Care Free Fun: 5 Fun and Family-Friendly Activities for Children With Special Needs

Published on: 14 March 2019 Last Updated on: 22 February 2020

54 million people have special needs in the United States.

The same source says that around 2.8 million of those are children between the age of 5 and 15.

That’s a lot of unique young people looking to have fun in their spare time! Kids have masses of energy to burn at the best of times. However, the specific additional requirements of children with special needs can vary widely, and affect the activities they enjoy accordingly.

It’s always helpful to have some fun ideas up your sleeve that’ll ensure everyone’s entertained!

Keep reading to discover 5 awesome activities for children with special needs.

5 Awesome Activities for Children with Special Needs:

Check out these ideas for some extra special entertainment. For some extra help, here’s a great special needs planner!

1. Get Out Into Nature:

Nature

The outdoors is often ideally suited for kids with special needs.

Sensory experience is sometimes vital stimulation. The wind, smells, sounds and sights of nature are all valuable distractions for high-energy children!

Likewise, many organizations have set up nature experiences for kids with special needs. There are accessible walkways, activities, and playgrounds, filled with other kids and families having fun.

2. Go to a Story Time Workshop:

Most children love story time.

However, sitting quietly in one place can sometimes be difficult, especially where special needs come into play.

Storytime workshops (often found in libraries) offer a great alternative. A combination of stories, singing, and other sensory activities are sure to keep your kids happy and engaged.

Likewise, you could do the same at home. Sing and dance your way around a story!

3. Get Creative:

Some of the most artistic people in the world have special needs.

Celebrate that by getting creative with your kids. Get out the paper, pens, and paints. Try finger painting, body painting and other methods that involve sensory experiences.

You can also find special coloring pencils and crayons. These are designed to help a child with certain special needs to hold them.

4. Get Immersed in the Senses:

We’ve already noted the importance of sensory experience to some special needs children.

Immersion rooms are specifically designed to cater for this enjoyment. Every sense is covered. Special lighting, sounds, tactile experiences, and so on, are all in one room.

5. Go to a Special Film Showing:

Children often love watching films.

However, special needs children might struggle to sit down for long periods, or dislike the loud noises, and low lighting. Special needs film showings address these factors.

Kids can walk, talk and play, all while a film runs in the background.

Time to Wrap Up:

There you have it: 5 top activities for children with special needs.

Millions of people in the US walk through life with special needs. A significant number of them are children. Every child has the right to a fun-filled childhood, regardless of the personal challenges they may face.

Thankfully, these days there’s no limit to the number of opportunities available to make that happen. Hopefully, the ideas above have provided inspiration for your next day out with your own children!

Did you like this piece? Click here to read how to support family and friends with special needs.

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Seven ways to Support Family and Friends with Special Needs

