PSN Issue
Special Needs Summer Preparation: 8 Steps
Are you ready for summer? If
you're like most parents of children with special needs, summer arrangements
for your children must be made well in advance.
This year, don't wait until the last minute to read those materials, make
those phone calls, and fill out those forms. Eliminate the stress of looming deadlines by scheduling some
uninterrupted, focused time this week to take care of your summer plans.
Take a look at your calendar and find a block of time - perhaps an hour or
more - this week. Reserve that
time for summer planning. Here are
some things you may want to consider as you put your summer plans in place:
- Therapy - What therapies will your child need to
continue over the summer?
Which ones can be put on hold? What are the therapists' summer schedules?
- Summer school/classes/lessons - What forms need to
be filled out? What accommodations
can be made, if necessary?
- Sitters - Will you need time with the sitter to go
over summertime routines and how-to's? What are your expectations for the time your sitter
will spend with your children this summer?
- Daycare - Do you need to fill out any special
permission forms? Will the
care providers need any special warm-weather-related instructions?
- Camps - Are there medical records you'll need to
submit with the camp application?
Will you need to meet with the camp director and/or staff to discuss your
child's needs?
- Vacation - If you're traveling for vacation this
summer, which hotels are the most family friendly? Which activities and destinations
have accommodations or special programs for children with special needs?
- Respite Care - Do you need to take a break? There are a growing number of
excellent respite care programs that you may want to investigate. Remember to "care for the
caregiver" -- replenish your own inner reserves with some time off to
relax,
recharge, and renew.
- Downtime - block out dates and times on the summer
calendar NOW for downtime. I
know, it seems paradoxical to have to schedule downtime! But downtime is essential to the
well being of everyone in the family. Make it a priority by providing regular time to just
"be."
You’re going to feel great to having all the summer preparations done in
advance!
Joan Celebi is the founder of SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com, and the author
of Overwhelmed No More! The
Complete System for Balanced Living for Parents of Children with Special Needs. You can sign up for Joan's FREE
Overwhelmed No More Newsletter, Lunchtime Teleseminars, and more! Visit www.SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com/
and click on "Free Resources."
Disclaimer: All information on this site is of a general nature and is furnished for knowledge and understanding only.