Deal with stress in a positive way. My main tip is to prepare yourself for situations that will cause you stress and have pre-prepared answers /actions to use in stressful situations.

Use respite services when they available to you (don’t feel guilty about leaving your child there). Call on grandparents/friends for a cuppa or for babysitting. Use counselling services
which are available to you. Sometimes just talking to someone from outside the situation can help.

• Join a support group with other likeminded people who will understand (e.g. Sue Larkey Parent/Carer Facebook Group). Other parents will always listen to you as they are ‘in the same boat.’ Joining a group will help you deal with your feelings. Your emotions of anxiety for your child or guilt are a normal part of parenting a child with needs. Use these emotions in a positive way to motivate yourself for your child and your family.

• Plan and incorporate into your day some exercise/yoga/walking/walking. Make sure you have some rest and don’t skip meals when you’re tired.

• Learn to laugh even at the embarrassing moments.

• Have at least one outside interest -maybe a craft group/gym group/coffee morning group/reading club.

• Don’t expect too much from friends
  

• Be easy on yourself. We all make mistakes. Practice using positive self-talk until it sticks.