5 Mother’s Day Tips For Parents of Children with Special Needs
Taking care of all facets of a special needs child daily living – medical, personal, therapy, school – while working and managing a home is no easy feat for even the most organized parent.
“As a mother of a non-verbal, 18-year-old, young man with autism, I know how difficult it can be for mothers to manage their lives after learning of their child’s diagnosis,” said Deanna Picon, founder of Your Autism Coach, LLC and author of The Autism Parents’ Guide To Reclaiming Your Life. “With all the pressures and responsibilities, we usually put ourselves on the back burner more often than not, but it’s important for women to take care of themselves both physically and emotionally.”
According to a recent study by the Waisman Centre at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, mothers of children with disabilities might be more forgetful as they age than other mothers. Their child’s condition affects these mothers emotionally as well, as it may put a strain on relationships and diminish the ability to enjoy themselves, their spouses and children.
Mothers can apply these simple tips to have a wonderful Mother’s Day and throughout the year.
- Make yourself a priority. This may be one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do, because you feel like your child should be the priority. Do it not for yourself, but for your child. Putting time toward your well-being now is like making an “investment” in your child’s future.
- Take care of your health. Try to get at least six hours of sleep a night, eat properly and get some exercise in; Spring is a perfect time to begin an exercise program. A 30-minute walk, three times a week, is not only excellent for your heart, but regular fresh air and exercise can also benefit your mental health. Bring along a friend for motivation and accountability. You may also want to explore meditation or other relaxation techniques.
- Remember who you are. It’s very easy to allow an all-encompassing challenge like raising a child with a disability to define you. Like any parent, much of your life is going to be centered on your children, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon the hobbies, events, and activities you enjoy doing, even if it’s once a month. Stay connected with friends and family.
- Reward yourself. Do something nice for yourself, each week, no matter how small. It could be as simple as setting aside 30 minutes to read your favorite magazine, watch television or text or email a friend.
- Celebrate you! Know you’re amazing. If anything, you’re an even stronger and better person for having stepped up to the challenges of life with a special needs child.
Your Autism Coach, LLC [1]provides superior coaching services and seminars that address the issues and concerns of parents of special needs children. Now on Twitter (@yourautismcoach), the company keeps autism parents up to date on the latest tips and advice from Deanna Picon. She shows parents how to overcome the challenges of raising a child with autism, while building a rewarding life for themselves.
Deanna Picon’s book The Autism Parents’ Guide To Reclaiming Your Life is available on Amazon [2].
Image Courtesy our Facebook Friends Mardell L.
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