133. Beyond Helicopter Parenting, Fostering Independence

In this episode, I am talking about the importance of finding the
balance between helping and controlling our children on the
spectrum.  


As parents, it's natural to want to protect and care for our
children, and for parents of autistic children like us, this is
even more true.


However, there's a fine line between helping and controlling.
 It's important to recognize when we're doing too much for
our children and inadvertently preventing them from developing
their independence. 


While we all want to see our children succeed, I think we must
understand the consequences of doing too much for them and not
giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential. When
we have an autistic child, we sometimes feel the need to control
every aspect of their life to ensure their safety and success. I
would just like to suggest that maybe you question it
sometimes.  Maybe he could do that thing?  Would it
hurt to allow her to try it? 


Just ASK yourself the questions in those moments.  Ask
yourself, am I limiting their potential because of my own fears?


When we "stretch" our children outside of their comfort zones and
encourage them to do things they are capable of, we give them the
chance to develop their independence and build their self-esteem.
It's important to remember that "stretching" doesn't mean pushing
them beyond their limits or overwhelming them.


Instead, it means finding the right balance between supporting
them and allowing them to explore and grow on their own.


You need to teach them life skills.  Everyday things that
you do, that we do, and those things that we take for granted as
just what we do.  Our children need to learn these practical
skills early on. Break down these skills into smaller, manageable
steps and give your child opportunities to practice them in a
safe and supportive environment.


Stretching your child outside of their comfort zone can be
challenging, but you can do it.


If you want to learn strategies and tools that you can use to
improve your life along this autism parenting journey,
becoming Not Your Average Autism
Mom is your answer.  Is the educational
journey overwhelming and confusing for you?  Our member
portal has an array of training and resources with everything you
need to know about Special Education and you can join LIVE ZOOM
calls with an Advocate to get any of your specific questions
answered.  


Maybe you are feeling alone on your journey or maybe you are
looking for other moms to connect with in a PRIVATE community who
understand your day-to-day challenges, be sure that you check out
ALL THE BENEFITS available for you when you
BECOME Not Your Average Autism Mom.


www.notyouraverageautismmom.com 


Additional Resources:


The Not Your Average Autism Mom Movement Facebook Page


Episode 96. Our Parenting Journey is Different


Episode 74. You Cannot Fix All the Things All the Time