Caregiver Support Toolkit | SELF-CARE FOR CAREGIVERS

Taking care of yourself is taking care of your child.

Clinicians agree: caregiver well-being directly impacts child outcomes. Your physical and emotional health is not a luxury – it is part of your child’s care plan.

SMALL ACTS OF SELF-CARE THAT MATTER

  • Eat a real meal – even during hospitalizations
  • Step outside for 5 minutes of fresh air
  • Keep your own doctor’s appointments
  • Text a friend – don’t disappear into caregiving
  • Name one thing that brought you joy this week

LETTING GO AS YOUR CHILD GROWS

  • Start with small steps toward independence
  • Let them speak at one appointment per visit
  • Trust the skills you’ve already helped them build
  • Your role changes – it doesn’t disappear
  • Seek your own therapist as they gain independence

KEY RESOURCES:

YOU MATTER IN THIS EQUATION

Asking for help is not weakness – it is wisdom. The most effective caregivers have people who care for them too.