Blended Family Issues With a Special Needs Child
Blended families with special needs children face a range of challenges that can only be overcome with loving and focused communication.Trying to make sure that everyone's needs are met can be a real struggle.
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The birth parent of the special needs child in a family has usually been learning all they can about the child's care and treatment ever since the condition was first diagnosed. The step-parent faces a steep learning curve. Include the step-parent in meetings with health care providers and educators so that he or she may become informed. Make sure that other children in the family are given the age-appropriate information they need to understand a sibling's condition.
Services
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There are many organizations that help families with special needs children. Investigate the ones that apply to your situation. Support groups, respite care and special activities or summer camps can all offer families some relief from the emotional and practical pressures they face.
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Realistic Expectations
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Blending a family is a long-term process. New roles must be learned by all. Don't expect love or even comprehension to happen overnight. New step-parents should establish friendship with their step-children first; even children who may seem to accept an "instant parent" are struggling with issues they may not understand themselves. Let the biological parent handle discipline.
Trust Yourselves
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Remember that there is no such thing as a "normal" family. Take care of yourself; make sure you get some down time. Don't abandon the activities and dreams that nurture you as a person, and support other family members in fulfilling their needs as well. Time passes and children grow up, but the feeling of having a caring team at your back has lifetime benefits.
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References
- Photo Credit family image by Linda Mattson from Fotolia.com
