Creating Holiday Magic for Kids with Special Needs-Week Seven –by Judy Winter/JudyWinter.com 2009/All rights reserved.


Here is my final tip for creating holiday magic kids with special needs. I hope these seven tips have proved useful to you and helped you create a less stressful and more joyful holiday season for your entire family. You can also revisit these suggestions as you face other parenting challenges and family celebrations in the year ahead. 


Your families do matter, especially to me. 

Holiday blessings to each and everyone of you.

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Interact with family members with special needs, and encourage others to do the same. If the child uses a wheelchair, kneel to eye level and address the child directly. Allow other kids in the family to buddy up and assist the child with special needs in hanging ornaments, frosting cookies, setting the table, or passing out presents. Help that child participate whenever possible, while teaching other kids in the family valuable, lasting life lessons. 

Children with special needs are great teachers.
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Center Photo: John McGinley of NBC’s “Scrubs”. This photo of John, the National Buddy Walk Spokesperson, was taken at the 15th annual DSALA Buddy Walk held November 15th at Santa Anita Racetrack. The actor is seen here with my friend (and his) actor Blair Williamson, and his girlfriend, Susie. Photo by me and used with permission of DSALA.