The “Forgotten” Part of Parenting a Child with Special Needs
by
Chantai Snellgrove 
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In this episode, we’re talking about the “forgotten” part of parenting a child with special needs.
In case you’re wondering what the “forgotten part” is….it is YOU.
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Every year around this time of year, I feel obliged to remind parents to take care of themselves: To make sure they put their name at the top of their to-do list and schedule doctors appointments. Remember, there are five life-saving tests to remember to have done.
A dear friend of mine (who also happens to be a warrior mama, and whom we jokingly refer to as “Wonder Woman”) recently sent me a message saying, “Wonder Woman is having some health issues and thinks her superpowers may have burnt out!” This kinda of hit me hard… and made pause with concern, for my friend, myself and many of us that are in similar situations… we all think we can keep going and going…, but it eventually catches up with us.
In this episode I share a few lessons I learned that I also need to relearn and a few things to try:
• Remember to look up
• Pay attention to where you are
• What is and How to take a Gratitude Walk
• A simple technique to reduce anxiety using your five senses.
Watch the Video
Related: Seven Ways to Celebrate Being A Special Needs Parent
Calm and relaxation technique using: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Start by taking a deep breath to begin…
5-Look: Look around for five things you can SEE, and then say them out loud, for example, you could say your computer screen, picture frame, cup, etc.
4- Feel: Name four things that you can FEEL (touch) and say them out loud: My leg; my hand; my phone; my hair, etc… If possible, touch them as you say them.
3-Listen: Listen for three SOUNDS. It could be a bird chirping, a plane overhead, or background music.
2-Smell: Say two things you can SMELL (assuming you can sniff something). If you can’t smell them right now, then just name your two favorite smells like a gardenia bush or a fresh-cut lemon.
1- Taste: Say one thing you can TASTE: Coffee, ripe strawberry, etc… If you can’t taste anything right now, then just say your favorite thing to taste.
Links:
Handling Your Child’s Diagnosis: Six Things Parents Should Do For Themselves
Stress-Busting Strategies to Get You to Super Health
Sources:
Positive Psychology Program/Gratitude Excercise
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