Parenting Children With Special Needs

[greenfingers]

This is a safe space to share the challenges and triumphs of raising children with special needs.
What are some of your parenting strategies and helpful resources you have found along the way? I'll go first! My son has severe autism and finding therapeutic support has been my biggest challenge but also my greatest parenting achievement. Finding him a specialist who really clicked with him and could help manage his sensory processing challenges was such a relief. It's like a weight was lifted from both of us!

What are everyone else's experiences and tips?

 

[doctormama]

That's fantastic news! Finding the right support for our children is such a huge part of the battle. It's amazing how much difference it makes when we find that right fit - like the clouds parting and sunlight pouring through!

My tip would be to keep an open mind and not be afraid to seek help beyond traditional avenues. I've found that unconventional therapies can often make a big difference too - things like equine therapy, art therapy and even music therapy can complement more conventional approaches.

It's definitely a tricky road and no two days are the same but finding what works for your child is such a great feeling! Would love to hear other parent's experiences of those little victories along this journey!

 

[travelmum]

Absolutely - it's so true that every child is different and what works for one may not work for another. It's definitely a good idea to keep an open mind and explore all the options out there.

I've also found alternative therapies to be incredibly beneficial - my son has sensory processing difficulties and occupational therapy using a sensory approach had amazing results.

It's encouraging to hear others have had success with different therapies too. It's a constant learning curve but such a rewarding journey when you see progress!

 

[sunnydays]

Absolutely - it's so true that every child is different and what works for one may not work for another. It's definitely a good idea to keep an open mind and explore all the options out there.

I've also found alternative therapies to be incredibly beneficial - my son has sensory processing difficulties and occupational therapy using a sensory approach had amazing results.

It's encouraging to hear others have had success with different therapies too. It's a constant learning curve but such a rewarding journey when you see progress!

You're right; it's heartening to hear about other families' successes with alternative therapies because they can make a huge difference to our kids' progress, especially when conventional methods aren't clicking. Have you also had many setbacks or challenges to navigate alongside the victories? I'm curious about how you manage those tough moments and keep hope when things aren't going so well.

 

[luciana]

You're right; it's heartening to hear about other families' successes with alternative therapies because they can make a huge difference to our kids' progress, especially when conventional methods aren't clicking. Have you also had many setbacks or challenges to navigate alongside the victories? I'm curious about how you manage those tough moments and keep hope when things aren't going so well.

Yes, of course there have been many challenging moments - it's never smooth sailing! Just last month, my son had a huge setback where he had an adverse reaction to a new medication which sent his senses into overdrive. It was horrific; he couldn't process any sensory input and basically turned into a different child - aggressive, violent even. It was really scary...I felt so helpless!

But fortunately, with some quick thinking and help from our support network, we were able to get him assessed and the medication changed within a few days. It was a real scare but showed me the importance of being adaptable and keeping hope, no matter what. You're right - it's the tough times that really test our resolve!

 

[bubblyfish]

It's terrifying when things spiral out so quickly and drastically like that. You handled it with such grace though - it's a great reminder of how important it is to have good support networks in place, and to keep a level head to problem solve. It's also such a good outlook you have - that hopefulness even after such a scare. It's inspiring!

 

[eternity]

It's terrifying when things spiral out so quickly and drastically like that. You handled it with such grace though - it's a great reminder of how important it is to have good support networks in place, and to keep a level head to problem solve. It's also such a good outlook you have - that hopefulness even after such a scare. It's inspiring!

It's easier said than done to stay hopeful after such an incident; it certainly left me shaken for weeks. I think the fear of the unknown and feeling helpless was what unnerved me the most. But I'm lucky to have a supportive spouse who reminded me that we're strong as a team, which helped pull me through. We also had some laughs together recalling the silly things our little man did afterwards - laughter truly is the best medicine!

On particularly tough days, I find myself visualizing those precious moments to remind myself of the progress we've made and keep hope for the future. I suppose every dark cloud really does have a silver lining! Do you find yourself doing anything particular to lift your spirits when things get tough?

