Parenting a Special Needs Child: Things You Need to Know About "Respit Care"
A "typical" child develops independence progressively and quickly.
A child with a birth defect or other challenges takes longer (if ever) to develop even simple skills like getting themselves a drink.
Allowing your child to exercise their independence also requires great patience and support.
Any way you slice it, taking care of a special needs child is challenging and draining.
As a parent of a child with Special Needs, you still have needs of your own.
It is very important for you to satisfy the NEED to have some "me time" for yourself and some "us time" for you and your spouse.
The Need to "get away" every once in a while is well-recognized, so consider these things: Don't feel guilty about Needing some "time off" from parenting a special needs child.
As a parent caring for a special needs child, you are involved in a marathon, not a sprint.
Give yourself a chance to NOT worry about things every once in a while.
What is "Respit Care" and how can it help? It may have other names, but in general, "Respit Care" is a program which is designed to have a Caregiver come to your home and care for your child while you get a chance to take a break from the challenges of taking care of everything.
Look for funding for "Respit Care.
" State sponsored programs are available in most states.
These programs require the Care Giver to be trained and approved.
If your child qualifies for other programs or services for medical reasons, or if your child is considered "disabled", then you should also qualify for the "Respit Care" programs.
Who would be a good choice for a "Respit Care" Caregiver? -A warm-hearted person who thinks of others as well as themselves.
-A relative that is not around too much otherwise.
Don't get them burnt out as well.
-A teenager who could use a little side job and who would make a good "baby sitter".
Who NOT to use as a "Respit Care" Caregiver.
-Your other children (give them a chance to be kids).
-Any one who doesn't deserve your COMPLETE confidence and trust.
What are the best ways to use Respit Care? -A date night.
-Someone to be at your home when your child arrives from school on the bus.
-A "night away" - save up a few hours per week and use them in a "lump sum" to have a full night away.
If you save up 2 hrs per week you can get away for 24 hrs every 3 months.
A child with a birth defect or other challenges takes longer (if ever) to develop even simple skills like getting themselves a drink.
Allowing your child to exercise their independence also requires great patience and support.
Any way you slice it, taking care of a special needs child is challenging and draining.
As a parent of a child with Special Needs, you still have needs of your own.
It is very important for you to satisfy the NEED to have some "me time" for yourself and some "us time" for you and your spouse.
The Need to "get away" every once in a while is well-recognized, so consider these things: Don't feel guilty about Needing some "time off" from parenting a special needs child.
As a parent caring for a special needs child, you are involved in a marathon, not a sprint.
Give yourself a chance to NOT worry about things every once in a while.
What is "Respit Care" and how can it help? It may have other names, but in general, "Respit Care" is a program which is designed to have a Caregiver come to your home and care for your child while you get a chance to take a break from the challenges of taking care of everything.
Look for funding for "Respit Care.
" State sponsored programs are available in most states.
These programs require the Care Giver to be trained and approved.
If your child qualifies for other programs or services for medical reasons, or if your child is considered "disabled", then you should also qualify for the "Respit Care" programs.
Who would be a good choice for a "Respit Care" Caregiver? -A warm-hearted person who thinks of others as well as themselves.
-A relative that is not around too much otherwise.
Don't get them burnt out as well.
-A teenager who could use a little side job and who would make a good "baby sitter".
Who NOT to use as a "Respit Care" Caregiver.
-Your other children (give them a chance to be kids).
-Any one who doesn't deserve your COMPLETE confidence and trust.
What are the best ways to use Respit Care? -A date night.
-Someone to be at your home when your child arrives from school on the bus.
-A "night away" - save up a few hours per week and use them in a "lump sum" to have a full night away.
If you save up 2 hrs per week you can get away for 24 hrs every 3 months.