Comments on: Let’s Talk About STRESS, Baybee…

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:16:10 +0000

I loved the first few lines of this,it gave me a good laugh. Just knowing that there are others in the same spot I’m in helps. I have the only boy’s on either side of the family and both are on the spectrum.Our familys will not have anything to do with our sons. The place we live does not have any services for help outside of school(1st to 5th grade)or any support groups.5 minutes for special needs is a godsend to me. thank you for the laughter.

By: Territory Mom

Territory Mom — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:44:46 +0000

Unfortunately, I eat.

By: Kristin

Kristin — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:42:12 +0000

I’m not gonna lie. It IS stressful being the parent of a special needs child.

One tip is to not isolate yourself. Reach out to others. Get involved in support groups, school advisory boards, church groups, etc. Reach out to others who may be in the same boat.

Another tip is to allow yourself outlets and timeouts. I write in my blog. I go for walks with the dog. I go out with friends for breakfast or lunch. Remember that you are your own person-not just a special needs parent 24/7. It’s really hard to squeeze this stuff in and to make time. Feelings of guilt or just plain exhaustion can be reasons-but make time!

okay, I’m gonna shut up now.

By: Daisy

Daisy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:39:42 +0000

I hear you loud and clear!! To add to my stress, I teach in the district my child attends. That makes it harder to be a strong advocate. I’ve had principals turn around and make sarcastic and negative statements about my own teaching. To alleviate a bit of this, my husband and I go over the script ahead of time and make sure he gets the hardest lines. Good cop – bad cop? Maybe. It works.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:41:18 +0000

This is true for me, but I read that it helps others, too.

Some stress is created by the difference between what we want and what is. The closer those two are, the less stress (from this particular source). When you ‘take ownership’ – this is MY LIFE and dagnabit I like it! – that reduces the space between want and is.