They find a way to do the "guy stuff" Dads like to do with their sons.
Challenger baseball league? SIgn them up. Teaching him to ride a bike? With the support of an ABA therapist, a PT consult, and 3,234 hours of practice, no problem. Fathers of children with special needs find a way to connect with their children, and if it's an activity Dad really enjoys, well, all the better.
They give Mom a break.
You can spot the father of a child with special needs at the zoo, playground, or mall on a Saturday. His kids are getting a little bit louder than the others and he's checking his watch to see if he's been out of the house long enough for Mom to do a load of laundry/call a friend/take a 20 minute nap. He holds out for another 15 minutes, balancing his responsibility to keep the kids safe and occupied with his responsibility to support his wife.
They answer frantic calls from home.
This is the guy in your office or sitting on the train next to you who constantly says "I've gotta take this, it's home." He always makes time for a crisis call, which could include anything from "Don't forget we have an appointment with the developmental pediatrician tomorrow" to "Your son just got his leg stuck in the fence." He responds accordingly.
They attend school meetings and doctor's appointments, regardless of what's going on at work.
This could require rescheduling conference calls, asking a client to do a dinner instead of a lunch, or asking their boss for a day off…again. Fathers of children with special needs are involved in their family's life, regardless of the juggling it takes.
Tutor's Tip: Celebrate the fathers who strengthen and support our families! Happy Father's Day!
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