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Hey everyone, feels like I have not been on the forums for ages! I have been on a course for parents of children with Autism. Hoping to gain more knowledge of other peoples situations, and what they feel they need support with.
I have also been on holiday for two weeks, with my youngest child (11 years old) all inclusive !) with out my son, who is nearly 20 and has Autism, cerbal Palsy, learning difficulties, He spent a week with respite, and week with his dad and his parents. Started with me feeling guilty! but ended with me feeling so refreshed, and very well rested.! Having spent some lovely time with my daughter.
I missed Jack alot, but I spoke to him nearly every day, there was one eve of tears, when he was saying I needed to come home now! soon calmed down when I rang my mum and she said she would have him from respite for a night,!.(fake mulberry bag was purchased for her next day! My mum ended up having him two nights and going to respite for a night.(lucky to have such a great granma!)
Arriving home was so pleased to see Jack, and my cat!, and we got straight out to the bus stop, (Jack loves buses) caught a bus to sub way (Jack loves subway) and life was back to normal ! had a nice long bank holiday weekend, doing all the things Jack loves, and I have to admit by the Tuesday, I was very thankful for Jack's weekly respite, more than nornal!
Not because I don't love him or love spending time with him, but two weeks with out having to care for someones every needs, and catering my life to make him happy and settled, and not having to answer the same questions, over and over, I had forgotton how exhausting it is!.
I am so thankful for being able to have those two weeks though, and have made a pact with myself and my daughter that I will aim to do this again next year, ( here is hoping!.)
I don't know how many people reading this have a child with special needs, but I'd love to hear from you, from next week I am going to be starting up my own blog, and It would be great to hear from other people going through similar challenges.
Thankyou Louise, yes I am very lucky to have my mum close by, and having her to step in, makes me realize how lucky I am to have that support. I am already planning my next holiday in my head for next year! Lets hope I am able! be great to hear from other people how they cope with parenting a disabled child alone.
Hi Abbie lou, glad you had a good holiday and brilliant that your mum stepped in when your son was struggling. Yes, you need to promise yourself a similar break every year and it was fantastic to have that quality time with your daughter. It's important for anyone with extra caring responsibilities to recognise that the best way to function well in that role is by looking after themselves.
All comments welcome, especially from those who have experience of caring for a child with additional needs.