Welcome, dear readers, to another episode of “Life with a Special Needs Child: Comedy Edition!” Strap yourselves in and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the delightful chaos that is many of our parents will recognize oh too well!

Let’s set the scene: picture a household that’s part circus, part sitcom, and entirely run by a pint-sized superhero with a flair for the dramatic. Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about our darling special needs children, the undisputed stars of our family shows.

First off, let’s talk about mornings. While most parents are bleary-eyed zombies stumbling through the kitchen in search of caffeine, our parents have reported being greeted with a wake-up call that could rival a Broadway musical. One little one’s rendition of “The Early Bird Gets the Worm (and Also Pancakes)” is nothing short of spectacular. Who needs an alarm clock when you have a mini-Mariah Carey belting out tunes at 6 am?

Breakfast time is always an adventure. Forget about the food pyramid – in another of our mom’s house, it’s all about the “cereal tower of power” and the “waffle pyramid scheme.” Trying to get a balanced meal into a child who believes that ketchup is a food group is like trying to teach a cat to tap dance. It’s entertaining, but ultimately futile.

Now, let’s talk about the great outdoors. While other families are enjoying leisurely strolls in the park, we’re embarking on epic quests to find the world’s largest stick or the most elusive squirrel. Our of our cuties has a knack for turning a simple walk into a high-stakes adventure worthy of Indiana Jones. Who needs a treasure map when you have a child with an uncanny ability to sniff out every puddle within a five-mile radius?

Of course, no day would be complete without a trip to the grocery store. Picture this: a cart careening down the aisles like a runaway train, its tiny conductor gleefully shouting “Choo choo!” at the top of their lungs. Forget about sticking to a shopping list – mom or dad is more likely to leave the store with a cart full of candy and a case of the shakes.

And then there are the moments that catch you completely off guard, like when your child decides to give a dramatic performance in the middle of a crowded restaurant or announces to the entire neighborhood that they heard a trumpet today. It’s all part of the adventure of special needs parenting – unexpected, often hilarious, and utterly unforgettable.

So, to all the parents out there navigating the wacky world of special needs parenting, we salute you. Accept that there is chaos, allow yourself to laugh at the absurdity, even the kind that leaves you scratching your head and wondering how you ended up here. After all, life with a special needs child may be unpredictable, but you are in good company with your fellow special needs parents. And to that end, please join us every month at our Parent Retreat! We meet again next Tuesday, March 27 from 5 pm-7pm.  Dinner will be served, and free childcare is available, along with dinner and fun for your little and /or their siblings, too!  Take some time for you, connect with other parents on this wacky ride, and know you are never alone!