There’s a part of this journey that no one really prepares you for: The exhaustion. The kind that isn’t just about lack of sleep, it’s mental, emotional, and sometimes even physical. As much as we celebrate the progress, the breakthroughs, and the good days, there are also times when we hit a wall. And I want to talk about that because if you’ve been there too, you’re not alone.
I Didn’t Realize How Tired I Was Until I Stopped
We were in the middle of everything: evaluations, therapies, IEP meetings, at-home practice, trying to balance school with outside services. We were doing everything we possibly could for our son. And then one day, I just hit a wall. I felt drained. I had nothing left in the tank. Even as an educator, someone who knew what needed to be done, I was running on empty.
It’s Okay to Say This Is Hard
Parenting a child with special needs can be beautiful and rewarding. It can also be really, really hard. It’s okay to say that. It doesn’t make you a bad parent. It makes you human. There were days where the paperwork felt endless. Where the therapy appointments blurred together. When my mind was so full I couldn’t think clearly. We smiled for our child, showed up at every meeting, asked every question, but inside, we were tired.
What Helped Us Get Through It
We didn’t find a magic solution. But we started doing small things that made a difference:
- We asked for help. Whether it was a family member, a teacher, or a case manager, we stopped trying to carry it all alone.
- We took breaks where we could. Even ten minutes of quiet made a difference.
- We celebrated little wins. Because when you’re burnt out, the small victories remind you that this is all worth it.
- We reminded ourselves: Progress takes time. So does healing.
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup
If you’re in this phase right now, feeling overwhelmed, tired, and stretched thin, I see you. Please know: You are doing enough. You don’t have to have it all together all the time. Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your child. Give yourself grace. Breathe. Step away when you can. And know that burnout doesn’t mean failure, it means you’ve been giving it your all.
Self-Care Reminder Card for Parents
Save this. Screenshot it. Print it. Tape it to your fridge.
You Are Allowed To…
- Say “I need help.”
- Rest, even when there’s more to do.
- Feel overwhelmed and still be a great parent.
- Celebrate small progress.
- Give yourself time. Healing is not instant.
- Ask for support without guilt.
- Take care of yourself, your child needs you.
You don’t need to do it all today. You just need to keep going.
Have you felt burnout during your parenting journey? What helped you through it?
Let’s support each other, leave a comment below!
