ADHD Parent Support

1. Just because you have days when you are overwhelmed, doesn't mean that you are a bad parent. It's okay to cry and it's okay to need a break. You are doing amazing.

2. Beneath every behavior is a feeling. And beneath every feeling is a need. And when we meet that need rather than focus on the behavior, we begin to deal with the cause and not the symptom. ~ Ashleigh Warner 

3. If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be. ~ Maya Angelou 

4. I often spend my time wondering if I am doing this right. At some point I need to just remind myself that I'm doing my best. That is enough.  ~ Unknown 

5. There is no such thing as a “bad kid” - just angry, hurt, tired, scared, confused, impulsive ones expressing their feelings & needs the only way they know how. We owe it to every single one of them to always remember that. ~ Jessica Stephens

6. Discipline is helping a child solve a problem. Punishment is making a child suffer for having a problem. To raise problem solvers, focus on solutions, not retribution. L.R Knost 

7. High five to those who are struggling in a world that is too loud, too bright, overwhelming and still continue to shine each day. You are brave and doing amazing. That takes a lot of strength. ~ Unknown 

8. Dear Special Needs Parent, I didn't mean to interrupt your scrolling but I wanted to tell you that you are doing a great job! You are strong. You are brave. You are valuable. You are needed. You are beautiful. You are not alone and never forget that. ~ Unknown 

9. Strong willed children become adults who change the world as long as we can hang on for the ride and resist the temptation to take the spirit out of them.  ~ Sarah Stogryn

10. Embrace the unique way your child is blooming - even if it's not in the garden you imagined. ~ Jenn Soehnlin 

11. Behavior is a form of communication. If I am misbehaving at school, I am trying to tell you something. ~ Unknown

12. The best gift you can give a child with special needs is your friendship. To include them, play with them and believe in them. ~ Unknown 

13. Don't compare your child to others. There's no comparison between the sun and the moon. They shine when it's their time. ~ Unknown

14. I am a parent. I am a caregiver. I am a family member. It is my job to see the world through this child's eyes. Explain this child to teachers. Explain this child to our community. It is my privilege to fight for this child's needs. ~ Unknown 

15. Every child is a different kind of flower. All together they make this world a beautiful garden. ~ Unknown

16. Special needs parenting can be really tough. Most could never do what you do each day. Don't be so hard on yourself. Be strong. Be brave. You can do this. You are doing a great job. I see you. ~ Unknown 

17. Don’t tell a mom she looks tired; she already knows that. Tell her she’s doing a good job; she might not know that. ~ Uknown 

18. The hardest part of being a parent is watching a child go through something really tough and not being able to fix it for them. ~ Unknown 

19. If you want to know how to treat a child with special needs, look at their sibling...they will show you. ~ Unknown 

20. Sensory Processing Disorder does exist. It's real. Our kids are not bad kids. Our kids do not lack discipline. We are not making excuses for behaviors. A meltdown is not a tantrum. Sensory Processing Disorder can cause extreme reactions and anxiety. Children with SPD are not spoiled and they do not do it for attention. SPD does not affect everyone the same way. Please be understanding and supportive. ~ Jeanette Baker-Loftus 

21. Repeat after me: I am not a bad parent. I am a great parent having a bad day. 

22. We are not special parents because we have special needs children. We are regular people who have become better human beings because of our special needs children. ~ Unknown 

23. When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos. ~ L.R Knost 

24. I am a Sensory Processing Disorder Mom, not all super heroes wear capes.                 ~ Jeanette Baker-Loftus

25. I think the hardest part of having a child with a delay of any kind is the fight. The fight for services, the fight for people to understand who your child is and what they need. The fight for knowledge, because knowledge is power and the quiet fight you have within yourself wondering if you have left no stone unturned. ~ Jessie Doyle 

26. Mama, You were given these children - you. No one else. You were given these children because you are who they need. You have the soul that loves them even on their hard days. You have the motivation and love to give these children everything they need. You have the heart to wake up every morning and do it all over again, even when you are exhausted. You have the smile that they crave and the touch to make everything ok. You are their sunshine and their comfort. You are theirs and they are yours mama. On the days you are questioning yourself, remember: You've got this. ~ Uknown  

