Submitted by guest columnist Leslie Campos,
website, wellparents.com
      You’ve noticed that your child is having trouble with certain subjects in school. Maybe they’re trailing behind their peers in reading, or perhaps they’re struggling in math class. No matter the subject, you can help your child move forward by making time for educational extracurriculars at home. If you don’t know where to begin, you can look to my colleague, Dr. Robinson, at www.thereformykids.com, for expert guidance! Here’s how to incorporate learning opportunities into your household schedule, polish your own teaching skills, and more.
 Schedule Activities
      If you want to include more educational activities in your child’s daily life, you need a plan. Planning starts best by calling a family meeting to identify items to be scheduled and then using a dry erase, large blocked wall calendar to put together the activity schedule. By creating a household routine with a clear structure, you’ll find it easier to make time for your children even when you’re busy.
      This doesn’t mean that you have to plan out every moment of your child’s day, but make sure to block off time in your own schedule for working with your child on extracurricular activities. For example, you might want to include some time for reading to your kids in your evening routine or practicing music with them on the weekends.
 Head Back to School
      Maybe you want to help your child catch up on subjects that they struggle with, yet you don’t have much confidence in your own teaching abilities. This might be a sign that you need to earn an online bachelor of education degree!
      By taking online classes in education, you’ll pick up all sorts of skills that you can use to teach your child at home. You’ll deepen your knowledge of different academic topics, and you’ll learn about different instructional approaches, as well as methods for encouraging student development. Online coursework will allow you to study without neglecting your job or family obligations.
 Explore Science
      Is your child having difficulty in their science classes? Try teaching them about the natural world by exploring the environment rather than sitting at a desk. Clean Choice Energy recommends going on “scavenger hunts” outdoors and showing your child how to identify local plants and animals, making your own terrarium at home, planting a garden together in your backyard, or going camping!
 Art Projects
      Maybe your child doesn’t have much interest in filling out worksheets - but they might have fun with a more hands-on approach to learning. If you want to help your child to get in touch with their creative side, roll up your sleeves and do art projects together at home! Artsy Craftsy Mom recommends finding age-appropriate activities, like drawing with crayons for younger kids or sculpting with porcelain clay for tweens and older kids and establishing a space in your home where your children can make a mess and let their imaginations run wild.
 Encourage Reading
      Is your child’s teacher concerned about their progress as a reader? Perhaps your child isn’t reading at grade level, or maybe they rarely complete their reading assignments. Sometimes, this is simply because your child has not had an opportunity to read anything that interests them in school. If your child is young, make sure that you’re reading to them as a nightly habit. If your child is older, start looking up books that do reflect their interests and reading level. You might even want to head to the library together and explore the shelves - giving them autonomy in their reading choices is a great way to spark their interest!
      When it comes to your child’s education, there is no substitute for parental involvement. If you’re worried about your child’s grades, you’ll need to go the extra mile to help them learn outside of school. With these tips, you’ll be ready to be their fun learning coach, guiding and supplementing their school work, creating and meeting their goals.
      Looking for resources to help your child embrace learning? Both WellParents.com and Dr. Robinson have got you covered! Visit our websites today at www.wellparents.com and www.thereformykids.com for teaching and parenting tips. Also, check out Dr. Robinson’s podcast at https://thereformykids.podbean.com.
 
Photo via Pexels

Adapted from samndan.com/child-safety/  Kids. They are masters of chaos, and they are our everything. For parents, guardians, and caregivers, keeping them safe is a daunting task and our number one priority.
     Unfortunately, accidents and injuries happen, and the most recent available statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are sobering.

• Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among children and teens in the United States.
• Emergency departments treated more than 4.1 million children and teens for accidental injuries in 2020.
• More than 7,000 children and teens died from unintentional injuries in 2019.

    Although perfect safety is an impossible goal, you can significantly reduce childhood injury risks by following basic child safety practices. This guide provides critical recommendations, resources, and guidelines for keeping kids of all age groups safe in different environments.
Quicklinks

• Childproofing Your House 101
• Making School Safety a Priority
• Daycare & Preschool Safety Considerations
• Child Passenger Safety
• Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety
• Critical Water Safety Lessons

      As an example of some of the facts presented in the above quick links, check out these statistics.

