I have to tell you, I love the pool and the beach and the warm weather but all in all, I hate summertime. When you have a child, summertime brings on so many issues, babysitting being the biggest. Add a special needs child into the mix and it is a recipe for DISASTER!!
Special needs children need structure. Take them out of routine and they are sometimes out of control. Trying to find a place for my special needs child to go over the summer is nearly impossible.
Yes, she qualifies for extended school year but that is a 2 1/2 hour day...ok...what am I supposed to do with her the rest of the day while I am at work? Most special needs camps are the same problem...half day. She is not able to go to "typical" camps without a shadow (and who can afford the camp, let alone the shadow). What are we supposed to do?
I do have to admit, we keep my daughter on as much of a normal schedule as we can. She doesn't go to bed any later during the summer then she does during the school year. I have to keep as much structure as I am able to grasp hold of, as little as it may be. But it is very hard. How many times can you ask your friends and family to watch your child?
We qualify for 100 hours of respite...the problem is that you have to find your own respite worker. Well if I had someone who is willing to watch my child to begin with, this wouldn't be an issue right?
I get laughed at by family and friends. I stress to much, it will all work out. Yes, I know this is true because the bottom line is that it HAS to work out. I HAVE to find someone to watch her even if it means going broke for the summer while doing it but an oh man do I hate this time of year.
Does anyone else feel the same way?
Until next time...
Jen
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