Taking care of children with special needs can be a difficult task. All the anxiety and strain can lead to stress which can cause health problems if not properly managed. All parents go through stress raising their children but the challenges are far greater for special needs parents. Below are some practical steps that can help these parents manage their stress level.
Maintaining relationship with positive people: can help
reduce stress. Mix up with people who can encourage you and believe that your
child can become a success. Have a positive mindset and build positive
relationships with everyone connected to your child.
Getting prepared: Preparing yourself against any
possible problems and planning how to solve them before it happens eg giving
your child a favorite toy or a warm drink before bed time which may help
prevent melt downs.
Resting: We
stated earlier how stressful it is to bring up a special needs child, but no
matter how tough it is you still need to make out time to relax and rest. e.g.
going on a vacation while a family member takes care of the child can be
refreshing. This is the only way you can have energy to continue with your
daily activities. A body that does not get adequate rest is prone to diseases
and a sick parent cannot adequately take care of his or her child.
Understanding your
child: Understanding your child’s
condition can help avoid tantrums and meltdowns, knowing what triggers such
behaviors and avoiding them can help in removing stress. Being able to
communicate adequately and recognize his or her needs and wants can be of
immense benefit in reducing anxiety which ultimately leads to stress e.g.
always keep an organized lifestyle so that he or she knows what to expect.
Asking for help: There are times the task of caring
for your child can be so overwhelming that you definitely need assistance.
Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from your relatives, friends or health
center, a little assistance can take a lot of tension off you.
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