So you’ve met with the lawyer and signed all the legal documents needed to ensure that your child will be properly cared for after you are gone. Congratulations, that’s an accomplishment to check off your list. But you’re not quite done.
Sit down and write a “letter of intent” to the people you have nominated to care for your child in the future. Include all the technical information, like doctors’ and therapists’ names and numbers, allergies, bank accounts, contacts at the school or day program or other place where your child spends her time. Then write down all the things that make your child who she is: What are her strengths? What makes her happy? When he is in a bad mood, or gets anxious, what soothes him? If you are walking with her and she sits, does this mean she is tired? Doesn’t want to go where you are taking her? Something else? Does he shave himself in the morning or do you need to do it for him? Does he have a favorite song? If you take her on vacation or a day trip, are there certain comfort items you must pack? What is her morning routine? Bedtime routine?
Providing all of this information to the ones who will be caring for your child in the future will help to make her transition to the next stage of life a bit smoother. And you will know that in addition to providing her legal and financial footing, you have also helped her to continue living life to her full potential.