Finding Your Group

Most of us grew up imagining what life would be like when we would become parents: having our first child, their first steps, their first word. Driving them to school and having silly conversations in the car. 

Nothing ever prepares you for that moment when you realize that those things might not happen for you and your child.

What is the “perfect” child anyway? Each one of us has a different personality. We have our likes and dislikes. Some of us are tall, some of us are short.. No two people will ever be exactly the same. Embracing differences has a whole different meaning when you stop to think about the things that make us all unique and special. 

Accepting that your child has a disability never gets easier and whatever feelings you experience during the time you receive a diagnosis are normal. This is the moment where you realize that you are about to become a completely different parent from the one you rehearsed to be your whole life! 

The moment you hear the words from your doctor that your child has a disability, it's like a punch in the kidney. In that exact moment, you become the smallest, scared little kid crying in a corner. You are about to enter a world where you don't know anyone, where you don't speak the language and where you don’t yet know anyone. 

When your child is diagnosed with a disability, you  realize you have to wear many different hats besides being just a parent. Now you have to play many different roles: a therapist, a lawyer, a doctor, an interpreter, a teacher and an advocate. You are expected to be all that without losing yourself.

Parenting a child with a disability is not better or worse than parenting a child without a disability. It's just different. It is most important to realize that the saying "it takes a village to raise a child" is actually very true. Finding that group, that group of amazing parents that are willing to do anything to help, who will support you with words of wisdom and experience. They will make your journey more manageable. 

Part of your group will also be the therapists who will connect with you and your child, the pediatrician who will try to answer all your questions or send you to the right people for answers and your close friends or family members that will be there for you when you need them. 

Remember you don't have to do this alone. Letting people in will have a positive impact in this journey. 

Finding those local support groups can help you find out about local resources and free events or trainings for your child or family. You will find friends that will be there for you when you need to cheer and celebrate a milestone or just listen to you when you have to vent and be mad at the world for a moment. 

Don't be afraid to search Google or Facebook and type in your city and your child’s diagnosis. You will find out if there are local support groups you can join to not only learn more about disability topics but also to find that group! 

Here are more parenting ideas to explore.