Burnout was never a word that I would have associated with my future. I wasn’t in healthcare or finance, I didn’t have a list of committees I volunteered on, I wasn’t a get up and go, high energy person that worked from sun up to sun down. I was and am a Mom.
Burnout sneaks up on you and if you don’t know the signs or take the time to care for yourself it will consume you. My experiences have led me to places I never thought I’d go. They also have taught me how important it is to take care of myself. If I am not cared for I am not able to take care of my children, I’m not able to work, I’m not able to function.
I have learned simple strategies that have changed my life. I have released the guilt and found hope - for me! I have learned how to take care of my needs and pursue my dreams while still taking care of those who need my help. I have learned to set healthy boundaries, recognize my strengths, prioritize my needs and pay attention to my physical, emotional, and mental health WHILE still providing care for those who need me.
I now coach individuals and groups on how to do what I’ve done for myself. High stress caring isn’t a dirty little secret. Love yourself as much as you want to help the person you are caring for. You deserve to be happy, healthy and hopeful!!
Every parent is different and there is no such thing as a perfect parent.
Every stage is different for parents and for children. Parents struggle with confidence, setting boundaries and an overarching sense of “what am I supposed to do”.
Where are you? Where do you fit in ? How do you take care of your own needs?
How can I help? Let’s explore. Together we’ll figure it out.
I differentiate the two groups of parents because this group of parents is often navigating through parenting in flight or fight mode. They often endure crisis after crisis and live in a chronic state of overwhelm.
First question I always get is what is an invisible disability?
An invisible disability pretty much any challenge that a child (young or old) has that isn’t visible. It doesn’t have to be formally classified as a disability. It could be anything from Addictions , ADHD and Autism to Eating Disorders, Mental Health and Tourette Syndrome. Or anything in between.
In addition to the stages parents and children naturally go through there is also the:
Where are you? Where do you fit in ? How do you take care of your own needs?
How can I help? Let’s explore. Together we’ll figure it out.
Anyone who is caring for someone other than their child. You could walk away. It may not be nice, or perhaps ethical or moral – but you could.
You don’t. You stay. Whether your person is a spouse, a sibling, a friend, or it is your job. You stay.
There are many faces of a caregiver. All circumstances are unique with a myriad of moving parts. Depending on whether or not you have chosen to be a caregiver or it was thrust upon you determines which roads you may follow.
Where are you? Where do you fit in ? How do you take care of your own needs?
How can I help? Let’s explore. Together we’ll figure it out.
