Parents of Special Needs Children
Resolutions for Parents of Special Needs Children for the New Year
It's tradition at the start of a brand new year for people to rethink their life and set goals. Often times the goals around around things we want to accomplish, but sometimes it's smart to think about how to take better self care. Parents of special needs children play a taxing role as constant caregiver. That's why it's especially important when parenting special needs children to take time out and relax.
The National Lekotek Center offers these tips for New Year's Resolutions for those parenting children with special needs.
Self Care Resolutions for Parents of Special Needs Children
Resolution for Parents of Special Needs Children 1)
Don't use yesterday's success ruler for today. Parents have good days and bad days. Everyday brings with it different challenges. Each day we have different levels of energy, focus, and emotional energy to bring to the table in parenting special needs children. All a parent can do is be their personal best for that day. Be kinder and gentler on yourself.
Resolution for Parents of Special Needs Children 2)
Celebrate what you achieved! Instead of looking at what is still left on the never ending to do list, parents of special needs children should pat themselves on the back for what they did do. One way to honor yourself and give thanks for what you accomplished is to do a personal review at the end of the day. Consider writing a journal where you give gratitude for all you got done. Give thanks for all the little things. Then celebrate with a cup of hot tea and a good magazine in a quiet corner as a reward for a job well done!
Resolution for Parents of Special Needs Children 3)
Don't do it all yourself. It's okay to recruit some help. If parenting your special needs children leaves you exhausted, give yourself permission to hire a housekeeper. If you run out of milk, see if a friend can grab some on their way home from work. Or see if a local neighbor girl can watch the kids for a hour while you escape for a quick coffee with a good friend. You deserve to have the help you need.
Resolution for Parents of Special Needs Children 4)
Schedule time regular time for yourself. A mother has to fill her own cup so she has the energy and love to share with her children. When you pamper yourself, you'll have more to offer everyone in your life. Find things that refuel you. It could be a yoga class, a matinee movie, or a morning walk with the dog. Make these pampering rituals a regular part of your schedule.
Resolution for Parents of Special Needs Children 5)
Laughter is the BEST medicine. Whenever life seems to be dragging you down, a dose of laughter is a sure pick me up. Laughing is medically proven to reduce blood pressure and release stress releasing endorphins into your system. Browse on Netflix to find a good comedy. Or watch your favorite stand up comic on cable tv. Sometimes a good giggle filled girlfriend lunch can restore the soul. Seek to find more humor and silly fun to lighten your days. It will put the bounce back into your step.
Resolution for Parents of Special Needs Children 5)
Tiny breaks offer big relief. While it may be hard to go on a mini vacation, even a 5 minute break can be enough to reset yourself mentally. Listen to a relaxing CD, light a candle, eat a chocolate, close your eyes and take some deep cleansing breaths. Finding tiny ways to treat give yourself a break throughout the day can make a world of difference.
Vow to Make This the Year for YOU - one of the most amazing parents ever of a special needs child!
Why not make this a year for joy, laughter and love for you and your special needs child. Hope these tips help parents of special needs children to feel happy, healthy, and at peace.
This article was brought to you by www.ableplay.org a website for parents of children with disabilities to find toys, play products and often a few ideas and inspiration. AblePlay is part of the nonprofit National Lekotek Center, the leading authority on play for children with disabilities www.lekotek.org
