Thursday, September 2, 2010

Fitting In

I wasn't sure which blog to post this one on but I obviously decided to post it here. Lately we have been having some trouble feeling like we "fit in" with other families with small children. It seems like people all around us are grouping together as families for play dates, picnics, trips to the park, etc. But not us. Thankfully the girls have a lot of friends at the boys sports so they get a ton of socialization. That being said it would be nice to have other parents to hang out with.

The problem is where. Moms of singletons that I have tried to get together with can do things we can't. Trips to places like water parks are popular right now and doing anything with water, with both of them, by myself is a problem. Even trips to non-accessible playgrounds are tough for Abby. While I have to help her navigate so she doesn't get hurt Grace is held back. That bleeds into the other issue. People with typical kids don't really understand our restrictions. Abby has trouble with regulating her body temp so outside things in the heat of the day are out. Her balance issues knock off another set of trips. Then top that off with avoiding windy days, loud noises or smells for Grace and you are left with very little.

I think maybe we need to find a support group for families dealing with special needs but on the other hand I don't want to completely live in the world of special needs. I want the girls to have friends of all different abilities. Hopefully school will fix some of it. They will have friends. We will meet families with children of similar ability levels. It will be easier, in theory.

2 comments:

  1. It's impossible to "live in the world of special needs" even if you try. But I do think it is important to know families of special needs kiddos for support and understanding, and all that. In the world, and at school there is plenty of "typical" to make up for it. Here alone I have met SO many families of twins and triplets where one has some disabilities, and you'd be surprised if you start looking.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think I have to start. I am hoping that school is going to be a good start for finding similar families.

    ReplyDelete