There’s little doubt that raising children of special needs is stressful. You may feel like you’re always on duty with no time off for good behavior and no special needs resources to help. Good self-care habits offer important opportunities to relieve ongoing stress and help you find more positive ways to cope with tough demands.
That’s why it’s important to take time out to meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs. While everyone’s self-care needs are different, it’s important to find a way to meet them.
Most Married Couples Can Benefit from Weekly Date Nights with Their Spouses.
Here they get to eat a full meal without any interruptions. Others parents wish for time alone in their own home to take a leisurely bath or long shower, or to read a magazine or newspaper cover to cover. Ten years after parenting a child with cerebral palsy, I still dream of the luxury of a full night’s sleep.
We Often Advise New Parents To Take Naps While Their Babies Are Sleeping.
That way they can adjust their new roles. This rule is even more valuable for parents of children of special needs who regularly endure interrupted sleep. If grandma offers to babysit, don’t do the laundry! Go shopping, go for a walk, catch up on lost sleep, get your hair done or go out to dinner. The laundry can wait. In fact, when friends ask what they can do to help, tell ‘em the laundry. Most people are also eager to also provide dinner for a family in need. Don’t refuse these generous offers.
Don’t Be Shy About Your Needs.
Family and friends can’t read your mind, nor should they have too. Most people want to help, although they don’t know what to do when others face challenging times. Make it easy for them and you. Learning how to ask boldly for what you need is a life lesson that will serve you well in the many parenting moments still to come.
As time goes on, most parents become more comfortable in their new role. However, you and your child will still face challenges down the road--at school, with friends, and in growing independent. All the more reason to learn now how to prioritize your own needs. Taking time to refuel allows you to return to the challenging demands of parenting your child with special needs. Regular exercise may also relieve stress that can increase your risk of depression, addiction and even heart attacks.
There’s little doubt that raising children with special needs is stressful. You may feel like you’re always on duty, with no time off for good behavior, and no one to help. Good self care habits offer important opportunities to relieve on-going stress and help you find more positive ways to cope with tough demands.
Many books today address the needs of challenged children, but few address the needs of caretakers, which are just as critical. Your children need you to be at your best, so you can help them achieve their full potential. It’s no easy task. All the more reasons to take time out for you.
No matter what you’ve heard, it’s not selfish to include your needs in the equation of special needs parenting. It’s critical. Think of good self-care habits as part of the training required for running the parenting race. The rewards of your positive actions will be worth it, to you and your child.
Now, go take a bubble bath...
Judy Winter is an award-winning journalist on disability issues and the recipient of the 2002 Exceptional Parent Award from the Michigan Federated Chapters of the Council for Exceptional Children.