for my coaching clients, I've discovered over the years what it takes to be one of these "highly effective special needs parents."

Parents of children with special needs who live manageable, balanced, joyful lives utilize a set of skills I call the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Special Needs Parents.  You can learn these skills, just as I did years ago, and just as my clients do today. 

So ... what do highly effective special needs parents do? While everyone has their own unique mix of what works best, here are the common threads that I’ve found running through the lives of these parents:

1. They make rest a priority.
Highly effective special needs parents are in bed by 10 pm or even earlier most nights, even if it means leaving something unfinished. Parents whose children have irregular sleep patterns take naps whenever possible to make up for the late nights and pre-dawn awakenings.

2. They make time for eating well.
Highly effective special needs parents don’t skip meals – and they eat delicious, nutritious food. They get the whole family involved in weekly or monthly meal planning. They also tend to stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.

3. They find support.
Highly effective special needs parents get help with even the smallest things, as often as they can, from anyone and anywhere they can: family, friends, neighbors, agencies, organizations, and their community.  They hire help when necessary, and find creative solutions for bartering help with family and friends.  They belong to support groups for their children's special needs and disabilities, and they're in close contact with other special needs families in their area.

4. They guard their time carefully.
Highly effective special needs parents know they have to be careful about how many activities they sign up for, and the activities they do choose to participate in are only those that are nearest and dearest to their hearts.  They save most of their free time for whatever truly matters to them most.

5. They schedule social time on the calendar.
Highly effective special needs parents regularly go out with friends, and also with their spouse or partner.  They take the time and effort to train sitters, relatives, or friends on how to care for their children, so their social time can be as fun and worry-free as possible.  They take advantage of respite services in their area when they need a break.  They schedule social time weeks or months in advance, and then do whatever's necessary to make it happen.
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