Advice for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Being a parent is difficult, being one of a child with special needs is twice as difficult. These recommendations will help you to face every day with your best effort. Because you are not alone, there are many parents like you that love their kids but know how difficult it is. Keep reading and try to practice these, that way you will be a great time while parenting your kid with special needs.

You are not alone

There are many parents, that as you are dealing and trying to live as best they can. Yes maybe your kid’s diagnosis isn’t like others, but these parents know the difficulties, the struggles, the fears and the hope that their son or daughter can be happy because your kids’ happiness will be the most important thing for you. Find a group of parents that will understand you and will tell you their experiences, for you to make notes.

Let others take care of you

You are constantly taking care of your child safety and health, but what about yours? You also will need time for yourselves, take a break, ask a relative or friends that know and fully understand the kid diagnosis and can help for a couple of hours, let them feed you, too. They can even help with the house chores, but let them help you, trying to to do everything by yourselves won’t let to health problems.

You aren’t perfect, but you’re your child’s superheroes

Yes, we are humans and as one we make mistakes, try not to punish yourselves for them, even the first timers of non ASD children make mistakes, so take a deep breath, and let it go! Because in front of your kid you are superheroes, you are the ones that make their dreams come true, that help them with everything, and you always are going to be there for them. You are doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers, and parents, so you are not regular.

Time for your kids

With busy schedules for your kid’s condition, you are not spending quality time with them, so it would be good to make time for simple but important things like reading for them, plan a picnic, play with them, whatever it makes them happy. Just be with them outside busy schedules and hospital appointments.

Making heart-wrenching decisions

Because of your child’s diagnosis, you will face a lot of tough choices, but the best way to make them it’s kept to one and never rethink it. Also, it will be good to speak about it with other parents, there won’t be anybody that will understand you better than them. We know that it won’t be easy but try it to do it this way, or make your own way, parenting is a long learning journey.

Forgive yourselves

In this long journey you will make mistakes, bad decisions and will face tough situations, but forgive yourselves everytime that you are wrong, everytime that you feel that you made a terrible mistake, and everytime that you think you can’t do it anymore. Forgive yourselves and always ask for help.

Don’t lose your identity

Being a parent of a kid with special needs doesn’t mean you have a new identity. Many things are going to change, but your true self should never change. Show your son or daughter who you are with everything that comes with you. Find things for you, like a hobby, or try to keep your old friends around, go out with them and speak of things outside parenting or family.

Celebrate the small achievements of your son or daughter

Be proud and show around what your child get to know or do. They may seem small in comparison to other kids, but for you and the kids, they are huge achievements. Remember: for some of them, learning and do simple things could extremely complicated, so praised and brag about a first word, a smile, a first step, be in a team, or simply read a single line.

Don’t make comparisons

Every human is different, so try never to compare them with others. Their diagnosis could be in the same spectrum but can have different levels, or they can suffer different conditions, so never try to do that. Your child is unique, and he or she will show their strengths when the time is right.

Marriage time

If you are in a relationship, or are married, and have a kid with special needs, you will need time as a couple, make that time happen period! Your marriage, just like your child, is important to never put them behind because of your kid schedule or medical appointments, just like before asking for help, and enjoy a fancy date with your partner.

Trust your parent’s instinct

Be a parent come with wonderful gifts like instinct, so use them every time that you feel that something is off. Doctors, teachers, specialists, and therapists know their fields and professions, but if you don’t like it follow those instincts; they are usually right and you would make a good call.

Parenting is hard work, but if your child has a special need, is twice as hard. So keep in mind these tips, and be the best parent as you can. Here at Autism Soccer can give you the best advice and programs for your kids, so don’t doubt and visit us!