Today I’m sharing ten easy self-care ideas when your child is disabled. All parents need some downtime to look after their physical, emotional, and mental health. This can become more challenging and complex when you are the parent of a child with some form of disability. I know all too well the emotional weight of looking after your child can take its toll.

This is especially true when you have no time to recuperate. The Summer Holidays is always especially tough here. So with that in mind, today I’m sharing ten easy self-care ideas when your child is disabled. Read on for some of the ways I relax.

Easy Self-Care Ideas When Your Child is Disabled

For me, the best way to look after myself has always been getting enough sleep. For children with physical disabilities or complex care needs, adjustable beds and safe space beds can also ease the daily caregiving load, significantly reducing the physical strain on parents during repositioning, transfers, and nighttime care routines. Sometimes, that isn’t enough though. So read on for more easy self-care ideas. 

While there is a lot of information out there regarding generalised self-care, some of it may not be relevant to you. Particularly if your child’s needs mean that you cannot simply get someone to watch them while you go out. Due to this, it is important that you find methods of self-care that work for you.

Have a Soak in the Bath

Relaxing in the bath is always a good way to unwind after a hard day. There is no reason why you too cannot indulge a little. I love to unwind with some relaxing bath smellies. You can always add candles too if you are that way inclined. Most importantly, allow yourself some time to lay among the suds and just be. This is a great example of easy self-care ideas. 

Due to your responsibilities, it may be necessary to do this when your partner is present, your child is in bed or at school, or there is a carer within the home, just to ensure it is safe to do so. While your opportunities may be more limited than other parents, that does not mean they do not exist. I usually wait until after 11pm for my bath, once Sam’s asleep.

I can imagine that finding time for self care is more difficult if you are dealing with a lot of resentment regarding your child’s condition. Particularly if it was caused by a form of medical negligence. Gaining information from a medical negligence claim guide and figuring out the next steps can help you find some form of closure.

Get Support From Fellow SEN Parents and Carers

All parents need some level of support and companionship, but it’s one of the most important self-care ideas when your child is disabled. This can be especially true for those who are dealing with severe issues with their children. Finding others to talk to, whether by using online forums, messaging groups, or in-person events that parents, and potentially their children, can attend and engage in, can help you feel less alone. Talking to someone is the most difficult of these easy self-care ideas.

Being able to help each other with problems, as well as offload to someone who can appreciate and understand your struggles may also be quite cathartic. I found a local special needs Facebook group was a great place to start.

Find a Feasible Hobby

Some hobbies that involve a lot of time or money may not be feasible for you. So adapting your search criteria can help. Hobbies such as reading or playing video games may be more feasible in your situation. Finding something that can be done at home, and quickly put down or picked up, may make it more likely for you to find some enjoyment outside of being a parent. 

Personally, I find blogging is a great outlet, but I also love to read, build lego and paint by numbers too. Screen-free time is definitely needed for me to unwind. Sometimes sitting in the garden with a cup of tea is my favourite ” me-time” of the day. I tend to do this right after my son gets on the school bus, on a cool, crisp day. I also love to walk the dogs at this time of the day too. It does wonders to clear my head. 

Ten Easy Self-Care Ideas When Your Child is Disabled

So to recap, here my top ten easy self-care ideas.

1. Have a soak in the bath when you get a chance.
2. Read a book / kindle. I do this through the day as it’s easy to pick up and put down when “duty calls”.
3. Find some SEN parent friends who “get it”. (Online, at SEN schools, or in-person groups).
4. Spend some time outside. My garden is my sanctuary – especially over the summer holidays when we spend so much time at home.
5. Go for a walk by yourself, when time allows – Dog(s) optional.
6. Sleep! Easier said than done, I know!
7. Try building Lego – It’s super satisfying, although it is also addictive in my experience!
8. Spend some time outside. (I love a cup of tea in the garden, first thing).
9. Gaming is a great way to switch off – I am loving Two Point Hospital at the moment!
10. Paint your Nails – My son loves a manicure and some nail strengthening polish too, so a 2 for 1 pamper session often happens here.

So there you have it! Ten easy self-care ideas when your child is disabled. While being a SEND parent is both tough and rewarding, you also need to find time to retain some of your own identity. I firmly believe that doing little bits of self-care each day can go a long way to maintaining and improving your mental health. Finally, if these easy self-care ideas have been helpful, check out this one on ways to make more time for yourself.