Parenting support groups assure parents of children with developmental delays that they are not alone.
They can talk to others who understand the challenges, emotions, and practicalities that they’re dealing with every day. In addition, they can blow off steam in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Parents sometimes believe that they’re “bad parents” if their child is struggling.
As a result, their shame and embarrassment can prevent them from talking to other parents about their experience. Furthermore, parents may feel like they’re the only ones having a hard time. Thus, they believe that other parents have “perfect” relationships with their kids and know just what to do when their child is suffering.
Hence, parenting support groups are a reminder that there are no “perfect” parents or “perfect” kids. All parents doubt themselves sometimes. And everyone makes mistakes along the way.
Parenting support groups is the access they provide to information and resources. For example, parents can get referrals to therapists in their area.
Parenting support groups provide a space and time for parents to focus on what’s happening with their teen. And they can look at how the entire family is affected. This space for reflection can be hard to find during daily life. That’s because parents are in the midst of coping with the moment-to-moment challenges that arise. Therefore, focused time in a parent support group provides the opportunity to consider options. As a result, parents can make thoughtful plans and decide on next steps to support the family’s health and thriving.
In summary, parenting support groups offer a wealth of benefits. Therefore, parents feel better equipped to help their children. In addition, they have a support network to turn to. And they may even make lifelong friends among the other parents they meet in a group. As a result, parent support groups can be a powerful step along the path of healing.
Need for counselling and to have a platform to let out their feelings is crucial:
- The lives of parents take a drastic turn once the diagnosis is done. Their dreams and hopes are shattered and are filled with negative emotions.
- Parents of special needs children wrestle with multiple problems and unknown demands.
- The challenges faced are different as compared to experiences of parents of typically developing children.
- The emotional shock, self-doubt, blame, guilt and anxiety regarding the future along with a lack of awareness about the child’s disability and lack of parenting skills are the challenges faced by parents.
- Financial burden and lack of professional support make the situation even worse.
Thus, the impact on a family with a special child is severe which needs to be addressed with care.