There are several ways to fight the stress of being a parent!
Parenting is a difficult task. It’s a 24-hour job that can seem like an uphill battle at times. As challenging as it is to be a parent, it can be even more difficult if you have a child with a disability. Parents experience a wide variety of emotions such as frustration, depression, fear, and resentment. There are all sorts of ways to cope with these kinds of feelings. Here are some of the most common internal stressors that parents of children with disabilities face on a daily basis.
Worrying About The Future
How will my child be able to do this? Am I raising my child correctly? Is there anything that I should be doing that I am not? These are some of the most commonly asked questions that are troubling all parents. For those parents who have children with disabilities, these kinds of worries tend to be even more significant. It is essential that parent remember that there is only so much you can control. It does not make sense always to be fixated on aspects of your child’s life that are out of your hands. Although it’s important to have long-term goals for your child, in many ways, it is better to focus on the present and what you can currently control.
Setting Unrealistic Expectations
Children are not going to excel in everything they do. For example, a child who is struggling with the English language may be excel at other subjects like the math and science. It is important to realize that all children are going to have their struggles. Many parents make the mistake of believing that their child’s success is going to depend on their actions exclusively. There will be times where you need to rely on the help of others. In addition to that, there will be times where you are going to need to give your child responsibilities of their own. By doing these things, it should help relieve some of your stress.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in the fields of pediatric speech, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (202) 561-1110 (Washington, D.C. office) or (301) 577-4333 (Lanham office). Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest.