October is a grand month for us at Hannah Moments Neurodiversity and Empowerment Solutions. It’s our anniversary month, as well as a time to raise awareness for various neurodivergent conditions, such as learning disabilities (LD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, World Mental Health Day, and health literacy, among others. My home country also celebrated National Heroes Day in October, making this month even more significant to me.
As I reflect on this anniversary, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we, as parents, show up for our neurodivergent, disabled, and special needs children. Often, we like to think that we have it all together, that we know the plan for every situation—but the truth is, each child is unique, and so are their diagnoses. While the names of their conditions may be the same, the ways they present can differ greatly. It’s essential for us as parents to have the mental agility to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our children.
This brings me to the importance of modeling. When we embody behaviors like flexibility, resilience, and grace in the face of challenges, our children take notice. Having a good example to follow makes it easier for our young ones to understand what desired behaviors look like. They witness how we adapt to unexpected changes and, in doing so, learn how to handle similar situations themselves. For children who may not immediately grasp these changes, it provides an opportunity for us to teach them through guided discussions or role-play, making sure they understand in a way that suits them.
Another crucial aspect of parenting is showing our children what growth and progress look like. They may not fully understand the sacrifices and steps we take toward success as they grow up, but with time, their appreciation will grow. They’ll remember moving from public transportation to owning a small vehicle, which later gets upgraded. Or perhaps they’ll recall moving from living with relatives, to renting a home, and eventually owning one. Maybe it’s about witnessing career growth—juggling work and school, getting promoted, or even starting a business. The key is that they see us working towards becoming better versions of ourselves, and that, in turn, teaches them to expect growth and improvement in their own lives. They learn not to wait for perfection but to start where they are, using what they have.
In our day-to-day activities, we’re constantly presented with opportunities to model these desired behaviors for our children. They remember what we do more than what we say, and this is where we have the chance to be their everyday heroes. We become their advocates, the ones who lead them with strength and compassion. For me, National Heroes Day holds deep meaning. As a woman who enjoys freedom, I’m grateful for those who fought so I could vote, receive the same education as my male counterparts, and have a voice. This voice is one I now use to empower families with neurodivergent, disabled, or special needs children, equipping them to achieve success. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.
I also think back to the many days and nights spent praying for clarity regarding my life’s purpose. Now, I can confidently say I am living in those answered prayers. When I started Hannah Moments four years ago, I didn’t have the clarity of vision, mission, or goals that I have today. But I knew one thing: God told me to start, and I obeyed. When our children see us trusting God and being obedient to His guidance, it strengthens their own faith. They come to understand that the success we experience is intertwined with our faith in God and our actions. This isn’t a formula where A + B = C; it’s a life guided by faith, teaching our children that when they face challenges, they can pray, trust God, and step out in faith just as we have.
As we celebrate this milestone, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect: How are you modeling the behaviors you want to see in your children? What examples of growth, resilience, and faith are you setting? Remember, our children are watching—and what they see in us will help shape the people they become. Let’s continue to guide, empower, and be the everyday heroes they need.
Consider reading this blog post on Autism Spectrum Disorder https://jamaicaautismacademy.com/2024/08/30/a-closer-look-at-autism-spectrum-disorder-for-parents/
Have you gotten a copy of my bestselling book Embracing Possibilities: Nurturing Children with Special Needs as yet? https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Possibilities-Nurturing-Children-Special/
