As a mother of a special needs child, you may feel like you have to be superhuman. You are expected to do everything for your child, while still maintaining your own sanity. It can be difficult to know where to start, or how to find the resources you need. But you are not alone. Here are some tips on how to be a “supermom” to your special needs child.
1) Get organized. You will need to keep track of doctor’s appointments, therapy appointments, IEP meetings, and more. Get a planner or use a calendar app on your phone to keep track of everything.
2) Join a support group. There are likely other mothers in your area who are dealing with similar issues. Connecting with them can help you feel less isolated and more supported.
3) Advocate for your child. You know your child better than anyone else does. Be their biggest advocate, both inside and outside the home.
4) Take care of yourself. It is important that you take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. Make sure to schedule time for yourself, whether it is getting a massage or going for a walk outside.
The Supermom Mindset
Moms of kids with special needs often feel overwhelmed and like they can’t do anything right. They feel like they’re constantly failing and their kids are never going to be “normal.”
But it doesn’t have to be this way! It’s possible for moms of special needs kids to feel confident and like they’re doing a great job – it just takes the right mindset. Let’s explore how to be a super mom.
1. Be Organized
A big part of being a supermom is being organized. This means having a schedule and a plan for everything. You need to be able to juggle a million different things at once and still keep your cool. There is no room for error when you’re a supermom.
Being organized also means being prepared for anything. You always need to have a backup plan, and you always need to be thinking ahead. You never know when your child is going to have a meltdown, or when you’re going to run into some other kind of emergency. Always be prepared and always have a plan B.
One way to stay organized is to keep a parenting journal. This can be an online journal or a physical notebook that you carry with you everywhere. Use it to jot down ideas, vent about your day, or track your child’s progress.
This journal will be your lifeline when things get crazy and you need to remember why you’re doing all this in the first place.
2. Be Patient
Raising a special needs child can be a difficult and rewarding experience. It is important to be patient with yourself and your child as you both learn and grow.
There will be good days and bad days, but try to focus on the positive. Take time for yourself when you need it, and ask for help when you need it. You are not alone – there are other moms out there who understand what you are going through.
Read also: How to Handle Tantrums In Autism: Complete Guide
3. Be Positive
If you want to be a super mom, you need to cultivate a positive mindset. This means having realistic expectations for yourself and your children. It means accepting that some days will be hard, and that’s OK. It means recognizing your own feelings and needs, and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it.
It also means seeing the potential in every situation, including the difficult ones. When you have a positive outlook, you’re more likely to find solutions instead of feeling overwhelmed. You’re also more likely to feel happy and content in the midst of the chaos.
So how do you cultivate a positive mindset? Here are some tips:
I. Start your day with gratitude:
Each morning, take a few minutes to think about things you’re grateful for in your life. This could be your children, your spouse, your health, your job, etc. Focusing on the positive things in your life will help you start the day with a positive attitude.
II. Make time for yourself:
As a mom, it’s easy to get so caught up in taking care of everyone else that you forget to take care of yourself. But if you want to be a super mom, you need to make sure you’re taking care of yourself too. Make time each day for things that make YOU happy, whether it’s reading, working out, taking a bubble bath, or anything else that brings you joy.
III. Focus on the good:
When something difficult happens, it’s natural to dwell on the negative aspects of the situation. But if you want to maintain a positive outlook, try to focus on the good instead.
For example, if your child has a bad day at school, focus on the fact that he tried his best or that he was kind to a friend. By focusing on the positive aspects of difficult situations, you’ll find it easier to stay positive overall.
IV. Practice self-compassion:
We all make mistakes – including moms! If you mess up or have a bad day, don’t be too hard on yourself. Cut yourself some slack and show yourself some compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would show to someone else.
V. Find your tribe:
It can be hard being a mom – especially if you feel like you’re doing it alone. That’s why it’s so important to find your tribe – other moms who understand what you’re going through and can offer support and friendship.
There are many ways to find your tribe – online parenting forums, local parent groups, playgroups, etc. Once you find them, hold onto them tight!
4. Be Strong
Being a Supermom means being strong—physically, mentally, and emotionally. You need to be able to handle anything that comes your way, whether it’s a fussy baby, a teenager with attitude, or a full-blown meltdown.
You need to be able to keep your cool in the face of adversity and know how to deal with whatever life throws your way.
Of course, being strong doesn’t mean you never feel sad or angry, or scared. It means you have the resilience to keep going even when things are tough.
It means you have the courage to face your fears and the strength to overcome them. It means you never give up, even when you feel like you can’t go on.
So how do you become a Supermom?
