5 Ways Little Celebrations Boost Special Needs Families

In the midst of caregiving demands, appointments, therapy exercises, and unending stress, it can sometimes feel like celebrating either isn’t appropriate or possible. Yet as families of children with special needs or disabilities, we often encounter reasons to celebrate on a weekly basis. Even planning regular simple and fun parties can give our families an emotional boost. I hope that these easy celebration ideas help bring added joy to your family.

Ways Little Celebrations Help

1. Fun activities give us something to look forward to.

When challenging days all feel the same, knowing that a little celebration is coming up can give us new hope and increase our happiness. It’s very important to have something to look forward to as a parent, as a child, and as a family.

2.  Celebrating our children’s progress increases their self-esteem.

Regardless of our children’s ages or cognitive abilities, children usually understand when we are proud of them. Recognizing our children’s hard work and accomplishments can increase their self-worth and motivation. They will also feel loved and supported by us. It’s important to remember to also celebrate and recognize siblings in the same way.

Not to mention we can celebrate our hard work in helping our children succeed.

3. Special time together outside the daily routine helps families bond.

It’s difficult to grow closer as a family in the midst of the daily stress. The stress can also strain our relationships. If possible, getting outside the home together and enjoying a fun activity can go a long way in building more positive family relationships and lowering stress levels.

4. Celebrations help us see through a lens of gratitude.

What are we celebrating? Well, that’s naturally something for which we can be grateful. In the midst of loss, pain, and challenges, disappointment and grief can easily dominate our thoughts. I know from my years as a disability mom that I must continually refocus on the blessings that are right in front of me. Planning special moments to recognize these good gifts can bring us hope and a thankful perspective.

5. Parties create laughter.

Laughter has been shown to be critical for disability families. Laughing increases our feel-good chemicals, strengthens our resilience, and helps us cope. Having fun and laughing together creates good memories. Challenging circumstances create stress and can cause us to have a down mood. But regular positive moments help buffer the difficult moments.

Ideas for Creating Little Celebrations

With little time or energy left over, planning for a special meal or activity might feel overwhelming. But creating a special time together as a family can be as simple as need be.

If you have a Dollar Tree or similar store in your area, there are usually lots of fun plates, decorations, awards, and even movie popcorn buckets.

Here are a few ideas for how to plan little celebrations:

1. Hold an awards ceremony and present your child or children with a certificate or ribbon
2. Plan a fun theme meal and use plates and simple decorations (like Mexican or Italian night)
3. Go for a picnic at the park with a special treat like cupcakes
4. Make a movie night memorable with pillows, blankets, and popcorn on the floor
5. Buy or bake everyone’s favorite desert just because
6. Put on music and sing or dance
7. Help your child make table decorations out of construction paper
8. Pretend that you’re at a restaurant for dinner (let your child make menus and wear an apron)
9. Make pancakes sitting around the table together with special toppings
10. Grill out or eat outside

Find more ideas at Discovering the Gift of Simple Moments: Ways to Create Special Family Memories

How does your family create little celebrations together?

Make sure to share your ideas with other families in the comments form below.

Blessings,

Kristin

Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW

Kristin is an author, a speaker, a mental health therapist, and a special needs mom. Her greatest passion is walking with others on their journey to deeper faith and emotional healing. As a Licensed Masters Social Worker and with her Masters in Christian Education, she has served in youth, camping, and retreat ministries and is experienced in Christian counseling, couples and family therapy, substance abuse treatment, and crisis counseling. Kristin lives with her husband, Todd, and their two children in the Nashville, TN area. When she is not enjoying life with her family, writing or working with clients, you can find Kristin training for triathlons, reading, or simply being out in nature. Visit her author website at www.KristinFaithEvans.com.