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How can parents of kids with special needs adequately care for both their children and their spouses? That’s a crucial and difficult question, one DifferentDream.com showcases periodically. A Washington Post article by Mari-Jane Williams does a good job of outlining the challenges raising kids with special needs brings to a marriage. It also offers parents 5 ways to care for their marriages.

Marriage Challenges for Parents of Kids with Special Needs

Williams lists the following challenges parents face:

• exhaustion
• worry and anxiety
• advocacy
• financial demands
• time demands

Any of those strike a chord with you?

5 Ways for Care for Marriage

The author then suggests these 5 ways parents can care for their marriages:

1. Do not just become “parent-partners.” Talk about more than your kids. Connect about other topics, too.
2. Embrace your differences with your partner. Parents have different expectations and grieve differently, too. Don’t just tolerate your spouse’s differences, embrace them.
3. Be proactive when marital resentments build. Talk about problems sooner than later before you become angry.
4. Get creative when it comes to romance. If date nights away aren’t doable, look for creative ways to be romantic at home.
5. Appreciate each other’s efforts. Share responsibilities and give credit for each other’s efforts to make you feel more like a team.

To read everything Williams has to say, click on over to her article, How to Take Care of your Marriage When You Have a Child with Special Needs. You might also want to read these previous DifferentDream.com posts about marriage:

• 5 Tips for a Healthy Marriage, Special Needs Style
• Special Needs Parenting and Marriage by guest blogger Amy Stout
• 12+ Ways to Make Your Marriage Strong Again by guest blogger Laurie Wallin
• Special Needs Parent Asks, “What’s a Date?” by guest blogger Kimberly Drew

What’s Your Best Advice?

What have you and your spouse done to care for your marriage? Leave a comment to share your wisdom.

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