10 Tips for Moms Parenting a Child with Special Needs
Here are some tips that I have gathered from conversations with parents and some ways to put them into practice. Let me know what you think!!
Cathy
1. Focus on Today— Today is the
only place in time that you have true control over. You can keep the future in
mind and still focus your energies on the tasks at hand. Every parent needs to
feel like they can accomplish and finish something.
2. Help your baby learn to sleep—80%
of all babies with developmental issues have some type of sleep issue. Sleep
issues can become a mountain for everyone. Your baby may begin to show some
subtle signs that she is stressed. Many of the stress signs are familiar such as, crying,
irritation, and agitation and arching. Other signs might include squirming or
restless movements, twitches, droopy eyelids or eyes closed, grimacing, and
presenting a worried look.
3. Understand your child’s developmental level and stage— Discipline needs to be considered from a
developmental perspective. Use the child’s functional age to determine which
strategies to use.
system. They can become “disorganized” and cannot manage various stimulation at
home. The concept of organization related to the nervous system refers to the
ability for babies to coordinate muscle movements which are weakened due to the
immature nervous system. Listen to your intuition about what is going on with
your baby.
5. Take care of yourself
Get active-you and your baby
Manage your energy
Sleep
Eat
Keep your focus on what you
want.
their talents and often not willing to embrace them. Use your strengths to resolve issues.
6.Get help at home--Remember don’t turn down help! Make a list of the
things that would be helpful, making dinner, grocery shopping, etc and have the
list available for those offering help to choose what they can do.
support, talk to others and challenge any thoughts that prevent you from
reaching out.
8. Gain information about your child’s condition —Watch copyright dates. Learn as much as you can
about the condition and then remember every child is different.
is at a premium-do what is absolutely necessary.
10.Understand that being the parents of a child with special needs is a
devastating, life changing experience. Your emotions must be felt— Denial, anxiety anger depression, guilt and fear are
all feeling states that need to be experienced and felt—not ignored—for
resolution.
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