This or That Questions for Special Needs Parenting Communities (42+ Ideas)

Looking for quick ways to spark conversation in your Special Needs Parenting community? This or That posts are the perfect icebreaker to get members sharing and connecting without pressure. Use these ready-made prompts to create a relaxed, welcoming space where everyone can join in.

Special Needs Parenting 42 Templates

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Why This Works

This or That posts tap into the psychology of easy decision-making, inviting members to participate without overthinking or feeling judged. The simplicity of picking between two options lowers barriers to entry, making engagement accessible for everyone, especially in a community where parents may already feel overwhelmed.

Offering light, relatable choices creates a playful environment and promotes a sense of belonging. Even community lurkers are more likely to chime in, and regular participants often elaborate, leading to deeper connections. Over time, these posts help build routine interaction and trust, making the community feel safer and more supportive for all.

42 Ready-to-Use Templates

1

Mornings or evenings - which do you prefer for quiet time?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Mornings or evenings - which do you prefer for quiet time? I love evenings when the house is finally still."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #routine #personal #engagement
2

Coffee or tea to power through the day?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Coffee or tea to power through the day? I am always team coffee!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #self-care #lighthearted
3

Music or silence during therapy sessions?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Music or silence during therapy sessions? We play soft music for our son."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #therapy #routine
4

Books or movies for your own downtime?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Books or movies for your own downtime? I love curling up with a movie."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #self-care #hobbies
5

Outdoor play or indoor crafts on a rainy day?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Outdoor play or indoor crafts on a rainy day? Crafts keep us busy!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #kids #activities
6

Visual schedules or verbal reminders for routines?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Visual schedules or verbal reminders for routines? We rely on visual charts."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #organization #parenting
7

Early bedtime or late-night snuggles?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Early bedtime or late-night snuggles? Snuggles win every time in our house."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #sleep #family
8

Favorite comfort: weighted blanket or soft toy?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite comfort: weighted blanket or soft toy? My daughter loves her weighted blanket."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #sensory #comfort
9

Meal prep or last-minute dinners?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Meal prep or last-minute dinners? I try to meal prep but life happens!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #meals #organization
10

Therapy at home or at a clinic?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Therapy at home or at a clinic? Home feels more relaxed for us."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #therapy #routine
11

Morning showers or evening baths for your child?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Morning showers or evening baths for your child? My son loves evening baths."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #routine #personal
12

Playdates: at your house or at the park?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Playdates: at your house or at the park? The park is easier for us."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #social #activities
13

Arts and crafts or building blocks?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Arts and crafts or building blocks? My twins always choose blocks!"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #activities #kids
14

Quiet reading or sensory play to wind down?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Quiet reading or sensory play to wind down? We read every night."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #sensory #routine
15

Short walks or backyard fun for movement breaks?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Short walks or backyard fun for movement breaks? Backyard relay races are our favorite."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #movement #outdoors
16

Therapy dog or favorite stuffed animal for comfort?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Therapy dog or favorite stuffed animal for comfort? Our dog is the best buddy."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #comfort #pets
17

Structured routine or flexible days?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Structured routine or flexible days? We need routine to keep things calm."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #routine #parenting
18

Digital timers or visual clocks for transitions?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Digital timers or visual clocks for transitions? Visual clocks help my son."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #organization #transitions
19

Favorite break: quiet corner or jumping on the trampoline?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite break: quiet corner or jumping on the trampoline? The trampoline wins every time!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #breaks #sensory
20

Handmade or store-bought adaptive tools?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Handmade or store-bought adaptive tools? We love making our own fidgets."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #tools #adaptation
21

Family game night: board games or video games?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Family game night: board games or video games? Board games bring us all together."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #family #games
22

Big family gatherings or small hangouts?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Big family gatherings or small hangouts? Small hangouts are less stressful for us."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #social #family
23

Favorite outing: zoo or children’s museum?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite outing: zoo or children’s museum? My daughter loves animals, so zoo!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #outings #family
24

Weighted vest or compression shirt for calming?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Weighted vest or compression shirt for calming? Vest works best for us."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #sensory #tools
25

Celebrating wins: high-fives or stickers?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Celebrating wins: high-fives or stickers? Stickers motivate my kid every time."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #motivation #kids
26

Favorite way to relax: bath or listening to music?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite way to relax: bath or listening to music? Music is my go-to."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #self-care #relaxation
27

Weekend plans: staying in or going out for an adventure?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Weekend plans: staying in or going out for an adventure? We try to get out if we can."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #weekend #family
28

Meal favorites: pasta night or taco night?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Meal favorites: pasta night or taco night? Taco night is always a hit!"