• Child Passenger Safety Facts
• More than 600 child passengers aged 12 and under died in motor vehicle crashes.
• More than 91,000 child passengers were injured.
• 38% Of those 12 and under who died in a collision, were not using restraints.
• Compared with seat belt use alone, child safety seats reduce children’s risk of crash injury by 71% to 82%

         Water Safety Facts

• For children aged 1–4 years, drowning is the leading cause of injury and death.
• Drowning kills about 4,000 people per year.
• Drowning death rates for Native American and Black people are 2.0 and 1.5 times higher than the drowning death rates for white people. 
  
• To avoid becoming another statistic, check out the CHILD SAFETY GUIDE on the website of Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP. Follow the link at samndan.com/child-safety/
  

By Cheryl Conklin, guest columnist
cheryl@wellnesscentral.info

Remote working can be a blessing. Remote working with kids? Not so much. If you’re trying to balance a professional life with a newborn baby or toddler, you’ll need to get resourceful - here are a few of our best strategies to help.
1. Set Realistic Goals
When you’re dividing time between work and a baby/toddler, it’s unlikely that you’re going to be able to put in a (good) 8-hour shift. With this in mind, try to set more realistic targets so as not to invite feelings of disappointment and frustration. This could mean segmenting larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks and setting new, attainable standards of quality. With the right compartmentalization, you may even find you’re achieving more in the aggregate.
 2. Be Comfortable
Considering the range and variety of tasks you’re spreading yourself over throughout the day, it pays to pick clothes in the morning that you know will be comfortable. For new moms, this could mean opting for a dress with soft, stretchable fabric and a nursing panel (this is useful for nursing and pumping away from home). Hoodies and tracksuits also make for warm, flexible choices, and you won’t worry about getting them messy. If you have meetings and need to jump on a video call, the ‘work mullet’ has proven effective ever since the beginning of the pandemic.
3. Toy Management
One of your best assets when it comes to juggling working and parenting are the toys your child can play with independently. It’s important, therefore, to think strategically about when you’re providing access and to which items. Having everything available all at once could quickly prompt distraction and stimulus overload, leading to trouble. Instead, try to stagger access throughout the week, with toys on a constant rotation.
4. Screens
On that same note, we have screens. Almost all parents in the 21st century utilize them at some point, but too many cartoons can create unhealthy dependency or problems of a different nature. Instead, save this past time for when it’s absolutely essential that your child stay occupied - during work meetings, for example. With tactical usage, you can avoid creating an addiction and still reap the greatest benefits of their being otherwise absorbed during critical work times.
5. Bring In Support
If you have friends, family, or significant others who can or want to help out, don’t be shy about reaching out - as they say, it takes a village to raise a child. When someone says, “If there’s anything that I can do, just let me know,” don’t be shy about bringing in support. Extra hands can be crucial if you want to keep your child stimulated without dropping your work performance. If you don’t have anyone available in your immediate social circle, it can sometimes be worth hiring extra hands (such as cleaners) to carry out the menial tasks and lighten the load.
6. Prioritize
Ultimately, your kids are the priority. If you’re overloaded with work, you may need to plan in advance when and how you’ll spend time with them. Use your active listening skills to understand their feelings and then problem-solve with them to come up with do-able options. This could mean reading bedtime stories, including them in chores, planning days out, or simply joining them for playtime. Priortizing and a spot of organizing are often the solution for a better work/life balance.
 
Parenting is full-time, whether you go out to work, but especially when you’re trying to earn a living at home simultaneously. If you want to manage both and stay sane in the process, you’ll need to think tactically about time and plan your routine well in advance.
 
Dr. Robinson is a Christian psychologist, author, radio personality, and speaker who provides biblical resources and practical tools for better mental health, family life, and parenting. Learn more about his work at: www.thereformykids.com

