1. Take one
day at a time, and take that day positively. You don't have control over the
future, over today, or over any other day, and neither does anyone else. Other
people just think they do.
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.
Courtesy HealthAtoZ
(A posting to the Children’s Special Health Care Needs Mailing List,
[CSHN-L]sponsored by the University of Florida’s Institute for Child
Study.)
Anonymous Author
To find resources for a handicapped child, call 1-800-ALEGENT
(1-800-253-4368).