When parents decide to start their journey of parenthood, they hope that they will get and bring up a perfectly healthy child. However, many are the times when genetic defects, birth complications, injuries, and other problems get in the way, and differently gifted children are born. Not many people take the time needed to understand people with disabilities, and even fewer people are willing to go out of their way to offer them support. If you have family or friends with special needs, here are a few ways in which you can make them feel your love and support. 1. Talk to them: Not many people know this but whether it is at work, school, at home and in other social setups, the productivity of people with disabilities and those close to them depends a lot on the attitude of the general community towards them. If the community around a disabled person has formed a negative attitude and barriers to their inclusion, they end up withdrawing and doubting their capabilities. On the other hand, when they are made to feel included and accepted they blossomed. Parents of children who have disabilities admit that they like it when a stranger walks up to them in a park and shows genuine interest to learn about their child’s condition. What people appreciate the most are people who take time to ask specific questions. For instance, ask how the child’s physical therapy is going as opposed to asking something general or offering that supportive smiles. At times you will find that people with disabilities need a listening ear, and they appreciate it when you take time and pay attention to details about their lives. 2. Be aware of personal space: People with disabilities often use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes and other items. What most people do not understand is that most view these aides as part of their personal space. When interacting with disabled people, you always have to respect their personal space. If for instance, you want to assist them in pushing their wheelchair, do not just grab and start pushing at it, ask them if it is okay to help them move from one point to the other, you can push the chair when they agree. The same applies to when you feel they need you to support them in standing up, sitting down or other movements. You can start by saying something like, “Here, let me help you,” and then wait for their consent. If they feel that you are patronizing them or treating them like they are completely helpless, they will push back and reject your help. 3. Be thoughtful: There is nothing that whispers support to a disabled person more than knowing that you thought about them before you made the plans that you have made. It means that if for instance, you planned a meeting, you made sure that the room was accessible via wheelchair and there are ramps and other relevant accessibility and support features. It is also important to always inform them about all the plans which you have made for the meetings and other get-together arrangements so they can prepare well in advance. 4. Treat them normally: One of the most difficult corners to navigate when dealing with people who have disabilities is learning how to interact with them without making them feel abnormal. Most people think that being sensitive to these people is about hiding the achievement of their normal kids and clapping when the disabled kid does something that is simple and normal. When interacting with disabled people, do not minimize yourself or your child’s achievements. Learn that the disabled kid might not do things like regular kids, but they still get things done, eventually. Treat them like just any other kid, and they will respond positively to this. 5. Do not try too much: Another mistake people make when interacting with disabled people is the need to know what to say and what to do at all times. The truth is that disabled people are just like everyone else. It is okay to have a slip of the tongue when interacting with them. It is alright to listen to them when they are telling you about their complications and tell them that you honestly do not know what to say. If you have no idea how to help them when they are at their weakest, it is still okay to sit with them and listen. Your presence is reassuring enough for them. 6. Go an extra mile in the extreme seasons: Disabled people tend to struggle a lot more than everyone else in. They have to cope with inaccessible sidewalks, flare-ups which are triggered by the low temperatures, chronic pain and other issues that result from being stuck at home too long. These are the things you can do to ease their discomfort during this season: Take food to them-it is possible that they will not access grocery stores and farmers markets Visit them and spend the time to end the feeling of loneliness and depression. Send them a message and genuinely ask how they are faring Help them around the house and help them shovel and salt their driveways. 7. Support their dreams: There is nothing that says love to a disabled person than when you genuinely support their work. People with disability wake up in the morning because they believe they can rise against the odds and make a difference. The least that you can do to make their world a little easier to manage is to support their dreams and their work. When they tell you they are having a talent show, be present and cheer them on. Buy their art, shop from their outlets and all other small gestures which will make them feel appreciated. These are just a few of the things that you could do to help people with disabilities. In case you interact with them and realize they may need counseling from professionals, you can reach out to Regional & Rural Toowoomba Psychologists. They are well equipped to offer the support needed to make the lives of people with disabilities simple. Read Also: Practical Ways To Help Your Elderly Parents 7 Interesting Gifts For Your Best Friends Ways To Emotionally Deal With Chronic Illness Tips For Throwing A Family Reunion People Will Remember For Years 8 Family Friendly Careers That Offer Great Pay And Work-Life Balance

