| Independence is one of the greatest gifts we can give | | | | 7. We do not need to do this alone. |
| our children. Although living alone may not be an option | | | | There are people who truly want to help. Welcome |
| for every child, helping your child to live the best life | | | | them in, and allow them to assist and support you. The |
| possible is every parent's dream. Independence comes | | | | better you take care of yourself, the more you have |
| in all shapes and sizes. Our children are transitioning all | | | | to give, and help your children reach their full potential. |
| the time. We may not notice our children's abilities | | | | We are in this together and must be on the same |
| unless we stay focused on the small, tiny things our | | | | team in order to succeed. |
| children can do. | | | | Listed below are some very important tools and |
| How can you help your child to grow and develop, if | | | | lessons I learned while helping my son become |
| you are not growing and changing yourself? As | | | | independent: |
| parents, we lead the way, and we hold the key to our | | | | 1. Do not listen to others when they say your child |
| children's future. When we can live in the moment, and | | | | cannot do something. |
| look from a more positive perspective, it will help us to | | | | 2. Always trust your instincts and trust your heart. |
| not only cope as parents but we will become more | | | | 3. Be respectful, especially when you think it will not |
| conscious evolved human beings in the process. The | | | | matter. |
| healthier we are emotionally, the more we have to | | | | 4. Being different can be beautiful. |
| give. The better we feel about ourselves, the more we | | | | 5. Encouragement builds self-esteem. |
| can help our children. When we are parenting this way, | | | | 6. Always listen to the silence in between the words. |
| the entire family wins. | | | | 7. Having and giving support helps to soothe the soul. |
| What to do: | | | | 8. Taking care of yourself first gives you fuel to carry |
| 1. Try not to compare your children with others. | | | | on. |
| 2. Praise them for what they can do. | | | | 9. Gratitude is a powerful tonic. |
| 3. Focus on seeing the positive, instead of the negative. | | | | 10. Hope and believing that anything is possible will take |
| 4. Find ways to take time out for yourself, and bring | | | | you through any storm. |
| laughter and joy into your life. | | | | 11. Kindness is not a luxury, it is a necessity. |
| 5. As parents, we set the tone within the family unit. | | | | 12. Never giving up is key. |
| 6. We must get help, assistance, and support from | | | | 13. ACCEPTANCE is the answer! |
| people who care and understand our children. | | | | |