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Pink heart icon with text 'SPECIAL NEEDS & MENTAL HEALTH (KIDS)' and 'CAREGIVING'

Caregiving · Daily Grind

Special Needs & Mental Health (Kids)

Definition

Obviously, this card needs to be CPE’d with tremendous care if your child has special needs or mental health issues. From identifying the problem to finding the best resources, scheduling appointments, monitoring medication, planning treatment, handling a school IEP, and beyond, this cardholder will steer the ship that guides your child safely and with love. It takes a village, so your Planning should include how to utilize any help from your wider support system to create an environment that fosters progress.

Conception

You need to take care of yourself

Planning

  • Identifying & evaluating child’s current emotional state/special needs
  • Doctor/professional appointments for diagnosis & follow-up
  • Researching & interviewing specialists for treatment, such as therapists, OT, PT, speech
  • Discussing issues/treatment plan with child's teacher (consulting w/ “Teacher Communication” cardholder)
  • Scheduling specialist appointments
  • Educating oneself, teachers, childcare helpers, other parents, and child on issue/risks/special needs/ancillary issues like bullying (options may include: books, seminars, find support groups for you & your child or start a support group)

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE IF CHILD HAS AN ALLERGY/FOOD SENSITIVITY:

  • Educating oneself and others on how best to read food labels
  • Scheduling meetings with teacher
  • Creating a notebook to have in classroom with info on what child can/can't eat
  • Pre-planning for birthday parties and other events that involve bringing own snacks
  • Calling before parties and restaurants to find out what will be served or what options there are
  • Researching safe restaurants/deliver menus for childcare helpers

Execution

  • Working closely w/ “Health Insurance” cardholder to get coverage and medications for the issue
  • Advocating & meeting with school educators to secure necessary supports (i.e., IEP)
  • Supporting child
  • Attending specialist appointments

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE IF IT IS AN ALLERGY/FOOD SENSITIVITY:

  • Purchasing EpiPen if needed (or coordinating w/ “Medical & Healthy Living” cardholder)
  • Packing a snack bin for classroom with safe alternative snacks
  • Meeting with the school nurse
  • Asking school to inform other parents to let them know who your child is and what is safe and unsafe for them to eat since they may be volunteering in classroom or sending in treats
  • Purchasing apps that have information for grocery shopping and restaurant finding
  • Always have safe snacks on hand

Minimum Standard of Care

Do each of you feel reasonably well?