Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder
I recently corresponded with Charlene Roth about her experiences with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. Charlene wrote, “Every day with Tommy and Lily is an adventure filled with unique challenges and heartwarming moments. Tommy, with his autism, sees the world through a different lens, and Lily’s sensory processing disorder means even the smallest stimuli can be overwhelming for her. As their mom, I’ve learned to navigate their needs with patience, creativity, and unwavering love.”
Chronic conditions, diseases, or maybe we can call them “situations” are every single day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ability to endure can be both inspiring and overwhelming at the same time. Conversely, if we develop a cold for example, we can treat that cold and get better, move on with our lives, and forget everything about it. With a chronic condition, there is no “finish line” to try to be able to cross, no end to reach. It is an everyday journey.
Fortunately, those of us who live with a chronic “situation” every day, can take comfort in the truth that we are not alone. We can feel reassurance in the fact that there are others who are living a similar reality, with possibly hopeful advise and experiences to share.
This website shares information concerning the daily challenges of living with a chronic disease, an unexpected injury, or any condition that might present limitations on our ability to live our daily lives completely unrestricted in any way.
Charlene was kind enough to write an article for my website, an article that she has personal experience with. Her desire to share provides information that can be beneficial for someone with the same concerns. First, to let others know they are not alone in their situation and secondly to provide information and resources to help with these specific challenges. Her article is posted below.
Essential Self-Care Strategies for Parents of Children with Special Needs
By Charlene Roth
Photo via Pexels
This article lays out a guide for parents of children with special needs to help them manage their own physical and mental health.
Parenting a child with special needs is a journey filled with unique challenges and rewards. Amidst the complexities of caregiving, parents need to prioritize their own well-being through effective self-care strategies. By incorporating essential elements into their routine, parents can better navigate the demands of raising a child with special needs while maintaining their own physical and emotional health. In this article, courtesy of A.H. Browning, we’ll go over a few ways parents can look after their own needs while balancing caregiving duties in order to prevent fatigue.
Taking Breaks
Taking breaks is paramount for parents in managing the stress of caregiving. Whether it’s a brief moment of solitude or engaging in a favorite hobby, carving out time for self-care allows parents to recharge and prevent burnout. It’s important to consider what your current fatigue levels are before setting goals for these breaks. For instance, if your sleep quality has been lacking, you might engage in a pastime such as gardening, which is beneficial for better rest. If you’ve been experiencing depression or anxiety, or if you don’t have much time for physical activity, consider setting aside 10-15 minutes for a walk outside, which can have a major impact on your overall well being.
Pursuing Personal Goals
In addition to caregiving duties, parents must pursue their own personal goals and aspirations. For some, this may involve entrepreneurial ventures such as starting a business. Establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can offer various benefits, including liability protection and tax advantages, empowering parents to pursue their dreams while safeguarding their financial future. To form your LLC through ZenBusiness can streamline the process and provide additional support along the way.
Keeping a Clean Home
Maintaining a clean and organized living space is essential for creating a nurturing environment for both parent and child. Implementing effective cleaning and organizational strategies can help reduce stress and create a sense of calm amidst the chaos of daily life, especially in areas such as playrooms. By prioritizing a tidy home, parents can cultivate a supportive atmosphere that promotes relaxation and overall well-being.
Building a Support Network
Navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs can be daunting, but no parent should have to do it alone. Building a strong support network of friends, family, and professionals is crucial for emotional support and practical guidance. By connecting with others who understand their journey, parents can find comfort, validation, and encouragement to navigate the ups and downs of parenting a child with special needs.
Regular Exercise
Prioritizing regular exercise is key to maintaining physical and mental health for parents of children with special needs. Engaging in physical activity not only boosts energy levels but also reduces stress and improves mood. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga session, or workout at the gym, carving out time for exercise allows parents to recharge and approach caregiving with renewed vitality.
Setting Boundaries
Learning to set boundaries is essential for maintaining balance in the lives of parents. Establishing clear limits around time, energy, and emotional resources helps prevent burnout and resentment. By prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries, parents can ensure they can meet their child’s needs while also preserving their own health and well-being.
Setting Reasonable Goals
When setting personal goals, parents need to be realistic and achievable. Breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps allows for steady progress and a sense of accomplishment. During this process, it’s also important to consider any possible negative outcomes that could occur when pursuing your goals, such as time management issues or relying too much on one member of your support network for help. By setting reasonable goals, parents can maintain motivation and confidence as they navigate the complexities of parenting a child with special needs.
Parenting a child with special needs requires unwavering dedication and resilience, but parents need to prioritize their own self-care amidst their caregiving responsibilities. By incorporating essential self-care strategies such as taking breaks, pursuing personal goals, maintaining a clean home, and more, parents can cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling life for themselves and their children. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish — it’s a necessary investment in the well-being of both parent and child.
A.H. Browning provides thoughtful resources for individuals who have experienced health issues or have a loved one who is unwell. Have a question or something to contribute to the blog? Reach out via email today.