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Stress ManagementThere's pretty much no way for the parent of a child with special needs to avoid stress entirely, but you can manage it instead of letting it manage you. Here are some techniques for taking control.
20 Things Not to Worry About Today
You're always going to worry about how your child's doing in school, but just for today, make a conscious decision to give those worries a vacation. The world won't fall apart, and you may find a more productive way to deal. Keep a School Year Calendar
Don't wait until it's almost too late before jotting down meetings and special school events. Fill a calendar before the first day of school and give yourself an A for organization. Take a Day Off
Every parent needs to take a break now and then, and parents of children with special needs more than most. You can't stop being a parent and you may not be able to step out on your job, but here are some things you can take a day off from. Control Your Reactions
Your child may push your buttons, but giving big reactions to bad behavior may send the wrong message. Showing that you can control your feelings and avoid meltdowns yourself models appropriate behavior for your kids, and leaves you feeling better, too. Streamline Your Morning Routine
Mornings are hard for many families, and dealing with children with special needs just makes them harder. Here's how to make things run a little bit smoother when you're running behind. 10 Ways to Work Out with Your Child
Getting out of the house long enough to get some decent exercise can be hard for parents of children with special needs. These products can help you get moving right where you are -- and have fun with your child at the same time. Five Journal Ideas You Can Really Keep Up With
Writing in a journal is a great way for parents of children with special needs to get in touch with their feelings and confront their worries, but it can sometimes be hard to find the energy or inspiration to keep up with one. Here are five ideas that will give you the motivation you need. How to Worry More Constructively
Worry is hard to avoid when you're the parent of a child with special needs. The trick is to turn your destructive worrying into constructive worrying. Give Yourself a Time-Out
Giving yourself a time-out when you're about to lose your temper is a healthy way to release that stress, and models good coping skills for your kids, too. Journaling You Way Through Stress
From Specialchild.com, journaling questions that can help you work your way through stressful situations and find a way to feel good about your child and family. Reducing Special Needs Parent Stress
An essay on finding stress relief in small doses, from a parent of a child with Asperger Syndrome. Set Up an Online Family Holiday Headquarters
Forget frequent phone calls and urgent e-mails. Put all the info about your family's holiday plans in a weblog, and keep everybody on the same page while having more time to deal with your child's needs. Low-Stress Christmas Cards
Parenting a child with special needs around the holidays, when you need to work overtime to prevent meltdowns, can make it hard to find time to wedge in the usual holiday card signing, sealing and stamping. Save time and stress by sending eCards instead. |
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