Parents of typical children struggle through a few years when it can be difficult to get out of the house, but eventually that phase changes, and going out becomes easier and easier.
In this episode, Talya and Joanna chat about how, in contrast, for many families with special needs children, the challenges involved in going out can get harder, rather than easier, as the children get older. Simple activities, which most people take for granted, become imbued with such chaos and inconvenience that it is often easier to just stay home. Choosing to stay home can contribute to a cycle whereby parents and caretakers feel even more isolated and alone, which in turn makes going out more daunting.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Please feel free to comment on the Going Out as a Special Needs Parent page for this episode.
Visit the Our Hidden Stories Special Needs Audio Blog site for more information.
These are topics families like ours deal with regularly. I’ve gotten better over the years as our PMS’er has matured a bit (like he doesn’t immediately run away or dart into the road or slap another child out of the blue on a playground) The clearing the table or countertop or wherever with hands and dishes/glasses flying everywhere was a rough stage we’re glad is behind us. My husband still struggles quite a bit with it & how he feels socially when our son is being “himself”. He’s in the “it’s easier to stay in” camp.
We do have 2 older children though we have to consider as well. Something as simple as sports for them, only 1 parent is ever able
to go because our guy will run repeatedly onto the field and there’s only so much redirecting one can take. Or the teacher/parent conferences where the teachers like it’s ok take him out of the stroller, he can play with the toys. I do so reluctantly as he’s throwing items, destroying books and meanwhile I don’t hear a single word the teacher has said about our child we’re there for. Overall I’ve started to not give a damn what others think & just embrace the difference!
Thank you for sharing your experience, Jaimie–it is always good to hear confirmation that we are a little less alone 🙂