My 5yo DD is developmentally delayed.
We have tried everything to help her catch up as best we can (therapies and all).
She seems to be getting nowhere and I just feel like giving up!
I feel like a complete failure!
Feeling like a failure
Feeling like a failure
Posted in:
Kids
6 Replies
So your daughter is developmentally delayed and you're helping her
Great
You have a beautiful daughter who you're helping
Where is the failure? Do you mean you've failed or she has? Are you upset because you could do more or because she's not responding to therapy the way you want her to?
She can't help her delays, whatever they are, she is who she is
Accept her limitations and just keep loving her
Having a developmental delay and not catching up does not make you or your daughter a failure!
My son who is 21 has a developmental delay and will always be delayed.
Guess what he's just totally awesome. It's not bad or wrong or a failure he is just different. He will never catch up despite, working our butts off with therapies. My son loved those therapists though, had a ball and he and I both learnt a bunch of skills in those therapies, he just didn't 'catch up'.
Yes it's meant my son had different options regarding schooling, and now work, but my he is the most amazing young man, who people fall in love with.
Yes I found the early years tough, I like many parents had an idea/expectations for my child and I had to adjust and confront my expectations. But you don't know what's in the future.
Just wondering if YOU feel like a failure or if others are implying it or making comments that make you feel bad?
No one has implied it, I just feel that way...
it's just so hard some days, but there are days when I'm so proud.
Feel proud every day!!! I guarantee you she's doing the best she can to her abilities.
Her delays aren't about you, they're hers to learn to manage, if you feel frustrated by them, just imagine how it must feel for her
Please don't let her know how upset you are that she's not performing to your standards, the sense of failure and disappointment in herself could be catastrophic for her as she grows up
I hear you, my son is almost 5 and is developmentally delayed in several areas. I too feel I have failed him most days. My son has very poorly developed core muscles and as a result, becomes extremely tired very quickly, doing the things the rest of us take for granted. This has just been diagnosed, and it explains his poor toileting and co-ordination. I am very lucky, because the doctors at the hospital, and our early learning special needs centre have said how switched on he is and seems to be academically up with his peers. (goodness knows if this will be the same once he starts school next year because sitting in a chair is going to be so hard for him and I am worried he is going to be on a gradual entry to kindergarten). I am learning, it is all about consistency and encouragement. Being positive to the child's face, however you are feeling in your head. Love your child an enjoy all the activities you do with them. you are a great Mumma for being their for your daughter and not giving up on her. xo