Being the parent of a child with special needs brings about constant changes, challenges, and adaptations. If you are navigating this journey, perhaps adapting to a new reality where your emotional reserves are just as vital as your practical support, so here are a few things to ensure that parents always have fuel in the tank not just for their families, but for themselves too.
Delegate If You Really Can
One of the major stresses for parents is having to navigate appointments and communicate with various services. If you can delegate duties, this will make a huge difference. This is where case management services can be very useful, because case managers can connect patients with health care providers and focus on executing the person’s plans.
They also advocate for a person’s outcome, not to mention handle medication, start the application process for benefits, set up meetings, and a whole lot more. Case managers can be a real help as they can handle the logistical and paperwork burdens, meaning that you as a parent can save those emotional reserves for the people that matter.
Build a Support Network
Doing this alone is one of the hardest things, so connect with other parents facing similar challenges, either through support groups or online communities. Sometimes just hearing what other people are going through can help us put our experience and journey into perspective, not to mention normalize those big emotions that we try to bury.
You’re not alone in this experience, no matter how alone you think you really are, and there’s always access to emotional support, and often a little bit of practical wisdom along the way.
Prioritize Your Mental Well-Being
One of the biggest issues we can all have is that looking after someone who needs us 24/7 is a big burden. It doesn’t matter how much you love your child and will do anything for them, the vast majority of parents have respite because their child grows up and lives their own life.
It’s vital to remember that stress is going to manifest in one way or another, and this is why you must recognize that if there is a slight deterioration in your mental health, you need to think about how this could progress as the years go by. Counseling is something you could do right now, or helplines with emotional support, as well as talking to a trusted friend, will give you the opportunity to process your feelings.
We all need to recharge, and unfortunately, we live in a world where we’re constantly feeling like we’re on the go, regardless of our duties. So what does this mean? Burnout is never far away. Instead, really think about putting that metaphorical breathing apparatus on yourself, because if we don’t look after ourselves, how are we ever expected to look after someone else? This is not about being selfish, but about ensuring that you are recognizing that you are the key to making this work.
Your journey is unique with no blueprints, so treat yourself kindly and give yourself space for your own emotions. Small wins are wins, and when things feel overwhelming, do not be too hard on yourself.
Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom 
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