Ever feel like you’re barely hanging on? You’re not alone, most parents especially at the beginning of the journey feel that way. Stressed, overwhelmed, filled with guilt, and mourning for the child they had hoped for. When I started the journey, I didn’t realize it was a long-term journey, one that would keep me awake nights with worry and frustration.
I literally worried myself sick, and it’s a bad habit so I continue to worry – but it’s better controlled. Worrying takes the joy out of everything.
So here are some tips from my 17 years on this journey…
- Say to yourself My child will be OK because he/she has me to support them and I will do everything I can to make their lives better. No, not coddle them but provide support and teach them skills to launch them into successful adulthood.
- Stop that worrying, it will be OK! You can recover from anything but death. Worry makes everything worse and it doesn’t fix anything.
- Gain perspective – it’s not as bad as you think. Things could be much worse! Focus on what’s good.
- Remember to be present and strive for joyfulness. Think I missed a lot of opportunities, trying to find “fixes” and therapies for my kiddos. Balance is key, make effort to have fun.
- Take care of yourself. I spent a great deal of time support my kiddos, and loss sight of my own needs.
One more tip, don’t forget the importance of sleep. It will help with poor behaviors, learning issues, and make everyone feel and get along better! I know this, but I’m still learning to do it.