With every newborn child comes a world of surprises. Some of them are not what we expect. Ten years later, I still remember the day my son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. No childbirth class or parenting workshop can prepare you for that kind of life-altering news.
If your new baby has surprised you with a special need you didn't expect, you may find yourself sad, confused and barely able to cope. That's normal. You may need some time to get used to your new reality.
As you begin learning special needs demands and diagnoses, it's important that you dig deep to do the things that can greatly affect your child's future. And some special needs activities need to be done now.
The fact is. you are your child's strongest and most loving supporter. It will be up to you to lead the team of doctors, nurses, therapists and teachers who will help your child reach his full potential.
Special Needs Parents Share Their Tips
Whether you face a physical, mental or learning disability, these tips from parents who have been there may make your journey easier and more rewarding:
- Love your child as you would any other. Babies need to experience all the touch, sound, sights and affection they can, especially those with special needs. Lavish your child with love during those early weeks.
- Let yourself grieve. Even if you face only a mild disability in your child, you will probably have to spend more time, more money and more effort to accomplish what other parents take for granted. The grief will come and go throughout your child's life as you have to let some of your dreams die. It's okay to grieve such losses, but it's equally important to build new dreams and pursue them with a passion.
Find Special Needs Resources to Help You
- Become informed. Arm yourself with the information you need to get the best for your child and for your family. There are lots of resources available for families, but you may have to search for them. Do it. The sooner you reach out for support, the better for your child's future and for your own.
- Search for the gold. Parents of special needs kids will tell you that their biggest disappointments often become their greatest blessings. Take it one day at time, do everything you can to see your child as a child, not as a disability, and celebrate the miracles you see each day.
Judy Winter is an award-winning journalist on disability issues and the recipient of the 2002 Exceptional Parent Award from the Michigan Federated Chapters of the Council for Exceptional Children.