By Kelly Wilton
When we are first told that our child has a disability, we get overloaded with information.
In an instant, everything changes. There is no little red book for parenting a child with a disability – no ticking off age-appropriate milestones which our child may or may not achieve.
We are pulled in many directions and where does the role of being a mum come in? It falls by the wayside as you juggle information given to you by therapists, specialists, teachers and social workers.
IF I had my time again, I would’ve made a few changes and used the word NO more frequently!
- You don’t need to do all the therapies all at once. Early intervention is important, however not if it comes at the expense of your health or that of your child. We can over-therapise our kids, we can also place unnecessary pressures on ourselves trying to do all the things.
- For those families who frequent hospitals, priorities are automatically shifted. We focus on the daily. There is no other way. All is stripped back when you are away from home – we do ‘cancel culture’ extremely well! If you are fortunate not to frequent hospitals, then take it easy on yourself with all the therapies that are being thrown at you. You can say NO.
- The problem with asking for opinions is that people will give them to you, even if they are irrelevant or not helpful to your situation, and sometimes people really just talk a lot of crap and will offer advice with absolutely no factual basis or any real insight into your situation. Just remember, take what you need and leave what you don’t.
- Perspective. Just remember that the world is a big place and there are loads of unique and amazing people out there, living similar lives like your own child. The aim is to connect and make them a part of your village! Yes, it sucks that it is harder for our kids at times but look at where you are, where you are going and what could be! Walk forth with hope with others who get it.
- The one constant in life is change. Nothing ever stays the same, as much as sometimes we wish it would. Take comfort in the fact that at some point, circumstances will change.
What else would you add to this list?
