The following was published as part of my “Teachable Moments” blog series for ProMedica HealthConnect.

Research shows that among parents of children with special needs, the divorce rate is 80 percent, compared to 50 percent among the rest of the population. The challenges of raising a child with special needs, along with the typical demands of life, often prove to be too much for marriages.

My husband and I just celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary, which led me to reflect on what works for us as parents and partners in the care of our son with special needs. It takes consistent hard work and thoughtfulness to achieve a great balance in our lives and relationship, and a few key elements are central to that balance.

Read more at ProMedicaHealthConnect.org.