Sep 28

Parenting Corner – Balancing the Needs of My Family

Q: I have a child with autism and find his therapies/needs consume the majority of my time. I am happy to give him everything I have but worry I am neglecting my other kids even though they say they understand. How can I find a happy balance?

A. Great question! First and foremost BE KIND TO YOURSELF. As Moms we want to be able to do it all and do it perfectly; as a result we don’t enjoy the life we are experiencing. Second, you will continue to feel challenged if your happiness is dependent on finding “balance.” It’s rare that anyone can evenly divide their time on a consistent basis. Instead look at your life as a counter balance – sometimes it’s 40-40-20, sometimes it’s 20-20-60 and sometimes it’s 50-30-20. The key is to be intentional about how you spend your time. Finally, ask yourself how much time with your other kids would give you a “happy (counter)balance”? Until you define that for yourself you will continue to feel like you are falling short. Also, ask your other children how much time they want to spend with you – often we put demands on ourselves when the wants/needs of the people in our lives are less. Then commit to individual time with each of them on a weekly basis. Remember love is not determined by how much time you spend with someone but the quality of the time you are together.

Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.