Neurodiverse Parenting Self-Care
As a parent or caregiver, many of our needs organically take a backseat to the attention our children require. Parents often feel burnt out, but even more so for those of neurodiverse children.
Caring for neurodiverse children requires more patience, extra trips to the doctor, supplemental care appointments, med checks, helping your child cope with their neurodiversity, and much more. It can sometimes feel impossible to take care of yourself when there are so many things vying for your attention.
You’ve likely heard the term, “Put on your oxygen mask first, before you help others put theirs on.” This is alluding to the fact that you cannot take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first. Of course, it makes sense, but HOW does one actually put this into practice?
We’ve got some ideas for you! It’s not an end-all-be-all list, but we hope it’s a helpful place to start.
Keep a close pulse on how you are feeling.
Write about your journey and feelings.
Don’t love writing or journaling? Take a video of yourself talking through your feelings.
Schedule online therapy after the kids go to bed or while they are at school.
Schedule time to practice your self-care.
Book it! You’re more likely to follow through with self-care when you schedule time for it.
Set up time for recurring self-care on your calendar.
Hold yourself accountable and remind yourself that it is NOT selfish to take time to reset.
Simplify your daily tasks.
Utilize 2Care4U Pathways South home care to enjoy your child’s services in the comfort of your own home.
Take advantage of grocery pickup or delivery.
Family pajama day - regular clothes can be overrated on days you need a small break.
Ask for help. Start small. If you know a friend is doing a grocery store run and you need milk, ask them to pick it up for you and do a porch drop.
Embrace the season and get outside.
Play in the snow - make snow angels or catch snowflakes on your tongue.
Lay out a blanket and relax in the grass or under the shade tree.
Close your eyes and take in the sounds of the season around you.
Feel and hear the ground as you go for a walk.
Spend time with people who get it.
Surround yourself with others who understand what you’re going through and can help support you.
Attend a See Me support meeting.
Set healthy boundaries with people who are not helping support you or your child through your journey.
Parenting your neurodiverse child can be taxing on mental health. Prioritizing mental health and self-care will allow us to become the best versions of ourselves, so we can better care for our children. As always, if you’re in need of extra support, join us at our See Me caregiver support meetings that are offered twice a month, or contact us for any need.
