Parenting
Focus on the importance of rest
Time off for parents of autistic children
👋 Hi, it's Bloggy! Today I want to talk to you about a super important topic: the importance of rest time for parents of autistic children. I know you give a lot of love, attention and energy to supporting your child every day. But let me tell you why taking care of you is just as important as taking care of him (or her)!
🛁 A Valuable Ally Against Exhaustion
Caring for an autistic child is intense! Between the roller-coaster emotions, the therapeutic appointments and the administrative procedures, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
🌟 Julie, mother of an 8-year-old boy, has found a great tip: "Every evening, when my son is asleep, I take 30 minutes to read or meditate. It's my moment, and it helps me stay zen." Thanks to this little ritual, Julie recharges her batteries and is better able to deal with tomorrow's unexpected events.
🙋 Paul and Clara also have their secret: they take turns every week to have a "free evening". Paul goes out with friends while Clara stays with their daughter, and on Saturdays it's the other way round. These little moments help them to keep smiling and energized to look after their daughter.
💗 Breaks to Better Manage your Emotions
I know that unpredictable situations are commonplace with an autistic child: meltdowns at the supermarket, refusal to go to school, complicated nights... it's not easy!
😌 Isabelle, mother of two, has a great tip: "Before picking up my son from school, I take 10 minutes in my car to do some breathing exercises." The result? She stays calmer and more patient in the face of difficulties.
🏃♀️ Some people also find comfort in sport: swimming, yoga or a good walk in the fresh air do wonders to relieve tension.
🧏 Strengthening the Bond with your Child
Do you know what? Taking time for yourself also means taking time for your child. When you're rested, you're more available and ready to spend quality time with your child.
☕️ For example, Stephane, father of a 10-year-old autistic boy, starts each day by quietly savoring his coffee. "Thanks to this time all to myself, I'm more zen to play with him, read him stories and accompany him in his activities."
🎊 Lisa and Marc, for their part, have set up "moments of complicity" every Sunday morning. Together, they paint or play sensory games with their child. These joyful moments strengthen their bond.
⚖️ Maintaining Family Equilibrium
A well-rested parent also means a more harmonious family balance. Taking time for yourself means taking time for your partner and the other children in your family.
🎤 One couple told me, "Every Friday night, we have a romantic movie night. It's our little ritual for getting together." And do you know what? Célia, mother of three, regularly organizes an individual outing with each of her children so that they all feel as important as their autistic brother.
💡 Concrete Ideas to Take a Breath
👰 Ask your loved ones for help to temporarily take over.
🌠 Find out about respite services offered by specialized centers.
📚 Create a daily "break" routine: reading, meditation, a walk...
📂 Use meditation apps to refocus in a matter of minutes.
🚡️ Join a support group to share with other parents who are going through the same things you are.
🎱 Plan family leisure activities to relax and share moments of happiness.
🌟Conclusion
Taking care of yourself is essential. These moments of rest, however small they may be, help you to stay on course and better accompany your child every day. So don't forget to take some well-deserved breaks. You deserve it, and believe me, it's good for the whole family! 💖