     Bullying often happens at school, and children who wear glasses are common targets. It can be verbal, physical, or both, and it often happens at school.
Bullying involves a power imbalance, which can be real or perceived. It also involves unwanted and aggressive behavior, repetition, and the potential to be continually repeated.
     Maltreatment can negatively impact a child, resulting in declining grades, lower self-esteem, social withdrawal, mental health concerns, and self-harming behaviors.
Educating children on the harm of bullying, and when to step up and help someone, can help to prevent bullying. There are many resources available to help children who are experiencing bullying.
Information on Childhood Bullying & Glasses Just over 20 percent, or one out of every five students, reports being bullied. A major reason for being the victim of bullying is physical appearance.
     Wearing glasses as a child can increase the risk of being bullied. A study shows that pre-teens have a one-third greater risk of being bullied when they wear glasses or an eye patch. Glasses are commonly perceived by young children as not attractive, and this can make someone who wears them a target for bullying.
     Bullying involves intentional, unwanted, and repeated aggressive behaviors along with a real or perceived imbalance of power. It frequently happens among school-aged children.
Statistics on childhood bullying show the following:

• Verbal abuse is most common; 13 percent of those bullied report being called names, made fun of, or insulted, and 12 percent report having rumors spread about them.
• Sixth graders are bullied most often; 31 percent report being bullied.
• Girls are bullied more than boys: 23 percent versus 19 percent.
• Race and ethnicity can play a role; 25 percent of Black children, 22 percent of Caucasian children, 17 percent of Hispanic children, and 15 percent of Asian children report being bullied.
• Bullying can also occur online; 10 percent of children bullied report being cyberbullied.

   Verbal harassment is the most common form of bullying (79 percent); social harassment is second (50 percent); physical bullying comes next (29 percent); and cyberbullying is the fourth most common form of bullying (25 percent). Nearly half (44 percent) of children being bullied believe it is due to the way that they look — that their physical appearance was the reason.
     Glasses change the way someone looks, and this could open a child up to bullying. Being perceived as “different,” which can include wearing glasses, by peers is a risk factor for bullying as is being perceived as weak or unable to defend oneself.
 Harassment in School Close to half of all children will experience bullying in school, and 10 percent are bullied on a regular basis. Harassment at school takes two main forms: verbal abuse and physical abuse. Both can be highly detrimental to learning, socializing, and a child’s self-view.
     Verbal abuse can include name calling, intentionally leaving someone out of social situations, and starting rumors about others. Girl bullies are more prone to emotional warfare, belittling, and ostracizing others. Boys are more likely to use force, aggression, and physical abuse, including pushing and shoving, tripping, spitting on others, making others do things against their will, and intentionally destroying property.
Bullying commonly occurs in the following areas:

• Stairwells or hallways
• Classrooms
• Cafeterias
• Outdoor school grounds
• Bathrooms or locker rooms
• School buses

The Impact of Bullying on Children Bullying can put a child at risk for depression, anxiety, social withdrawal and loneliness, poor self-esteem, difficulties with interpersonal interactions, and self-harming behaviors and ideations.
Lower self-esteem Bullying can make a child feel isolated, unwelcome, and unlovable, which can directly impact the way a child views themselves and lower their self-esteem. This lowered self-esteem can also make them a target for being victimized and bullied again.
     When a child views themselves as less than others, it can lead to depression, a lack of motivation, poor production in school and dropping grades, and less interest in activities and the world around them.
     Bullying, and being the victim of bullying, increases the risk for suicide. Children who are both bullied and participate in bullying themselves are at an especially high risk over their peers who have not experienced bullying in either direction.
     Low self-esteem can make a child a target for bullying. Likewise, bullying can decrease self-esteem.
Interpersonal Issues Someone who has few friends can be a target for bullies, especially children who look different, such as those that wear glasses. Being the victim of bullying can cause many interpersonal and social issues, leading to further social withdrawal and a loss of motivation to participate in group activities.
These are signs a child might be being bullied:

• Loss of interest in schoolwork
• Declining grades
• Fear of being in school, being involved in group projects, and riding the bus
• Avoiding the cafeteria and outdoor time
• Unexplained torn clothing, missing or destroyed items, bruises, or cuts
• Interacting with very few people and having few friends, if any
• Withdrawal and seeming on edge, sad, and fearful
• Sleep disturbances
• Substance abuse
• Changes in eating habits

