We all try to wipe our slates clean and develop some good habits for the New Year. It’s common for parents of disabled children to forget about their own needs, since the children’s needs so often come first. But you won’t be doing your children any favors if you aren’t performing at your best. To spark some inspiration, here are our recommendations for New Year’s resolutions for the parents.
1. Read A Book
Read a book for pleasure. Whether you’re into thrillers, biographies, or cheesy romance novels, pick up something entertaining and read it. Bring it with you when your child goes to their therapy sessions, listen to it as an audiobook while you’re doing housework, or read before bed. Whichever method works best for you, take the time to unwind with a good book.
2. Find At Least 2 Reliable Babysitters
Finding a babysitter who works well with your child is crucial. But don’t assume that one babysitter will be enough; they may not always be available. We recommend finding at least two reliable babysitters that you know you can trust with your child when you have errands to run or appointments of your own. If you’re not sure where to start searching, try talking to other parents whose children have disabilities and get their perspective!
3. Have A Date Night
You deserve to have some fun of your own every once in a while. Whether you’re a single parent or happily married, date nights are a great way to let loose. Those babysitters will be a key component for this as well, and they’ll help ensure you’re not worried about your child the whole evening. Get drinks with friends, go out to dinner, see a movie – as long as you get to enjoy yourself!
4. Get More Sleep
Yes, it sounds like a common resolution, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Getting between 6-8 hours of sleep each night is an essential factor to functioning properly during the day. Try to stick to a regular sleep routine, even on the weekends (Adults can have bedtimes too!). Also, try to avoid napping for more than a few minutes during the day; it could throw off your sleep cycle if you nap for too long.
A healthy diet and regular exercise will also help you function at your best and make you feel energized. As parents, your schedules are probably jam-packed with your kids’ activities, and finding time for exercise can be even more difficult if you’re a working parent. The good news? There are ways to squeeze some activity into your daily routine. Early risers could try a workout video on low volume before the kids get up. Even something as simple as walking or jogging with a friend after you drop the kids off at school is great. No matter your schedule, make sure to incorporate some kind of fitness into your day.