Looking After Yourself While Supporting Your Child

Why is parent well being important?

Parents and caregivers play a central role in their child’s development, learning and participation in everyday life.

When you are feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or isolated, it can be harder to manage the many responsibilities that come with supporting a child who needs extra support. Looking after your own well being can help you:

• Maintain your energy and resilience
• Feel more confident in supporting your child
• Manage stress and daily challenges
• Build positive family relationships
• Enjoy more meaningful time together as a family

Supporting yourself is not taking time away from your child. It helps build the foundation that supports your whole family to participate in everyday life.

Practical ways to look after yourself

Looking after yourself does not have to involve large amounts of time or major changes. Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference.

Rest when you can

Supporting a child with additional needs can be demanding, and rest is important for your well being.

Even short breaks can help you recharge and return to your daily routines with more energy. If possible, ask a trusted family member, friend or support person to step in, even for a short period.

Taking a break can help you keep showing up for your child and family in everyday life.

Stay connected

Many parents can feel isolated, particularly when family life looks different from what they expected.

Connecting with others who understand your experiences can provide practical advice, encouragement and reassurance. This may include:

• Parent support groups
• Community organisations
• Online communities
• Family and friends
• Other parents accessing disability supports

You do not have to navigate the journey alone.

Be kind to yourself

Parenting a child with disability or developmental delay involves significant commitment, advocacy and emotional energy.

It is important to acknowledge the effort you put in every day.

Take time to recognise your successes, celebrate progress and remember that you do not need to be perfect. The care, love and support you provide your child matters enormously.

Reach out for support

Seeking support can make everyday life more manageable.

Whether you need practical assistance, emotional support or guidance about your child’s development, reaching out can reduce the pressure of trying to do everything yourself.

At Everyday Independence, our early childhood key workers work alongside families to build confidence, develop practical strategies and support participation in everyday life. Our child and family teams are here to support you, your child and the goals that matter to your family.

How can therapy support the whole family?

At Everyday Independence, we recognise that supporting children also means supporting the people who know them best.

Our approach focuses on supporting parents and caregivers with practical strategies that fit naturally into everyday routines and family life.

We work alongside you to:

• Build confidence in supporting your child’s development
• Develop strategies that work within your family’s routines
• Create opportunities for learning and participation during everyday activities
• Reduce stress by focusing on practical and achievable goals
• Strengthen your family’s ability to support your child’s growth over time

Rather than adding more to your already busy schedule, we aim to make support feel achievable within your everyday life.

Supporting you so you can support your child

You are an important part of your child’s support team. While much of the focus is often on your child’s needs, your well being matters too.

Looking after yourself can help you feel more confident, capable and supported as you navigate your family’s journey.

At Everyday Independence, we believe that when families are supported, children can build confidence and participate in everyday life. We work alongside you to develop practical strategies that fit into daily routines because you are one of your child’s greatest supports.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that support is available. You deserve support too.

*Looking after yourself is an important part of supporting your child, but everyone’s experience is different. The information in this article is general in nature and should not replace personalised advice. If you would like support that reflects your individual circumstances, we encourage you to speak with your therapist, GP or other qualified health professional.