4 Mother’s Day Treats That Will Make Mom’s Special Day Extra Sweet

Mother's Day is approaching, and it provides us with an opportunity to shower our dear moms with love to the brim. This year, let's do something different. You could go beyond the periphery of traditional gifts and treat Mom to something special. Why not melt her heart with delicious homemade baked goods? Give her a Mother’s Day treat. This mouthwatering journey will help you take a look at the most delightful recipes. These baking ideas help create a highly memorable Mother's Day celebration. 1. Breakfast Bakery Creations Start Mom's special day in a happy way by offering them a grand breakfast right at the beginning of the day. It spread straight from your home bakery. Just think for once how happy she would be rising to the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goodies wafting through the house. Treat her taste buds to buttery scones or some warm homemade cinnamon rolls. Even the most fluffy blueberry muffins would do wonders right at the start of the day, These breakfast bakery creations display great culinary skills. Moreover, they help you convey your thoughtfulness and unending love. Pair these treats with a steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant pot of tea to complete the cozy morning experience. With every bite, Mom will feel the efforts that you have put in and the devotion to the delectable morsel. Breakfast time will indeed be a moment to remember. However, nothing fits your appetite better than the warmth of home-baked goodness. It would be a grand Mother’s Day treat. 2. Decadent Dutch Oven Desserts Indulge the sweet tooth of your dear Momc with the traditional desserts of the bygone days and relive her salad and fairytale moments. You will be happy to see how it will make her taste buds dance with joy. You only need your trusty Dutch oven to whip up the perfect treat to show her how much you care. Does she love rich chocolate brownies or elegant fruit cobblers? Wherever of the two, there you have a Dutch oven dessert that suits her sweetest preferences. It would be a grand mother’s day treat. Impress your Mom with the baking skills that you honed and present her with her favorite dessert that looks exquisite and, at the same time, tastes divine. Add a personal touch with decorative elements. Things like fresh berries, edible flowers, or a drizzle of caramel would be indeed sweet. These decadent desserts are more than just sweets. These treats are a labor of love, symbolizing your appreciation and admiration for Mom. Roll up your sleeves±. It’s time to create desserts that will leave a lasting smile on Mom's face. 3. Tea Party Treats Transform Mother's Day into something more than just the ordinary. However, with the delicate shortbread cookies and tangy lemon bars, you will win her kisses and hugs. Let us ensure this for you. Yes, you got it right: inviting Mom and loved ones to create the memory kissed by the sweetness of elegance will create a sweet and inviting memory. The beauty of tea party treats lies not just in their taste buds but also in the art of presentation. Arrange these dainty delights on vintage platters. Moreover, accentuated by floral arrangements and delicate teacups invite her to the tea table. Whether it's a small gathering or a larger affair, the allure of tea parties is trat to watch. It is in their ability to turn an ordinary afternoon into a sophisticated and memorable occasion 4. Gift-Worthy Baked Goods When it comes to Mother's Day, a homemade gift always outranks a store-bought one. Show Mom your love and appreciation by presenting her with a gift of delectable baked goods made with care and affection. Consider assembling a cookie jar filled with Mom's favorite treats, crafting a personalized cake adorned with her name, or baking a loaf of gourmet bread infused with savory herbs. Gift-worthy baked goods are beautiful because they convey a message of warmth and thoughtfulness. Wrap these treats in pretty packaging or present them on a decorative tray to enhance the gifting experience. With each bite, Mom will feel the love and effort you poured into creating a gift that is as unique and special as she is. The mother’s day treat would be grand without any doubt. Why Is Celebrating Mom's Day Important? Mother's Day must be one such occasion when every child must ensure that their Mom’s efforts are appreciated. Mother’s Day is indeed the occasion where the child develops a happy relationship with that of the mother. Moreover, the day reminds us of the thousands of petty sacrifices that she has made unconditionally to make your life beautiful. In fact, this is a great occasion where you try to express indebtedness and shower your stream of love and emotions towards the struggling hands and minds. They are the ones who sail all their happy moments, their future prospects, their time, and all for their child without giving a second thought. Moreover, they are the ones who gloom their own prospects to shine yours. Yes, the grandeur and dedication are beyond expression. There are numerous ways through which you could shower your unconditional love towards your Mom. However, it is a special day, and you must make extra efforts to celebrate their love for you. Hence, you must plan beforehand for the different ways you can make them happy. It is a truth that we love to express to her: Every day and every moment is Mother's Day! But the harsh reality is that we all, in the periphery of our other duties and everyday struggles, forget to celebrate until Mother's Day arrives. Moreover, with time and due to certain circumstances, we develop a bitter relationship with them. However, here are some of the things that you could do to make your moments more than the Mother's Day Treats. You must live upto her expectations and control your behavior. Also, you must develop your own identity and think of them, as well as the mistakes that you make in your daily life. Your Mom is special. Every Mom is special. Sweet Sentiments As we wrap up our journey through the world of Mother's Day baked goods, let's reflect on the power of homemade treats in celebrating the women who mean so much to us. From sharing baking adventures with Mom to surprising her with breakfast delicacies and decadent desserts, each sweet treat carries a message of love and gratitude. Remember, it's not just about the ingredients or techniques. It's about the joy and connection that baking brings. So, this Mother's Day, go beyond the ordinary and create a day filled with sweetness and heartfelt gestures. Here's to all the mothers out there — may your day be as sweet and fulfilling as the treats you bake! Learn More About: Unique Christmas Gifting Ideas- Gifts For Everyone 5 Awesome Boyfriend Gifts For The Guy Who Has Everything Adorable Gift Ideas to Create Some Memories on Mother’s Day

