be loved and appreciated. When hosting a playdate with kids with disabilities or special needs, it’s important to greet them and interact with them as you would anyone else you meet. “Please say hi to my son. Smile at him, even if he doesn’t smile back,” says Marie Taylor, Olathe, Kansas, mother of two. Even if the child is nonverbal or doesn’t seem to hear you, it is important to speak to them. Angela Leever, special education teacher and mother of three, says, “Encourage the parents and children to speak to the child with special needs, not about them. If the child with special needs does something your child isn’t happy with or that isn’t appropriate, allow them to use words to tell them. Sometimes that is more powerful than the adults intervening.” Be Understanding Parenting is not easy, and we all face different challenges when it comes to our children. Ask the parent if they need help with anything prior to the playdate. “I almost always have a few extra things to carry, so please don’t be shy about asking if I need help,” says Taylor. “I also need a lot of grace.” Try to be patient and understanding. The other parent may be overwhelmed or tired. It may have been challenging to get there. All parents have great days where everything goes as planned and tough days where it seems nothing does. Listen and offer a hand when needed, and they will most likely offer the same in return. The most important tip for having a playdate with a special needs child is just to have one. It may take a little more planning and patience than the average playdate, but it is so worth it to both the parents and kids involved. Playdates offer a great chance for kids to interact with peers and make friends in a non-stressful way, and they are also a great time for parents to connect and build each other up as well. 110 Hawaii Parent SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
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