First, you need to believe that you can do it. Believe that you are strong enough, smart enough, and capable enough to handle anything that comes your way.
Second, surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you. Find a group of other Supermoms who understand what you’re going through and can offer advice and support when you need it.
Finally, take care of yourself. A Supermom is no good to anyone if she’s running on empty. Make sure you take time for yourself—to exercise, relax, and recharge your batteries. When you take care of yourself, you’ll be better able to take care of everyone else.
Read also: Why Freedom, and Safety is most important for Special Needs Kids
The Supermom Schedule
Being a mom is hard enough, but being a mom of a special needs child comes with its own set of challenges. If you’re looking for ways to be a supermom, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll give you the secrets to fitting everything into your schedule and still having time for yourself.
I. Get Help
One important way to take care of yourself is to get help when you need it. That’s why we’ve put together a list of resources that can help you when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Supermom Schedule Hotline:
A hotline staffed by parenting experts who can help you with everything from finding a sitter to dealing with discipline issues.
Parenting Resource Center:
A website that offers articles, tips, and advice on everything from potty training to dealing with tantrums.
Special Needs Parenting Group:
A support group for parents of children with special needs. This is a great place to get advice and support from other parents who are going through the same thing as you.
2. Set Priorities
No one can do it all, and trying to do so will only lead to burnout. As a Supermom, you need to learn to set priorities and focus on what’s important.
Here are some tips for setting priorities:
1. Make a list of all the things you need to do in a day, week, or month.
2. Rank the items on your list in order of importance.
3. Make time for the things that are most important to you. This may mean saying no to other things, but it’s important to prioritize your time so you can focus on what’s most important.
4. Don’t be afraid to delegate or ask for help. You don’t have to do everything yourself! Delegate tasks to others, or ask for help when you need it.
5. Take breaks when you need them. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break and come back to your task list when you’re feeling refreshed.
3. Make Time for Yourself
Between work, doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, IEP meetings, and everything else on your plate, it’s easy to forget to make time for yourself.
But it’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes (or even an hour, if you can swing it) for a self-care activity.
Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, going for a walk, or anything else that soothes your soul, make sure to schedule some “me” time into your busy day.
Read also: How To Be A Successful Parent With A Special Needs Child
The Supermom Lifestyle
Being a Supermom isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being strong, passionate, and dedicated to your children. It’s about making sacrifices and putting your children first.
If you’re a mom of special needs kids, you know that it takes a lot of hard work, patience, and love to raise them. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.
1. Be Healthy
You can’t be a supermom if you’re not healthy. That means you need to eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, and take care of yourself emotionally. That might sound like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are some tips for staying healthy:
Eat a healthy diet. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water!
1. Exercise every day. You don’t have to go to the gym or lift weights to exercise — even a brisk walk around the block counts! Just find something that gets you moving and stick with it.
2. Get enough sleep. Shoot for seven to eight hours of sleep every night. If you can’t get that much, try taking a nap during the day when your kids are napping or in school.
3. Take care of your emotional health. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. Talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or another support system if you need to vent or just need someone to listen.
2. Be Social
One important way to take care of yourself is by maintaining social relationships and activities outside of your role as a mom. This can be difficult, especially if you have a demanding caregiving schedule, but it’s important for your mental and emotional health.
Prioritize time for yourself and your own interests, even if it’s just a few hours a week. You can also look for ways to connect with other parents in similar situations. These connections can provide support, understanding, and friendship.
3. Be Relaxed
Parenting is hard enough without adding extra stress to the mix. So, one of the best things you can do for yourself (and your family) is to find ways to relax and de-stress.
That may sound easier said than done, but there are actually lots of simple things you can do to start winding down. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Take a hot bath
- Read a good book
- Listen to calming music
- Practice deep breathing exercises
- Spending time with friends or family
- Staying active and getting regular exercise
Conclusion
There is no one “right” way to be a Supermom. You are the only one who can decide what works for you and your family. But there are some general tips that can help you navigate this special parenting journey.
First, remember to take care of yourself. It’s easy to get so caught up in taking care of your special needs child that you forget to take care of yourself.
But if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your child. Make sure to schedule some time each week–even if it’s just an hour–to do something that you enjoy and that recharges your batteries.
Second, connect with other moms who are walking the same path as you. It can be helpful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. There are many online and in-person support groups for moms of special needs children. Find one that fits your needs and make sure to stay connected.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It takes a village to raise a child and that is especially true for special needs children. If there are people in your life who want to help, let them! Delegate tasks and activities so that you don’t feel like you have to do everything yourself.
By following these tips, you will be on your way to becoming a Supermom!