27. I will speak for you, I will fight for you, I will advocate for you, So that one day, You can do it for yourself. ~ Unknown 

28. Sometimes when you see the parent of a special needs child cry, its better not to ask why? Sometimes it only takes three words to ease their pain. Those three words are … I AM HERE. ~Unknown 

29. Sometimes as the parent of a special needs child, I often feel desperate for a miracle ... then I look into the eyes of my child and realize I already created one. ~Unknown 

30. I don’t think the worst thing that could happen to me is raising a child with special needs. I think the worst thing is to raise a child who is cruel to those with special needs. ~ unknown 

31. Do not let a broken system convince you that you have a broken child. ~ Uknown 

32. Surround yourself with people who get it. Surround yourself with people who will be supportive and understanding. Surround yourself with people who won't judge you or your child. Surround yourself with people who will love you and your child unconditionally. Find your tribe. A tribe that will be there for you and your child on your journey. You and your child deserve this and nothing less. ~ Unknown 

33. Children with special needs come into our lives, leaving footprints on our hearts and we are never the same. ~ Unknown

34.  Parents of newly diagnosed kids. It's going to be okay. Your child is still your child. Your love for them won't ever change. There will be days that are hard. Heartbreaking even. It's okay to not be okay. Just don't get stuck there. Your child needs you to be strong. When you think you have it hard, remember it is harder for your child. Find your tribe. Find those who support you and understand this path that you are walking. Channel your emotions towards the fight. The fight for services, quality education, and quality of life. Never give up. ALWAYS have hope. Your child is going to teach you SO MUCH! ~ Unknown 

35. Remember: everyone in the classroom has a story that leads to misbehavior or defiance. 9 times out of 10, the story behind the misbehavior won’t make you angry. It will break your heart. ~Annette Breaux

36. A child with disabilities often spends hours being taught how to interact with others... but why don't we spend time teaching those without disabilities how to interact with them? ~ Calleen Petersen

37. Instead of teaching children to get 'there,' why not let them be here? Where is 'there' anyway? The world needs more 'here' than 'there'. ~ Vince Gowmon 

38. Having children with special needs can be challenging. Getting people to understand can be the hardest part. ~ Unknown 

39. Someone with Sensory Processing Disorder makes me proud every single day.

40. I think having a child with disabilities teaches you a level of love, patience, protection, compassion and understanding you didn't even know existed. ~ Unknown

41. A child with special needs is not choosing to be difficult or misbehaving on purpose. They just react to things differently. Be patient and kind always. ~ Unknown 

42. When your child is having a meltdown... don't talk. Don't try to reason. Don't get angry. Your child can't hear you. Just be silent and loving until the storm passes. Words can come later. ~ Unknown 

43. It is so important to love someone a little extra on their bad days.

44. They said he wouldn't, but he did. They said he couldn't, but he can. They said he won't, but he will. ~ Unknown 

45. Nine times out of 10, the story behind the misbehavior won't make you angry, it will break your heart. ~ Annette Breaux 

46. Motherhood is about raising and celebrating the child you have, not the child you thought you would have. It's about understanding that he is exactly the person he is supposed to be. And that, if you're lucky, he just might be the teacher who turns you into the person you are supposed to be. ~ Joan Ryan 

47. Before you judge me as a special needs parent... Please know that I am already my biggest critic. ~ Unknown 

48. There are really places in your heart that you don't know exist until you love a child.  ~ Anne Lamott 

49. There are no bad children. There are bad choices. There are bad moments. There are bad days. There are bad situations. But there are no bad children. Period. L.R Knost 

50. People with special needs are not as different from you and me as you might think. They want the same things we want: to love and be loved, and to be accepted, appreciated, and included. ~ Sylvia Phillips 

51. Judging a child who has special needs does not define who they are... it defines who you are. ~ Unknown 

52. Crying and feeling sad when you have a child who has special needs does not mean that you are weak. It means that you're a parent who is in search of getting your child all that he/she needs and at times feels frustrated, overwhelmed and isolated. ~ Unknown 

