April 20, 2023
Letting Go of Parental Pressure: Embracing Life with an Autistic Child
Some days, I wish we could just be.
As a mother, I want the best for my children and our family. But sometimes, the pressure to do it all can be overwhelming.
As a parent of a child with autism, the pressure can be even greater. There are countless therapies, sensory toys, vitamins, and schedules that are touted as essential for our children’s growth and development. But with so much information out there, it’s easy to feel like we’re not doing enough or doing it all wrong.
I’ve often felt like if I’m not doing everything just right, I’m not just failing my son – I’m actually hurting him. It’s a terrible feeling, and I’m sure it’s one that many parents of children with autism can relate to.
But the truth is, we can’t do it all. And that’s okay. We need to give ourselves permission to take a step back, to let go of some of the pressure and expectations we’ve placed on ourselves.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. It’s hard to shake off the feeling that we’re not doing enough. But we need to remind ourselves that our children are not defined by their diagnoses, and we are not defined by our ability to “fix” them. Because there is no “fixing” needed.
Instead, we need to focus on being present in the moment. Enjoy our time with our children. Celebrate their individuality.
We need to let them be who they are. We need to give ourselves permission to be who we are.
It’s not always easy, but it’s important. Our children need us to be happy and healthy, and we need to model that for them. So the next time you feel like you’re not doing enough, take a deep breath, remind yourself that you’re doing your best, and let yourself just be.
Written by Jaime Ramos of Jaime Ramos Writes