Signs that You’re Going to Marry the Right Person

We hope that you will find the person that you will spend the rest of your life with - somebody who will build a family with you. You should marry someone who has a vision for the future. You take enough time to get to know each other before you decide to settle down. Even then, you’re still uncertain if you have a keeper on your hands. Sometimes you do whatever you like, and other times you do...what the other person wants. That is part of being in a strong relationship. However, you also required to spend time doing something that you both enjoy doing mutually. Whether that's traveling, wine tasting, binge-watching your preferred TV series, or even working unitedly, this is one of the most powerful, and simple, signs that you are joined to the right person. There are a few things that you should know before you marry someone. There are many signs that you married the wrong person. You need to consider these things to know if you have someone who deserves to tie the knot with you. You have the same views about starting a family Before, it wasn’t an issue. People got married because they wanted to start a family. These days, some couples just want companionship. Having kids isn’t a priority. Therefore, if it’s a big deal for you to have kids, you shouldn’t marry someone firm in not having any. The issue will keep coming up and will be a source of unnecessary fights. You might have different parenting styles and views, but you can deal with them easily. If you differ significantly about the idea of having kids, it’s a different story. You understand each other’s quirky attitudes You will always have a negative aspect that most people find annoying. Or You tend to hide it at first, especially if you're into someone. However, at some point, that side will get revealed. If it's not a deal-breaker for your partner, it's a sign that you're compatible. Some people might say that a good partner will help you change. The truth is that you also need someone who tolerates you and accepts you for who you are. If you want to change, it needs to be on your terms and not because your partner told you to do so. Between things like job and your kids, you don't regularly have the time to make your spouse a preference. When you're with the best person, though, that's not the crisis. It could be utterly saying "I love you," cleaning the vessels after dinner or getting them to that new restaurant they've been craving to try out. The person has dreams and ambitions No matter how crazy these dreams are, it’s good to know that you’re going to marry someone who has a vision for the future. You can’t settle down with a person who is already happy with the status quo. Even You can’t allow yourself to get derailed by someone who has no plans in life. You also don’t want to put all your dreams on hold because you have a partner who doesn’t seem to care. Even the greatest connection can end in a break up due to financial discords and matters. You should both be on the equal page when it befalls to your financial purposes, such as how much cash you need to live a joyful and stress-free life and how you're working to save for solitude. However, there are endless-term dreams and ambitions that you should share. For example, if you want to have children but your partner doesn't, that could have dangerous implications for your wedding. Having dreams and ambitions in our life is very important for both partners. You can see your future to a great extent through dreams and ambitions. A person who has dreams and ambitions is the right person for you and you can trust him/her throughout your life. You can be honest with this person Honesty is the foundation of every relationship. Without honesty, it means there's a lack of trust. If you've been together for several years and you still can't trust your partner, it means your relationship won't work out. If you already lie now, it could get even worse later. You should get out of the relationship if it's something that forces you to be who you're not or to keep how you truly feel inside. I think honesty is the MOST important thing for a relationship to last and grow. It is a reason for everything else and is significant in all areas of a couples’ life unitedly. It is necessary when discussing and making judgments about children, finances, work, and cultural life, everything else is fractionable and unstable. These are only some indications that you have found the one. It doesn’t mean you will stay together forever, but you can at least feel confident that you’re heading in the right direction. You can now start the wedding plans. Don’t forget to hire Omaha wedding photographers and capture every aspect of the wedding. Read Also: How To Get Copy Of A Divorce Decree 3 Tips For An Amazing Wedding Reception 5 Reasons Why Girls Should Propose To Boys How To Get Maximal Value From Your Couples Therapy

Care Free Fun: 5 Fun and Family-Friendly Activities for Children With Special Needs