53. When you are frustrated with me because of the things I cannot do … Just imagine how frustrated I must be because I am not able. ~ Unknown 

54. Remember, popcorn is prepared in the same pot, in the same heat, in the same oil, but the kernels don't pop at the same time. Don't compare your child to other children, their turn to pop is coming. ~ Unknown 

55. The kids who need the most love will ask for it in the most unloving ways. ~ Russell Barkley

56. Your special needs journey won't be the same as anyone else's, so don't let anyone in the world tell you what it should look like. ~ Unknown

57. It shouldn’t matter how slowly a child learns. What matters is that we encourage them to never stop trying. ~ Robert John Meehan

58. Don't let others who don't understand your child's struggles, make you doubt your parenting. ~ Unknown 

59. A child is like a butterfly in the wind. Some can fly higher than others, but each one flies the best it can. Why compare one against the other? Each one is different, each one is special, each one is beautiful. ~ Unknown 

60. My child isn't giving me a hard time, they are having a hard time. ~ Unknown

61. Encourage me. Support me. Never underestimate my mind. I will meet milestones in my own way and in my own. ~ Uknown  time.

62. When you find yourself locked in the bathroom, sobbing on the floor because you've just had enough, that does not mean you have failed as a mother. Being a mother is hard. That is not failure. That is fact. Remind yourself of that. ~ Unknown 

63. You can't punish a child who is acting out because of sensory overload. ~ Temple Grandin

64. Anger and aggressive behavior can be a mask for anxiety. When children are overwhelmed by internal feelings they don't know how to process, it turns into outbursts & meltdowns.            ~ Sarah Boyd

65. As a parent, you always worry about your child but there are so many other worries when you have a child who has Sensory Processing Disorder. ~ Jeanette Baker- Loftus 

66. Meet your child where they are at, not where the world expects them to be. ~ Unknown 

67. As a mama, I'm only ever going to be in 1 of 3 places. In front of my kids cheering them on, behind them to have their back, or beside them so they never have to walk alone. ~ Unknown 

68. When your child who has Sensory Processing Disorder dislikes loud noises, but is the loudest person you know. ~ Jeanette Baker- Loftus 

69. When you judge someone based on a diagnosis, you miss out on their abilities, beauty, and uniqueness. ~ Unknown 

70.  Behind every challenging behavior is a child with a beautiful soul, just needing someone to listen, to believe in and love them.  ~ Kerry Aryal

71. Being a parent is not about what you gave up to have a child with special needs, but what you gained from having one.  ~ Unknown 

72. It's Sensory Processing Disorder … not bad parenting. ~ Unknown 

73. Respond to your children with love in their worst moments their broken moments their angry moments their selfish moments their lonely moments their frustrated moments their inconvenient moments because it is in their most unlovable human moments that they most need to feel loved.  ~ L.R. Knost 

74. In my world there are no bad bad kids, just impressionable conflicted young people, wrestling with emotions and impulses, trying to communicate their feelings and needs the only way they know how. ~ Janet Landsbury

75. It takes unimaginable strength to continually endure, persist & overcome. People with disabilities aren't weak. They're the strongest human beings you'll ever meet.  ~ Unknown 

76. Hey, Beautiful One. You knew today would be a little tricky. Hang tight, Love. You're walking in the right direction. Just keep walking. ~ Unknown 

77. Parents are often quick to judge whether or not behavior warrants a punishment, but when we pause to listen to what the behavior is saying about our child’s feelings and experience, a whole new world opens up to us and our children. ~ Rebecca Eanes

78. Cherish the children marching to the beat of their own music.They play the most beautiful heart song. ~ Fiona Goldsworthy

79. Dear special needs parent, Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything that you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome. ~ Unknown 

80. Children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder are like a snowman. Creative, beautiful, fun and they meltdown. Please be understanding.  