      Being the victim of bullying can also increase the odds that a child will become a bully themselves. Their experience of being bullied may cause them to start lashing out at other children.
Anxiety Being the victim of bullying can lead to lasting psychological issues. Nearly a quarter of people who have been bullied experience mental health issues later in life, including social anxiety, anxiety disorders, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and depression. Anxiety disorders don’t just lead to poor mental health; they can also cause physical health issues.
     Anxiety disorders can cause a person to be irritable, withdrawn, and triggered by past events. They may have nightmares and sleep difficulties, angry outbursts, focus and attention issues, and eating issues. Being bullied can cause social avoidance, loneliness, hypervigilance, isolation, and significant distress, all of which indicate social anxiety.
Bullying Prevention Young children, preteens, and adolescents are at a high risk for bullying during a particularly important period of self-growth and development. Being bullied as a child can directly impact self-worth and mental health status.
     Education and school programs can work to prevent bullying. Studies show that anti-bullying programs at schools can decrease bullying by nearly 25 percent.
Children need to understand the full impact of their actions. They need to know that bullying is harmful and has lasting effects on their peers. Students should be aware of the anti-bullying policies and resources at their school as well as how to stand up for someone being bullied. This means they must clearly know how to report bullying when they witness it.
     Fostering an all-inclusive atmosphere that celebrates differences can help to decrease bullying that occurs based on lack of understanding and negative views of being “different.” For children with glasses, seeing themselves represented in popular media, such as in books and television shows, can help. It shows children that glasses are a normal part of life, and lots of kids wear them.
Bullying Resources & Helplines There are many resources available, both to help with bullying prevention and intervention and to support children who are experiencing or have experienced bullying.

• Resources for getting immediate help
• Stomp Out Bullying HelpChat Line
• Resources on stopping bullying and what to do
• Campaigns for students supporting anti-bullying
• Resources for bullying prevention
• Guide for helping educators and students speak up
• Places to call and resources on how to handle bullying

References Student Reports of Bullying: Results from the 2017 Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey. (July 2019). U.S. Department of Education.
Kids Who Wear Glasses Are Bully Magnets. (May 2005). Review of Optometry.
Kids Who Wear Glasses Feel Worse About Themselves, Studies Find. (September 2012). The Globe and Mail.
A Snapshot on Bullying in America. (2017). StopBullying.gov.
How Are Students Experiencing Bullying? Youth Truth Student Survey.
Bullying Basics. Learning for Justice.
Child Bullying. Bullying Statistics.
Bullying Statistics. (November 2020). PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.
Bullying Perpetration, Victimization, and Low Self-Esteem: Examining Their Relationship Over Time. (January 2021). Journal of Youth and Adolescence.
The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide: What We Know and What It Means for Schools. (April 2014). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Childhood Bullying Can Cause Lifelong Psychological Damage: How to Spot the Signs and Move On. (August 2018). RACGP.
Peer Victimization and Onset of Social Anxiety Disorder in Children and Adolescents. (June 2019). Brain Sciences.
Student Bullying: Overview of Research, Federal Initiatives, and Legal Issues. (October 2019). Congressional Research Service.
Get Help Now. StopBullying.gov.
HelpChat Line. (2021). Stomp Out Bullying.
StopBullying.gov. StopBullying.gov.
Do Something.org. DoSomething.org.
Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center. (2021). PACER Center, Inc.
Speak Up At School. Learning For Justice.
Who to Call. (2020). Cybersmile Foundation.
Reference https://www.nvisioncenters.com/education/childhood-bullying-glasses/ .

