Being a parent is an amazing feeling. As a parent, taking care of your kid is in the job description. Parenting is rarely easy, but parenting a special needs child is even more challenging.
When you’re juggling the exhausting responsibilities of being the parent of a special needs child, it’s essential to find some time to yourself to prevent burnout. Maintaining an emotional balance is vital when taking care of a special needs child. Below are tips to help you avoid burnout when parenting a child with special needs.
1. Ask for help
Caring for a child with special needs is not an easy task. Ask a friend or family member to help you if they have the expertise and skills required in caregiving. While the pandemic has complicated things due to social distancing measures, you could request that your loved ones to help you run errands if they are unable to babysit.
Let your friend help with grocery shopping, taking your car to the mechanic, or even making you some food. This will give you some time to relax and take the extra work off your hands.
2. Join a parents’ support group
If your friends don’t have a child with special needs, they may not understand what you are going through. Being able to have a conversation with someone who understands you or is in a similar situation is the lifeline. For example, parenting a child suffering from cerebral palsy comes with a different set of challenges, and being able to vent without feeling guilty is essential.
Join a support group of caregivers and parents who have children with special needs. This can help you through tough times. You can join online groups on social media platforms and access the support you need when your child is taking a nap.
3. Understand the symptoms of parenting burnout
Check for symptoms of caregiver burnout online. Parenting a special needs child may take up all your time, and the standard self-care advice may be useless, especially during the pandemic when you may not have even a minute to yourself. It’s still essential to pay close attention to what your body is communicating.
If you notice that you are often overwhelmed, having constant headaches, unable to sleep, feeling hopeless, always irritable, or experiencing chest pains, it’s time to seek help. Contact a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. They will also advise on the best treatment options based on your unique circumstances.
4. Check for other care possibilities
Due to the pandemic, some public health centers and non-profit organizations are helping out parents with special needs children. Some will help you run errands or take care of your child for a few hours every week. This could give you some time off to re-energize.
At this current time, you’ll want to ensure that you take precautions when inviting other people into your home to avoid contracting the coronavirus. Ask your social worker, specialist, or family doctor about any local resources that help with special needs children.
5. Take some time off
Do whatever you need to get some time to yourself. Whether it means giving your child some more screen time or buying takeout for dinner, this will give you some time to run a bath and pamper yourself. Extraordinary circumstances call for exceptional solutions, so be kind to yourself. Keep your focus on getting through the day over all your other parenting goals.
Parenting a child with special needs can be emotionally isolating. Ensure that you regularly connect with your friends and family and keep the communication lines open. Always take some time to yourself to breathe. This will help reduce the stress and burnout of being a caregiver.
