Trust Your Instincts

 This is from Tina Payne Bryson, PhD.  She refers to babies in this post, but it can be applied across the board to parenting kids of all ages, and especially our kids with special needs.  Parental instincts are important to listen to.  

In our specific case, if we hadn’t pushed the doctors, requested second opinions and continued to seek help for our son, we were told by the doctor (who finally listened to us and took our concerns serious) that we were lucky we kept pushing to get the right care for our son.  At age 2, during his first colonoscopy/endoscopy procedure, he found so much intestinal damage, imflammation, ulcers and his bowels were so stretched they were on the verge of perforation.  Bowel perforation is very dangerous and our sons was so bad, if it had happened he could have died from it.   

This was shocking and scary as hell to hear.  And yet, our instincts were right. We knew something was wrong with our son, and we were not going to give up until we found answers.  

This was our first lesson in trusting our instincts and not just taking a professionals word.  If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.  Our situation was obviously more severe than many.  But this is why I feel parent empowerment is so important and trusting your instincts when it comes to our children.  We know our kids best.  

That is why I always say, we are our child’s best advocate.  

ps...I highly recommend any of her books, but especially the “Whole Brain Child” co authored with Dr. Dan Siegel.   

Dr. Tina Bryson:    I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but please know that there are many, many ways to be a great parent.  Of course it’s helpful to listen to friends and family and experts, and to consider science when making decisions about your child.  That’s the fundamental principle my latest book is based on.  Knowledge is power, and most of us step into parenting not knowing much about all the details and decisions and options and science available to us.  That’s why we listen to others.  And yes, it's important that you question your own preconceived opinions and biases when faced with new information.  But ultimately, this is your baby, and your family that you’re deciding about.  Every child and parent and family constellation is unique.  You need the information, along with consideration of your traditions and values, while paying attention to your parental instincts and your child’s ever-changing individual needs.  Then you can make the decision that makes the most sense for your child, yourself, and your family. 

#wholebrainparenting #mentalwellness #mentallyhealthy