The 10 Commandments for Parents of Handicapped Children

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, encourage, and expect your child to develop to the best of his or her abilities.



3. Find and allow positive mentors, such as parents and professionals, to share their experience, advice and support with you.



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 he or she gets 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 may take for granted.



10. Keep and use a sense of humor. Cracking up with laughter can keep you from cracking up from stress.

External Source American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org)

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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