5 coping strategies for new parents with a special needs child

Finding out your child has special needs is overwhelming. In many ways there is a grieving process for the typical child you imagined parenting while learning to care for a child with needs that you weren’t expecting. How do you cope with all of this?

1. Try to take some time for yourself. Maybe a grandparent or friend can watch your child for a while even if it’s just long enough for you to take a quick walk for some fresh air. If you have a spouse or significant other perhaps you can take turns to give each other a break.
2. If you are a two-parent household, communication is key. But one thing I realized is that each parent may be on a different timeline when it comes to the grieving process I mentioned above. This can be challenging, but communicating with each other can give each other the support needed while going through the various stages.
3. Find support from other families. In current times social media has really opened up access to support. I rely heavily on one of my facebook parent support groups to share stories, ask about treatment options, recommendations for doctors and more. They are also my go-to when our son is having a bad day and I just need to vent. It’s so comforting knowing that there are other parents who “really get it”. There are groups my diagnosis, disability, and geographic location just to name a few. In-person support groups are also available in some communities. It may be challenging to attend if you don’t have someone else to care for your child but if you can attend it can be a great way to foster some local friendships. Hospital social workers, early intervention teams, just google searches are some resources for this.
4. Therapists/Counselors/Professional help – If you are open to seeking professional help this can be a life-saver. Some people don’t realize that you don’t need a mental health diagnosis to see a therapist. Why not seek help to keep good mental health? If it doesn’t break the bank, I always feel as though if someone is willing to listen to me talk, complain, and feel sorry for myself for an hour, sign me up!!!! Remember, you don’t have to see them forever. You are a much better for your child when you are in a good state of physical and mental health.
5. Find a few minutes each day or one day per week to just bond with your child like any other child without focusing on therapy or milestones they may or be not be achieving. One little smile can be so rewarding and re-fuel you for the upcoming day 🙂