Posted by Rosie Reeves on December 28, 2015 · Leave a Comment
From the moment a baby is born, new parents (not to mention pediatricians) tend to obsess about milestones. Rolling over, sitting up, babbling, first steps are not only signs of your child’s development they also feel like validation that you are doing your parenting job correctly. But sometimes when you have a special needs baby these milestones don’t happen on schedule – sometimes they may not happen at all. Of course it has nothing to do with your parenting, but many times it is impossible to avoid feeling like you failed as a parent, especially when the other parents around you are gushing with pride over their typical baby’s milestones and accomplishments. So as we get ready to ring in a New Year, I suggest we continue to celebrate every inch of progress our special needs children make in their own time, and also become aware of the milestones we reach as special needs parents.
The first time I left my baby home with daddy so I could go to the grocery store I was a wreck! And that was one of my typical babies! Now that they are older I walk out of the house without a second thought – milestone! I used to stand ready to jump in with every task for my special needs child. Now I see that she needs to be independent, even if that means sweeping up and throwing out half a box of Cheerios (again). I have to let her try, even if she is only partially successful. Milestone!
I don’t know what the milestones look like for you, but take a moment to appreciate your development as a special needs parent. You might just be amazed at how far you have come!
