As a parent of a child with special needs, you know every strategy there is for soothing an upset kid or helping them cope with anxiety. Kids aren’t the only ones who feel anxious or get upset. Sometimes you may need to be soothed just as much as your child does. Many parents are experts at caring for their kids yet are out of touch with their own self-care needs. It’s important to pay attention to your feelings, especially if you’re feeling fatigued. This article will help special-needs parents identify the symptoms of fatigue and develop a self-care strategy to combat the problem.
Diagnosing and Understanding Parental Fatigue
It’s important to differentiate between tiredness and fatigue, so how do you know if you’re experiencing the latter? One study found that parents of autistic children experience fatigue at higher rates than others. Assess your level of fatigue by considering these factors:
• Your parenting efficacy
• The quality of your sleep
• Your satisfaction in marriage
• Symptoms of depression
If you’re feeling ineffective as a parent, you’re not getting enough sleep, and you feel dissatisfied and depressed, there’s a good chance you are experiencing parental fatigue. Luckily, you can develop a self-care plan to address the issue.
Creating a Self-Care Treatment Plan
A self-care plan starts with investing in yourself. Fatigue encompasses many symptoms, so you must address the root cause. Parenting a special-needs kid demands more time and energy, but you need to take care of yourself to be the best parent. You should develop a self-care plan that includes goals for eating healthfully, exercising, meditating, or seeking out alone time.
It's also important to establish a supportive circle of friends and family who will help. If alone time is an important goal, you will need somebody who can supervise your child while you relax. You should be careful to maintain balance and avoid overburdening your support team. Remember that self-care cannot replace professional treatment when you’re struggling with anxiety or depression.
Pursuing a new personal goal is another great way to invest in self-care. Starting a new business or trying a new hobby can be an invigorating experience. If you start a business, you can benefit from forming an LLC. This type of business can mitigate liability while providing tax advantages and flexibility. Each state has different rules for incorporation, so you should review any applicable regulations.
Going back to school and getting an online degree can be rewarding. Higher education can provide a strong foundation for your career, and self-paced online coursework lets you complete a Bachelor’s degree at an accredited school.
Combatting Parental Fatigue with Self-Care
Many parents of special-needs kids experience depression, tiredness, and poor sleep quality. Rather than resign yourself to these problems, you should consider whether you’re dealing with parental fatigue — and if so, make a self-care plan to reclaim your mental and physical health. Simple steps such as improving your diet, making time for a workout, or meditating in the morning can help you achieve the self-care you need.
Be the best parent you can be to your special-needs child by investing in yourself and controlling your fatigue levels. Your kid, family, and support network will thrive when you’re thriving.
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Written by Gwen Payne
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