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Managing phone calls, attending meetings, and scheduling doctor’s appointments can be overwhelming. For parents of children with special needs, these tasks come with extra challenges that can sometimes knock us off the path of becoming the parents we’ve always dreamed of being. One thing nearly all special needs parents can agree on is the feeling of exhaustion.
Being a parent is tiring on its own, but add the constant worry for our children’s future and the ongoing search for techniques to make their lives a bit easier, and it becomes even more exhausting. That’s why finding ways to conserve energy is invaluable, both for us and for our families. As a mom of a special needs child and a mental health professional, I’d like to share some energy-saving tips that might surprise you.
Parenting nowadays might not look like you imagined, and that’s okay. Acceptance is our goal, but reaching it requires time and patience. Even when time seems scarce, it’s crucial to make room for this pursuit. Your child will need your full energy on many days, so taking care of your thoughts and emotions becomes essential to supporting them.
Every parent finds their own strategy for emotional care, whether it’s through exercise, journaling, meditation, or therapy. While it might be tempting to get caught up in busy schedules and technology to distract ourselves, investing time in self-care is worthwhile for both you and your child.
If you’ve been the primary caregiver, letting go and accepting support can feel intimidating but ultimately serves a greater purpose. Taking a step back can help us rediscover our own needs, interests, and identity. Having time for ourselves offers new perspectives and clarity about our lives and families.
We’re learning more about how adopting a grateful mindset boosts health and well-being. Focusing on what we’re thankful for and what’s going well has numerous benefits, like improved physical and mental health and better sleep. With the daily stresses of parenting, it’s easy to fall into negative thinking patterns. However, by consciously choosing gratitude and empowerment, we can reshape our brain pathways, improving our mood and parenting.
Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with the same kindness we offer others. As caregivers, we often fall short in being gentle with ourselves. Yet it’s crucial to acknowledge and accept our human nature—mistakes, frustrations, and all.
In challenging times, try extending to yourself the same compassion you readily give to others every day. Nothing feels more fulfilling than sharing your struggles and victories with other parents who are on the same journey.
Social media and technology offer great opportunities to connect with people with similar experiences. Seek out support, whether it’s an in-person group or an online community where you can share and learn from others.
As a special needs parent, you invest your energy in countless ways every day, and this isn’t likely to change soon. You’re doing everything you can with what you have. When you feel drained, remember to focus inward and use your caregiving skills on yourself. By doing this, you’re not only taking care of yourself but also giving your child the best version of you.
Give your child the gift of a well-rounded life. Join 30,000 other intentional parents who receive the Parents with Confidence weekly email, where you can access a free 5-day email parenting course. Learn how to:
– Protect your child’s self-esteem
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– Discipline without causing emotional harm
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