Parent Information -Ten Commandments for Parents...

Introduction

I found this in an e-mail group and thought it deserved a place here.

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.

11. There is no 11th, silly. (See the 10th).

Children's Special Health Care Needs
(CSHN-L) sponsored by the University of Florida's
Institute for Child Study.