Imagine feeling really confused and worried a lot. That’s how many parents who have special needs children often feel. People can see that these parents are very strong because it’s not easy to take care of a child with special needs. But, what people don’t see is all the mixed-up feelings and emotions that these parents go through. It’s like a big storm of feelings inside them.
Trying to stay positive and not let these feelings get them down is really hard. It’s like they have a secret battle going on inside them every day, but they don’t talk about it much. It’s like fighting against something negative deep inside them, and they do it quietly, without anyone noticing.
In our society, people often say it’s good to be positive and happy all the time. So, when special needs parents talk about their struggles inside, it might feel like they’re doing something wrong. But it’s really important to understand that these struggles are just as real as any other tough thing they face on the outside.
But, dear warrior parent, there is hope amidst this turbulence. In the next parts of this article, we’ll talk more about these hard feelings. We’ll admit that they exist, but we’ll also talk about how to make things better. Together, we’ll learn how to face these tough times and come out of them as strong parents in the story of special needs parenting.
Where the Negative Feelings Come From
Parental Guilt and Self-Doubt When you’re a special needs parent, you might sometimes feel like you’re responsible for everything that happens to your child. This can make you feel guilty and doubt yourself.
Societal Misconceptions Sometimes, people in society don’t really understand what it’s like to be a parent of a child with special needs. They might have wrong ideas, and this can make you feel even worse.
Overwhelming Responsibilities Special needs parents have a lot of important things to do for their children. Sometimes, these responsibilities can be so big that they make you feel like you’re not doing a good job.
The Effect of Negative Feelings on You
Emotional Strain When you carry heavy emotions, they can become overwhelming storms inside you, especially if you’re a parent of a special needs child. These feelings, like guilt and self-doubt, can feel like constant battles, clouding even your joyful moments. They can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and sadness.
It can Strain Your Relationship With Your Child When you’re feeling really down and upset, it can sometimes affect how you get along with your child. You might notice moments when things feel a bit tense or confusing between you two. These bad feelings, if you don’t do something about them, can make it hard for you both to talk and feel close. And it’s not just you who feels the impact; your child can also start feeling not so good because of it.
It Can Take a Toll on Your Health The impact of negative emotions reaches far beyond your mind. These relentless feelings can manifest physically, leading to symptoms like exhaustion, sleep disturbances, and even increased susceptibility to illness.
Here’s how you can deal with those tough feelings inside:
Being Kind to Yourself When you’re dealing with tough feelings that just won’t go away, try being nice to yourself. Treat yourself like you would treat a friend who’s having a hard time. It’s okay to feel the way you do; don’t be too hard on yourself. Being kind to yourself is an important step in handling these complicated feelings that can sometimes feel really overwhelming.
Getting Help and Building a Support Group Dealing with tough feelings is better when you have people who understand and have gone through similar stuff. You can create a group of friends who can share helpful ideas and ways to handle these feelings. Remember, you don’t have to go through this all by yourself, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Calming Your Mind and Managing Stress When you’re dealing with really strong emotions, it’s important to find ways to calm your mind and reduce stress. Try things like mindfulness, which helps you stay calm and focused, and strategies to beat stress. These methods can help you handle those intense feelings and make you feel more balanced inside.
Celebrating Small Achievements When you’re feeling really overwhelmed by your emotions, it’s important to notice and celebrate even the small things you achieve. These little victories might seem small, but they’re actually pretty strong. They give you hope and remind you that you’re tough and can handle tough times. It’s like adding fuel to your emotional strength, guiding you forward.
Keep Learning and Empowering Yourself When you’re dealing with really strong feelings, remember that learning and making yourself stronger are your best friends. Learning about your emotions is like having armor to protect yourself when things get tough. Getting stronger emotionally is like a guiding light, showing you how to be tough when you’re facing those big feelings inside.
Talking to a Professional When your emotions feel too much to handle, know that there are experts who can help. They know a lot about this stuff and can give you advice on how to deal with your feelings. Don’t be afraid to ask for their help; it’s an important way to feel better and understand your emotions.
Involving Your Family and Talking Openly Your family can really help when you’re dealing with strong feelings. Talk to them and share what you’re going through. It can bring you closer and make your family a more understanding and supportive place. Facing these feelings together can make your family stronger.
As you go through the challenges of being a special needs parent, it’s important to recognize how strong you are in facing your inner struggles. By dealing with these tough feelings, you can come out of this journey not as someone defeated, but as a powerful advocate in the world of special needs parenting.
Taking care of a child with special needs can be really hard. Nurture Pods is here to help you. Our experts know the challenges you’re going through, and we want to support you. Don’t be afraid to reach out; you don’t have to do this all by yourself.
Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 5 October 2023