Guest Blogger, Cheryl Conklin
      As parents, we all want the best for our kids. Finding a safe home where they can grow up and play without fear is a key and will bring you confidence that you are doing what is right for their well-being. Before you move into a rental property, it is important to do your research, and we are here to help. At There For My Kids, we love to see children thrive with their families, so we have some tips for how you find the best place to call home.
 Look at the Statistics
      The first thing that you should do if you want to move somewhere new is to look at the crime statistics in that area, which you can do by looking online. You can look at the particular city of interest and see what types of crimes happen and how often.
     Next, drive down to the neighborhood where you plan to live and see it in person. Consider going there a few times, especially during the day, at night, and on weekends. You may go there in the middle of the day and see a calm city but at night it could be dangerous and crowded and that may not be what you want for your child. Check out various times of the day. You can also talk to the potential landlord and ask them directly if this is a safe place to live. If they hesitate for even a moment, you may want to reconsider.
 Look Online for Available Apartment Listings
      Once you start to narrow down where you choose to live, start looking online for potential properties. When you do, take note of the exact location. Is it close enough to your job and the school where your kids will attend class? You will also want to look at prices and ensure that one will fit within your budget. Remember to account for a potential security deposit and determine if you bring in enough money each month to pay the rent.
      You will likely see many listings, so you’ll want to look at all of the details. For instance, if you’re looking for apartments in Athens-Clarke County, you will want to look at each property that appeals to you and check out the square footage, number of rooms, and if it has a yard, and look at the condition of the interior. Once you find one you like, contact the rental company and discuss moving in.
 Take the Hassle Out of Moving With Kids
      Many parents dread moving with their kids because they believe that it will be too hectic. Moving alone is crazy enough. However, you just need to have the right strategy. Start by getting your kids involved. Have a family meeting to talk about making the move. Use active listening to understand their feelings. Include them in the moving process. Have them start packing their own room as they decide what they want to keep and what they don’t. You can follow the same strategy when you move into a new apartment. Have them help unpack their boxes and set up their rooms just how they like them.
      You can also keep your kids happy and excited by maintaining a positive attitude as you go through the moving process. It will be stressful but if you let it get to you and you have an outburst then your kids might get scared and not want to move. Also, try to keep some of the same routines during the move so the change isn’t so drastic. That might mean taking your family walks at the same time every day or having the same meal times. The point is to not add to the stress of the move.
      As you can see, it is important that you are smart about moving with your kids. Just remember to do plenty of research, talk with your children, and view plenty of online rental listings so you can find a safe rental to call home. If you would like to learn more about the services then please contact us at 706-308-7403, or our website, https://wellnesscentral.info/
 
Cheryl Conklin created Wellness Central from her desire to share various resources and her thoughts on wellness. Apart from blogging, she enjoys traveling and going on endless adventures, and writing about her experiences at the end of the day.

Contributing Author, Cheryl Conklin <cheryl@wellnesscentral.info
    During busy seasons, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may seem like a tall order. If you’re juggling work and kids, you may find it difficult to carve time to exercise and eat right. But what if you could actually save money in the process? Here are a few tips to help you stay fit and keep more cash in your wallet:
 Cook Healthier Meals at Home
         The cost of dining out can quickly add up for families, and restaurant fare is often higher in fat and sodium and served in larger portions than what you would serve at home. So do yourself and your loved ones a favor and plan more meals to prepare and enjoy in your own kitchen. Even your younger children can help thanks to learning towers and kitchen helpers that let them reach the counters and work alongside you. They’ll develop good eating habits and grow into healthy adults.    
      Eating healthier can help you save money on your monthly health insurance premiums by reducing your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. You’ll also have more energy to do the things you love most and you’ll be happier in the process! So strive to buy organic products without breaking the bank by visiting your local farmers’ market or looking for grocery stores where you can purchase locally-sourced fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, and meats.   
 Enjoy Free Outdoor Activities
        If you have a backyard, gardening is a wonderful way to get a full-body workout. You and your family can skip the gym and its high-priced membership and opt for wholesome, healthy outdoor activities like digging, planting, weeding, trimming, and mowing, getting all your muscles moving while enjoying the fresh air and getting some much-needed vitamin D from the sun. Additionally, take your loved ones on a nature hike or go on a bike ride and reconnect with nature while getting some cardiovascular exercise.
        If you have babies or toddlers, invest in a wagon or an all-terrain stroller that can comfortably carry them along as you go exploring nearby parks, beaches, or lake areas. But before purchasing such a product for your family, make sure to read in-depth reviews from unbiased sources. Look for sturdy, safe and reliable products that will withstand the test of time so that even when you’re no longer using them, they can be passed down to friends or family members or even resold on an online marketplace or at a second-hand store. 
 Turn Your Healthy Living Into a Business
        Start an affiliate marketing blog where you share health tips and advice with your followers. Strive to provide quality content that will keep your subscribers coming back, and think about creating a social media calendar to schedule your posts. Make note of specific dates and holidays to deliver themed messages that will further engage your audience, like a Christmas gift guide or a special blog post featuring unique date ideas for Valentine’s Day. 
        Start an LLC to turn your passion for healthy living into a small business that will generate revenue for you and your family. When you’re ready to start a new company, a business formation service will guide you through the steps you need to take to turn that dream into a reality. Have an invoicing system in place to promptly and accurately collect payment from your clients: use a free online template to create professional invoices, and don’t forget to include your logo to leave a lasting impression.
        There are many benefits to leading a healthy lifestyle. You’ll feel better, sleep better, and have more energy during the day. And you may also save yourself some money by staying fit and sharing your knowledge with others. 
 
