*there's care for caregivers

The name of the game is taking care of yourself, because you're going to live long enough to wish you had. ~Grace Mirabella 

When we truly care for ourselves, it becomes possible to care far more profoundly about other people. The more alert and sensitive we are to our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others. ~Eda LeShan 

If you think taking care of yourself is selfish, change your mind. If you don't, you're simply ducking your responsibilities. ~Ann Richards

I'm a social worker. It is a field with a high level of burn-out. I have spent a lot of time studying compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and self care for caregivers to prevent my own burn-out. These tips aren't just for parents of kids with medical challenges but ANY caregiver. I list these as a reminder for myself, but also share them with any other parents:

Hopeful Parents
Special Moms Heal
Hope on Hope
the assertiveness ladder to decrease stress with communication
the Five Good Minutes book series
Married with Special Needs Children article about communicating with your spouse based on the book by that title
Self Care Strategies found on this page

Connecting:
Parents Helping Parents
The Family Cafe - annual conference connecting families in the U.S.
The Father's Network
Exceptional Family TV - weekly episodes about families like you
Special Needs Moms Like Me
Parenting Special Needs - emagazine


Planning and Record Keeping:
Care Notebook for Parents
Special Care Organizational Record (SCOR) for Children (and another for Adults)
Planning for the Future of a Special Needs Child from caregiver.com