If you're an Autism parent, then you know all too well that self-care can be hard to come by. But, it’s essential to your mental health. You know the whole oxygen mask on the airplane saying, but it’s true! You can’t help others unless you are taking care of yourself…that’s why I put myself first.
Self-care doesn’t necessarily mean taking time for yourself or relaxing, but rather it’s making sure you’re doing all you can to be the best parent you can be.
A self-care coach helps parents of autistic children create a plan for their wellness so they can enjoy life with their child more fully, and show up consistently as the best version of themselves. Read on to discover how an autism parent self-care coach can help you and your child(ren) thrive...
What is self-care?
To me, self-care means you give yourself permission to be who you are and to acknowledge and honor your needs. To allow yourself to be happy, healthy, successful, and fulfilled while being true to yourself…all while parenting your child!
I've found it extremely helpful to set aside time to be who I really am without judgment (unfortunately, something that we autism parents are faced with frequently). Self-care is more than just taking a bubble bath or getting a massage. It's about finding ways to unwind, reflect, and recharge. It involves taking care of our bodies and setting ourselves up for success…although your gal loves to go get a good mani/pedi every now and again too.
Why do autism parents need self-care?
While being an autism parent is often portrayed as a full-time job, it’s really more of a series of daily obligations. Between providing care for a special needs child, teaching them how to make safe choices, trying to connect with other autism families, and caring for themselves, a lot of parents end up feeling exhausted, frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed.
Parents of autistic children are often living with depleted energy levels due to lack of sleep. They may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and guilty about putting their needs first sometimes, but as caregivers, it’s essential that we do!
Remember, that our parenting journey is a marathon, not a sprint! You have to make sure you have the energy and strength to make it to the finish line, whatever that looks like for your family…self-care goes a long way to helping you achieve your goals.
What are the benefits of self-care coaching for autism parents?
The benefits of autism parenting coaching include the opportunity for parents to be better prepared for the challenges of raising children with additional needs, to learn strategies to support their children's education, to gain insight into their own reactions and emotions and how to deal with them, and to develop social skills and self-awareness.
Plus, sometimes you just need a little help in doing the things you know are good for you.
The power of self-care is an empowering one. The fact that I can parent and homeschool my two autistic kids while running two businesses shows that the right types of self-care make all the difference.
The role of a self-care coach for parents of autistic children.
It’s easy to focus on all the things you don’t have control over and neglect what you can: your own mental health. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when faced with caring for a child with special needs.
Parents need to remember that they need to take care of themselves too. When you feel stressed, it’s hard to think clearly, so it’s important to carve out time for yourself. A self-care coach is there to help you create your goals, stick to them, and offer guidance and suggestions for ways you can create a healthy self-care strategy.
How to get started with self-care coaching.
First, you have to find a coach you think you'll work well with. Then ask them the important questions that let you know they'll be a good fit for you and your family.
Once you've made a decision on which coach you'll be working with, carve out time in your schedule to work with them (this post is about fitting in therapy for your kiddo, but you may find some helpful ideas for making your coaching sessions easier to work into your calendar).
Finally, commit to working with them for a certain length of time (usually 3-6 months) and allow them to help transform your life!
Conclusion
You have to take care of yourself so that you can be the best parent possible for your autistic child(ren)...and not lose yourself in the process. The more you prioritize self-care and healthy-for-you-choices, the happier you’ll be, and the better equipped you’ll be to deal with stress.
Take charge of your mental health.
Get sleep. Exercise. Eat well…maybe drink less alcohol.
Manage your stress.
And put yourself first.
Because your kid(s) need you, and you’re worth it.
If you need a bit of help on your self-care journey, know that you can always contact me to discover more about my coaching program and how I can help you (and your kiddo) thrive.
Not feeling people-y? Don't want to wait to start feeling better?! That's ok! Head here to download your FREE self-care guide and start putting your personalized self-care plan into action today.
Meet your self-care coach!
