What actions are you taking?

What actions are you taking?

Family life can be challenging and when you are a mom of an autistic child, you are probably feeling overwhelmed with the extra responsibilities that come your way.  You want to be there for your child, give them the love and support they need, while also taking care of yourself and your other family members.  One essential question that you must ask yourself every day is:  what actions are you taking?

In an ideal world, all mothers of children with autism would have a vast network of support.  But, as you know, the reality is that not all families have access to the much-needed support and resources, including medical, financial and emotional support.  This was me, a few short years ago.  I was feeling very alone, overwhelmed, sick from stress with very little support.

The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your experiences as a parent of a child with autism.  You may not have control over the diagnosis, but you have control over what you do every day.

Here are some of the actions I took, which may be helpful for you to incorporate:

Educate yourself. One of the most important things you can do as a mama of autism is to learn as much as you can about autism.  Not only will educating yourself help you understand your child’s needs better, but it can help you advocate for them and be a better ally for them.

There are many resources available online, including books, blogs, documentaries and support groups.  You can connect with other parents who are on a similar journey, share your experiences and offer support.  Just a word of warning, if you start to feel overwhelmed, give it a rest.  I only researched things that pertained to my situation and this helped to cut down the overwhelm.

Set priorities. As a mom, we have many responsibilities, including taking care of our child, managing our home and probably working outside the home.  It is crucial to set priorities and create a schedule that works for you and your child.

Some tasks may be more urgent than others and setting priorities can help you focus your attention and energy on what is most important.  Make a to-do list every day, evaluate what needs to get done and prioritize each task.  One of the things I did, was bulk cook so that I did not have to cook each night.  I prioritized my energy and did only the bare minimum on some days as this was all I could manage.

Take care of yourself. It is easy to put your needs last when you are a mom of an autistic child.  But it is essential to prioritise self-care, so you can be at your best mentally, emotionally and physically.

Make time for yourself, schedule a massage, go for a walk or read a book.  Find something that makes you feel good and incorporate it into your daily routine.  When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to take care of your child. I started by getting a babysitter for a couple of hours on a Saturday so that I could go and have a coffee out.  It made the world of difference to my health.

Get involved. Get involved in your child’s school or community can help you connect with other parents and families who are on a similar journey.  Participate in school events, join support groups, get some coaching, attend workshops and seminars.

By getting involved, you can not only find support, but you can help increase awareness about autism and promote acceptance.  I feel as mamas of autistic kids, we are called to do this.  Getting involved can also help you build a support system for yourself and family.

Celebrate small wins. It is essential to acknowledge and celebrate small wins.  Parenting a child with autism is not easy and it’s important to recognize the small victories along the way.  Celebrating small wins can help you maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated.

Maybe your child learned a new skill, accomplished a task independently or had a good day at school.  Whatever it is, take a moment to celebrate, acknowledge the achievement and recognize the progress.

Eliminate negative self-talk. Negative self-talk can impact your mental and emotional well-being.  We all have a voice inside our heads that tells us we are not good enough, we are making mistakes or we are not doing enough.  It’s essential to recognize these negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.

Instead of saying, “I’m not doing enough,” say, “I’m doing the best I can.”  Changing your self – talk can help you feel more confident, positive and motivated.

What actions are you taking?

Remember, you are not along and by taking positive action, you can create a better life for yourself and your child.

Till next week

A

Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed as a mom of an autistic child? Do you need personalized support and guidance to navigate the unique challenges that come your way? My one-on-one coaching program can help you take positive action every day, so you can create a more positive, fulfilling experience for yourself and your family. 

I specialize in working with moms and will empower you with the tools and resources you need to be the best advocate for your child and take care of yourself at the same time.  Contact me hello@lliautism.net today to learn more and start your journey towards a more fulfilling family life.

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