Self Care For ADHD Parents
When parenting a child with special needs, the need for self-care even greater and is twice as challenging as for other parents to get. ~ Unknown
I want to start by saying "I see you" I know how hard it is to be a parent to a child who has special needs. Being a parent is the hardest job in the world and with so many extra responsibilities and stress on us it can be extremely challenging to find the time and energy for ourselves to have the self-care we so desperately deserve and need. Self care can be anything that helps you improve yourself emotionally, physically or mentally.
Between fighting for services, paper work, intense meltdowns, therapy appointments, school IEP meetings, meals, housework and taking care of our kids, that doesn't leave much time for parents to just be themselves or enjoy the things we once did. Taking 15-20 minutes each day for yourself can improve your patience and your parenting abilities.
Give yourself the same care and attention that you give others and watch yourself bloom ~ Unknown
Special needs parents need more self-care and breaks away from our children than other parents, yet it is the hardest for us to find the time or be able to achieve because we trust a very small amount of people in our lives to care for our children. It is hard to trust others to provide the care for our children that we do and when it is bedtime we are absolutely burned out and exhausted.
Several years ago, I felt like I had hit parental rock bottom. I crashed and burned. I had absolutely nothing left to give. I had another special need mom tell me something that has always stayed with me, and I am unsure if you have ever heard about it, so I wanted to share. She told me to think of special needs parenting as if I were in a plane that was going down. When a plane is going down, the masks drop down, the flight attendant tells you that you have to put your mask on before you help anyone else. Special needs parenting is the same. You need to put your mask on first or you can't help anyone else.
When it comes to parenting a child who has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or any other special needs it is essential to take care of us first. We truly cannot serve from an empty vessel. You are like a car and you can only run on empty for so long. You deserve premium fuel!
You were you before you had children. YOU still need to be YOU sometimes! I cannot always be Mom because I have needs and wants too. You do too! It is not selfish, its crucial that you do this for yourself and for your children too. Self-care does not mean that you are choosing yourself over someone you love, it means you are choosing to love yourself and are being mindful to your own needs and wants.
We have to fill our own cup because if we keep giving and doing then there's nothing else to give to ourselves. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Each day make small goals to do things for yourself to keep filling up your cup. The more you fill your cup, the happier you and your children will be. Self-care doesn't always require a babysitter or a lot of time. Self-care can be ten minutes to read some of the novel you have been avoiding or twenty minutes to shave your legs.
Sometimes, it's our own love that we need the most, and first. Make yourself a priority. ~ Unknown
Self-care is going to look different for us all because some parents have access to respite services so they're able to get some alone time, some parents have family who help watch their children to give them breaks but some parents are single parents with no outside help for their child so their self-care will look different. Remember to always do what works for your family and what will make you happy as a parent.
Do not ever allow anyone to make you believe that you can't or shouldn't do things for yourself because you are a parent. You have to make yourself a priority too. All jobs have rewards. When someone is working at a full-time job, they are paid. This is your job. This is your payment to yourself.
I know first-hand that doing the things you love and enjoy most can be very difficult because as a special needs parent we have so many other responsibilities that we put everything and everyone else before ourselves. It can take a lot of discipline to do the things we love but it should always be a priority. We are always occupied making sure that our children are happy and living positive lives full of opportunities as other children in the community that we often neglect ourselves. Doing more of the things we love and enjoy will help us reset, recharge and ultimately make us happier, balanced and relaxed which then helps us parent better with more patience.
Some special needs parents have neglected their self care and themselves for so long that they're reading this and asking themselves, what do I love? What do I enjoy doing? What are activities that I could do each day to bring myself more happiness? What will help me reset and recharge? You are not the only one who is thinking this and that is why it is so important for you to read this. I am so grateful that you stumbled upon this reminder to yourself. A visual list can help us to determine what our self care will look like and what we need to recharge. Make a list for yourself.
I hope you find time and space to rest and recharge, I hope you know you're deserving of it. And in a world which tells us that being busy and "productive" is the goal, I hope you know rest is not indulgent. It is a necessity. ~ Unknown
I recently seen a meme on Facebook, and it said something like " You don't forget to charge your cell phone and then panic when it is on empty and run quickly to plug it in so why you don't do that for yourself?" That's relatable right? You are a parent, an advocate and a fierce protector. You have to keep your battery charged to keep fighting the fight. That takes unbelievable strength. You need to keep your battery charged too.