 

[greenfingers]

Laughter is the best medicine - it's so true! It's wonderful that you have comedic moments to look back on and a supportive partner to help pick you up when you feel down.

When things get really tough, I immerse myself in activities that bring me joy, like visiting the local park with my son or watching his favourite movie. Focusing on the present moment and doing something fun helps me take my mind off the difficulties, even just for a while.

It's also incredibly heartwarming to see the progress we've made over time and to think about all the milestones we've achieved together. Reflecting on the positive changes gives me so much hope and reminds me to stay strong. It's amazing how resilient we can be when we have no other choice!

 

[techsavvy]

What a beautiful mindset you have! Focusing on the little victories and finding joy in the present moment is such a healthy way to navigate the challenges. It's wonderful that you have found ways to uplift your spirits and at the same time, create precious memories with your son.

The laughter and comedic relief definitely help make the difficult times more bearable. And you're so right about resilience - it's incredible how we can adapt and find strength when faced with challenging circumstances.

It's lovely to hear about the progress you've made and the milestones achieved. Hold on to that hope, mama! Keep soaking up those precious moments.

 

[bananarama]

Thank you so much for this! It's so encouraging to hear that someone else understands the significance of finding joy in the small wins. Some days are definitely harder than others, but laughter truly is the best medicine - and it's amazing how it can shift your perspective and help you power through.

I'm learning that parenting is a wild ride full of ups and downs, especially with a special needs child, but the joy found in those precious moments makes it all worthwhile. The resilience we didn't know we had is truly remarkable - it's like we're super moms!

Here's to hoping for continued progress and lots more comedic relief along the way

 

[eternity]

You've got the right mindset! It's incredibly true that the joy found in those precious moments makes the challenges worthwhile. And isn't it amazing how a change of perspective can help us endure and even enjoy the wild ride of parenting, especially with the added complexities of special needs?

Here's to those super moms and their resilience - you're doing an incredible job! Here's hoping for continued progress and lots of joyful moments for all of us!

 

[koala]

You're so right about the power of a positive mindset - it really can help us navigate the challenges, and enjoy the unique joys, of parenting our special children. Their resilience inspires me every day! Cheers to you too; here's to progress and happiness for these precious little ones. It's an honor to be part of this community!

 

[wellness]

The joy and pride we feel as parents is a powerful motivation. Our children's resilience, especially in the face of extra challenges, is such a wonderful lesson in staying upbeat. There's so much to learn from them everyday - it truly is an honor! Here's to many more moments of progress and happiness for our little fighters

 

[lioness]

The joy and pride we feel as parents is a powerful motivation. Our children's resilience, especially in the face of extra challenges, is such a wonderful lesson in staying upbeat. There's so much to learn from them everyday - it truly is an honor! Here's to many more moments of progress and happiness for our little fighters

You're right; parenting children with special needs teaches us the most important life lessons. I've learned patience, humility, and resilience from my children. It's amazing how much love and joy they fill in our lives every day. Have a fantastic weekend ahead!

 

[wisdom]

You're right; parenting children with special needs teaches us the most important life lessons. I've learned patience, humility, and resilience from my children. It's amazing how much love and joy they fill in our lives every day. Have a fantastic weekend ahead!

Enjoy your weekend! Take care!

 

[sportytina]

Hope you have a relaxing one too, take care as well!

 

[happyfeet]

Hope you have a relaxing one too, take care as well!

You too, enjoy the long weekend ahead! May it be filled with sunshine and joyous moments.

 

[techsavvy]

May your weekend be full of relaxing and fun times as well! Hopefully, the kids are having a blast and keeping you updated on their adventures!

 

[mamamia]

Thank you so much - it's so nice when they come back with excited tales of their adventures - hope you have a good one too, and that all the kids' stories keep coming!

 

[stargazer]

Thank you so much - it's so nice when they come back with excited tales of their adventures - hope you have a good one too, and that all the kids' stories keep coming!

Yeah, hearing their funny and adventurous stories is definitely a nice highlight to my day. Have a fantastic weekend!