Sometimes, when you have a special needs child, it’s hard to find time to settle down and relax together. Many of our children don’t settle down or relax…ever. I see photos of friends’ children enjoying nice, cozy, weekend nights at home. You’ve seen those pictures, too, right? The kids are sitting on the couch, with a blanket, cuddling, holding a snack bowl, drinking hot chocolate, and watching a cute movie in the dark. It’s great! I mean, it’s great for them. But, let’s be honest, I’ve tried it too, and my photo always seems to turn out… different. My picture features my son, standing on his head, pants around his ankles, spilled gluten-free popcorn (he won’t actually try eating the popcorn), spilled chocolate almond milk (I would never think of giving him something hot to drink), and, “How did paint end up all over the t.v. screen?” I take comfort in knowing that I’m not the only mother out there that never gets to take a moment to relax with her family, there are other families in a similar boat (you are out there, right?). Still, there are things that we can do, as parents of special needs children, to create a Saturday night environment that is somewhat, kind of, maybe just a little bit… peaceful…

• Gets household chores done throughout the week, instead of trying to do everything over the weekend (I struggle with this). It’s nice to have a clean home, but it doesn’t have to be “perfect.” When Saturday night rolls around, stop thinking about the laundry that needs to be washed and the dishes that need to be cleaned.
• Don’t plan an extravagant meal. Give yourself a break and order a pizza, instead (frozen GFCF pizzas are a great option, too).
• Choose a movie a kid-friendly movie that you will enjoy too. Let’s face it, if you already know that your child isn’t going to sit down and watch a movie, pick one that doesn’t cause him to tantrum but also one that doesn’t bore you. So, while your child is running, and jumping, and standing on his head, you can at least take a brief moment to sit down with your significant other, hold hands, and breathe.
• Interact with your child. Our children learn through the results of interactions, and it’s important for us to take every opportunity to practice positive interaction. Give your child choices (blue pajamas or red pajamas, a banana or popcorn, water or milk). Ask your child questions about the environment (Are we in the living room?). Ask your child questions about the movie (What color is her shirt?). Praise your child (Great job eating your banana! Great headstand!).
• Stick to your child’s bedtime routine. Often, children with special needs understand routine well and behave better with routine. Give him a bath, read to him, and have him go “night night” at a normal time. And, since it’s the weekend, you’ll have a little more time to stay up late with your significant other!