I have written a few posts on parenting and feel the need to touch on those parents that raise children who may not be so healthy or may have disabilities. It is rarely a topic you read in a parenting book. It may not even be in the parenting section of your local bookstore but in a special section. There are few words that can truly describe how difficult it can be for many parents who are raising these children. I have worked with many families over the years and resilient is a word that often comes to mind. There are so many things beyond raising a ‘typical child’ that these parents are dealing with. Here are just a few

• medications,
• special therapies,
• corrective surgeries,
• special vehicles to transport child,
• special education (and all that comes with it-a long list I assure you!),
• sibling conflict,
• emotional turmoils in family and extended family,insurance
• and yes, money.

None of this comes cheaply to your physical, emotional and financial well-being. Some families have to choose where too spend the resources they have. Not an easy decision but it may be a quality of life issue — decisions that are not easily made. I guess the best advice I have heard and have given is that as a parent you must  remember to keep perspective —not easy I know! Parents are the voice of their children and often give a viewpoint that we, as clinicians, rarely see in our patients. I have learned early on to listen to parents first before decisions are made. It has guided me well. So if you are a parent of a special needs child talk to other parents, they are truly one of your best resources.