Holiday stress can strain any marriage, especially for special needs parents. Here are simple ways to stay connected.
The holidays can be magical, but for many special needs families, they can also be exhausting. Schedules shift, routines disappear, sensory overwhelm looms, and the emotional load of expectations grows heavy.
If you and your partner feel stretched thin, you’re not alone. Parenting a child with disabilities (especially a child who is blind, medically complex, or sensory-sensitive) often means living in survival mode. And during the holidays, that pressure can double.
But your relationship matters. You deserve connection, comfort, laughter, and a teammate who feels close, not distant.
This month, we’re sharing 10 simple, practical ways to strengthen your marriage, even in the middle of caregiving, holiday chaos, and everyday stress. Don't make your goal perfection, just try to stay grounded in the love that holds your family together.
Below you’ll find our full infographic with all ten tips, but here are a few ideas to help you reconnect this season:
- Give each other space to talk, even just 10 minutes a day: A quiet moment in the car, during bedtime routines, or while prepping meals can make a huge difference.
- Resolve small conflicts quickly: When stress is high, resentment grows fast. Grace, honesty, and teamwork go a long way.
- Make room for intimacy, however that looks for you right now: Physical connection, emotional closeness, or simply sitting together with a warm blanket on the couch all count.
- Use your support network: If someone offers help, accept it. A short break can give you both breathing room.
- Dream together: Not every conversation needs to revolve around medical care, sensory needs, or logistics. You’re still a couple with hopes and plans.
You don’t have to fix everything at once. Even one or two small changes can help you move from “co-managing” to truly connecting again.
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