10 Commandments for Parents with a special needs child

[Guest guest]

The Ten Commandments For Parents Of Children with

Special Needs

1. Take one day at a time, and take that day

positively. You don't have control over the

future, over today, or over any other day, and

neither does anyone else. Other people just

think they do.

2. Never underestimate your child's potential.

Allow them, encourage them, and expect them to

develop to the best of their abilities.

3. Find and allow positive mentors: parents and

professionals who can share with you their

experience, advice, and support.

4. Provide and be involved with the most

appropriate educational and learning

environments for your child from infancy on.

5. Keep in mind the feelings and needs of your

spouse and your other children. Remind them

that this child does not get more of your love

just because they get more of your time.

6. Answer only to your conscience: then you'll be

able to answer to your child. You need not

justify your actions to your friends or the

public.

7. Be honest with your feelings. You can't be a

super-parent 24 hours a day. Allow yourself

jealousy, anger, pity, frustration, and

depression in small amounts whenever necessary.

8. Be kind to yourself. Don't focus continually on

what needs to be done. Remember to look at

what you have accomplished.

9. Stop and smell the roses. Take advantage of the

fact that you have gained a special appreciation

for the little miracles in life that others take

for granted .

10. Keep and use a sense of humor. Cracking up

with laughter can keep you from cracking up

from stress.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Kristy - this is great! Do you know who the author is, or can you

point me to where you got this? I've forwarded it to our newsletter

editor, but she tries to always get the author's permission before

publishing.

Thanks -

[Guest guest]

The Ten Commandments For Parents Of Children with Special Needs

1. Take one day at a time, and take that day

positively. You don't have control over the

future, over today, or over any other day, and

neither does anyone else. Other people just

think they do.

2. Never underestimate your child's potential.

Allow them, encourage them, and expect them to

develop to the best of their abilities.

3. Find and allow positive mentors: parents and

professionals who can share with you their

experience, advice, and support.

4. Provide and be involved with the most

appropriate educational and learning

environments for your child from infancy on.

5. Keep in mind the feelings and needs of your

spouse and your other children. Remind them

that this child does not get more of your love

just because they get more of your time.

6. Answer only to your conscience: then you'll be

able to answer to your child. You need not

justify your actions to your friends or the

public.

7. Be honest with your feelings. You can't be a

super-parent 24 hours a day. Allow yourself

jealousy, anger, pity, frustration, and

depression in small amounts whenever necessary.

8. Be kind to yourself. Don't focus continually on

what needs to be done. Remember to look at

what you have accomplished.

9. Stop and smell the roses. Take advantage of the

fact that you have gained a special appreciation

for the little miracles in life that others take

for granted .

10. Keep and use a sense of humor. Cracking up

with laughter can keep you from cracking up

from stress.