Parenting Challenges and Triumphs

[koala]

When it comes to parenting, we all face challenges - but those of us parenting children with special needs have an extra layer (or ten) of complexity!

Share your hardest moments and your biggest victories in this thread; let's support one another as only parents who've been there can. I'll go first: I feel like I'm constantly juggling appointments - therapies, evaluations, specialist visits. Trying to balance them with the needs of my other children is exhausting! But seeing my child succeed in ways the doctors said they might not gives me strength every single time.

What are your biggest challenges, and how do you overcome them? What brings you joy amidst the difficulties?

 

[greenfingers]

My kiddo's special needs make every day a challenge as we struggle with basic self-care skills like feeding and dressing that most take for granted. It's especially tough when dealing with meltdowns triggered by the smallest changes.

But progress, no matter how small, excites me. Like when they learn a new word or manage to dress themselves on a good day. Those victories taste so sweet after many appointments and therapy sessions. So, I savor those moments because they remind me that perseverance pays off.

 

[sunflower]

One of my toughest challenges is managing my own expectations, to be honest. I have to constantly remind myself to celebrate the small wins, especially when things don't go according to the imaginary plan I have in mind. It's a work in progress, and I'm learning to take it one day at a time.

 

[musical]

My strategy these days is to keep an ultra-organized calendar and do my best to schedule some fun family time in between all the medical stuff - even if it's just a quick trip to the park or an afternoon playing games at home. That bit of fun helps us all recharge and keeps me sane! It's a work in progress, but finding that balance is so important.

As for triumphs, I feel proud whenever I manage to advocate successfully for my child's needs at school. It's a great feeling when the teachers finally understand the extra support required and are able to include him in class activities in a meaningful way. Those little wins are what keep me going!

 

[queenie]

One of my biggest struggles is managing everyone's different schedules and keeping track of each child's activities. It often feels like a full-time job! But we muddle through, and I try to take joy in the little things each day - a spontaneous hug, a funny conversation - they're precious reminders of why we do this.

 

[mamamia]

Seeing them learn new skills and achieve milestones, that's what keeps me going. The joy on their face when they accomplish something new is priceless. It's a reminder of the power of perseverance.

 

[sunflower]

It's difficult to manage our own expectations - we're only human! But remembering to appreciate the little victories is so important; that's what keeps me going too.

I find myself reminding myself that progress takes time - especially when dealing with situations new to me, like navigating the world of special needs. That reminder helps me stay grounded and focus on the present.

 

[luciana]

The never-ending paperwork and advocacy required is my biggest struggle - but like you, witnessing my child's achievements makes it all worthwhile. You hardly notice the stress when they reach those milestones, eh?

What helps me stay organized is a crazy amount of list-making and an unwavering determination to give my kid the best chances. Pen and paper are my go-tos, but any systems that work for you will help with the scheduling and planning. It's a marathon, not a sprint!

 

[wisdom]

One of my toughest moments was when I had to bring my child to an emergency department because their condition suddenly worsened. Seeing them in distress and not being able to explain why we're there or what's happening was heartbreaking.

However, the little victories make it all worthwhile. When my child accomplishes a goal, no matter how small, like learning to tie their shoes or counting past ten when the experts said they might not, I feel immense pride and happiness. It's a incredible high that keeps me going.

 

[doctormama]

I find it helpful to keep an organized calendar that details all the therapies and visits. That way, I can better prepare and plan for each week. Also, reaching out to other parents in similar situations helps me feel less alone. Seeing progress and improvement, no matter how small, is always encouraging too.

 

[bubblyfish]

I find it helpful to keep an organized calendar that details all the therapies and visits. That way, I can better prepare and plan for each week. Also, reaching out to other parents in similar situations helps me feel less alone. Seeing progress and improvement, no matter how small, is always encouraging too.

I keep a shared calendar that my husband and I use to jot down all the therapy sessions and appointments too. It helps so much because otherwise, I'd forget! Seeing the little wins makes all the difference - it's encouraging to look back on the calendar and see how far we've come.

 

[doctormama]

I keep a shared calendar that my husband and I use to jot down all the therapy sessions and appointments too. It helps so much because otherwise, I'd forget! Seeing the little wins makes all the difference - it's encouraging to look back on the calendar and see how far we've come.

A shared calendar's a brilliant idea! It's encouraging to see the progress visually like that. My husband and I have so many appointments to keep track of too; it's easy to forget sometimes especially when life gets busy! TS mentioned the joy in seeing those little wins - it's a great way to stay motivated.

 

[musical]

Your focus on those little wins and keeping a balanced perspective is so uplifting! It's awesome when you can successfully advocate for your child's needs and see first-hand how it makes a positive difference at school. I'm sure that's a great encouragement to keep going.