Often, the things that are the most difficult to do end up being the most rewarding. Parenting fits this description. Children are a blessing, but they can also the biggest source of a parent’s stress. Parents of kids who have special needs experience high amounts of stress. It is very important for parents to make time to release that stress in a healthy, appropriate, way.
Parents want to make sure that their children have everything they need. Parents of kids who have special needs frequently end up focusing so much of their attention on their child that they forget to take care of themselves. Over time, this is going to lead to an incredible build up of stress.
Children need their parents to be at their best. If you have become too “stressed out”, you aren’t going to be able to be the best parent you can be. You may get frustrated faster than usual, or you may feel exhausted.
Stress can make people sick. Mental stress can lead to physical illness. According to WebMD, women who are under high stress are twice as likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or to suffer a stroke than are people who are not under a high amount of stress.
Parents need to find ways to release their stress. Often, this requires finding someone else to take care of your child for a few hours of time. It might be possible to find a temporary caregiver who is qualified to take care of someone who has the special needs that your child has. Start by looking online for “respite” or “support for caregivers” that is in your area. Let this professionally trained person give you one or two hours of “downtime”.
Sometimes, you can find “moms night out” events. These are workshops that are designed to to give the moms of kids who have special needs a little break. It gives you time to relax, to eat, and to recuperate.
Another good way to release stress is through exercise. Have someone you trust watch your child for half an hour. Go hit the gym, or take a walk outside. Regular exercise tends to make people feel less stressed. A good amount of exercise will help you sleep better that night.
Other parents might find that meditation helps them to relieve stress. This can be done in your home, in a relatively quiet place, whenever you have a few moments to do it. Some people find prayer helps them to relax. You could take a long, hot, bubble bath after your child has gone to sleep for the night. These types of stress release can be done quickly, and do not require you to make any child care arrangements in order to do them.
Image by Björn Láczay on Flickr