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

Yesterday we talked about WHY we need help.  Today let's talk about HOW to get help!  Here are just a few creative ways parents of children with special needs are getting help - and making their lives more manageable and balanced!

1. Barter for help among friends and neighbors. 

It's been done since the beginning of civilization.  In these tough economic times, bartering for help is once again regaining popularity among parents who are pressed for time, who realize they can't do it all themselves, and who are watching the budget.  A few examples of very successful barter arrangements that have worked well either for myself or for my clients:

• Trading babysitting
• Cooking in exchange for ironing
• Tutoring in exchange for child care
• Gift wrapping in exchange for errands
• Car repair in exchange for yard work
• Window treatments in exchange for organizing closets

Who do you know who might be interested in bartering for help?  See what they think.  You'll be amazed at the possibilities!

2. Delegate small jobs (or big jobs) to family members.

My daughter pours the milk at every meal.  My son sweeps under the table after dinner.  These may not sound too significant in the grand scheme of things, but these small jobs add up to minutes and hours saved over the course of the day.  Plus, it teaches the kids to pitch in!  How many small jobs do you do, that could be done by someone else in the family?

3. Seek out sources of help in your community. 

There may be free services out there that you're not even aware of, closer than you may think!  Find them by calling your town or city clerk, community organizations, local churches, your pediatrician's office, local hospitals, and local school offices.  Even if they don't directly offer services themselves, they often can tell you who does - and give you phone numbers and names of people who can help you.  And don't overlook what is most often the best source of information of all: other parents! 

You might be surprised at what you find.  For instance, many high schools have community service programs where students will come help you with a number of different types of work, in return for your signature on a paper stating how many hours they put in!  Remember, families of children with special needs are usually considered eligible for such programs. 

What are your plans for getting more help into your life?  Post a comment using the "cloud link" below and tell us! 

For more ideas about getting help, check out my book: Overwhelmed No More! The Complete System for Balanced Living for Parents of Children with Special Needs.