written by Nicole Fisher, Student Clinician, FIU
Life is unpredictable. As stated in the movie Forest Gump, we often find that “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” We all have good days, and we all have bad days. As parents, your lives revolve around your children. When your child is having a good day, you are having a fantastic day. However, if your child is having a bad day, you may find that you are having a downright horrible day. Parents of children with autism may find life to be especially unpredictable. For a child with autism navigating through the world can be a very challenging and emotionally exhausting task. Thus, parents often spend a considerable amount of time and energy helping their child to learn how to cope and survive these bad days—but what about you?
Here are a few tips to help you, the parent, get through those bad days:
1. Forgive Yourself
Remind yourself that you are human. You are allowed to have bad days. While parenthood can bring immense joy, it can also leave you feeling tired, frustrated, and perhaps a little angry. It is ok to have these feelings.
2. Shoe Box Reminder’s
When your child is having a good day, write yourself a little note and place it in a box. For example you can write “7/16—Ryan tried carrots today…and he liked them!” or “4/13—Ryan asked me for a hug ” Add some of your child’s art work or school work to this box. When you are feeling down, take out the box and read your notes. Revel in the memory of your child’s accomplishments and happy moments.
3. Seek Support
Read articles, blogs, or books. Talk to other parents who have children with autism. These resources will provide help support you as you navigate through life with autism.
4. Take a Break
Again, remind yourself that you are human. In order to have the energy to care for someone else, you have to spend some time taking care of yourself. You need to recharge your batteries. Whether it be a quick cup of coffee at a nearby coffee house, or a dinner date with your spouse, set aside some time for yourself.
5. Victorious Venting
When we are upset we often call a trusted family member or friend to vent our frustrations in order to find sympathy and empathy. When your child is having a good day, call this person and share your joy. Ask this person to remind you of these accomplishments and happy moments the next time you are having a bad day. This allows you to share your joy while creating a lifeline for future encouragement when you are in need.
Finally, remember that tomorrow is a new day. The bright side of the unpredictable nature of life is that tomorrow just might be the day that you open the box of chocolate and find that caramel filled chocolate you have been craving.
For more tips, read the full article at:
https://nlconcepts.infusionsoft.com/in/i2ab980/ce3fc5d685463d4e1998a3a243ac74b89f5dc28713611e751ab517c1ede10934&e=na?i=140770&m=0>
