As a special needs parent to three boys on the autism spectrum, I deal with stress and anxiety on a daily basis. For a very long time I really struggled with everything. I was frustrated and felt helpless. Then a few years ago, I discovered something that has become a life saver for not only my peace of mind but also my sanity.
Special needs parenting can be very challenging. Personally, I experience a myriad of feelings and emotions ranging from frustration to even resentment. These feelings are to be expected and I have learned to accept them and not feel guilt or shame for feeling them, as I’m only human.
Along with accepting these feelings, I also have the responsibility of coping with them as well. There are many ways in which I could cope; however, the one I find works best for me is blogging.
I know what you’re thinking. How could blogging have possibly helped?
Blogging is something that I have found to be a very effective way for me to respond to the stress in my life. For me, it’s a safe and effective outlet for my frustrations. I find myself feeling better after writing things down and then walking away, leaving them there for all to read. I don’t consider myself a gifted writer and I don’t think you have to be. Blogging is essentially a digital journal that is stored on a server somewhere, instead of under your mattress. There is no right or wrongs when it comes to writing your own blog. It’s all about sharing your thoughts, feelings, opinions and experiences with the world.
It should also be noted that you can also make your blog private. This means that only those you wish to allow access will have the ability to read It.
I began blogging back in 2010. I was writing solely for myself and I never intended to others to actually read it. However, what happened was more than I could have envisioned.
People were responding to what I was writing. Before long, I found myself connecting with other parents who were feeling the same as I was. I realized that I was no longer alone. In fact, the reality was that I had never been alone. I simply didn’t know there were others out there like me. What I ended finding was not only an outlet but also a support system…
Come back tomorrow to read Rob’s tips on how and where to start your own blog!
Have enjoyed reading about Rob and his family for the last several months. The trials parents experience with special needs kids can be very overwhelming and reading others challenges give you a sence your’e not alone riding this roller coaster ride. Great writing Rob.
Rob,
I can only thank you for that.
I read your experiences, and I relate to what happens to my son.
I also check the responses, and learn with it.
I shared your website with most of my family, for it is a great way for them to read & understand Autism beyond what they see in my son, and understand him and others.
You write very well, and you and your family are a always in my thoughts & prayers!
Rob was one of the first connections I made as I began blogging about my own reality as a special needs parent. I’ve been blessed enough to call him and his wife Lizze friends as we navigate blogging and parenting in this remarkable special needs community online. His honesty and emotion are always there for anyone to see in his posting.
Good job!
As always thank you for sharing your experiences and being an open book. Much appreciated.
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I started blogging back in 2009. I’ve connected with so many great parents via my blog. Sometimes I help them, and sometimes they help me. It’s been an invaluable source of support for me.
I found Rob’s blog a few months ago. I am probably in the minority of his audience. I am a single professional woman with no kids and I know no one with autism. However, I found his blog refreshingly honest and sweet. I found myself caring about this family of strangers. This is probably not something he ever intended, but his blog made me realize that we have to care more about one another and share in each other’s triumphs and struggles. I do not know of any special needs families in my everyday life, but I welcome the opportunity to learn and to become aware.
I have been reading his blog for about 3-4 months now. I have a young autistic son. I fell upon Rob’s blog by dumb luck / fate. He makes me feel “normal.” His honesty and “telling it like it is” style of writing has me addicted to his blog. Any parent of an autistic child should have access to this blog. I can’t say enough good things about him.
One of the best things about Rob’s blog is that it doesn’t solely serve the special needs parenting community. For those of us who are childless, it has educated me more than any random news article or class ever could. It has helped me have a new perspective into a ‘world’ that I otherwise would have little to no experience with.
Congratulations Rob. When Readers like Grace, who has no kids, Special needs or not, is following your blog, you know you have a gift. I’m a proud reader. I’ve considered a blog but don’t know how to get started, so point me in the right direction.
I really appreciate Rob’s real life experiences with his children, and the wisdom he shares. As the mother of two special needs children, one with autistic disorder, I inform myself constantly through websites such as this and most families are doing the same, so this is a very viable source of resources and support. Thanks for bringing it to the public.
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how old are your children ? my son is 11, and we are getting at a defiant age…he is high functioning,but that does not mean he gets everything….he seems to excel in I” I don’t want to” and “my teacher says your wrong”