Thursday, November 20, 2008

10 Commandments for Parents w/ Special Needs Kids

  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

6 comments:

Casdok said...

Wise words!

DMV47 said...

This post could not have come at a better time. I shall re-post...

Anonymous said...

Words to live by - especially the last one about a sense of humor!

Luciana said...

Hello, My name is Luciana
Costa and I am in Richmond, I see that you take your son to Dr. Megson and she just prescribed the lithium cream for my kids, and it says that it has so many side effects that I am affraid to use. Sorry to post on your blog like this, but I am new to Richmond( just moved in from NJ) and I am trying to find parents of kids with ASD to get connected.
I also have a blog www.lucianaerene.blogspot.com
you can post there or send me an e-mail luerene12@msn.com
Thank you so much
Truly
Luciana Costa

M. Christensen said...

I need to print that out!

Anonymous said...

I couldnt agree more! Especially like the first and last ones. I def need to remember some of this during bad times, thank you!
Hope you are feeling better btw.