- You’re not the only one with a child with special needs.
You’re not on your own. There is help for everything. You may not find a parent with the same challenges as your child, however, there is a strong network of good professionals in Ireland that can help, not only that, talk to friends, family and build your network.
- What about you?
What were you like before your child was born (don’t laugh here) try and bring back some of the old you to your life? Ask yourself did you like going out dancing, going to a movie, what hobbies did you like and try and bring back one for yourself at least once a month.
- Make your life with your child rewarding.
Remember other parents will never face the challenges you have to face on a daily routine, and they will never understand the rewards you also experience.
- You won’t always get it right.
So what! You tired, you did your best out of love with the knowledge you have. So learn from it, do something different the next time. And…
- ..Forgive yourself.
No amount of torturing yourself will make you feel better now, neither will sweets, chocolate or wine. Just move on from it.
- Don’t compare your child with any other child.
Everyone reaches milestones at a different stage or maybe not at all. Just praise your child for even competing half of the task.
- Make therapy into play.
For instance, if you have to do 20 leg lifts with your child, make it into a game. Make therapy play. We all hate the thought of hard work so try have as much fun as you can.
- Celebrate the little things.
A smile, a hug, a coloured picture. Cherish it.
- Make time to spend with your partner.
Go for a date night, get dressed up and have Fun. So so important.
- Trust your instinct.
Remember you know your child best. Appreciated the knowledge that doctors, teachers and therapists are able to bring to the table. If you feel your child’s needs are not being met. Don’t be afraid to fight.