Respite Options for Families

Rest for the weary?  What is that?

You know those days when you just want to sleep for a bit? Those precious tidbits of time you'd like to steal for yourself? As parents, we all have them. No matter how hard we try, sometimes we just need to stop and take a little break. Taking time to rest and regenerate our bodies and minds is essential for our well-being.

Taking care of ourselves is often the last entry on our list of things to do. Our children, families, and work are top priority and will get the most attention. Our roles as providers, protectors, and caregivers may not leave much room for rest, but that is a critical piece of life's puzzle. In order to keep going strong while we care for others, we must take time to take care of ourselves. 

Respite can help provide the time we need to take care of ourselves. It comes in all kinds of ways, from a date night out, a Saturday morning breakfast outing, or just a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. Taking care of a child with a disability or special health care need requires us to be at the top of our game. Rest for regeneration of our bodies, minds, and spirits can be a very powerful tool. There is nothing selfish about it. Remember to put yourself at the top of the list because you very much deserve it! 

Take Time Texas is a great resource that helps locate respite services all across the state. Respite opportunities can also be found in our local communities through churches, parent support groups, and other organizations. For example, the First Baptist Church of Laredo  offers a Mothers’ Day Out program that includes child care/respite services. You can search our page on Find Services, Groups and Events for more helpful resources.