Special Needs Parenting – Happiness Found In Unexpected Places

Happiness can be found in the most unexpected places.

 Remi is a beautiful 24 years old with special needs who still loves the playground. We usually go to the playground once or twice a week. Remi lives in 2 worlds, modified adult and childhood. She loves shopping and using her phone and other computer devices but at the same time she greatly enjoys playing at the playground and with her baby dolls.

As Remi got older and she continued to enjoy playing with dolls and going to the playground my husband and I often struggled with this continued child play. Wondering if this is appropriate because of her age, if we should just say no to these things that are not age appropriate. My husband felt this was not a good idea to let her still play with her baby dolls but he was fine with her going to the playground. I was fine with both and Chris has also come around to feel the same way.

Prayer works! Continued communication between husband and wife is a must. We both need to be heard, we’re both parenting Remi.

 

 There many adult experiences that Remi may never do….have children, live on her own, drive a car..etc. But there are many things she will be able to accomplish and many things that bring her joy and peace.  For Remi going to the playground and playing with younger kids brings her much happiness and helps greatly with her behavior.

As parents of adults with special needs we have to remember their journey is different that others and that’s OK. We have to be strong in who we are and not let others make us feel embarrassed or out of place. Many times when we go to the play ground we do get looks but they often turn into smiles because Remi is so friendly and her joy is contagious. I  join in with her playing so she’s not by herself and eventually another child will join in with us and play. It keeps me youthful and gives us another way to connect.