Sorting through your feelings as the parent of a child with special needs doesn't often happen. I mean, who has the time? And do you ever really want to go there? Life can be hard enough as it is. Blogging or journaling can help—and Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, an educator, author, blogger and mom to a 13-year-old with autism, has made that easy. She recently self-published Reflection, Expression, Courage: A Journal For Parents On The Special Needs Journey ($10.99, Amazon).
The 46-page journal that's filled with thinking points and blank spaces for responses, she notes, "is about creating a space where you can write when you're hopeful or scared, when you're feeling motivated or discouraged. Every parent goest through all of these feelings—but when your child needs extra support, your journey demands more of you. It's essential to create space that is yours, where you can express whatever you are feeling, free of any judgement."
Basically, it's like DIY therapy. Here's a sampling from the journal, to get you started.
My Blessings
A moment when my child brought a smile to my face is...
I feel connected to my child when...
I am rich with...
My Support
When I am struggling, I can...
When it's hard to ask for support, I can...
There are people in my life who just "get it"...
My Strength
I never knew that I could...
My child is stronger than anyone thinks because...
My Challenges
I wish I could help my child with...
On dark days, I want to...
Even though my challenges can be really hard, I face them by...
My Hopes
I imagine that my child will...
My child will always feel loved because...
Excerpted with permission from Reflection, Expression, Courage: A Journal For Parents On The Special Needs Journey, available on Amazon.
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Thanks for sharing!