Navigating Self Care as a Special Needs Parent

Please help us welcome back Pamela Tucker to the blog! If you missed it, she previously wrote this beautiful post for us about parenting a child with a rare disease. She's here today to share some of the ways she takes time out for herself as a special needs mother.


The never-ending role of wife, mother, and caregiver as well as the daily tasks of keeping life in general rolling can become overwhelming.  As caregivers it’s very easy to put yourself on the back burner and in turn not taking time out for yourself can become more of a routine than you realize. 

It’s important to me to take little moments to refocus and gather myself in order to keep my family and myself happy and running smoothly. Taking small, simple breaks allows me to keep my energy and spirit up.  Here are a few of my favorite things to do whenever I feel like I need to take a little time out.

Hopping into a nice warm bath is probably my favorite thing to do when I want to unwind. Even if it’s for just 15 minutes, soaking in the bathtub always makes me feel better. As an added treat, I like to add a couple of scoops Epsom salt to my water. Adding in a few drops of essential oils also helps to bring a sense of calmness .If I have a little more time to spare I like to listen to an audio book or put on a favorite playlist and spend some extra time indulging in myself and just enjoying the quiet time.

Going outside on my patio and enjoying a nice cup of tea and just taking in the fresh air is something I like to do now that the weather is starting to warm up. Just sitting and enjoying the quiet, closing my eyes, and taking in some deep breaths out in the fresh air and sunlight gives me just the push I need to keep on with my busy day.

I spend a lot of time in my home and that can feel overwhelming. Venturing out & just getting away for a little bit allows me to reset my mind and not feel like I am just confined to one space all the time. Finding an hour or two outside of the home is important. Joining a friend for lunch or coffee, going to a yoga class, or just simply going window shopping at a few of my favorite stores are some of the things I like to do.

Taking these little time outs allows me to recharge and rejuvenate and I feel like it helps me to be the best mother & wife I can be. It doesn’t take a lot of extra time or effort to give yourself the rest you need. Pencil yourself in a break one afternoon this week; I promise you will thank yourself later.


What do you do to take time for yourself? Please share your own tips in the comments below.
Follow along with Pamela and Harley on Instagram at @harley61706