Taking care of a family member with special needs can be more than a full-time job. Respite care provides a temporary break to recharge and refresh.

Family-to-Family Health Information Centers are nonprofit organizations familiar with the issues facing families with special needs. They can connect you to resources that can provide and finance health care for your children, help locate assistance, and explain legislation.

Special needs consultants through Military OneSource can answer your questions and concerns about the medical care and education of your child or adult family member with special needs.

When you have a family member with special needs, financial planning is vital. Be prepared to take good care of your family member by tackling the money issues today.

Finding a great child care provider is like finding a new member of your military family. After all, your child will spend a significant amount of time there each week, and what happens at daycare can impact what happens at home.

There will always be days when cold or rainy weather keep everyone indoors. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to fight cabin fever. Here are 11 tried-and-tested activities that can help children burn off energy, learn basic skills and have a good time.

Research shows raising a child with special needs can test a marriage. As a military family you have a strong foundation to work from, but the ability to depend on one another and teamwork are key.

Kids love playing outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you have to go to the park every day. Here are 10 outdoor activities that can help your children burn off energy, learn basic skills and have a good time.

The holidays are packed with fun, food, festivities and, for some of us, - stress. For families with special needs, the unfamiliar sounds, smells and visitors can sometimes be disruptive. Minimize your stress this holiday season with six simple strategies for keeping your family member engaged and calm. Be prepared and put the fun back into your festivities.

Preparing for your separation or retirement from the military with a special needs family member may require additional consideration. Develop a plan using available support, tools and resources.

Finding the right care for your child with special needs starts with asking the right questions. The military offers quality, affordable child care options, both on the installation and off.

A little leisure is much needed when school lets out; however, children with special needs thrive with a little structure. It’s beneficial to maintain a routine during the summer as a way to keep your child learning and developing healthy habits.

Keeping your Special Care Organizational Record organized and up to date makes it easy for you to use and ready if someone needs to step into your role as a caregiver.

Families with special needs can offer feedback about their recent experiences with the Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support services by using the EFMP Family Support Feedback Tool.

If you are filing taxes on behalf of yourself or a family member with special needs, you may be eligible for certain tax breaks.