This list of wonderful things to remember for parents of special needs children is something I'm sure I will find relevant in this journey we call life...
Remember…
1. Take one day at a time, and take that day positively. You don’t have control over the future, but you do have control over today.
2. Never underestimate your child’s potential. Allow him, encourage him, expect him to develop to the best of his abilities.
3. Find and allow positive mentors: parents and professionals who can share with you their experience, advice, and support.
4. Provide and be involved with the most appropriate educational and learning environments for your child from infancy on.
5. Keep in mind the feelings and needs of your spouse and your other children. Remind them that this child does not get more of your love just because he gets more of your time.
6. Answer only to your conscience: then you’ll be able to answer to your child. You need not justify your actions to your friends or the public.
7. Be honest with your feelings. You can’t be a super-parent 24 hours a day. Allow yourself jealousy, anger, pity, frustration, and depression in small amounts whenever necessary.
8. Be kind to yourself. Don’t focus continually on what needs to be done. Remember to look at what you have accomplished.
9. Stop and smell the roses. Take advantage of the fact that you have gained a special appreciation for the little miracles in life that others take for granted.
10. Keep and use a sense of humor. Cracking up with laughter can keep you from cracking up from stress.
-Author Unknown
The same person that offered this list also suggested this advice:
But always remember to find strength in the depth of your being, for we are special parents given special kids. We must always continue on and can never stop fighting for our children. We will never cease to grieve. We will never give up hope for a better life for our children, and we will never fail to see the light in our children’s eyes that will melt our hearts and souls.
Lewis has a great and gorgeous soul!
are you all coming to HH with us?
ReplyDeleteif so, Jeff and E and Z will love to make challah with you on the Friday! they love to do that at our house...(I like to also, but will be leaving that Friday a.m. to go to SD for the weekend...my 25th reunion and also my mom's 50th high school reunion at the same time...)
hope to see you all at HH - lots of fun!
also, Jen, while in HH, I ride a bike every morning to a yoga class just a couple miles away ... will love to have you along! the dad's can watch the kids for a bit...