Each Day is a New Day

As a parent of a Special Needs Child, it has been an adjustment in attitude, behavior, and patience. Over the years I met each day with frustration. Frustration from the things that my son couldn't do, frustration over the fact that he obsessed each morning before going to school. We fought each day, it was difficult to convince my son that he needed to go to school. I didn't understand that he felt that I was forcing him into an unknown world of misunderstanding from Teachers and peers, confusion from not understanding the curriculum and not understanding social cues.

So as my understanding grew from my work with Special Needs students I began to understand my son and how he precieved his world. I decided that patience would have to come from within, and that I would use my relaxation techniques to help both of us. I also adopted the attitude, that Each Day is a New Day! Hold no grudges, wipe the slate clean. This attitude has kept my sanity over the years. For I am understanding the world my son lives in. He has taught me that when he has had a bad day that it's over, and a new day begins.

This took many years to adopt, and is still a work in progress, as sometimes it is difficult not to take it personally. There have been many tears, and over reactions to my son's behaviors, which is normal. But I choose to laugh each day, enjoy my son for who he is, find humour in most situations. I have chosen to be the strong parent, to provide boundries, and limits, and teach my son to be an acceptable adult in society.
This I would assume is not any different from what any parent does for their child, regardless of needs. But for those who have children with these Special Needs our challenges are frequent and more intense. Therefore our reactions must be less intense, but firm.

In short, my son has taught me how to parent, how to be the person I am today, how to perfect my work with children, and how to listen to more than just words. It is funny how life turns out, from what some would deam a tragedy, has turned into a gift.

So my advice to all parents is to start each day as if it's a new day! Learn to laugh and not cry, and above all give your child lots of hugs.

Denise