What to Keep in Mind if Your Child Has a Disability
In this article, you’ll learn and discover what to keep in mind if your child has a disability.
If you have a child with a disability, you are not alone. There are lots of other parents just like you with similar thoughts, worries, and fears for their child. Don’t feel like you’re alone because you will always be able to find a support group. Whether you’re worried about your child staying healthy despite their disability, or you want to know the conditions that qualify for LTD, you can get answers.
However, this article has some useful information that you should always keep in mind because as a parent of a child with certain handicaps, you might feel like you’re always swinging between a rock and a hard place.
#1: You Need Care Too
You’re in a position where you have to care for a dependent at all times. However, you also need to be cared for at some point or the other. Don’t feel like you’re being selfish if you ask for some TLC; after all, how can you care for someone if you’re burnt out or exhausted? You can practice self-care in several small ways. Go out for a meal with your friends, get a pedicure, a manicure, go out for date night, or plan anything you enjoy. Do whatever will make you feel like you’re being cared for. Enjoy it because you really are worth it.
#2: Don’t Try To Be Perfect
No one around us is perfect. People can seem perfect but the truth is, we are all human and all of us make mistakes and that’s okay. Don’t attempt to establish and follow an unreachable standard of perfection. Say you miss an appointment because you didn’t remember the correct day. Don’t beat yourself up about it or think you’re a bad parent. Nothing will happen because of one missed appointment so don’t be too hard on yourself. Acknowledge that you’re human and you erred and move on.
#3: You Have Superhero Status
Not all heroes wear capes. If you’ve heard this phrase before, you should know it’s for you. You might not have a fancy costume. You might not fly around a fictional city and save the good guys. You might not get into fistfights with gigantic monsters and beat them up. However, you are still a superhero and one that works the hardest. Caring for a child with special needs is heroic in itself simply because of the number of things you need to be aware of. You deal with tantrums, horrific medical procedures, and a dependent child round the clock. Know that you’re admired and you have a lot of strength.
You will always be able to find support when you need it. Don’t let your pride get in the way of you reaching out to other parents who are going through the same thing. You’re already facing something super tough and it’s okay to seek help sometimes. Never give up hope because your child will always stay hopeful as long as you do.
