Recently, a friend shared her struggles on social media about packing for a family vacation. Another friend chimed in, admitting, “I always forget chargers!” If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, your immediate reaction might be, “Forget the charger? That’s unthinkable!” Seriously, this is an unspoken rule in our community: you never leave home without the charger, a backup battery pack, and an extra pair of headphones.
It dawned on me that if there’s one thing special needs parents excel at, it’s being prepared for anything. We possess a unique set of skills, such as:
Need coffee?
We don’t rely on apps; just let us outside, and we can sniff out the nearest Starbucks, Tim Hortons, or Dunkin’ Donuts within a 10-mile radius.
Looking for a restroom?
We’ve got that covered. We’ve mapped every public restroom in town, and a few hidden gems too.
Need to know the emergency exits?
We’ve already pinpointed those the moment we walked into the building. In case of fire, just follow us out!
Feeling hungry?
No worries; we always have snacks on hand. If they’re gone, we know all the nearest drive-thrus.
Have a runny nose?
Tissues are never far from reach.
Cut your finger?
No problem! I’ve got 14 different sizes of Band-Aids right in my wallet.
Headache?
I can offer you pain relief or just an Advil; we’ve got that covered.
Packing for a three-week trip to Europe in a carry-on?
We do that every day, seamlessly.
In a sticky situation?
Move aside — we’ve got this under control. I’ve even had to negotiate with my teenager over clothing choices in the girls’ department when nothing was available in her size. Talk about stressful!
And yes, we can magically produce cell phone chargers, power cords for laptops, and headphones from thin air. We’ve got skills.
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In summary, special needs parents are equipped with exceptional skills that allow them to navigate challenges with ease. From being prepared for any situation to knowing the ins and outs of their communities, their expertise is unmatched.