Special Needs Parents Have Special Needs Too!

Wow!  How time has flown by!  Has it really been May since my last post?  Life happens for all of us, especially parents of special needs kids.  In late May, I underwent a needle biopsy on my right breast.  The biopsy wasn't conclusive so last Friday, I underwent a surgical biopsy.  Hopefully, obtaining the results will not take as long.  This experience has, however, opened my eyes to the fact that I need to take better care of myself. 

As Special Needs Parents, we do a lot for our children: special schools, tutors, summer programs, cub scouts, occupational therapy, family counseling, and so much more.  We have to take the time to listen to our bodies and realize that we need special care too.  We need sanctuary from the sleepless nights and stressed out days.  We need to recharge, not just so that we have patience for our children, but also so that we have strength for ourselves.  We need to take care of ourselves!

Here are just a few ways to take care of yourself a bit better:

• Find other parents who have special needs kids.  You need to know you are not alone in your struggles.
• Ask for help from your partner, friends, Church, etc. when you need it.  When you ask for help no one is questioning your ability to parent.  Special needs parents carry a heavy burden.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help.
• Allow yourself time to cry.  I am not talking about a pity party here.  An occasional release of stress can be healthy.
• Give yourself personal time!  Yes, I said, "Give yourself".  We have a choice to give or deny ourselves personal time.  As a special needs parent, I understand how easy it is to feel that others need my time more than I do.  However, you just can't be everything to everyone.  You have to be strong for you first. Take a 5 minute walk.  Read a book of your choice for 10 minutes.  Give your self a mini-facial.  Do something just for you each day.

Until next time. . . .

- Patricia