Summer is here, the kids are home and,while togetherness is a wonderful thing, absence can make the heart grow fonder.

The past few weeks I have talked to a number of parents, some of children with special needs, some with neurotypical kids, who feel guilty about hiring a sitter or sending their kids to camp a few hours a day.  This seems to come from a over-responsible sense that only they can provide optimal care for their children. However, parents then come to me tired, frustrated, burned out and want a solution to minimize the difficulties with their kids.  When too much togetherness (or you just want to get stuff done uninterrupted) is a problem.  HIRE A SITTER! Or send yuo kids to camp. Or send them with grammy and grampy for a few hours. Just get a break from each other.

As a parent you cannot be it "all" for your child, no matter what their challenges. The fact is, you will burn out and a frazzled parent is not a happy parent, and what kind of relationship will you have with your child if you end up so overwhelmed that you are just fed up with your kids all the time.

Trust me,this happens, I see it more often than I would like.  I have no idea why parents feel an over-responsibility to be the end-all to their children.

Here are some facts based in research--kids who have multiple supports, several adults they trust and can turn to, are emotionally healthier than kids who only have 1 or 2 people they can talk to. This makes sense. As adults we don't exclusively talk to 1 other person about our lives, or do activities with that person. Because we have a variety of interests and just need a break from one another once in awhile, we socialize with several different people.

Your kids are no different. 

And, after you take yoru break, get stuff done (or just relax) when the kids come home, you are all refreshed and happy to see one another. Kids love to tell you about their adventures and you will have the patience and time to give them some undivided attention.

Enjoy your time to yourself!