Posted: March 30, 2017
When you are a more restful parent, you are a better a parent. Stress can take a major toll on the body which can grow to major health concerns. When you are a parent of a special needs child, you need to be sure you can be there for them and help them in any way possible. The first thing you can do to make sure you can be all that you can be for your child is to take care of yourself. We share five easy ways you can simplify your life so you can be a more restful parent for yourself and your family.
Plan Ahead
When you are well organized, you are less stressed. Stress can take a major toll on the body which can grow to major health concerns. Create a daily routine to keep you and your family on track. Planning ahead can create less time worrying and give you more time to enjoy your day and your family. Carve some time out every evening to get ready for the next day ahead. Make lunches beforehand, set out your clothes for the next day and go through your family’s schedule so nothing gets missed. A great way to stay on top of your ‘A’ game is to use a planner to stay organized. We have an article on 5 Ways To Set Up A Planner which can help you if you need ideas on how to stay organized.
Have An Early Morning
Be more restful in the day by starting off your day in the most relaxed way. Take time each morning to have a little you time. This time can be spent enjoying a warm tea or reading the paper. Wake up 15 minutes early to get in a relaxing hot shower before everyone else gets up. When you first wake up in the morning, spend a couple of moments to stretch. Waking up earlier can give you some peace and quiet while also giving you a jump start on your day ahead.
Slow Down
Life can go by quickly, take time to slow down. When you take time to pause and savor each moment you become more appreciative of them. Be fully present during family time, playtime, downtime and mealtime. Turn off distractions like television and your cellphone during these times. Listen to what your family is saying and pay attention to what is going on around you. When you are outside focus in on your surroundings, take in the fresh air and notice the sensation of the grass beneath your feet.
Focus On The Positive
Take time out of each day to focus in on the positive of each day that has just passed. Doing so will make you more grateful for the good and stress less about the bad. You can do this before bed or when you eat dinner with your family. Go around the table and say three things that were good about your day. Get your whole family involved, when you hear what positive things happened in each of your family members’ day, you will be more thankful as well.
Ask For Help
There is only so much you can do in one day. Learn to be okay with accepting help when you need it. Whether that is needing an extra hand when it comes to picking up your kids from school to having someone go with you to doctor appointments for your child. Asking others for help does not mean that you are incapable of being a parent. Having someone to help you can reduce a lot of worries and stress in your life. Not only by having someone lend an extra hand but by having someone to support you emotionally as well.
We hope that the tips above can be of great help when it comes to helping you become a more restful parent. Challenge yourself and see if you can practice all these items on our list. Start off small and try one or two this week. You don’t have to implement all right away! See what works best for you and your family.
If you have any questions about Cerebral Palsy or would like more information about resources, contact our care team today. Please call (800) 692-4453 today to speak with a representative.
