Parents Of Special Needs Children Need Time For Ourselves

Several years ago, I had a breakdown. My load was way to heavy for me to bear. From that point on, I have learned to give myself permission to do something for myself every week. Every Sunday afternoon is mine! We go to church on Sunday mornings and then out to lunch as a family with grandma and grandpa. When we return home, I change my clothes and the next three to four hours are mine to do as I please. My husband watches the children.

So what do I do? I window shop, I visit with a girlfriend, I look at model homes, I go to the library or take in a movie. I may go to a bookstore or run an errand alone...it doesn't really matter what I do because I am recharging my batteries! The point is, I don't have to help anyone do anything. I wrote much of my book on Sunday afternoons.

Our load is heavy and it is a seven day a week job. Parents of special needs children do not have an easy job. We get exhausted. It is easy to stop thinking straight and it is easy to cry when I am tired. This does not help our kids when we get ourselves into this kind of place.

I also take Wednesday nights and go to a Bible study. I need to stay in the word of God. I need to learn God's perspective for my life. I need the fellowship with girlfriends. Have I always taken Sunday afternoons and Wednesday nights to recharge my batteries? Not by a long shot. But after five years of racing against a clock to help our son...I burned out. I hated how everything about my life had changed. Never had I worked so hard for such little results. And yes, it took some convincing to have my husband step up to the plate! But he did step up.

During the week, my research often leads me to bio medical treatments for our son. It is really on Sundays and Wednesdays that I focus on the new things that God is telling me about being parents of special needs children. So Sundays and Wednesdays are my built in respite times. I know that there are many moms and dads who do not have a spouse, close family members or great friends to give them the respite that they need. You must find a person to help give you a break. If you do not, you run a high risk of breaking down. And let me tell you...that is just not all that it is cracked up to be! Where there is a will...you will find a way. Parents of special needs children need regular breaks in order to be strong and healthy.

Taking time for ourselves is not a luxury. Parents of special needs children have to force themselves to walk away for awhile. It is a necessity. The first chapter in my book will tell you a little bit about my story. The rest of the book is tools for you to help yourself. Tools to help you be the best parent you can be for your child. Tools to make you stronger, wiser and happier. You don't need to hear one more story from another mom. I believe what you need is tools to help you in YOUR life. That is why I share with you some of the things that I have learned on my journey in my book Finding God In Autism. You have my word...This book was written to help you!

No matter what kind of special needs your child has, you will be inspired and helped by hearing the words from another parent who has a child with special needs.

Below are some great resources for parents of special needs children

If you would like another good website to visit then visit specialneedscafe.com A resource for individuals and families dealing with physical, emotional, and cognitive limitations.

Tellyourtestimony.com is an online community dedicated to Christians. Because Christians come from so many diverse backgrounds and experiences this site is a place to share your story. Your testimony can encourage and even give hope toothers who may have similar experiences.

Overcoming learning disabilities requires a newway of looking at an old problem - and there'shope in this perspective!

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