New Year’s Resolutions for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Therapies and Resources for Children with Autism & Families
Resolutions to Help Make Every Day Count!
Some days are more difficult than others when you are raising a child with special needs. Every day we get to spend with our children is a blessing, but there are days when your child will test you. And, there are days when you just don’t have normal strength and energy, so you feel like you aren’t giving your best effort to be a great parent. You aren’t alone. Most parents in your shoes know just what that feels like. The good news is that there are things that you can do to help yourself and your child in 2019. Here are a few resolutions you can make for yourself that might help you be a more effective parent for your child with special needs this year:
1. This year I will stick to my decisions.
Consistency is key. Make this the year that your child knows that they can’t get away with inappropriate behavior. You get tired, and you have a behavior that pops up at an inopportune time – who knows what might happen along the way. The important thing is that you react the same way to inappropriate behaviors every day and every time they happen so that your child knows what is expected.
2. This year I will keep things simple.
Make things as simple as possible for your family in 2019. Our lives are very busy, and that works well for some personalities, but it might be overstimulating your child. Try to think of things through their eyes and realize that some of the situations you are encountering are because your child just has too much going on. Keep it simple. More is not necessarily better.
3. This year we will get some rest.
This goes for everybody! When your child is well-rested, it is a little easier to manage some of the outbursts that come with fatigue. That goes for you too! We tend to run ourselves ragged nowadays. A well-rested parent is an effective parent. Get your rest, and you will see yourself exhibiting more patience and making a bigger impact!
4. This year I will find time for me, too.
It’s easier said than done, but make yourself a priority too. If going to the gym is your release, make sure you leave time to do that. If you like to watch movies, find some spare time to sneak in a session. You have to have those releases to remember who you are when you aren’t parenting and coaching!
5. This year I will believe my child can do more.
Not that you would ever doubt your love for your child or how special they are, but this year, believe that your child can do great things. Don’t just set arbitrary goals – believe that your child can achieve them! You will see your child respond when they know that Mom and Dad anticipate success!
We are here to help! Peak Potential Therapy is here to make sure that you and your child have access to the latest and most-effective therapy techniques, but we also want to make sure that your family has access to the resources that will make 2019 your best year yet! Contact us today, and find out how we can help you reach your Peak Potential!