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Thriving Through the Summer (Part 7): Caring for yourself
Supporting Your Wellbeing This Summer: 5 Self-Care Tips for Parents of SEN Children
WARNING!! We’ve tackled some challenging topics in this blog series but this is the one that most of us struggle with the most…it’s time to talk about self-care!
During the summer holidays the usual school structure disappears, familiar support systems pause, and suddenly, you’re expected to hold it all together! So, where are we meant to find this elusive “Me time”? We hear you! But taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Trust us, we know.
So, how can you carve out even a little space for your own care amid everything else? We’ve put together five simple, realistic self-care tips to help you feel more grounded and supported this summer.
- Make a Routine That Works for You, Too
We often put so much energy into creating structure for our kids—but don’t forget, routines can help you feel more grounded, too. With school out, the days can feel long and a bit daunting. Try putting together a loose daily rhythm that includes things like regular meals, some time outside (even just a short walk), and a few small breaks just for you (feel free to give your children controlled and guilt-free access to screens to allow this to happen). It doesn’t need to be perfect or packed with activities—just knowing when you’ll have a moment to breathe can make a huge difference.
- Give Yourself Permission to Pause
You don’t have to be “on” all the time—and you definitely don’t need to fill every moment with crafts, day-trips, or perfectly planned activities. Some days will be screen-heavy, some plans will fall apart, and that’s okay.
Take a breath, and let go of the guilt. Rest is not laziness—it’s necessary to avoid burnout. If everyone’s fed, safe, and relatively calm, that’s a win!
Remember: Surviving is thriving, especially during the summer juggle.
- Find Your Little Pockets of Joy
Self-care doesn’t always mean a spa day – it’s often found in the little things. Maybe it’s a quiet cup of tea before everyone wakes up, a short guided meditation, or blasting your favourite song while doing the washing up.
These small, everyday moments might not seem like much, but they add up. When you give yourself permission to enjoy them, even briefly, they can lift your mood and help you feel more like you.
- Lean on Your People
You don’t have to do this alone! Whether it’s a quick WhatsApp chat with another parent who just gets it, or grabbing a coffee with a friend who listens without judgement, connecting with others can lighten the emotional load more than you’d expect.
If you don’t have a support network yet, that’s okay too. There are some incredibly kind, understanding online communities out there for parents of SEN children. You might be surprised by how comforting it is to hear, “me too,” from someone who truly understands.
- Plan Little Pockets of Rest
Even short breaks help recharge your energy. Could a family member step in for an hour or two? Maybe you could swap playdates with another parent for a bit of breathing room. However you do it, try to carve out small moments just for you—whether that’s for a nap, a walk, or something creative that brings you joy. You matter, too!
Remember: Actual spa days are good too! 😃
And just a gentle reminder: You are doing a brilliant job in an often invisible role. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s how we refill our cups so we can show up! Be kind to yourself this summer, you deserve it.
BONUS IDEAS: Wellness apps are fast becoming parents go-to for some much needed time out and support.
Here’s a quick and balanced review of a few popular wellness apps, highlighting their key features, pros, and things to consider:
1. Headspace
Best for: Guided meditation and mindfulness
Overview: Headspace offers a wide range of meditations, sleep aids, and stress-relief exercises. It’s beginner-friendly and has themed programs for everything from anxiety to focus.
✅ Pros:
- Easy to use with a calming design
- Great for building a meditation habit
- Includes sleep sounds and mindful movement
⚠️ Consider:
- Requires a subscription after the free trial
- Some users find the tone a bit too “scripted”
2. Calm
Best for: Sleep and stress relief
Overview: Calm provides guided meditations, bedtime stories, music, and breathing exercises. It’s particularly popular for people struggling with sleep.
✅ Pros:
- Beautiful visuals and relaxing audio
Includes celebrity sleep stories (like Matthew McConaughey!) - Good variety of content
⚠️ Consider:
- Subscription cost is on the higher side
- Less focused on mental health tracking or journaling
3. Insight Timer
Best for: Free meditation content and community support
Overview: With thousands of free meditations and a community feel, Insight Timer is great for people who want flexibility and variety without a paywall.
✅ Pros:
- Huge library of free meditations
- Includes talks, courses, and music
- Strong community and live sessions
⚠️ Consider:
- Interface can feel a bit overwhelming
- Quality of content can vary
4. Moodfit
Best for: Mental health tracking and CBT-style tools
Overview: Moodfit focuses on helping users understand and improve their emotional wellbeing through mood tracking, gratitude journaling, and goal setting.
✅ Pros:
- Customisable daily goals
- Includes breathing and mindfulness tools
- Great for tracking patterns over time
⚠️ Consider:
- More functional than soothing—less focus on meditation
- Takes a bit of setup to personalise
5. Sanvello
Best for: Stress, anxiety, and therapy support
Overview: Sanvello combines cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tools with mood tracking, guided journeys, and peer support. It’s often recommended for managing anxiety and depression.
✅ Pros:
- Evidence-based approach
- Offers journaling, coaching, and live therapy (in some regions)
- Free version has solid features
⚠️ Consider:
- Full features require a premium plan or insurance coverage
- App interface can feel clinical for some