Dividing time between your kids with and without learning disabilities can be a juggling act. On the one hand one of more of your kids may need more personal care than your other children. What can you do so all your kids feel like they're getting their fair share of your attention?

One way to spread yourself out between all your kids is give the most non-needy ones "quality time" rather than "quantity time."

Dividing up your time in this way gives children your undivided attention suited to their highest needs. And, you don't feel like you are depriving one to take care of another.

To give you an example - take all your young kids with you when you need to drive one kid to therapy or other appointment. While the one child is in with the doctor or therapist read a story to or play a game with the other kids.

Bedtime rituals can be opportunities for each child to receive special attention. Everyone gets help bathing and brushing their teeth and such, and then each child can enjoy a few special minutes with you while getting tucked in.

About the bedtime routine - I let the older kids help me get the ones ready for bed that need help dressing. Letting your kids help each other teaches them responsibility and is an opportunity to practice kindness, too - a social skill necessary to get along well with family, friends and society.

This is also an opportunity for kids to learn that the members of a family are there to help and assist each other as necessary. And this is true for a lifetime.

In order to give all your kids the best of yourself you need to take care of your own needs, too. We've all heard that you can't take good care of another unless your own needs are met.

Some ways to take good care of yourself when kids are competing for your time and attention are:
1. Eat a very healthy diet.
2. Walk as much as possible rather than ride to the doorstep - this is good for the kids, too.
3. Take time to meditate before sleep to refresh and rest your mind like a mini-vacation.
4. Swap child care duties with other parents - all the kids play together and for them it is a treat, a play date.

In summary, when one or more of your kids require special care, first be sure you are taking good care of your own health so you can best take care of them, and give your kids that are less needy "quality time" rather than "quantity time."

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Article by Susan Kramer