4 ways parents of children with disabilities can heal from fatigue
This article lays out recommendations for parents to help them assess why they’re feeling fatigued and make reasonable lifestyle changes for more energy.
When you’re caring for a special needs child, it can feel like you’re always busy, day in and day out. There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for your child, but you can’t remember the last time you did something for yourself. Sometimes, you might even feel guilty for being so tired, yet at the same time, you can’t deny that your energy is sapped. With resources from Guiding Little Hands, you’ll be able to better navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. And by following these simple steps, you can finally heal your lingering fatigue.
What’s Causing Your Fatigue?
In order to treat your fatigue, you need to evaluate the root cause - otherwise, you’ll just be treating the symptoms, which won’t lead to long-lasting healing. You can begin the process by coming up with the answers to a few revealing questions. For example, are you and your spouse happy in your marriage? Is your child getting enough sleep? Do you feel like your support system is lacking? Write down your answers to get a big-picture view of the causes behind your fatigue.
Improving Your Wellbeing
Now, it’s time to start outlining a few methods for treating your fatigue depending on the causes. For example, if you feel like you and your spouse have been growing apart, Autism Parenting Magazine recommends giving each other the space to vent, telling each other when you need breaks, and scheduling time for dates. This might mean finding a trusted relative or other caregiver who can take care of your child while you’re out, or signing your child up for a program like day camp. Alternatively, if your child has been struggling to sleep, which is affecting the mood in your whole household. If this is the case, Indy’s Child recommends creating a bedtime routine, holding and rocking your child if they are comfortable with this, and incorporating quiet time without electronics into your evening.
Prevent Pitfalls
What if you don’t notice positive results after making these changes? Sometimes, you can run into pitfalls. For instance, if your child’s sleep schedule doesn’t improve, you could become more frustrated, or if your spouse still seems distant, you may feel let down. To avoid scenarios like these, turning to external help can make all of the difference. You may want to talk to a couples’ counselor who specializes in helping parents of children with disabilities, and for issues directly regarding your child’s wellbeing, you can talk to any trusted doctors and specialists who know their medical history.
Focus on Your Goals
As a parent, you’re used to putting your child’s needs before your own goals. But sometimes, giving yourself permission to work towards your personal goals can be reinvigorating. For instance, you might want to start working out, join a group for one of your hobbies, or even launch your own business!
If you want to start your own business, it’s a good idea to register with the right business structure right away. You can form your new company as an LLC for tax benefits and personal asset protection. This won’t require much paperwork, either! You can work with an online formation service like ZenBusiness to file all of the necessary documents for your state.
Dealing with fatigue as the parent of a special needs child is not easy. It can be tough to take a step back and take care of your own needs, especially if you don’t have a large support system. These tips will help you slowly get a handle on your fatigue levels and boost your energy.
Author: Claire Wents