Life 101
This was specially written for parents who have children/adults with autism and special needs.
We all remember as we were growing up that our parents told us what to do. They taught us what was dangerous, what to stay away from, what to try, and what was good. They were invaluable lessons, which we needed in order to grow.
Then as we grew up we wanted to be able to begin to make some decisions on our own (this includes children/adults with special needs), but too often due to the parents fear it didn’t happen.
As parents, when we encourage through trial and error our children will find their way. They will learn what works best for them, and what doesn’t work at all.
Self-discovery grows self-awareness, which brings about maturation, development and self-esteem. This process is learned by trying and failing and trying and succeeding. The secret to success is to encourage our kids to try!
Whether our special needs kids/adults live with us at home or they are able to live alone there comes a time when we must step back and parent more through observation, and from a distance. Yes, our children will fail and fall at times, but they will also grow and develop when allowed to try, building self-trust.
The next time you see your child/adult having difficulty doing something, I hope you will think twice before you step in and do it for them. Remember, growth comes from experience. Sign your children up for Life 101, and allow your kids to learn life by living life, and watch them grow into their full potential.
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What has been the most challenging thing to allow your child to learn?
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I appreciate your comment. I believe we must learn how to control our reflexes when we go to protect our children from harm when there is no harm. It is just our own fear. I know most of the time it is easier said than done. But if you keep practicing it like everything else it will become easier, especially when you see your children develop and grow. That is a huge incentive to sit back and allow your kids to do things for themselves. Brandon didn’t learn to tie his shoes until he was 15! It is never too late to learn. @Wahzat –
This is so true but such a challenge because as you know the protect from harm reflex kicks in and you find yourself jumping in and taking over.
Great post
Rory, Thank you for your comment. I believe we all learn best from firsthand experiences?
In my experience it’s only by actually doing that we learn we can do. Tell me as often as you like but until I have done it I can’t do it. You are right to stand back.