8 tips for raising the difficult child

I have a son who brings me to my knees almost daily. He is bright and kind and has intentions of pure gold. But raising him is difficult beyond belief. I have read and studied and counseled on how to raise this unique little boy. We have tried various food products and diets and training. I have cried, a lot. Things are much better than they were, but he is still a challenge. Perhaps he always will be. But we love that boy, so we keep trying. There are no easy answers for what to do. But I've learned a few things along the way. Perhaps you have a difficult child as well. I hope this helps.

1. Don't blame yourself.

For years mothers of autistic children were guilted into thinking they hadn't been loving enough. The science of why children are born with certain challenges is an imperfect one. And it does very little good to look backward. I spent too many years trying to dissect my mothering techniques, until one day I googled "Asperger's Syndrome" and found myself reading an almost exact description of my son. In that moment I realized: "You know what? It turns out, I'm a pretty good mom. I simply have a difficult child." That change in mindset made all the difference. Suddenly I had confidence in myself again. I could love myself, which meant I had more love to give my children. It does everyone a disservice if we blame ourselves.