Our past year has been a pretty good one but as a parent of a child with additional needs it is sometimes all consuming trying to create the perfect world for your child.
We need to…
…make sure all different ways of learning are being explored when our child has trouble following a regular curriculum
…make sure we are doing all the right therapy that will give them the best chance to progress
…help them make regular friendships that they are unable to do on their own
…scaffold each part of their day when they have trouble doing this for themselves
…create awareness and educate others to make the world a better, more accepting place for our kids
All of this is exhausting enough on its own without being frustrated with things that can’t be changed or worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. So this year I am going to try to let go.
I’m letting go of…
The guilt that I’m not doing enough. I am doing the best I can.
Frustration at things I cannot change. I am an advocate for my daughter but some things I cannot get for her no matter how hard I try.
Looking for answers – Getting a diagnosis for Isla may solve part of her puzzle but it isn’t going to change our day to day life or who she is.
Inclusion – This is a joint effort by the right minded people. If they are not on your team you can’t make it happen.
Friendships – You cannot force them. They have to happen on their own.
I am letting go of romantic ideals that others will go out their way to embrace Isla‘s differences.
Making decisions about the future – It is good to have choices but not all decisions need to be made straight away.
Every year Isla changes so much. Who knows where this development will lead.
As long as we are moving forward and Isla is happy, feels safe, accepted and loved we are doing the right thing.
My goal this year is to live in the moment. To enjoy our awesome, amazing girl just as she is. Being Simply Isla.