#compassionate parenting

[thepeacefulgarden]

[thepeacefulgarden]

[thepeacefulgarden]

[thepeacefulgarden]

[thepeacefulgarden]

[thepeacefulgarden]

[littlebellesmama]

What If Tough Love Isn't the Answer?

They say tough love builds character. That life is hard, and children need to learn that early. That if we don’t teach them about consequences, the world will do it, and it won’t be kind. That a little discipline now can save them from pain later. But what if we’re wrong? What if what we call discipline ends up shaping a voice in their head that tells them they are not enough?I watch my daughter…

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[blossomandglow]

via Randall Therapy and Wellness on Facebook (their words and images, not mine):

Many parents are concerned that "labeling" their autistic child will negatively impact them. The reality is that your child probably knows they're different. If they don't understand why, they will likely develop negative perceptions of themselves.

Many autistic people believed they were broken or that something was wrong with them before their diagnosis. Do you want your child to go through life feeling this way? The earlier you tell them they're autistic, the better.

If you need resources and suggestions for telling your child about their diagnosis, check out this list of books, videos, and illustrations (all resources are either neurodiversity-friendly or created by autistic people).

https://www.randalltherapyandwellness.com/post/resources-for-autistic-kids-telling-your-child-about-their-diagnosis

To learn more from autistic people, join @Autism Inclusivity on FB.

{Image description beginning, text: Parent: I don't want to label my (autistic) child. Autistic people: Your child has the right to know about their diagnosis. Autism is an inherent part of who they are and shouldn't be kept a secret. A few reasons for "labeling" your child:}

{Image description: Autism isn't a label (or disorder). It's a culture and identity-- a fundamental part of a person. It isn't something to "overcome," cure, hide, or be ashamed of.}

{Image description: Autistic people aren't neurotypical. Our differences should be acknowledged and understood by others. Our differences will always be present, with or without the "label." Knowing we're autistics allows us to frame those differences within the appropriate context (autistic/different neurotype vs. "broken").}

{Image description: Most likely your child already knows they're different, but they do not know why (even if they don't express this to you).}

{Image description: People who don't know they're autistic often believe something is wrong with them. They're unknowingly attempting to be neurotypical and do not understand why life is more difficult for them (which leads to burnout/mental health issues/negative self-perceptions/lack of support).}

{Image description: If you don't "label" your child by accurately describing them as autistic, others will inaccurately label them as awkward, lazy, rude, etc. Which do you want your child to believe?}

{Image description: By understanding their neurology, autistic children can learn to identify accept, and accommodate their needs while capitalizing on their strengths.}

{Image description: Teens and young adults who know they're autistic can find connection, belonging, and validation from their neurokin within the autistic community.}

{Image description: Autism isn't a bad thing. It's diversity. The more we talk about autism in positive ways and empower autistic children to advocate for themselves, the closer we get to creating a world that's more accepting of autistic people. End description.}