I. A.C.C.E.P.T. M.E.: Strategies for Developing Self-Acceptance when Parenting Children Who Challenge

The long awaited blessings of having a child bring simultaneous bouts of confusion and uncertainty regarding the vast parenting responsibilities that come with raising that child. When the child has a disability, sometimes the tasks can seem especially daunting. The focus of this article is to guide parents of children who display challenging behaviors to accept trials head on and to persevere amidst threats to their self acceptance as effective parents. Using the acronym, I ACCEPT ME, nine strategies are suggested to help parents accept themselves regarding their competence in nurturing children who exhibit behavioral and emotional challenges. This article is for those parents who desperately need to hear the inner voice that whispers firmly, "I do measure up even when faced with my child's challenging behaviors." NINE KEY STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE SELF-ACCEPTANCE