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #meals #family
29

Car rides: singing songs or listening to audiobooks?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Car rides: singing songs or listening to audiobooks? We sing loudly every time."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #outings #activities
30

Fidget spinners or stress balls for focus?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Fidget spinners or stress balls for focus? Stress balls are our go-to."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #focus #tools
31

Packing for outings: big bag or just the essentials?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Packing for outings: big bag or just the essentials? I always overpack!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #outings #organization
32

Favorite support: in-person groups or online forums?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite support: in-person groups or online forums? Online forums fit our schedule better."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #support #community
33

Lunch: homemade or school-provided?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Lunch: homemade or school-provided? I pack my son's lunch every day."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #meals #school
34

Favorite reward: extra screen time or a special treat?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite reward: extra screen time or a special treat? Treats always win in our house."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #motivation #kids
35

Bedtime routine: storytime or calming music?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Bedtime routine: storytime or calming music? Storytime is our favorite moment."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #routine #sleep
36

Morning energy: breakfast together or grab and go?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Morning energy: breakfast together or grab and go? We try to eat together when we can."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #meals #routine
37

Favorite holiday activity: decorating or baking?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite holiday activity: decorating or baking? We love baking cookies."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #holidays #family
38

Preferred support: one-on-one chats or group discussions?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Preferred support: one-on-one chats or group discussions? I like small group talks."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #support #community
39

Sensory-friendly clothes: tagless shirts or soft leggings?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Sensory-friendly clothes: tagless shirts or soft leggings? Tagless shirts are a must for us."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #sensory #clothing
40

Favorite treat for you: chocolate or salty snacks?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Favorite treat for you: chocolate or salty snacks? Chocolate for sure!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #self-care #food
41

Best way to recharge: alone time or connecting with friends?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Best way to recharge: alone time or connecting with friends? Alone time is gold."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #self-care #parenting
42

School communication: email or app updates?

πŸ’‘ Example: "School communication: email or app updates? We rely on app notifications."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #school #organization

How to Use These Templates

Share a This or That prompt as a standalone post, in stories, or as part of a daily engagement thread. Encourage members to choose quickly and, if they wish, share why they picked their answer. Rotate topics to keep things fresh and inclusive. Tag or mention new or quieter members to invite participation, and respond to answers to keep the conversation going.

Best Practices

  • Keep options light, relatable, and easy to answer.
  • Avoid sensitive or polarizing topics.
  • Encourage but never pressure members to explain their choice.
  • Rotate themes (food, routines, downtime, etc.) to reach all members.
  • Respond to answers to foster ongoing engagement.

All Platforms Tips

For all platforms: Use images, emojis, or polls to boost visibility and interaction. On forums and groups, pin or highlight popular This or That threads. On chat-based platforms, use quick reactions. Adapt format for stories or reels by using tap-to-choose features. Always monitor comments for safety and positivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I create This or That questions that are sensitive to varying developmental abilities within my special needs parenting group?

When crafting This or That questions, avoid assumptions about developmental milestones or levels of independence. Instead, focus on universally relatable experiences, such as 'sensory-friendly outings vs. at-home activities' or 'visual schedules vs. verbal prompts.' This ensures inclusivity regardless of diagnosis or ability, and helps all parents feel seen.

Can I use This or That prompts to address common IEP (Individualized Education Program) challenges faced by parents?

Absolutely! Engaging parents with choices like 'in-person IEP meetings vs. virtual meetings' or 'direct communication with teachers vs. written updates' sparks meaningful discussion about real-world advocacy. Be mindful to keep the tone supportive and invite members to share strategies that have worked for them.

How do I handle This or That questions when some diagnoses in our group are less common or less visible?

To ensure all parents feel included, alternate between broader questions (e.g., 'ABA therapy vs. other interventions') and more specific ones relevant to your community’s unique makeup, such as 'feeding tube vs. oral feeding routines.' You can also periodically ask members to suggest topics so everyone’s experience is represented.

Are there effective This or That topics for discussing sensory processing differences among children with special needs?

Yes! Try questions like 'weighted blanket vs. compression vest' or 'noise-canceling headphones vs. sensory-friendly lighting.' These prompts encourage parents to share sensory strategies, product recommendations, and sensory-friendly tips relevant to daily life with sensory processing differences.

How can I use This or That questions to open up conversations about caregiver self-care, considering the unique stressors special needs parents experience?

Pose questions such as 'solo time at home vs. support group meet-up' or 'mindfulness apps vs. physical activity for stress relief.' These encourage honest dialogue about self-care, help normalize caregiver burnout, and let parents share realistic self-care practices tailored to their circumstances.

What's the best way to phrase This or That questions about medical interventions (like therapies or medications) to avoid judgment or controversy?

Use neutral language and emphasize that every child’s needs are different. For example, try 'speech therapy vs. occupational therapy: which has helped your family most?' and remind members that sharing is optional and all choices are valid. This fosters a respectful, nonjudgmental environment for exchanging experiences.

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