Do you wish to be equipped with a tool chest of techniques and strategies to help you with parenting, relationships, and family life? Then join us at thereformykids.com to learn about effective and engaging ways to interact with your loved ones.
 

I

Struggling With Fatigue as the Parent of a Special Needs Child? Here’s What You Need to Know   by Gwen Payne, InvisibleMoms.com 
Many parents of special needs children struggle with parental fatigue. You can assess your fatigue levels by examining various aspects of your life. For example, if your physical capacity is dipping or your parenting satisfaction is falling, those are signs of rising fatigue. Other signs include increasing depression or anxiety and declining sleep quality.
If you know you’re struggling with parental fatigue, taking action is essential. Dr. Robinson discusses how to get started. Here are some pointers.
Avoiding Negative Outcomes as You Address Your Parental FatigueNot Overlooking a Medical ConditionAs the parent of a special needs child, it’s easy to assume that any feelings of tiredness are related to childrearing. However, fatigue is a symptom of a slew of medical conditions.
Long-haul COVID-19, chronic liver disease, fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, and many others can cause fatigue. If you assume your childrearing is responsible for yours, you may end up undertreating a genuine medical condition, which can be dangerous. As a result, you need to make sure that you see a medical professional if your fatigue persists.
Ensuring You Don’t Overburden Your Support SystemIn many cases, parents of special needs children need to ask for help, particularly if they need extra self-care time. While reaching out on occasion is healthy, doing so too much can harm your relationships.
For example, if you ask your spouse to take on more than their fair share in the name of self-care, they may become resentful. Similarly, if you request support from your family members and friends too often, they may begin to feel used, causing them to withdraw.
Ultimately, you need to find a balance when it comes to asking for help. One great way to begin is making sure you give as much as you get. That keeps the relationships feeling equitable, which can make a significant difference.
Self-Care Options for Parents Dealing with Parental FatigueSqueezing Self-Care Into a Busy ScheduleParents of special needs children usually don’t have much time to spare. As a result, they may assume that self-care won’t fit into their world. However, this is often because of an inaccurate assumption about self-care.
Many self-care recommendations ask people to take 20 or more minutes at a time to complete the activity, which isn’t practical for all parents. This leads many parents to think that all self-care activities require a significant time commitment. Thankfully, that isn’t true.
Even short self-care activities make a difference. For example, a yoga sun salutation takes only a few minutes and can leave you feeling reinvigorated. Watching a funny video on your phone can also be self-care since laughter is a stress-reliever.
By adjusting how you view self-care, you can often fit more of it into your day. Consider how you can incorporate more of those types of small self-care moments into your schedule. Then, choose short activities that you find soothing or enjoyable that work during those times, allowing you to participate in more self-care.
Pick a Personal Goal to PursueMaintaining a sense of self is challenging for any parent, particularly those raising a special needs child. If you want to keep a sense of identity, spending time pursuing a personal goal can help. It gives you a sense of achievement that isn’t tied to childrearing. Plus, it gives you a chance to move toward something you want.
If you’ve always dreamed of starting a company, you can make it happen. Develop your business plan slowly over time, allowing you to build a strong foundation first. Then, choose the proper structure when it’s time to form your company. Often, going with an LLC is wise. It reduces liability, has less paperwork, remains flexible, and comes with tax advantages. Just make sure you review LLC formation regulations in Georgia.
As you can see, even big dreams are potential targets. As long as you break them into smaller pieces and take your time, you can make progress while managing your other responsibilities, allowing you to have it all.