Seeking support online or within your own community is so important for yourself care. Finding other parents who are struggling and experiencing what you are each day with your children will help you so much on your journey. There's no better feeling as a special needs parent than finding a friend who "gets it". Those parents that you will find, they will become your tribe. They will cheer you and your child on when you accomplish goals, and they will celebrate your success. They can advise you on your current struggles as a parent, ease your anxieties, give you suggestions to help you and your child along the way. You will make friendships that will last a lifetime. You will feel validated, connected and supported.
I know between your child's busy therapy schedule and those extracurricular activities that things can get extremely busy and overwhelming, but it is okay to seek therapy for yourself too. Sometimes, speaking to a professional allows us to talk about it, cry and feel heard. It's okay to not be okay. It's okay to have your own therapist. You are going through a lot. We all need to be heard. They will help you find ways to ease your anxieties, give you a safe place to talk or cry. A professional therapist could be your own personal cheerleader that would coach you along the way when you're struggling most.
Reach out for community support and respite services. There can be waiting lists for respite but if things are getting too overwhelming for you, they can generally give you some type of relief to start, even if it is just for a few hours at a time. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Some families are extremely blessed to have a family full of support and family members who are willing to babysit to give parents a break. Ask a close friend that you trust. Let those who are in your life know how you are feeling because sometimes they don't know or understand. Getting a break away for one night a month or only a few hours every couple week can really make a difference. Every special need parent will be faced with different challenges each day, some harder than others and what we all require for a break will be different.
If you are not getting a break, then respite services could be a very beneficial program for your family. I know you may feel like you have to do this all alone by yourself or it is your responsibility, but it is okay to ask for help when you need it. That is why these services are available. Don't feel guilty for needing a break. You have worked very hard and deserve a break. I have had access to respite services in the past and it was honestly the best thing that I ever did for myself and my daughter. She was taken care of by an experienced trained professional. They would take her out in our community to do fun activities. I got to have time to myself which made me feel ready and replenished to start a new week.
Taking care of a child who has special needs can be difficult for your relationships and can often put a strain on your marriage. Taking a break together as a couple could be exactly what you both need to recharge and work better together. A break together could just be a night away to have a dinner together, catch up on some much-needed sleep or breakfast in bed. Taking a break together can help you connect and be on the same page. There are serious consequences to parental burn out when raising special needs children. Parental burn out can put parents at risk due to the high stress environment and lead to serious health issues. When was the last time you went out on a date night for dinner or met up with your friends for a movie?
I wanted to write this because I see the struggle that parents post each day. I feel it in their words. I have been there. I was a single Mom with two special needs children. I was so burned out that I felt like I couldn't go on another day. I failed to take care of myself.
Your child needs you. You need to take care of yourself too. They say, "it takes a village to raise a child" and they're right. Lean on those around you and take advantage of services that are offered in your community.
Be kind and forgiving to yourself. Remember to stay hydrated and get enough exercise.
It is time to love yourself too. It is time that you recharge and reset.
Special needs parenting can be really tough. Most could never do what you do each day. Don't be so hard on yourself. Be strong. Be brave. You can do this. You are doing a great job. I see you. ~ Unknown
1. Go for a walk around your neighborhood
2. Invite a friend over for coffee
3. Read a chapter out of your current novel
4. Put your make up on
5. Color in a coloring book
6. Go for a manicure
7. Treat yourself to a massage
8. Take a jog through a park
9. Shave your legs
10. Listen to music
11. Practice mindful breathing
12. Hire a cleaner to help with housework
13. Style your hair
14. Buy yourself something
15. Eat a healthy snack
16. Sing a song you love
17. Yoga
18. Write in a journal
19. Join a class or course
20. Go for a pedicure
21. Bake your favourite cookies
22. Dance
23. Make jewelry
24. Phone a friend
25. Gardening
26. Cry it out
27. Write in a gratitude journal
28. Paint a picture
29. Therapy
30. Watch a TV show you enjoy
31. Order delivery and take a cooking break
32. Home decor
33. Learn a new hobby
34. Start a blog
35. Go for a hair cut
36. Use a facial mask
37. Bubble bath with bath bombs
38. Movie night
39. Turn off your phone
40. Make crafts
41. Rest or get some much needed sleep
42. Buy a new outfit
43. Walk on the beach
44. A night out with friends
45. Meditate
46. Listen to a podcast
47. Burn a candle
48. A glass of wine or incense
49. Experience something new in your city
50. Medical and health appointments
51. Go to the gym
52. Take some selfies of yourself
53. Positive self-talk
54. Volunteer
55. Healthy boundaries
56. Visit a relative
