Every parent turns to books at some point during their parenting life for advise. As a parent faced with additional needs of a special child, books can provide excellent resources for guidance and strength. Here are a few of my favorites that have helped me tremendously gain a new, Special Perspective on life as a special needs parent.

One of the hardest part for me as a Special Needs Parent is figuring out what is too much for my daughter to handle and what is reasonable to expect of her. Teaching things like responsibility for her actions, organization, and skills of time management may be too much to ask at times, and yet to be a responsible adult and citizen she needs to learn these things over time. I am constantly re-evaluating what I can expect of her and how I can have her grow and learn these skills while still being mindful of her challenges. The struggle is real!

The books below helped give me guidance in this area.

BOOKS EVERY PARENT SHOULD HAVE ON THEIR SHELF

Mindset by Carol Dweck – The Power of a Growth Mindset laid out scientifically allows you to see both the power of limiting beliefs and the strength self-empowering thoughts can have.

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth – Perseverance pays off and this book demonstrates the science behind sticking to a skill can allow anyone to succeed. The difference is not in your given talents, but how hard you work toward something that can make it happen.

Atomic Habits: Any Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear – Many of our children have difficulties without a routine and daily reminders. Using the methods laid out here, I was able to use habits to make daily tasks that would be otherwise difficult for my daughter to remember easy. Habit forming is a great way to use the power of routine to make tasks second nature for special needs children.