Stress Relief for Parents of Kids with Special Needs

by Mar 9, 2017Self-Care and Stress, Special Needs Parenting5 comments

Stress relief for parents of kids with special needs is essential. This post compiles 18 stress-relieving tips from parents raising kids with special needs.

Stress relief for parents of kids with special needs is essential. But finding time for stress relief can seem impossible. Recently the members of a Key Ministry support group, who are all parents dealing with the stress and trauma of raising kids with special needs, shared their best stress relief tips. This list is a heart offering from group members who want to encourage you on your caregiving journey and contains something for every stressed parent of a child with special needs.

Stress Relief for Parents of Kids with Special Needs
  1. Join a support group. One mom described a support group that meets monthly for a potluck meal. The parents talk while the kids play in the gym. Other parents mentioned online support groups which allow them to participate from home and eliminate the need for childcare.
  2. Pray. Several parents mentioned prayer creatively woven into daily activities. My favorite was a mom who prays while she knits.
  3. Read Scripture. One mom especially recommended this list of Psalms for the Anxious in times of stress.
  4. Online Bible study. Find a study group filled with positive people who will encourage, forgive, and hold you accountable without becoming legalistic or judgmental.
  5. Massage. Several people suggested getting a monthly massage. I didn’t understand what a stress reliever this could be until my sister gave me a gift certificate a couple years ago. Now I’m hooked and look forward to the one time a month when someone cares for me, and I just lay there.
  6. Hire a housekeeper.Hire a housekeeper! Even if it’s only once a month,” a mom said, “It’s the best money ever spent.” Several other parents seconded that idea.
  7. Do a crossword puzzle. Not necessarily the Sunday crossword from the New York Times. Just something with enough challenge to keep you interested, but simple enough to avoid frustration.
  8. Spend time with a friend. A mom explained how easily this idea can be accomplished. “Even if it’s crashing on their couch talking. Sometimes I just need a bit of time away from home.”
  9. Grab good coffee after work. I love how this mom describes this indulgence. “Sometimes after a stressful day at work, I go to Starbucks and get my favorite drink and just sit in the car in silence before picking my kiddo up from daycare. Those few moments of just me and coffee sometimes make all the difference.
  10. Go to coffee with a friend. Which, as you can see, is a variation on #7 and #8.
  11. Make a pot of special tea. A lovely adaptation of #8 & #9 for non-coffee drinkers.
  12. Get my nails done. Like a massage because someone cares for you instead of you caring for everyone else.
  13. Go somewhere alone. Go to a park and just sit. Go to a movie. Or volunteer to run errands all by yourself. There’s nothing like being alone in a crowd while completing tasks that makes your life easier.
  14. Plan weekend girlfriend trips. One mom said she takes weekend trips with girlfriends once in a while, or to visits people she can stay with who are good company.
  15. Outside time. Plan a walk or go for a bike ride with adults only.
  16. Read a book. Just for fun, not for information about your child’s condition.
  17. Listen to books on CD. One mom said she combines service and pleasure by sewing newborn baby blankets while listening to an audiobook. This is a great stress reliever for me, too. Listening to an audiobook while doing housework or cleaning makes the most menial task fun.
  18. Plan an early bedtime. With your spouse, of course.
Your Stress Relief  for Parents of Kids with Special Needs Suggestions?

What are your best stress relief for parents of kids with special needs suggestions? Make this list better than ever by leaving your tips in the comment box.

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By Jolene

Jolene Philo is the author of the Different Dream series for parents of kids with special needs. She speaks at parenting and special needs conferences around the country. She’s also the creator and host of the Different Dream website. Sharing Love Abundantly With Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities, which she co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman, was released in August of 2019 and is available at local bookstores, their bookstore website, and at Amazon.

5 Comments

  1. Jolene

    I’m so sorry these suggestions don’t help in your situation. You sound very lonely and discouraged, which is a bad place to be. Have you looked for a support group on Facebook? Since you do have internet, that might be helpful. Though you have no faith, you could check with churches in your area, too. You might find one that has a special needs parents support group. Many of those are open to all parents, not just those of a certain faith. My prayers are with you! Jolene

  2. C. H.

    This is not what I was hoping to read….. Any ideas for how someone can relieve stress when none of the ideas listed above are options?

    I can’t afford to do any of the financial ones. Not even a cup of coffee is afforable.

    When I go somewhere alone, all I do is cry or scream or shake in anger that I can’t fix any of the problems myself and my child face.

    There are no support groups where I live.

    I have zero faith in any sort of spiritual belief. I believe in science.

    I have no support persons. Single. Crappy family. No friends.

    Psychologist tells me to “stop stressing about things that are out of your control”. HAHA! I wouldn’t need a psychologist if it were as easy as that.

  3. Jolene

    You are so right Denie. Thanks for that addition to the list!

  4. Denie Sidney

    Talk to a therapist or counselor. Having objective, therapeutic conversations with a trained professional is a great stress relief.

  5. Jamie@TheMomGene

    I love this list. Especial #3, #5, and #6. ALL necessities.

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Meet Jolene

Jolene Philo is a published author, speaker, wife, and mother of a son with special needs.

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