Time management for parents of kids with special needs is the subject of this two- part DifferentDream.com series. Today, guest blogger Kimberly Drew shares time management tips that make it easier to parent her family, including Abbey who has multiple disabilities including cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, hearing loss, microcephaly, and oral dysphagia.

Time Management Tip #1: Double Up Diapers

When we are going to be out of the house where I can’t easily change Abbey’s diaper, or if we are in the car for a long time, I double the diaper up with a pull-up.  That way, when the inside diaper needs to be changed, I can just take it off and then use the pull up.  It saves time and stress when we are somewhere that makes it more difficult to discreetly change her.

Time Management Tip #2: Avoid Test Drama

Abbey gets blood work and  EEGs regularly.  Once in the office, the technician told me how much easier it is to do the EEG on boys, or if girls have their hair in corn-rows.  It occurred to me that I could take the time to carefully section her hair into tiny pony-tails to eliminate some of the stress of getting the probes to stick to her head. Now that she’s older and won’t sleep through the test, I bring in a portable DVD player for her to watch a movie. Also, for blood work I always make sure that she’s dressed in short sleeves.  If it’s cold, layer up so that you can un-zip the outer layer and get to the veins easily.

Time Management Tip #3: Keep a Phone Call List Handy

I keep a list of phone calls that I need to make in my purse.  If I can, I plan to arrive at appointments or school for pick up just a few minutes early. When everyone’s strapped into a car-seat…no one is pulling on your pant leg.

Time Management Tip #4: Create Emergency Contact List

I keep a pre-written consent form for babysitters and caregivers on my computer. It lists her medical conditions, medications, all of her specialists, her date of birth, social security number, and our insurance information. If we’re going to leave our daughter with someone else, I print it out and sign it.

Time Management Tip #5: Plan Ahead Prescriptions

If you have established a good report with your child’s primary care physician, ask for scripts ahead of time for things you know your child will need. It saves you a phone call, a trip to the doctor, and the stress of waiting for refills until the last minute.

Your Tips?

Maybe Kim’s time management tips brought some of your tips to mind. If so, leave a comment so we can improve how we use our time. And come back tomorrow when guest blogger Rachel Cordeiro will be here with more time management suggestions.

Time Management Tips from Special Needs Moms, Part Two

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