Mom's Need Care Too!
- lorrainedeeb
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Life can be busy. Life can be messy. It can be downright chaotic. While we love our children and take pride in them, lets face it, parenting and everything that comes with it can get exhausing. Especially when you're parenting a child who is neurodiverse/who has special needs. We find ourselves almost immediately learning how to multitask. You know the picture- Baby in one hand while trying to prepare a meal or do a household chore. Or the famous one - Nursing the baby in one arm while trying to eat and not drop the food on baby's head lol! We've been there and done that! With every subsiquent child the balancing act becomes more difficult. Sleepless nights or interupted sleep is no stranger to moms. When this happens, our bodies become taxed and we feel like even our "brains hurt". Being a working mom, whether out of the house or stay at home, the juggle becomes more challenging. If you are doing all this as a single mom, it's important to find balance.
TO NAP OR NOT TO NAP? THAT IS THE QUESTION.
We are all advised when baby naps, you nap. Why? Because we need to recharge for the next round. Unfortunately how many of us have found ourselves actually napping during that time, but instead using that time to catch up on work or chores. Having a child with sensory issues and severe reflux who could not self regulate to fall asleep, or remain sleeping for any length of time, was a challenge in itself. Then when you add in the guest appearance of the prior meal, or the screaming night terrors from parasomnia (NREM), can burn you out. The hardest part is resisting the urge when your child is sleeping, to use that time for work or chores. Take advantagre of other family members to help with child care. If you're in a situation like I was and either no longer have your own mom or are geographically less accessible to family members, consider a mother's helper or postpartum doula. If your child has a diagnosis and is eligible to receive services, do consider respite. A respite worker does not have to be a stranger. I've had many cases of families who choose a relative or close friend as their respite worker. Look at your day and what needs to get done. Say to Yourself when else can I get those dishes done, the laundry folded, catch up on my pa perwork, etc. Maybe its that time when baby is in the playpen, or watching their favorite learning show. While I'm not advocating turning children into video bots, that occasional Cocomelon show comes in handy. For mine, it was Teletubbies and Bear in The Big Blue House.
There are many ways to "Self Care".
Self Care can be something as simply taking a walk, relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea, or just sitting out in the sun. For me sometimes, I'll put on my TV, recline back and watch a faith based movie or something totally comical to excape and regroup. If you have a passion hobby that you maybe haven't had the time for since becoming a mom, or one you want to want to explore and try, go for it. Some hobbies can be relaxing and even therapeutic like the arts. One of my passions is writting. After years of not being able to afford or have the time to take a class, or even clear my brain for creative writing again, I bit the bullet. I took a class locally for writers. Low and behold my creative juices were flowing again. This also gave me an outlet to express myself. How exciting it was to actually see my name in print! (You can click here, or the link under my picture above to go to my Amazon afilliate page and view the book) Or maybe even join a yoga class in the park. You can bring the little one with you in the carriage or stroller, as long as they are within arms reach and in sight at all times. Get together with other moms so you'll not only be devoloping a support cirlce, but will have a much needed social outlet.
Most importantly remember you"re not alone. Reach out for support or to just vent. Whether it's to a friend, family member, FB or other support group. Couseling is always available, whether in person or virtual. Research your local resources for support. I've found that even if one connection isn't a right fit for your needs, when you ask, that resource may lead you to others where you may find the right fit.
There are many ways to "Self Care". I've only mentioned a few. What are some ways you give yourself much needed care and time? Click the button below to link to my Facebook page and share with other moms some things that work for you. (And don't forget - take a nap!)
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