81. Teach your children that strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't. ~ Rikki Rogers

82. Yelling silences your message. Speak quietly so your children can hear your words instead of just your voice.  ~ L.R Knost 

83. Children don't know how to ask for what they don't know they need. Their asking comes in the form of behavior. ~ Bonnie Harris 

84. Parenting is the easiest thing to have an opinion on, but the hardest thing in the world to do.  ~ Matt Walsh 

85. When a child can’t calm down they need connection and comfort, not criticism and control. ~ Jane Evans

86. Everyone needs encouragement at times. If you are a parent of a child with special needs, I see you. I know how difficult things can be. ~ Unknown 

87. Just because you carry it all so well doesn't mean it's not heavy. ~ Unknown 

88. "You look tired" I have a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, I am pretty sure this is my face is now. ~ Jeanette Baker Loftus 

89. I hope you find time and space to rest and recharge, I hope you know you're deserving of it. And in a world which tells us that being busy and "productive" is the goal, I hope you know rest is not indulgent. It is a necessity.  ~ Unknown 

90. Being a special needs parent ... you have good days, bad days and those days where you just try and get by without falling apart. ~ Unknown 

91. There comes a moment when you realize that what you are advocating for is more than just accommodations. You're really advocating for someone's quality of life. That's the moment you realize that you won't give up. ~ Unknown 

92. Don't expect everyone to understand your journey, especially if they've never had to walk your path.  ~ Unknown 

93. When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower. ~ Alexander Den Heijer

94. Autism is a journey that I never planned but I sure do love my tour guide. ~ Unknown 

95. Parents who feel guilty about not doing enough are usually the ones doing everything possible. ~ Unknown 

96. Believe in yourself as a parent. You are your child’s best therapist and advocate. ~ Unknown 

97. Special needs parents are tired ... Special needs parents are stressed ... Special needs parents are trying ... But ... special needs parents won't give up. ~ Unknown 

98. Nobody hides pain better than a mother who’s trying to remain strong for her kids.  ~ Unknown 

99. I have a child with special needs. I didn't know if I would be strong enough. Turns out I am. And so are you. ~ Lisa Thornbury

100. SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT SLEEP: It's like regular sleep but without the sleep. 

101. Give yourself the same care and attention that you give others and watch yourself bloom     ~ Unknown 

102. A little person who has special needs has taught me to be braver & stronger than I ever thought I could be. I've learned coping skills I never knew I had I have learned to fight like a prize fighter under stress but most importantly, I have fallen in love with a little person who has made me a better person. ~ Susan Zajicek

103. Your child is capable of things no one can predict. ~ Natan Gendelman

104. Shift your parenting views. Your child is not stubborn, he is determined. Your child is not defiant, she is learning to express her opinions. You child is not bossy, he is honing in on his leadership skills through trial and error. Your child is not selfish, she expresses her ownership and responsibility. Celebrate their strengths. Look at your kids differently and you will nurture them differently.  ~ Umm Anissa 

105. Meet your child where they are, not where the world expects them to be. ~ Unknown 

106. It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences. ~Audre Lorde

107. Just in case you need this today: You are loved. You are doing a great job. You are a fantastic parent. You are not a failure. You are needed. You are wanted. I believe in you. You can do it.

108. Parenting a special-needs child is hard work. It is physically exhausting, mentally and emotionally draining, time-consuming, and often times, very, very lonely. ~ Patrick Baldwin

109. It feels hard because it is hard. Please go a little easier on yourself.  ~ Unknown 

110. The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen. ~ Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

111. The disability is not the problem. The accessibility is the problem. ~ Mohamed Jemni

112. Each Child is Unique, Not Only Capable of Learning But Also Capable of Succeeding. ~ Robert John Meehan

113. 1 in 20 children have a disability. That gives 19 kids a daily opportunity to learn about diversity, collaboration, inclusion and friendship. ~ Unknown 

114. On particularly rough days when I'm sure I can't possibly endure more, I remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days has been 100%. And that’s pretty good. ~ Unknown 

115. It’s not only children who grow. Parents do, too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it myself. ~ Joyce Maynard 

116. In your most challenging parenting moments, take a deep breath and try to remember that the moment your child is at their most challenging is the moment your child is struggling with the most challenges. ~ L.R Knost 

117. No matter how stressed you are, remember how blessed you are.  ~ Unknown 

118.  Take one day at a Time. Sometimes it’s one hour at a time.

119. Sometimes the people around you won't understand your journey. They don't need to, it's not for them. ~ Joubert Botha

