Military Special Needs Network
Proudly Supporting all Military Families with a Special Needs Dependent
Bringing Holiday Cheer to a Special Needs Family
The holidays are upon us! If you are inspired to reach out to a special needs family in your life, here are a few ideas to get you started:
It’s the little things…
-Bring a plate of cookies to the family. Even better if it is accompanied by a hot Thermos of coffee or hot chocolate!
There’s Never Enough Time!
-Offer to babysit for an hour or two so parents can get some holiday shopping done.
Save us a trip…
-Sometimes we rush out of the store because our kids are getting over stimulated and we didn’t get a chance to grab wrapping paper, tape, bows or whatever. It would be wonderful to not have to go back out to grab these things.
Therapy time for parents…
-Could you spare 30 or 45 minutes to sit in the waiting room at our child’s therapist’s office? It would offer us a few minutes to run out, grab a coffee, and zone out for half an hour. Seems like a little thing, but it is huge.
Drop off a Holiday Basket!
-Throw in a packet or two of popcorn, juice boxes, and a bottle of wine for mom and dad. Include a holiday movie from the $5 bin at Wal-Mart and you’ve just offered this family a lovely holiday inspired evening.
Wrap our gifts, please oh please.
-You know what stinks? Running around for therapy appointments, cleaning for company, cooking for special dietary needs, putting the kids into bed over and over, and THEN wrapping presents at midnight. It would take a huge load off if you offered to wrap just five gifts for us.
The Post Office. Enough Said.
-The post office sucks for everyone. It can be even more horrific with kids in tow, especially those who just can’t stand around waiting forever. Dropping off our packages for us would be so helpful!
Lend an ear…
-Give us a call or send us an email. Be patient when the kids scream in the background.
Sponsor a family.
-Special needs can be expensive and many families find themselves in a bind during the holidays. It would mean so much if you could spare the extra time and money to provide a meal and a few gifts for the kids during this time.
– Jessica
Jessica is a homeschooling mom to three rambunctious boys, one of whom has autism. She lives with her husband, the lazy dog, and her sons in Washington state.
2 comments on “Bringing Holiday Cheer to a Special Needs Family”
Comments, discussion and insight always welcome!
Military Special Needs Network 
GREAT ideas. Even for those of us dealing with chronic conditions independently.
Thanks hopeforheather! I hope you have a lovely holiday season!