57. Declutter
58. Tell someone a joke makes them laugh
59. Learn something new
60. Listen to nature sounds
61. Set goals
62. Play with therapeutic putty
63. Go swimming
64. Do something nice for someone else
65. Play a board game
66. Cuddle a pet
67. Learn to say no
68. Do something you're good at
69. Draw
70. Prayer
71. Knit, sew or crochet
72. Turn on an essential oil diffuser
73. A day with no plans or appointments
74. Read daily affirmations
75. Acupuncture
76. Watch a funny movie and laugh
77. Scrapbooking your favorite photos
78. Positive social media
79. Go for a bike ride
80. Listen to audio book
81. Play a video game
82. Skin care routine
83. Start a bucket list
84. Create a thankful jar
85. Join a book club or social group
86. Give someone you love a hug
87. Let go of something
88. Lay in the grass in the sunshine
89. Watch the stars in the dark
90. Go for a drive
91. Buy yourself flowers
92. Make a zen sensory bottle
93. Tell yourself "I love you" in the mirror
94. Take yourself on a date
95. Sit outside and listen to the birds
96. Write a letter
97. Wrap up in a cozy blanket
98. Take a long shower
99. Read a magazine
100. Make a vision board
Don't let others who don't understand your child's struggles, make you doubt your parenting. ~ Unknown
Ideas For Special Needs Parents Who Need Self Care
The Pampered Parent is a self-care subscription box and supportive online community for special needs moms. With every subscription, moms receive monthly self-care boxes, curated by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), as well as lifetime access to our exclusive online community. Our boxes and community provide subscribers with the self-care, encouragement, and inspiration they deserve, while also offering connection, support, and a sense of community. Each box includes one item from a company that is run by and/or employs individuals with special needs, an item with a special saying or quote that promotes disability inclusion and acceptance, and various self-care products that encourage rest, relaxation, positivity, and self-love! In our online community, there are inspirational posts, expert-led meditations, guest speakers, book clubs, self-care tips, and more. Treat yourself with a subscription to The Pampered Parent - you deserve it!
Present, Not Perfect for Moms: A Journal for Slowing Down, Being Mindful, and Trusting in Yourself
Take a mindful break from the pressures of parenting and notice the everyday miracles that abound with Aimee Chase's Present, Not Perfect for Moms. This personal creativity journal invites you to make peace with imperfection and embrace the beautiful, wild, heart-soaring adventure of parenthood like never before.
Whether it’s pausing to breathe more deeply, being more present in the moment with your child, or adding satisfying rituals to an otherwise chaotic day, you’ll find lots of ways to celebrate what truly matters and let go of what doesn’t.
Burnout to Unstoppable: An Autism Mom's Memoir About Prioritizing Self-Care, Becoming Stress Resilient and Unleashing Her Inner Badass
Burnout to Unstoppable will empower you to take charge of your life and stop procrastinating about taking better care of your most valuable asset: YOU.
In this book, you will discover how to:
Prioritize self-care;
Boost your physical, mental and emotional health to preserve your longevity;
In addition to giving practical self-care tips to her readers, the author's most valuable contribution is to shine a light on the very important, but rarely discussed issue of caregiver burnout.
The 5-Minute Self-Care Journal for Women: Prompts, Practices, and Affirmations to Prioritize You
It's time to make yourself a priority
Just a few minutes of self-care can help you nurture your needs, no matter how busy life gets. This guided journal is filled with quick and easy practices to help boost your mood, and promote self-compassion so you can truly thrive.
What sets this journal apart from other self-care books for women:
Encouraging prompts—Discover 150 uplifting prompts that inspire you to foster a growth mindset, practice mindfulness, and start your days with positive intentions.
The One-Minute Gratitude Journal
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude yields many benefits: physical, mental and spiritual. In this Journal, you have flexibility to write down the dates of entry and not feel guilty if you miss a day. There are also pages in this journal where you can just draw something beautiful. Every page contains an inspirational quote (non religious). Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation for what one has. Write down three to five things you are grateful for in this journal and turn your ordinary moments into blessings.
More Than A Mom: Finding Purpose In the Everyday Monotony Without Losing Yourself Or Your Sanity The daunting and not-for-faint-of-heart journey of motherhood is best survived with the humor and wit of Ashley Carbonatto’s story telling and no-nonsense guide to the world’s hardest job. From heart-felt to hilarious, Ashley’s own path of motherhood has been a faith-journey through unexpected ups and downs of learning to re-discover her identity that motherhood tried to strip away. With tales of daily loneliness, anxiety and postpartum along with lessons of growth, self-discovery, and friendship, this book is the guide from a sister in the trenches that will meet the everyday mom right where she’s at.
DISCLAIMER: I am not an Therapist. I am an adult who has ADHD, a parent to children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and now a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists gives you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (ADHD) If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another. Please always consult with a professional.
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