If you could share one tip with a new parent what would it be?

Emma

We want to set up a new tips section for parents who have just discovered their child is disabled. Looking back, if you could share one tip with yourself as a new parent, what would it be? Perhaps someone gave you a piece of advice or a practical tip that made all the difference in those early days? If so, please pass it on!

joden1

Take each day as its comes, try not to look too far ahead.

elizasmum

Look after yourself - only when I'm relaxed and feel nourished am I able to find creative solutions to the challenges that my daughter's disability brings up for us.

Also a happily married and working disabled friend said to me after my daughter was diagnosed - 'don't worry about what she can and can't do - give her confidence in herself and she will navigate her challenges herself.' Best advice ever.

Catherinek12

Be kind to yourself, get rid of the guilt and do what you can. You're not a trained therapist (though after a while you'll feel like one!). You are above all a parent and your child needs your love and to be treated like any other child regardless of disability.

abstractLucas

There are very few definites in life and even if it seems like there are lots of Drs and specialists around at the moment who are telling you how things are going to be, they are not necessarily going to be right. Try not to take every word they say as gospel, it won't help you or your child or the other important people in your life.
Lucas

TASHA82

Don't look at your child as any different from any other. Your child is a gift, a unique blessing and a beautiful person who just wants to be loved for who they are. Even with their disability they will be able to show you the love like any other child's if not even more as they know and you know how special they truly are. The love between you and your child will be the greatest gift you will ever have. Cherish every moment and you will reap the rewards back, through their strength and determination xxx