Let’s be honest here, parenting a child with learning struggles is not easy!
And you probably spend most of your time worrying about and caring for your child, but who cares for you? Self-care is so important, please take the time to make it happen.
As a special needs parent, there are many ways that you can ensure your are taking care of your own health and each person may have different needs, but here are some thoughts:
- Make your health a priority. Regular exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and doing activities that you enjoy will help.
- Do not neglect your marriage or your other children. Make time for other family members and be sure to get plenty of time with your other children.
- Find a friend who knows what you are going through or can at least empathize. Often you will come across other families who have a child that shares the struggles of your child through therapies, special classes, or educational interventions. Foster these friendships, it helps to have a sympathetic ear or shoulder to cry on.
- Accept help. Don’t be afraid to accept support from extended family and friends and be clear about what kind of help you might need. Don’t shut out well-meaning friends and family because you are feeling overwhelmed. Often the help of taking your children out to the park or a meal can be just what you need to get a break.
- Understand that there are some situations that you can’t avoid. In spite of all of the stress and worry you might experience, life still happens. Know that other family members may need your help as difficult situations arise and try to “go with the flow”. A missed lesson, or therapy is not the end of the world. Usually progress for a struggling learner is achieved in years, not days. A missed day, week, or month due to life getting in the way is not the end of the world.
- Don’t beat yourself up. You are doing the best you can and you are not perfect, no one is! Remind yourself often that you are doing the best that you can and have your child’s best interests at heart. No one knows your child better than you do, you are the actual expert when it comes to his well being.
- Don’t give up on our social network or hobbies because you are “too busy”. Your child can benefit from spending time with other family members or friends, and you can get some rest and relaxation from a girls’ night out, a tennis game, or curling up with a good book.
Remember as you navigate the bumpy road of parenting a child who learns differently, your health and well being is just as important as his.
If you aren’t at your best, then you aren’t able to offer him your best so be sure to take time to care for yourself!