10/21/2023
I think one of the difficult things about being a special needs parent is, trying not to die.
And I don't mean *actually*.
I mean, yes – a special needs parent does have an unwavering requirement to be here forever – longer if possible – so we are actually trying not to die but also, I mean like, mentally and physically and, emotionally and spiritually, not letting this kill us.
Not letting the hard take us down. Not letting the exhaustion take over. Not letting the behaviours break you.
Because the impact that raising a child with a neuro-developmental disorder and challenging behaviour has on you, is breaking. It is! This isn't just regular parenting. We're not talking about regular, every day, everyone-is-doing-it kinda parenting.
This is Olympic level combat parenting.
And it's hard. And you're doing it alone. And there's no support or guidance, or teaching.
But there is a lot of fighting.
So much fighting.
Fighting for support, fighting for help, fighting for understanding, for inclusion, for a break, for a breath, for courage. Fighting for energy, for services, for strength to keep going, fighting for your own health and wellness needs to be met while your whole core is consumed by taking care of, and fighting for, the needs of somebody else. Fighting for acceptance.
Fighting not to break.
And breaking anyway.
Then fighting to rebuild.
And if you let it, it will take you down.
Mama, you cannot let it.
You need to be here for a long time. And not just that – you need to be well and strong enough - physically, mentally and emotionally - to carry both of you as you fight, while you're here for that long time.
So, take care of you, Mama.
Because if there's anything I've learnt along this journey, it's that,
you need to be hard to kill.
Keep going, keep fighting, I love you,
Christine x
Special Soul Mama
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