Alison, a co-parent of a special needs child, recently divorced and had to make some quick life changes in order to keep up.
Alison spoke matter-of-factly when describing how she coped, “It’s isolating to parent a special needs child. You have to fight the teachers at school who think that you’re part of the problem,” she added. “You don’t fit in with other parents whose problems with their kids are such small potatoes — they are important to them, but to me, they’re just gravy. So it’s important to network with other parents, and sometimes that’s hard to do. Parents, if they perceive that a child has issues, may steer their own child in another direction, to a child who may be easier to deal with. You really better have your own supports lined up.”
Alison sought support from a parenting coach and found workshops on parenting special needs children. “It sucks to spend my weekends doing parenting workshops!” She joined a network of parents of special needs children and a divorce support group. “There’s value in getting advice from others, and also in seeing the many ways that people handle things.”
Alison appreciated every scrap of assistance offered and could have used more. “I have a big support network — great friends who’ve been there for me. I recently bought a new house with a mother-in-law apartment. When friends visit us, they’re right here and it’s amazing.” Her voice held wonder and longing at how manageable life felt during these visits.
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About Karen Kristjanson
