Attention from other people is a basic human need, important to our emotional well-being. This is why children who live in orphanages with minimal human contact may show delayed physical, emotional, cognitive, and verbal development.

Most children with special needs, of course, do not come from a neglectful environment. Their parents are quick to agree that having a child with a special need means extra time and attention, from breakfast time in the morning to homework time in the evening.

How do parents manage to meet the needs of their child as well as the rest of the family? Time and attention for each of your children must be a priority. Find out what works for your family.

Your Child Needs Time and Attention

Talk with your spouse about the time, attention, and care that your child needs. Consider all of the basic areas of need:

• Eating

• Rest times and bedtime schedule

• Bathing, dressing, and personal care

• Appointments

• Schoolwork

• Practice for various therapies

• Family fun time

• Exercise

• Activities in the community

• Time to chill

Plan how you will divide up the parenting responsibilities. It is important that you both take part in your child's care. If both parents do not take an active role, your child will feel left out by the other parent.

Plan Time for Siblings

Likewise, her siblings will feel resentful of parents who spend all of their time caring for the child with special needs. Most children understand that their sibling has extraordinary needs, but they do not understand when those needs take up all of Mom or Dad's time. Siblings have needs, too. They need parental support and guidance in difficult times. They need a parent's praise when they have done well.

Children do not raise themselves. Talk with your spouse about the basic needs of your other children. Have a game plan for which parent will do what. The plan does not have to be rigid, but it is a starting point when things get hectic.

Make Time for Your Spouse

Between the common demands of work, activities, running a home, and taking care of children, things can get very hectic. For example, if a child in the family has a special need such as ADHD, a little homework can take a lot of time.

It is imperative that you make time for you and your spouse. Plan some time together, and put it into your family schedule. Things that are on a schedule get done, but good intentions may not. Occasionally plan time with your spouse away from your family. Even a short getaway for frozen yogurt will help your relationship and how you deal with family responsibilities.

Include Extended Family

Plan time with your extended family. Welcome them into activities and care for your child and her siblings. Consider accepting help from extended family members and friends to meet the needs of each of your children. Additionally, remember that they have needs as well. Do something for them to repay their generosity.