Caring for special needs children is a rewarding but sometimes exhausting experience. Many parents in Salem struggle to balance meeting their child’s needs with their own. If you are a parent of a special needs child, you could be experiencing multiple levels of caregiver fatigue. Hailey’s Voice of Hope invites you to read on for ways to engage in self-care.
Assessing Fatigue Levels
Parents of special needs children can feel physically, emotionally, and mentally drained. When assessing your fatigue levels, consider the following areas and possible steps to take:
- Sleep quality. Sleep tips for parents include establishing a routine, sleeping in a dark room, investing in a white noise machine, and taking turns with a family member who wants to help with your child. Limiting caffeine will also help with your sleep quality. Making fruit or a healthy smoothie your go-to snack instead of a bag of chips or a soda will increase your energy and overall health.
- Mental health. Parenting a special needs child can negatively impact your mental health, leading to disorders such as anxiety or depression. You’re not only coping with the emotional and physical demands of caregiving but also keeping up with doctor appointments, educating yourself on how to best care for your children, and advocating for them. Reaching out to others is beneficial to your mental health, so consider joining an online support group.
- Marital conflict. Divorce affects the whole family. So, Focus On The Family suggests doing some things to safeguard your marriage: spend time together, be honest about your frustrations, and communicate your needs to each other. Minor improvements to the home, such as reducing clutter, adding house plants, and incorporating aromatherapy, can have a surprising impact on stress levels.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it provides a place to start when thinking about fatigue levels and how to improve your health and sense of well-being.
Find the Right Home
When searching for a home that meets the needs of a child with special requirements, utilizing online tools is incredibly beneficial. These resources not only help in finding properties with essential accessibility features but also offer valuable guidance on creating a child-friendly and barrier-free living space. This ensures that your child can thrive in an environment tailored to their abilities. Additionally, these tools provide comprehensive information on aspects of accessible home design, from interior layouts to wheelchair ramps and wider doorways. Moreover, living in a neighborhood with a high walk score adds another layer of convenience, ensuring easy access to local amenities, parks, and community centers, further enhancing the quality of life for your family.
Find the Right Home
Finding ways to declutter and clean your house quickly, especially when you have a child with special needs, requires both creativity and efficiency. One effective hack is to use a timer, setting it for short bursts of 5-10 minutes for specific tasks, like sorting toys or organizing books. This not only makes the process seem less daunting but also turns it into a fun, game-like challenge for your child. Another helpful strategy is to use clear, labeled bins for easy sorting and accessibility, allowing your child to participate in the process and learn organizational skills. Additionally, prioritizing areas that your child frequently uses and keeping a consistent decluttering routine can significantly reduce the time spent tidying up, freeing you for other important tasks.
Prioritize Caring for Yourself
Trying to do everything for your child can lead to burnout. Practicing self-care is of utmost importance because the healthier you are, the more effective you’ll be at caregiving. Ask others for help. It’s important to set and pursue goals for yourself, too, such as going back to school, starting your own business, or learning how to play a musical instrument.
Practicing self-care isn’t selfish because when you are healthier, so is your child. To improve your chance for success, avoid setting impossible goals. Don’t set yourself up for failure by incorporating impossible goals into your self-care plan. Instead, include SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely.
Designing a self-care plan is great, but nothing will ever change if you don’t put it into practice. Thinking about the benefits of achieving your goals can motivate you to move forward. It’ll also help you keep your focus on yourself rather than others — don’t compare your self-care plan to anyone else’s. Instead, listen to your body to discover what’s right for you.
Find a New Job
Taking care of yourself goes beyond physical health and includes finding professional fulfillment. In today’s digital age, searching for a more fulfilling job has become more accessible. You can start by identifying your passions, values, and goals, then explore different options that align with these parameters. Remember, finding a fulfilling job requires self-awareness, a commitment to research, and a willingness to explore options as advised by Indeed. One critical aspect of the job search process is the application, specifically writing an effective cover letter. If you’re unsure about how to craft one,there are many cover letter writing guides available online that can help you stand out from other applicants. By taking these steps, you’re not just looking for a job, but a role that brings you satisfaction and happiness.
Caregiving and the Family
Since caring for a special needs child affects the entire family, it’s essential to find stress-relieving activities for everyone, such as playing a musical instrument, watching a movie, playing a board game, or working on a jigsaw puzzle. Also look for a home with the accessibility features to meet your family’s needs. Just remember to take care of your own needs as well — search for a better employer with a high-quality cover letter or start your own business. You’re better able to parent when you’re at your best!