“I wish my child is diagnosed with a disability”.  Have you ever heard anyone say that?

When your child is diagnosed with a disability, you are automatically out of your comfort zone.  Shocked, stunned, and upset, you have no choice but to move forward.  In an instant, the life you had planned for and intended for you and your family, has completely changed.  The news is devastating and you are forced to stretch your boundaries far beyond what you would have ever imagined.

You are definitely out of your comfort zone.

Believe it or not, however, there is a positive side to this situation.  Over the years, I have been encouraged by many families, as well as what I had learned from my own situation, about the valuable opportunities that arise when your child is diagnosed with a disability.

 What are the positive things when your child is diagnosed with a disability?

  •  You will be more productive
    Without a doubt, you will be busy.  Your days will be filled with typical activities associated with parenting, work and leisure.  Supporting a child who has a disability includes many other additional responsibilities and your boundaries will be pushed for you to get more done and find efficient ways to work.  Your time management skills will certainly be enhanced.
  • You will be more equipped to face uncertainty and unexpected changes
    While you may try to fight it, or not believe it is happening , you won’t be able to pretend that your situation doesn’t exist. You will be challenged way beyond what is considered as a normal situation.  You will learn about your own ability to cope.  As you continue on, you will gain strength and capacity to deal with life changes as they arise.
  • You will experience intellectual and spiritual growth
    If you allow yourself to be open to it, your situation will provide an opportunity for continual learning and a higher awareness of your personal values and beliefs and how they shape the way you live.  There is so much to learn.
  • You will channel your creativity
    As you navigate through the supports and services system, quite often you may face barriers or be given a response of “no”.  This experience will open up your ability to create solutions that work for your child and family.
  • You will meet a lot of people
    There are so many people whom you will meet along your journey and each of them will have an influence of your life and you will have an impact on them.  The feeling of connectedness can help to reduce the feeling of isolation and you will have a wealth of resources to call upon in times of need.
  • You will realize the importance of gratitude
    At the beginning, you may not feel very thankful for the unexpected news.  As you move forward, you will realize how much your new situation has enriched your life.  You will also be grateful for your family, friends, and your health.
  • You will make a difference for others
    As a result of all that you will learn, you will be able to support and guide someone in a similar situation.  You will also realize how to influence positive change.

As a parent of a child diagnosed with a disability, you have no choice.  It takes a lot of courage and stamina to live outside of your comfort zone.  Take small strides and don’t be afraid to go slow.  Don’t try to mask your fears and make like you have everything under control.  Identify your fears and then face them, step by step.

I conduct group coaching for families that have children diagnosed with a disability.  Contact me to find out how I can work with the families supported by your group or organization.

~ Lisa