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Family Life

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Overview

Our families enjoy unique joys and challenges, and we do best with a helpful system of advice and support. From toilet training to how to talk to our kids about disability, here are our top tips for thriving as a family.

What can I do to manage the unique parts of parenting a child with a disability?

While a typically developing child is usually toilet-trained by age three or four, an “average” age for kids with disabilities doesn’t really exist. Check out our expert tips on how to make the toilet-training process smoother for everyone involved.
Traveling as a family means plenty of big-picture thinking, adjustments, and planning. Our airplane travel tips can help make the journey easier.
As your child grows and interacts with others, it’s vital to teach them how to understand boundaries and how to stay safe.

Contents

Overview

What can I do to manage the unique parts of parenting a child with a disability?

Where can I find resources to help my child socialize and get involved in activities?

How can I teach my child (and their siblings) about their disability?

When my child is at home, how can I support their therapies and education?

Building Life Skills

Disability & Medical Advocacy: Teaching Functional Life Skills

Budgeting, Diner Style!: Teaching Functional Life Skills

Getting Ready for the Day: Teaching Functional Life Skills

Toilet-Training Tips & Strategies: Let’s Talk Perseverance!

Talking to Kids About Personal Safety

Travel and Fun

Airplane Travel Tips for Kids with Disabilities

Best Vacation Spots for Kids with Disabilities

Holiday Survival Guide for Families Raising Kids with Disabilities

Supporting the Whole Family

Finding Child Care for Kids with Extra Support Needs

Letter to a New Parent of a Child with a Disability

Supporting Siblings of Kids with Disabilities

Latest Resources

Article

The Amazing, Incredible Service Dog

Article

ABLE Accounts and Creating a Special Needs Trust in California

Article

Self-care

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Supporting Siblings of Kids with Disabilities

Article

Advocacy

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Parent Resources on Disability Awareness and Acceptance

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Advocacy

How to Talk About Disability

Article

Regional Center

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Respite and Specialized Supervision 101

Article

Accessibility

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How Plain Language Writing Can Help Your Child Be an Advocate

Article

Top 6 Resources for Kids Physical Therapy at Home

Article

Top 7 Resources for Kids Occupational Therapy at Home

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Author

Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by

Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor

Each piece of content has been rigorously researched, edited, and vetted to bring you the latest and most up-to-date information. Learn more about our content and research process here.

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A Navigator is your Partner at each turn

Every Undivided Navigator has years of experience supporting families raising kids with disabilities or parenting their own. Partner with an Undivided Navigator for a free Kickstart to learn first hand what support feels like!