Some children and teens with special needs attend summer school. Others are in camps, sports, or lessons. When is so much, too much?
A Sweet Set Up for Summer
Children and teens with special needs have many opportunities for summer. Some attend school. Others are in camps, sports, lessons and miscellaneous recreational activities. Don't forget the good, old-fashioned backyard version of fun. When is so much, too much? How can parents help children enjoy summer without overloading, overstimulating, or making it just plain work?
Prioritize Make a list of necessities. . . sleep, food, self-care, religious services, errands, therapy times, and appointments. Look over the list again. Is everything necessary?
Know Your Family What are the specific needs of your child? This may seem obvious, but what (beyond food, sleep, and self-care) does your child NEED? Write therapy times, treatment times, etc. next on the schedule. When is your child at his best? Can he handle groups of people in the morning when he is not tired? What are the absolute needs for the other members of your family? Think of your other children's needs. . . Do the same for yourself and your spouse. This is not wish list time. . . That comes next.
Plan Fun Summer can be fun! Your ADHD child may be an amazing runner. Is there a children's race in your community? What about theraputic horseback riding for a child with physical needs? An autistic child may enjoy an outdoor concert if sitting away from crowd overstimulation. Schedule some backyard time. Family fun activities at home can be a great way to build social and language skills. Be sure to check out my upcoming articles in this area.
Other Goals Many parents of special needs children focus on academic skills. It is good to help a child develop to his full potential. A word of caution, though, children with special needs work hard at school. They have all of the subjects that other children have PLUS possible therapies: speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc. It is as important to learn turn-taking with other kids as to know that 2 + 2 = 4.
Show the Unexpected Aunt Mindy will visit. Jason will have a dental check up during nap time. It will rain as you start outside. Your schedule must be flexible and show changes.
How does a great summer schedule for a special needs kiddo look?
My next article is
Schedules that Work for Special Needs Kids.
Note: All children in this article are fictitious and represent general characteristics of the disability.
© 2006 Lynn Moore No portion of this article may be copied or distributed without the written consent of the author.
