So, I have fallen off the wagon Big Time! So here goes...
Bless me Father for I have sinned... It's been weeks since my last post. There,
forgive me? Since my self imposed hiatus, GRAND THINGS have happened! My niece
and nephew (Jason & Jordan) graduated from high school, Jordan is now in
summer session at FAMU (the greatest University in the world!), my nephew
leaves for FAU in the fall (I know, not FAM but I love him anyway), my son is
preparing for high school, I am desperately working to declutter my home and
life, and I am preparing for my baby girl's 13th birthday! Whew! That is waaaaay too much! Remind me
NEVER to wait this long to blog ever again! And yeah, I am probably forgetting a few things.
So where to begin. I will talk more about the day my little
girl became mine on July 17 (her big day), but planning this party has given me
a little insight I want to share. If you have a special needs child, give family
and friends a break when it comes to presents. Take my baby girl. Physically
she will be 13. But socially and emotionally she is MUCH younger. It makes
figuring out what to buy really tough. They don't want to get a gift that might
offend mom or dad because it's for a younger child, but you also don't want to
get a gift that's too advanced that the child can't use it.
So here's a tip for those in gift-buying limbo- find out a
favorite store and go with a gift card. It's easier and much less worry. And
for mom's and dad's of special needs kids, try not to take offense if a friend
or family member thinks a toy for ages 6-8 might be good for your 11-year-old.
Navigating the special needs world is tricky for everyone. Sometimes I struggle
with it. Do I buy the age appropriate gift and try to encourage her, even
though at 13 that most likely involves tablets, phones, jewelry, etc. when I
know she can't keep earrings on for a full day without losing them, so keeping
up with a phone is out. Or, do I buy the Doc McStuffins doll I know she will
LOVE and is a lot less expensive if (or most likely when) she loses it, even
though Doc is for a WAY younger child?
Um, for now, while we still work on responsibility, keeping
up with our own things, self advocating when a much younger child snatches
mommy's IPOD from you, (need I go on?), I'm going with Doc all the way!
Yes, I know that all kids often struggling with keeping up
with their things. Heck, I am a grown woman and each time I get up from a table
I check to make sure I have all my stuff. But the difference is when a child
without a disability is irresponsible with their things, you can use it as a
teaching moment, with many special needs kids, they don't get the connection.
They lost it? Oh well.
I know you can't group all special needs kids into one
category, but I say be realistic and be patient with friends and family. They
love your child too and no matter the gift, it is true what they say.. it's the
thought that counts, right?
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