The Forgotten Piece

The Forgotten Piece Why Parents Need Self Care Too

At Perth Hills Allied Health, we meet so many parents right in the thick of their child’s journey. You’re juggling assessments, chasing reports, attending therapy appointments, coordinating with schools, and somehow also keeping the fridge stocked and the washing pile under control. It’s a lot and it often feels like it never ends.

And in all of that? Your own wellbeing is the first thing to fall off the list.

The Impact of Forgetting Yourself

Parents naturally put their child first, but when you’re running on empty for too long, it shows. Exhaustion creeps in, patience runs thin, and your health can take the hit. Sometimes relationships get stretched to their limits too.

The truth is looking after yourself isn’t selfish, it’s survival. Your kids benefit most when you’re rested, steady, and able to go the distance.

Practical Self Care for Busy Parents

Self care doesn’t need to look like yoga retreats or a perfectly curated bubble bath, though if that’s on offer, take it. It can be tiny, everyday things that reset your system.

Breathing space
Sit with a cup of tea before you dive into the next task.

Movement
A quick walk, a stretch while the kettle boils, or a living room dance break.

Connection
Call a friend who gets it, join a group, or simply accept help without guilt.

Boundaries
Say no to the extra commitment, or log off the emails after hours.

Joy
Blast your favourite song, pick up an old hobby, or laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.

None of this makes the challenges disappear, but it gives you the fuel to face them.

A Quick Check In

If this sounds like your life right now, pause and ask yourself:

Have I eaten something that didn’t come off my kid’s plate today?

When was the last time I did something purely because I enjoyed it?

Where in my body am I carrying the stress?

Even noticing the answers is a step toward shifting things.

Final Thought

Parenting a child with additional needs is big, ongoing, meaningful work. And while the reports, appointments, and therapy goals matter, there’s another crucial piece you.

Investing in your wellbeing doesn’t take you away from your child’s journey, it strengthens you so you can keep walking beside them with presence and resilience.

At Perth Hills Allied Health, we’re here to support families as a whole, kids and parents alike. Because your wellbeing matters too.