by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

When the school year winds down each June, parents often receive requests to volunteer in the Fall.  As parents of children with special needs, we're involved not only in our children's schools, but also in organizations, parent groups, and extra activities for our children -- thus we tend to be exposed to more than the average amount of volunteer opportunities. 

Be very careful about making any new commitments! If you're looking for ways to make life more manageable and balanced, one of the best ways to simplify your life is to shrink and shed your commitments, AND NOT take on any new commitments. With the end of a school year comes a golden opportunity for you to do just that.

If you do want to be involved in certain activities or organizations this Fall, be sure that you choose only one or two things. That’s it! These should be the one or two things that are nearest and dearest to your heart.  I know it’s hard to say no to the rest ... but remember, you are only one person, with many demands on your time and energy, and you can only do so much.