By Gwen Payne
As the parent of a child with special needs, you’re used to sleepless nights and long days. You love your child and you want to see them thrive, so of course, you’ll do whatever it takes to provide the care they need. You’re human, though, and you need to care for yourself, too. Failure to do so can cause parental fatigue and eventual burnout. This article will help you learn about five of the most common symptoms of parental fatigue and how you can fight against them.
- Your Mental Health Is Declining
One of the first symptoms of parental fatigue is a decline in mental health. If you feel hopeless, anxious, or depressed on a regular basis, you may be dealing with a clinical mental health issue that necessitates treatment. To prevent the problem from worsening, you should seek out care. - You Don’t Have a Support System
A solid support system is a must-have resource for any parent — but especially for parents of kids with special needs. According to research, parents need a break from time to time, and your support system should be there to help out. If you don’t have any friends or family who can step in to offer assistance, you may be too isolated. To combat the problem, reach out to loved ones and start establishing support. Be sure not to take advantage of the help, though, and burden loved ones with requests. - You Are Unsatisfied in Your Marriage
Ideally, your marriage is a partnership wherein you and your spouse share equal responsibility for your child’s care. Sometimes, though, a child’s special needs become a divisive issue, and spouses resent each other rather than working together. If you find that your marital satisfaction is waning, initiate a discussion and talk to your partner about reconnecting and spending time together. - You’ve Given Up on Personal Goals
Many parents of special needs kids find that their life is consumed by their parental responsibilities. It’s true that parenting will likely take up most of your time, but that doesn’t mean you need to abandon your own dreams. If you want to start a business, for example, you can start by forming a limited liability company to save on taxes and reduce paperwork. Check your state to ensure you comply with all laws and enlist help from a formation service. To find an affordable and reliable service, read reviews on the best LLC services online. - Your Home Is Not a Peaceful Place
If your home no longer feels like a peaceful place, this is yet another sign you might be fatigued. Luckily, a few strategic changes to the environment can boost your feelings of wellness. Add a few houseplants and eliminate clutter to reduce the stress your home may be causing. Be the Best Parent You Can Be by Fighting Fatigue. Parental fatigue can be crippling if it’s left unaddressed. Over time, it will impair your ability to parent effectively, and it will negatively impact your child, too. You can prevent this, though, by investing in self-care and actively fighting its most common symptoms whether you’re starting your own business or keeping a healthier home.
Author: Gwen Payne is a stay-at-home mom with an entrepreneurial spirit, with Invisiblemoms.com she hopes to show other stay-at-home parents how they can achieve their business-owning dreams.