Image via Pexels

Many parents of special needs children struggle with parental fatigue. You can assess your fatigue levels by examining various aspects of your life. For example, if your physical capacity is dipping or your parenting satisfaction is falling, those are signs of rising fatigue. Other signs include increasing depression or anxiety and declining sleep quality. If you know you're struggling with parental fatigue, taking action is essential. Dr. Robinson discusses how to get started. Here are some pointers.
AVOIDING NEGATIVE OUTCOMES AS YOU ADDRESS YOUR PARENTAL FATIGUE
Not Overlooking a Medical Condition
     As the parent of a special needs child, it's easy to assume that any feelings of tiredness are related to childrearing. However, fatigue is a symptom of a slew of medical conditions.
       Long-haul COVID-19, chronic liver disease, fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, and many others can cause fatigue. If you assume your childrearing is responsible for yours, yo  may end up undertreating a genuine medical condition, which can be dangerous. As a result, you need to make sure that you see a medical professional if your fatigue persists.
Ensuring You Don't Overburden Your Support System
         In many cases, parents of special needs children need to ask for help, particularly if they need extra self-care time. While reaching out on occasion is healthy, doing so too much can harm your relationships.
        For example, if you ask your spouse to take on more than their fair share in the name of self-care, they may become resentful. Similarly, if you request support from your family members and friends too often, they may begin to feel used, causing them to withdraw.
          Ultimately, you need to find a balance when it comes to asking for help. One great way to begin is making sure you give as much as you get. That keeps the relationships feeling equitable, which can make a significant difference.
SELF-CARE OPTIONS FOR PARENTS DEALING WITH PARENTAL FATIGUE
Squeezing Self-Care into a Busy Schedule
         Parents of special needs children usually don't have much time to spare. As a result, they may assume that self=care won't fit into their world. However, this is often because of an inaccurate assumption about self-care.
          Many self-care recommendations ask people to take 20 or more minutes at a time to complete the activity, which isn't practical for all parents. This leads many parents to think that all self-care activities require a significant time commitment. Thankfully, that isn't true.
          Even short self-care activities make a difference. For example, a yoga sun salutation takes only a few minutes and can leave you feeling reinvigorated. Watching a funny video on your phone can also be self-care since laughter is a stress-reliever.
       By adjusting how you view self-care, you can often fit more of it into your day. Consider how you can incorporate more of those types of small self-care moments into your schedule. Then, choose short activities that you find soothing or enjoyable that work during those times, allowing you to participate in more self-care.
Pick A Personal Goal to Pursue
         Maintaining a sense of self is challenging for any parent, particularly for those raising a special needs child. If you want to keep a sense of identity, spending time pursuing a personal goal can help. It gives you a sense of achievement that isn't tied to childrearing. Plus, it gives you a chance to move toward something you want.
         For example, if you've always dreamed of starting a company, you can make it happen. Develop your business plan slowly over time, allowing you to build a strong foundation first. Then, choose the proper structure when it's time to form your company. Often, going with an Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) is wise. It reduces liability, has less paperwork, remains flexible, and comes with tax advantages. Just make sure you review LLC formation regulations in your home state.
           As you can see, even big dreams are potential targets. As long as you breaking them into smaller pieces and take your time, you can make progress while managing your other responsibilities, allowing you to have it all.
        
           
        
             
         

