Looking After Yourself

You don’t need to be perfect and you won’t always get things right. Parenting is hard for everyone and you have extra challenges to cope with.

• Find people who understand how life is for you – this may mean finding support groups for children and families with similar challenges. There are links to find support groups below.
• Family and friends may have offered to help – accept the offer. They may be able to help with things such as cooking a meal, doing a school run, keeping you company at an appointment. 
• Let your GP know if you are a carer, they can make a note on your records and consider additional services that may be helpful for you.
• As a carer you can request an assessment from adult social services to see what help might be available to make your life easier.
• Encourage your children and other adults you live with, to do as much for themselves as they are able to reduce the pressure on you.

Take Time Out When You Can

Take any moments you can to look out for yourself;

• Some people find meditation useful – there are a lot of websites and online videos – different techniques work for different people. 
• If you find yourself with a quiet half an hour do something for you rather than a chore –read a magazine, have a coffee, watch TV or phone a friend.
• Exercise is really good for mood and stress relief – find an exercise you can enjoy. Just getting outside for a brisk walk will help. There are plenty of exercise videos online if it is hard to get outside. Get a friend to join in to keep you motivated.

If family and friends are not able to help, or it is not enough - speak up. Talk to the team who support your child’s health / education and tell them how you are feeling. Ask them to look into support for you.