120. Parenting is a constant battle between going to bed to catch up on sleep or staying awake to finally get some alone time.  ~ Unknown 

121. When you are feeling lost...  remember who you are doing it for. ~ Unknown

122. Every day is a new beginning, take a deep breath, smile and start again. ~ Unknown 

123. Sometimes, it's our own love that we need the most, and first. Make yourself a priority.        ~ Unknown 

124. Don't compare your child to others. There's no comparison between the sun and the moon. They shine when it's their time.  ~ Unknown 

125. Be the encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.  ~ Dave Willis 

126. It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. ~ E.E Cummings 

127. Uncertainty is stressful. But you don't need all the answers. Just breathe deeply & take small steps. ~ Karen Salmansohn

128. Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt 

129. When I feel grief wash over me, when I am tired of fighting, when I feel isolated or exhausted, I can almost hear another special need mom telling me "you got this" ~ Silvia Corradin 

130. Anxiety happens when you think you have to figure everything out at once. Breathe. You are strong. You got this. Take it day by day.   ~ Unknown  

131. I think you are all doing a very beautiful job figuring out some heavy shit. ~ Unknown 

132. There isn't a single person on this planet who is entitled to treat you badly. Remember that.  ~ Unknown 

133. Soon, when all is well, you're going to look back on this period of your life and be so glad that you never gave up. ~ Brittany Burgurder

134. When you're in a dark place, you sometimes tend to think you've been buried. Perhaps you've been planted. Bloom!.    ~ Peenhaz Hussain 

135. You are strong for getting out of bed in the morning when it feels like hell. You are brave for doing things even though they scare you or make you anxious. And you are amazing for trying and holding on no matter how hard life gets. ~ Unknown 

136. Talk through your frustration and your child will learn to talk through theirs.  ~ Unknown

137. The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice. ~ Peggy O'Mara

138. You are more than the mistakes you've made. You are the wisdom, love, strength and compassion you’ve gained from all you’ve been through. ~ Karen Salmansohn

139. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Where can I get directions to this freaking village? ~ Unknow 

140. Whatever life throws at you, even if it hurts you, just be strong and fight through it. Remember, strong walls shake but never collapse. ~ Unknown 

141. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I think it takes a child with autism or other special needs to raise the consciousness of a village. ~ Elaine Hall

142. It's okay to be sensitive, that's what happens when you have magic in your heart. ~ Unknown 

143. There is tired and there's Sensory Processing Disorder parent tired …  ~ Jeanette Baker-Loftus 

144. Tell your story. Shout it. Write it. Whisper it if you have to. But tell it. Some won't understand it. Some will outright reject it. But many will thank you for it. And then the most magical thing will happen. One by one … your tribe will gather. And you will never feel alone again.  ~ L.R Knost 

145. The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don't give up! ~ Robert Tew 

146. Life is tough, my darling, but so are you. ~ Stephanie Bennett Henry

147. Don't be sad because you are not there yet. Be happy because you are getting closer every day. ~ Unknown 

148. You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.  ~ Bob Marley

149. Parenting has nothing to do with perfection. Perfection isn’t even the goal, not for us, not for our children. Learning together to live well in an imperfect world, loving each other despite or even because of our imperfections, and growing as humans while we grow our little humans, those are the goals of gentle parenting. So don’t ask yourself at the end of the day if you did everything right. Ask yourself what you learned and how well you loved, then grow from your answer. That is perfect parenting. ~ L.R Knost 

150. You were someone before you were their Mom and that person matters. ~ Unknown 

151. Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn't know before you learned it. ~ Maya Angelou

152. Thinking of your child as 'behaving badly' disposes you to think of punishment. Thinking of your child as 'struggling to handle something difficult' encourages you to help them through their distress. ~ Unknown 

153. I hope you know you're capable, brave and significant. Even when it feels like you're not. ~ Unknown 

154. You do not have to make your children into wonderful people. You just have to remind them that they are wonderful people. If you do this consistently from the day they are born, they will believe it easily. ~ William Martin