Back in the day, the rule from the American Psychological Association was that psychotherapy was only conducted in person. Clinical licensure was restricted to the practitioner’s state of residence. Insurance companies would only reimburse for in-person psychotherapy.
          The recent pandemic with the worldwide infectious spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, changed all that. It’s hard enough to keep up with modern cybertechnology, let alone with changing regulations in the field.
          So, our goal, as practicing clinicians, is to provide the best clinical care, in the least restrictive environment, with concern for the health and safety of all involved. What exactly does that mean?
          First, the gold standard of clinical care continues to be face-to-face psychotherapy. However, with masking, social distancing, and handwashing guidelines, patients coming to your office to see you may not only be challenging. It also might be lethal.
          Where all parties are vaccinated and the pandemic circumstances are abating, there is less risk to in-person psychotherapy. With this level of clinical care, both patient and clinician get the most input for effective clinical care. Verbal, as well as nonverbal communication is maximized. Emotional nuances and “tells” are picked up. Comfort, acknowledgement, even relief from treatment is tangible.
          Second, zoom calls carry most of the benefits of in-person clinical care. If you can get past the question of whether or not the other on the line is wearing pants, the interaction is there to make for good treatment. What’s also there is a host of possible distractions. The space for zoom calls, especially from your patient’s point of view, is not dedicated. Other people in the family could walk through the backdrop of your screen time with your patient. There could be distractions at critical moments in your clinical care. It will take both patience and structuring for zoom teletherapy to be efficient and effective.
          Third, regular telephone calls would be a way of checking in on patients. While this kind of teletherapy can be useful in certain circumstances, the limitations are evident. Of course, without zoom, clinicians are limited to only verbal feedback. Visual and nonverbal components of the intervention are absent. Where patients do not have zoom capacity, this is a fallback option. Additionally, there is ample room for distraction during the call. Either clinician or patient could be multi-tasking without the other knowing. Finally, the call on cell phones could be made from anywhere. The variables are boundless, with negative impact on therapeutic outcome.
          Finally, therapeutic intervention could be through social media, or, old school, through letters and journaling. Again, this form of teletherapy gives the patient access to the clinician’s expertise. However, exchanges are not necessarily private and confidential, despite any available safeguards. Texting, emailing, tweeting all risk exposure and breaking confidence. Paper and pen letters back and forth, or patient sending daily journal entries to their clinician for comment and feedback would be less likely to be intercepted than social media options. Also, none of the social media, or old school, options have the benefit of multisensory input into the therapeutic exchange.
          Of these four options for clinical intervention, use in-person psychotherapy where ever possible. You get the most input from your patient and you have the most opportunities for strategic interventions. Use zoom telephone calls where time and circumstances preclude in-person psychotherapy. Help your patient develop the most dedicated context for the call and be aware of potential distractions. Focus of the verbal/nonverbal/physical/visual date available and make the most of the exchange.
          Standard phone calls, social media exchanges, and journaling are treatment options that might be best used as clinical care is winding down and patients are close to discontinuing clinical care. To some extent, these options put you in the position of being your patient’s professional best friend or confidante, rather than their doctor.

There’s an old adage that says, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.”  Add to this adage the benefit of practicing a new skill consistently over time, and you get effective active listening.
          Mary had just read my book, Teachable Moments: Building Blocks of Christian Parenting. She even convinced her husband, Andy, to take the parenting class with her where this was the resource book. Eight year old Amy, their oldest daughter, was their “test subject” in practicing the parenting tool of active listening.
          “Mommy, I don’t get this times table stuff. Can you help me?” she asked one night while doing her homework. Mary put up her book and went to Amy’s bedroom.
          “What don’t you get, dear?” she asked. “Everything. Math is dumb,” Amy threw her homework down and sprawled across her bed, covering her head under her pillow.
          Mary sat on Amy’s bed beside her distraught daughter and concluded, “Well, that’s not going to get your homework done. Let’s try again.”
          Amy groused, “Leave me alone,” as she recovered her head with her pillow.
          Mary sighed and paused. She reached over to gently rub Amy’s back and spoke softly, “Well, sweetheart, I guess I just blew that, huh?” Amy uncovered her head from the pillow and turned on her elbow, looking puzzled at her mom’s comment.
          Mary cradled her daughter’s cheek with her palm. “You know, darling, your dad and I are taking this class to help us try to better be there for you guys.” She paused and continued, “I think I just blew a chance to active listen your feelings. Can I try again?”
          Amy nodded and folded herself into her mom’s arms. Mary thought for a moment and said, “You’re really frustrated that the times table is hard to understand, aren’t you?”
          “Yeah, and it’s not fair,” Amy pouted.
          “You’re not sure how to go about trying to get it right?”
          “No, it’s too hard.”
          “Okay, I have some thoughts that might help you get it right. Do you want to hear them?”
          Amy eagerly agreed and the two of them tackled the homework together, with Mary guiding her daughter’s efforts.
          My dad used to always tell me, if at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again. Good counsel, especially for your efforts to active listen your children. Kids are very forgiving if you are sincere with your efforts, and if you include them in the process.
          After Amy successfully finished her times table homework with mom’s guidance, Mary asked, “So, how did I do with active listening your feelings? You know, my bossing you around just pulled you further away from me. When I active listened, was it more helpful to you?”
          It’s okay doing this debriefing after a conversation with your child. Their feedback will help you in your skill-building. If it doesn’t go well the first time, back up, take a breath, and try again. You are learning something new, so practice, and give it time. In doing so, you are providing a teachable moment for both you and your child.