Despite my emotional response, I've been thinking a lot about the image of a parent putting the oxygen mask on themselves first and then on the child. It makes sense. If the parent passes out or is incapacitated, the child isn't in a very good situation, is she? Ethically, a parent has a responsibility to put themselves in a situation where they will actually be able to help their child. Otherwise, trying to put the child first could actually be endangering the child.
I attend a monthly meeting for parents of special needs kids in my church. We call our little group Extreme Parenting. It has been a life line for my husband and I as we navigate life with Josh. We talk about the image of putting the oxygen mask on ourselves as a metaphor for what we are trying to do when we make/ take the time to meet with other parents, pray, vent, share, reflect on how scripture speaks to us as parents, and process the challenges of our lives together. We are taking care of ourselves so that we can be best equipped to take care of our kids.
It seems to me that there is a great need for parents in general (and, especially parents of kids with special needs) to take care of ourselves. My observation is that depressed, isolated, overwhelmed, angry parents of kids with special needs are not exactly what one would want for these kids. Yet, why is it so difficult for us to take care of ourselves so that we can best take care of others?
It's a new year. In 2010 I want to do the following things so that Josh can have the best mommy that I can be:
1. I want to keep going to Extreme Parenting and to give myself to that comm
unity.2. I want to make sure that I am having regular date nights with my husband.
3. I want to go to the YMCA at least twice a week to exercise.
4. I want to keep writing on this blog at least a few times a month to process what is going on in my head.
5. I want to blow dry my hair and put on make up once in a while so that I'm not just living like an overwhelmed mom who meets needs all day long all the time.
If anyone reading this post has any other ideas, I'd love to hear them!
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ReplyDeleteGet a massage every once in a while!!! I think that's what I'm going to do this year to take care of myself. :) -Jieun
ReplyDeletehere's an observation. i noticed that there are a couple things "missing":
ReplyDelete1. spending time alone to just be
2. doing something that you think is SUPER FUN!
3. spending time with friends
maybe this list might spark some ideas for you. :)
Sus-thanks for sharing! I just spent the Christmas Break reflecting on what my priorities are so that I can make wise decisions, and not feel like I am constantly reacting to the world's demands on my time. It meant coming back to school and turning down two different offers to teach while some of the teachers are out for 3-4 months on maternity leave. That was hard to do, but having a list that I have taped to my desk really helped keep me grounded. And I have to admit, I actually need to have the list printed out and taped in plain view so that I actually keep to them!
ReplyDeleteComing out of my reflection time, my goals are:
1. get to the gym 3 times each week (so far I've managed twice a week. Still working on this one!)
2. list things I am grateful for each day. even if all I can think of on a given day is that the day is over and I made it through :-)
3. pursue time with a friend at least once a week (even if it is just a leisurely phone call)
4. helping with goals I have for Nathan and Josh... :-)
5. find a productive outlet that is within school hours. So no teaching jobs for the forseeable future, but lots of volunteering in ways that make me happy.
6. I have entertained the blog idea, similar to what you are doing. Both as a way to process my thoughts, to share my heart, and to maybe help others in some small way. For now, I am going to just journal privately bc I have no idea how to set up a blog :-)
Love reading your thoughts!
Peace