Taking Time for Self-Care When Raising Children with Special Needs

 

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Taking Time for Self-Care When Raising Children with Special Needs

                                                                                                                     written by: Gwen Payne

Parents of children with learning disabilities are faced with extra challenges when it comes to finding time for themselves, and while the responsibilities that come with caring for a child take with special needs can take a toll on their mental and physical health, they often have a hard time finding adequate help that would allow them to get some time off. That’s why the Learning Disabilities Association of South Carolina has put together the following tips and resources to help you alleviate stress and recharge your spirit.

Find Respite Care

If you have friends or relatives willing to watch your child while you take care of errands or appointments, don’t feel guilty about asking for their help. Chances are, they’ll be happy to pitch in and become more involved in your child’s life, and seeing you more relaxed after a few hours away will be its own reward. You may also connect with other families and form a co-op where you’ll take turns hosting each others’ children so you can have a night or an afternoon off.

If your child’s condition requires more professional care than what your friends and family members are able to provide, consider hiring a specially-trained aide that will come to your home for respite care. You’ll have greater peace of mind when you have to leave the house for a few hours knowing that your child is well supervised. Respite care is also available outside the home: look for drop-off day programs in your area (at schools, churches, or health-care facilities). Quality respite care can be expensive, so take the time to inquire about federal or local programs that can help you pay for it.

Take a Self-Care Vacation

For parents of children with special needs, it’s difficult to find time for date night, or even just a few moments for the couple to reconnect. But it’s extremely important to carve alone time for just the two of you, without the children. So make plans for a special getaway where you’ll get to enjoy each other’s company.

If you’re simply not comfortable being away from your child for an extended period of time, consider a little staycation with your spouse. Set up a tent in the backyard and spend a night under the stars while the aide takes care of your child. Plan a day trip to a nearby city while a trusted friend is in charge at home. Have meals delivered to your house so you don’t have to cook for a couple of days. Or book a couple’s massage where you’ll both get the pampering you need and deserve.

Be sure to also treat yourself with flowers and edible arrangements (floral gifts by FruitFlowers). No staycation is complete without some beautiful flowers, and you may as well have some tasty fruit to go along with the bouquet.

Start Your Own Business

Caregiving is more than 40-hours-a-week employment: you never get to clock out. And sometimes, a parent has to quit their job (and lose a paycheck) in order to care for their child. So consider starting your own home-based business, where you’ll be able to set your own hours and choose how much — or how little — you want to work.

Whether you start doing freelance work or you launch an online retail store, having your own business will help you feel more empowered and in control, and this, in turn, could help alleviate the feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety you may be experiencing as a caregiver. Opt to start an LLC as a business structure, which gives you better tax benefits while protecting your personal assets from lawsuits and creditors. An online formation service will help you file all the required paperwork to get you started.

When starting out your business, you’ll need brand materials like a logo, but paying a designer can be expensive. Instead, you can make a custom logo online for free. Simply select a template then customize the graphics, colors, and text. You’ll have a professional-quality logo in no time.

Conclusion 

Don’t let stress and fatigue steal away the joy of raising your beautiful child. By taking time for self-care and for your own pursuits, you’ll come back a happier, more energized parent, and your renewed positivity will improve your personal and family life.