6 Gratitude Strategies for Autism Parents and Their Families
We all want the same thing when it comes to raising children – happiness and health. But for parents of autistic children, there can be additional challenges.
Many things cause stress, anxiety, and depression among parents raising autistic children. One common and overlooked factor is a lack of gratitude. If you’re parenting an autistic child, chances are you’re already working hard at being the best parent you can be! But you may also feel like you’re completely stuck in a rut.
It's hard to be grateful while you're managing the chaos that surrounds you. I've discovered that finding gratitude in the little things has made a tremendous difference for not only me but my kids too!
Read on to discover if a gratitude practice could help reduce your levels of stress, overwhelm, and anxiety...all while improving the relationship you have with your kiddo and their diagnosis.
Identify 5 Key People in Your Life Who Have Touched Your Life.
This is a fun one! Think of five important people who have played a major (or minor) role in your life.
Now, write a letter to each of these people. Be specific and tell them what they did for you and how much it meant to you. For example, if you have a close friend who has helped you grow personally, tell them what that means to you and what they have taught you.
It doesn't have to be a letter - you could just as easily write an email or even a text...I know how busy you are, and you do not need to bring a stamp and the post office into this. The important thing is to express your gratitude in a way that acknowledges your feelings, then share your feelings with those closest to you.
Not only does it benefit you, it just might brighten the other person's day, and strengthen your relationship with them.
Write down a list of 3 things you're grateful for.
Whether you’re having a bad day or a bad week, there are a lot of things to be thankful for. Maybe you have a loving family, great health, a steady job, and a house you love! Whatever it is, start writing about your feelings now, even if you don't feel very thankful.
If you're not feeling thankful, then write down two things you are grateful for, even if you're not sure why you should be.
First thing in the morning or before you go to bed at night are great times to do this activity. It's also great as a mid-day (or post-meltdown) pick-me-up.
Make a point to say "Thank You" regularly...especially to your autistic child!
It's a nice thing to do for anyone who helps you or does something kind for you, but thanking your autistic child has a whole bunch of added benefits for both of you!
Firstly, it models the type of kindness most of us hope our kids will demonstrate, and let's be honest, that they may naturally struggle to pick up. It lets them know we see what they're doing well. Plus, it's a great way to show them that we appreciate the hard work they put into being the best version of themselves they can be.
Remember to be grateful for small things.
Gratitude is the best feeling. People who are grateful for life’s little things tend to have better overall lives. Being grateful for the smallest of things helps you appreciate the big picture and take more pleasure out of each moment of everyday life. A recent study found that people who are grateful for simple things such as their morning cup of coffee or the fact that the sun is shining each day are happier and healthier than people who are not as grateful.
Who doesn't want to be happier and healthier?!
Don't forget to notice and be grateful for the little things...you may even want to share those things with your kids and see if noticing the "small things" becomes a great way for you to connect.
Recognize the people who've supported you and your family.
It's easy to get bogged down under the heavy weight that can be raising an autistic kid or two (or more!) in our society today. And I know that raising your autistic child can sometimes mean the loss of close relationships, I think that's all the more reason we should celebrate and thank those that are there to support us and our kids.
Whether it's a friend, neighbor, relative, teacher, therapist, doctor, or even your regular DoorDash delivery driver bringing you dinner for the third time this week, acknowledge the people who are helping make things better for you and your family.
A daily gratitude practice can help parents and families stay focused on the positive, especially during challenging times.
We all know that life can be challenging. Adding an autism diagnosis to the mix can often add to the difficulties we face. There are times when life is stressful, but if you look around you, there are always reasons for gratitude, even if you haven't experienced them yet. Gratitude is a mindset, an attitude, and a habit.
The more you practice your gratitude habit, the easier it becomes to reflect on what's most important to you.
When you focus on your gratitude, you are more likely to see what is good in your life. You will become more appreciative of the things you do have in life. Gratitude can help you become a more positive person…and a better parent. You'll feel more content with life, plus you'll find more joy in it.
Conclusion
Autism parents have a lot on their plates. With all the daily demands we face, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. But taking a moment to reflect on gratitude will help you maintain perspective and stay positive.
To discover more about the power of gratitude (and get 6 of my other top stress-reducing tips for autism parents like you), click here to download your FREE copy of “7 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Stress: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Children.”
It's the easy-peasy way to get the self-care you need to become an Empowered and Engaged Autism Parent!
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