I recently read an article in a magazine that was focusing on parenting children with special needs, specifically autism. The article covered many things and had interviews with several moms.

One mom expressed a huge amount of guilt in regard to her son’s autism. This was somewhat foreign to me because while I have felt guilt, it was not in relation to my being the reason that my kids have issues. I did one day, for a minute or two, wonder if my being severely dehydrated with my second pregnancy had something to do with my youngest having delevopemental and anger issues. But that thought quickly passed. I had no control over my pregnancy - well at least not over the dehydration part. I couldn’t keep anything down with that one!

I do however, experience guilt on a daily basis in regard to my reactions to the behavior of my kids. My short temper and outbursts shame me, but I am trying my best to learn how to cope better. My girls are resilient though, and it seems that no matter how awful I feel that I’ve been with them, they still seem to love me and I hope they know that I love them too.

I was talking with co-host Dawn last week about wether we remember the bad stuff from our childhood. Sure I remember some of it, but for the most part, I remember how much my mom loved me. She was scary in that she had a lack of control over her emotions, and for some good reasons, but while I remember those outbursts, the love, care and help I got from her with everything is what stands out in my head.

So, try to put your guilt to good use and change some behaviors. We all have to work but maybe instead of insisting that you do something right now - go play with your kid for a minute or two when they ask. Get your work done when they don’t want anything to do with you and quit beating yourself up.

Jenn Brockman Co - Host

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Special-Needs-Kids