Single mum refuses to give up
Being a single mother is already a challenging journey, but when faced with the additional responsibility of raising an autistic child, the task can seem overwhelming.
However, there are countless stories of single mothers who exhibit unwavering determination and refuse to give up on their autistic children.
Riddhi Damodar is one of those single parents whose child has Autism but she showed an unwavering love and dedication in supporting her autistic child.
Her 11-year-old daughter; Dimani started showing signs of autism more clearly, when she was three years old.
Damodar’s motherhood journey
Ever since then, Ms Damodar became a beacon of resilience, advocating for her child’s needs, and providing her with the love and support necessary to thrive.
Mother’s Day is a momentous occasion for mothers to be recognised and celebrated for their tireless efforts and endless devotion.
Ms Damodar views motherhood as a precious opportunity to honour the profound impact she has in shaping her daughter’s future.
“It’s a heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary role that mothers play in nurturing and shaping the future generation,” Ms Damodar said.
As Ms Damodar celebrates motherhood, she reflects on her journey demonstrating an unparalleled level of unconditional love.
“Motherhood is a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs.
“As a single parent, it wasn’t the path I initially envisioned but I embraced it with open arms.
“Navigating responsibilities of being a solo parent, especially with a child with special needs, has been a roller coaster ride yet it has revealed strength within me that I never knew existed.
“It’s a gift that has taught me patience, resilience and the true meaning of unconditional love.
“I am also thankful to those family members who have been by my side all this time.
“After all it takes a village to raise a child,” she said.
A resilient Damodar
For Ms Damodar, when she hears the word ‘mother’ she immediately thinks of her mum, who gave her life.
“The warmth, unconditional love and sacrifices that she made for me and my brother.
“When I put my head in her lap and share my day and she lovingly puts her hand on my head.
“How she keeps reminding me to look after myself and eat on time, the hugs that she gives me when I am having a difficult day.
“She is my biggest cheerleader. “She is the kindest person I have ever known and I hope and wish is to be the same kind of mother to Dimani and give her all the love and support,” she said.
As a single mother, Ms Damodar plays many roles in her daughter’s life.
“I am my daughter’s biggest cheerleader and fierce advocate.
“I am her nurturer as well as protector. “It is my job to praise her as well as correct her when she is wrong. “Become the person, she can trust and be open to express anything. “As parents we play a huge part in shaping our children’s future and I wish to be a great role model to her demonstrating important qualities such as kindness, resilience and determination,” she said.
While there is no training manual for “how to become a mom?” Ms Damodar said it is a learning process.
“I am sure all mothers have some form of challenges.
“From the day your child is born until you leave this world, you remain a mom.
“There are no breaks, no holidays. The work of a mom never stops. “This is the reason a mother’s place is beyond anyone else.
“To me, navigating through the complex special needs of my daughter is the most challenging part. “I know in future there will be unseen challenges that may come and we will have to find ways to overcome it,” she said.
Mother’s strength
In order to overcome challenges in life, she started understanding and learning about her daughter’s special needs and advocate for it. “Sometimes I am successful and sometimes I am not, but I refuse to give up.
“I am my daughter’s voice.
“I may take a break but I get back and keep moving forward.
“The key is to master the art of patience and accept the fact that some things are beyond our control. “I learned to see the glass half full and focusing on ways to fill the remaining glass,” she said.
What makes Ms Damodar stand out from other mothers is her unwavering support and empathy for other mums.
“I recognise that each mother’s journey is unique and that there is no room for comparison.s
“Instead of focusing on differences, I prioritise fostering a community of support and encouragement among mothers.
“Together, we can uplift and empower one another to navigate the challenges of motherhood with
grace and resilience,” she said.
What makes her strong is the ability to think outside the box.
“I like exploring new perspectives and solutions that others might overlook.
“I don’t give up when it comes to my child’s wellbeing and future.
Since she became a mother, the best advice she received is to trust her instincts and embrace imperfection.
“I do not set unrealistic expectations either for myself or my daughter.
“I do not try to be a perfect parent; I try to be the best version of myself to my child,” she said.
Advocay
She said as pillars of strength in holding their family together, mothers provide a nurturing and supportive environment where family members can feel safe, express emotions, seek support and find solace during challenging times.
“Mothers are great at maintaining stability through routines and traditions.
“They bring in the important skill of problem solving which is the key to maintaining harmony and unity. “They foster forgiveness and acceptance and create an inclusive environment,” she said.
She has also urged other single mothers that they possess inner strengths and capabilities they may not yet realise.
“While the journey may have a rocky start, there is immense empowerment in realising that you have the freedom to design a life for yourself and your child.
“Trust your instincts; don’t be afraid to make tough decisions. “Embrace your imperfections. “Prioritise your child’s well-being above anyone else’s and most important, take care of yourself.
“Be the queen who was meant to be while being the best role model for your children.
“You are in the driver’s seat of your own destiny.
“I encourage single mothers to upgrade their skills, set ambitious goals, and always remember their potential for success,” she said.