Parenting can be hard work
All parents face occasional burnout. The hours are long, with frequent occasions to continue to work on the virtue of patience.
Case Managing
Having a child with a disability and acting as their IEP case manager adds multiple layers of stress. Most of us are working full or part-time, and many have other children and/or are trying to maintain relationships with partners, spouses, and friends. All of us have the activities of running homes and lives. On top of all this, attempting to wrangle the IEP process and all the personalities involved in the process can lead to IEP special education burnout.
You know how the airline stewards always advise you to put on your own oxygen mask first? Parenting a disabled child is often a decades-long process. In order to be at your best, it is essential to take care of yourself. Occasionally there are emergencies in your child’s education, especially when there is abuse involved. It is urgent when your child has not received IEP-specified services in several weeks to a month.
The Rest of the Time
Then there are the many, never-ending list of things that need doing… Following up with teachers, checking homework, planning projects in the classroom, IEP goal follow-ups. All are important, and none are urgent. Pace yourself. Take short breaks from being your child’s case manager – just long enough to take a deep breath. Exercise, engage in self-care, do something nice just for you! It is a long and important journey, and you are a key part of it.
Would you like expert help at your child’s next IEP meeting?
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As parents, we understand, As experienced and trained advocates, we can help.
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