Caring for yourself as a parent
For parents · 4 min read
Raising a child with extra needs can be joyful and exhausting at the same time. Appointments, therapies, advice from everyone, worry about the future. It adds up. Looking after yourself isn’t selfish; it is part of looking after your child.
Small things that help
- Share the load: give a partner, grandparent or friend one regular job (a therapy run, bath time).
- Keep ten minutes a day that are just yours; tea on the balcony counts.
- Find other parents who understand. Therapy waiting rooms and parent groups can become lifelines.
- Say no to advice that makes you feel judged. You know your child.
- Sleep and eat as regularly as you can; they affect your patience more than anything.
When it’s more than tired
If you feel low most days, can’t enjoy anything, feel hopeless, or have thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out now. Tele-MANAS 14416 is free, confidential and available 24×7 in many Indian languages.
Sources
Last updated 28 September 2026 · General information, not medical advice. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified professional.