When you see a special needs child, do you know what to do? Are you uncomfortable, not knowing whether to speak or look away?
When you see a special needs child, you can't help but stare. You think the parents don't notice as you sneak glances, but they do.
When you see a special needs child, the best thing you can do is smile. Smile really, really big at the parents and at the child. Say hello. Compliment the child's hair, or clothing, or smile, or even comment on how "cool" their medical equipment is. Because it is! It may be saving their lives, or giving them mobility. And how cool is that!
When you see a special needs child, you see tubes, and a wheelchair, and birth defects. But special needs parents see their child, their baby. And he or she is beautiful, and unique, and very, very loved. The parents are so used to the equipment that they don't even notice it anymore. They know it's what you focus on, and that makes them sad. So please try to look past it, and notice their child.
When you see a special needs parent, you don't know what to say. Should you ask about their child's medical condition or avoid the subject altogether? Parents spend countless hours researching medical information and they want others to understand. Please show that you care by asking questions. Maybe you've even done some research on your own, and that's good. But do NOT suggest "cures" or treatments to the parent. It's okay to humbly ask if they've heard of such-and-such, but please don't speak with authority on a subject the parent is truly an expert on.
When you know a special needs family, you wish that you could help. But you don't know what to do, so maybe you don't do anything at all. Short notes or email messages that simply say "thinking of you" mean the world to them. Dropping off a dessert, or fruit, or a meal is always appreciated. Gift cards in any amount, or a five dollar bill to pay for parking at the next doctor's appointment, ease some of the financial burden. Joining them for walk-a-thons or special events let them know you are with them on their journey. Every little thing you do is actually huge to special needs families.
When you see a special needs child, you think how lucky you are that your own children are "healthy." What you cannot comprehend is that special needs parents are truly thankful beyond words for the biggest blessing they have ever experienced in this life--a gift from God--their very special child.
The author is Amy Boyd, mom to Little Miss Mollypop, who has mitochondrial disease. Permission is granted to reprint all, or any part of this post.
When you see a special needs child, you can't help but stare. You think the parents don't notice as you sneak glances, but they do.
When you see a special needs child, the best thing you can do is smile. Smile really, really big at the parents and at the child. Say hello. Compliment the child's hair, or clothing, or smile, or even comment on how "cool" their medical equipment is. Because it is! It may be saving their lives, or giving them mobility. And how cool is that!
When you see a special needs child, you see tubes, and a wheelchair, and birth defects. But special needs parents see their child, their baby. And he or she is beautiful, and unique, and very, very loved. The parents are so used to the equipment that they don't even notice it anymore. They know it's what you focus on, and that makes them sad. So please try to look past it, and notice their child.
When you see a special needs parent, you don't know what to say. Should you ask about their child's medical condition or avoid the subject altogether? Parents spend countless hours researching medical information and they want others to understand. Please show that you care by asking questions. Maybe you've even done some research on your own, and that's good. But do NOT suggest "cures" or treatments to the parent. It's okay to humbly ask if they've heard of such-and-such, but please don't speak with authority on a subject the parent is truly an expert on.
When you know a special needs family, you wish that you could help. But you don't know what to do, so maybe you don't do anything at all. Short notes or email messages that simply say "thinking of you" mean the world to them. Dropping off a dessert, or fruit, or a meal is always appreciated. Gift cards in any amount, or a five dollar bill to pay for parking at the next doctor's appointment, ease some of the financial burden. Joining them for walk-a-thons or special events let them know you are with them on their journey. Every little thing you do is actually huge to special needs families.
When you see a special needs child, you think how lucky you are that your own children are "healthy." What you cannot comprehend is that special needs parents are truly thankful beyond words for the biggest blessing they have ever experienced in this life--a gift from God--their very special child.
The author is Amy Boyd, mom to Little Miss Mollypop, who has mitochondrial disease. Permission is granted to reprint all, or any part of this post.
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