“At the Autism Treatment Center of America, we love Kindness … to ourselves, each other … including random acts of kindness … and, especially having kindness for our loved ones on the Autism Spectrum!
“Why? As a core human value, when practiced and received, kindness enhances love, connection, and joy in our relationship with ourselves and those around us.
“As an act of promoting and celebrating this core human value, every 3 weeks I will be bringing you a Kindness Korner post dedicated to celebrating, reminding, and showcasing kindness! Please join us!
“For Kindness Korner #1:
The greatest act of kindness that you can practice without any cost of money or time … is being kind to yourself. If you are a parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum, self-kindness can make the difference between a stressful day and a busy but enjoyable day.
“Most importantly, use kind words when you ‘talk’ to yourself. For example, if you had a stressful morning trying to get the kids out of the house and you were a bit abrupt or tense, and now you are judging yourself for that, and maybe even feeling like the worst parent in the world… Remind yourself, that you were doing the best you could at that moment and that you can create a calmer and more joyful morning tomorrow! Or, next time you notice your self-talk being unkind or judgmental: Stop, let it go, tell yourself something you appreciate about yourself instead, such as, ‘I am an awesome mother/father/grandparent because …!’
“Practice kindness on yourself … and, being kind to others will be easier.
“Wishing you a kind-filled day … and, please let us know some of the Kind thoughts you have ‘told’ yourself!”
Suzanne Pruss, Son-Rise Program Teacher