Assessing Fatigue and Self-Care as a Parent of a Special Needs Child by Gwen Payne
While being the primary caregiver for a child with special needs can be extremely rewarding, it can also cause extra stress. That's why making self-care a priority and assessing your fatigue levels are so important. When you take care of yourself, not only does your quality of life improve, but you'll also be a better caregiver for your children.
Assess Your Fatigue Levels
Alongside anxiety and depression, a major issue of being the parent of a child with special needs is fatigue. This is because not only are you constantly dealing with medical appointments, behavioral issues, or a child who won't sleep, you're also mentally exhausted from hours of researching your child's condition and thinking about the next steps to help them.
So, if you think you might be experiencing parental fatigue, consider the following signs:
• Your parenting effectiveness. Do you find it increasingly difficult to impose rules and discipline and stick to your guns?
• Your sleep quality. Do you find your mind racing at night, making it difficult to switch off?
• Your social network. Do you still make time for a social life, take time away from the family, or have others to speak to about any struggles?
If after considering these factors you've realized your parenting effectiveness has declined, you're not sleeping well, and you haven't set aside time for socialization, you're likely suffering from parental fatigue.
Thinking About Yourself
If you think you might be suffering from parenting fatigue, it's time to do something for yourself.
Some great examples of self-care activities include:
• Taking time alone to go for a walk
• Engaging in your favorite hobbies
• Visit friends or family
• Take a relaxing bath
• Have a massage
You could even consider pursuing long-held dreams, such as going back to school or starting your own business.
Consider Forming an LLC
If you do pursue the path of starting your own business, forming a limited liability company (LLC) rather than a corporation could be the best option for you.
Benefits of an LLC include:
• Increased flexibility in sharing profits, management, and ownership
• Tax advantages and the ability to take advantage of pass-through taxation
• Reduced personal liability
However, it's essential to take into account the specific regulations for forming an LLC in your state. Consider using a formation company to take the hassle off your plate.
Potential Negative Impacts
Finding balance is key in self-care, so you should consider the potential negative impacts of pursuing a self-care plan.
Be careful to avoid the following:
• Putting serious mental health disorders such as depression down to parenting stress
• Overcompensating for partners
• Putting less emphasis on your child's needs
• Overburdening support networks
Take Your Needs Seriously
While your child's extra needs are of utmost importance, you also need to take care of yourself by prioritizing self-care, following your dreams, and assessing your fatigue levels. And if you think you could benefit from a relaxing massage as a part of your self-care, schedule a session with Jean today.
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