Finding Meaning
"Caring for my child with special needs has caused me to grow as a parent and as a person."
As parents in the Building on Family Strengths (BFS) project talked about challenges faced by themselves and their children, they revealed inspiring and meaningful experiences. These experiences came from watching their children grow, partnering with others, and dealing with new and sometimes difficult situations.
Parents see their children as having:
- learned to compensate
- an increased compassion for others
- a generous spirit
- graciousness
- tenacity
- increased self awareness
- maturity beyond their years
- incredible determination
- toleration and acceptance of differences
Parents see their children affecting others:
- My child's special needs bring out the best in others
- Our children bring a depth of understanding to people around them
- My child gets to be a teacher, dispels myths
- My child "normalizes" and highlights diversity
- Other children become more aware and empathetic
- Our kids change people
Parents see themselves changing:
- I'm more compassionate and sensitive
- I'm more willing to ask for support and help
- I'm a better advocate
- We (as parents) learn from our children
- I appreciate the little things in life
- I have increased knowledge
- I'm on a mission
- I'm a stronger person
- I don't take things for granted
- I'm a better person than I was
Parents find meaning in the experience:
- I have great joy in my child's achievements
- The mundane becomes miraculous
- I have a strong bond with my child
- I have built bridges to groups of people I would not have met otherwise
- I've built skills through working with providers and systems
- I've experienced a broader world
- I've experienced personal growth
Reflect and act
Use these questions to explore the experiences and satisfying encounters you have had with others. Some parents notice positive change in others; while some notice growth within themselves.