Parents Self-care Essential

isBy Tamara A. Dopwell. LMSW

Caring for children with special needs is definitely not for the faint of heart. From learning and understanding your child’s diagnosis, it is a challenging responsibility to navigate the mental health and/or educational systems. Parents must learn about the disability, research the disability and locate and access effective treatments and resources to understand the emotional and physical demands of caring for a child with a disability. Self-care is prioritizing your well-being to live a mentally healthy life. Physical, mental, and emotional domains are areas of self-care.

You need to understand your needs, thoughts, and emotions surrounding the disability. It is a great idea to make a physical/digital plan. What are the things that make you feel good? What replenishes your soul? It can be a hot shower, a hot cup of tea, coffee, or quiet time. What is required to keep you balanced? Caring for a child with special needs can throw you off balance. It is crucial to keep yourself grounded and centered. Self-care is essential to help replenish a parent’s energy, positivity, and balance. Caring for special needs children requires balance. They are oftentimes mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding.

Establishing a regular and early bedtime routine for your child is important. This routine permits you enough time to decompress and plan for the next day. You will have sufficient time to relax with your favorite book or movie. Allow yourself enough time to disconnect from your role as caretaker. It would help if you had adequate time to rest and recharge. This downtime may be the perfect time to journal.

Self-care truly gives parents a chance to connect with themselves. Self-care allows you to pour into yourself. It is so crucial when caring for a special needs child. Your mental health is at risk, and you may become emotionally fragile if you do not put the proper measures in place. Self-care will permit you to have the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties during this season of your life.

Tamara A. Dopwell. LMSW NYC School Social Worker Owner of Let’s Talk About It (Social Service Organization) Social Entrepreneur//Owner of Designs by Tee LLC www.instagram.com/designsbytee3

As you are caretaking, remember to get the support that you need. Create a community of individuals who understand what you are experiencing and can offer a supportive environment. Create a community of individuals who make you feel safe and understood. Find time for the things that you love. Remember that you are an individual with your own needs and emotions and need to be poured into as well. Learn about your government-sponsored resources for respite. Knowing what is available to you before a crisis can further support your self-care routine. Last but not least, seek out a supportive faith-based organization to help feed and nurture your faith.

1. Breastfeeding – There is a saying that “Breast is Best,” & another saying that “Fed is Best.” Whatever philosophy you choose to subscribe to is your personal conviction. One of the physiological benefits of breastfeeding is the release of oxytocin and serotonin. Oxytocin induces a state of calm and reduces stress. Serotonin is another hormone that is released. It influences your happiness and counters depression and anxiety.

could be someone’s mother in the physical and provide that role. This purpose could be mentally fulfilling for the woman and the child by providing support, companionship, and nurturing.

4. Cuteness Overload – Seeing your baby’s gummy smile is the most rewarding feeling a mother can have. Just the thought of them can bring a sense of inner joy. This joy can do wonders for your mental health. If you’re having a bad day, you can cuddle with them, kiss them, or play