Today, while scrolling through social media, a friend shared their struggle with packing for a family trip. Another chimed in with, “I always forget chargers!” If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, you’re likely thinking, “Forget the charger? Never!” That’s practically a cardinal sin in our world. We always have the charger, the backup battery pack, and an extra pair of headphones at the ready.
It struck me just how resourceful we special needs parents can be. Need a caffeine fix? We don’t even need an app for that—just let us out, and we’ll locate the nearest Starbucks, Tim Hortons, or Dunkin’ Donuts within a 10-mile radius.
Looking for a restroom? We’ve got that covered. We know the location of every toilet in town, and then some.
As for the exit? We’ve already scouted that out the moment we stepped inside. In case of an emergency, follow us—we’ll be the first ones out.
Feeling peckish? We always have a snack on hand because no one in our care goes hungry. If the snack is gone, don’t worry; we can navigate to the nearest drive-thru without a second thought.
Need a tissue? We’ve got a stash. Cut your finger? I carry a variety of Band-Aids in my wallet. Headache? We have pain relief options from Advil to something stronger.
Packing for three weeks in Europe and only want a carry-on? We excel at that every single day.
In a tricky situation? We’ve got this. Just recently, I had to convince my tween to leave the girls’ section filled with Frozen-themed clothing because none of it was in her size. That’s stress at its finest.
And yes, we can produce cell phone chargers, laptop power cords, and headphones as if by magic. We have skillz.
This article was originally published on May 29, 2017. For more insights, check out our other blog post here.
If you’re interested in home insemination, this website offers excellent resources on the topic. Also, for a comprehensive guide on family building options, visit Resolve.
In summary, special needs parents develop a remarkable set of skills that help them navigate daily challenges with ease, ensuring they are always prepared for anything that comes their way.