My daughter Leila has Cerebral Palsy. She also has Polymicrogyria (Over 90% of her brain is malformed) and a very severe seizure disorder that causes regression. She is also the most amazing, loving and inspiring person I know.
When Leila was younger one of the things I dreaded most was all of the focus on her meeting milestones. I was so anxious going to every appointment knowing she had missed yet another milestone. I felt like I wasn’t doing enough, or that I had somehow failed as a mom. As if all that pressure wasn’t enough I signed up for a weekly email telling me what my baby “should” be doing. It left me feeling defeated and sad.
It took me a long time to get to the point where I finally let myself stop obsessing over everything she wasn’t doing. I learned to shift my focus on what she COULD DO and celebrate all that she achieved no matter how small. I give that credit to ABM NeuroMovement.
I can still work towards goals but I set them in achievable ways to take the pressure off and I’ve learned there is so much to celebrate along the way!
When I work with children, families will have their goals too. We keep those goals in mind and break them down. I often point out what is new or different to parents and help them notice all that’s changed. Your child learned to shift their weight while on their tummy! His legs feel more free! Her pelvis has more movement! Look how she is using her back now! It doesn’t matter if it may seem like small changes to most people or to those who make the “Milestone” rules. I know all of these changes are helping your child to move, learn and grow. They are important too. All of these things are something to celebrate!
When we learn to notice these changes it is empowering and uplifting. Something I want all parents to feel after their lessons. This journey is tough enough and I hope I can be that positive, safe place for you to come to.
Renée Gray
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