Parenting a student with special educational needs (SEN), such as autism or other developmental differences, brings moments of great joy but also unique pressures. One important issue that often goes unnoticed is how parental stress affects parenting and family well-being.
This blog draws on the work of Osborne and Reed (2010), Hastings (2002), and Karst and Van Hecke (2012) to explore how stress can shape family dynamics and what steps can be taken to reduce its impact.
What the Research Shows
Osborne and Reed (2010)
This study looked at how stress influences parents’ own perceptions of their parenting. It found that when stress levels rise, parenting becomes less effective, less consistent, and less satisfying. This makes it harder for parents to respond calmly and confidently to everyday challenges.
Hastings (2002)
Hastings identified a cycle between child behaviours and parental stress. Stress can make it harder for parents to respond effectively to challenging behaviours, which in turn increases those behaviours, further driving up stress.
Karst and Van Hecke (2012)
In their review, Karst and Van Hecke explored the broad impacts of autism on family dynamics. They highlighted how ongoing stress associated with autism can strain marital relationships, negatively affect sibling well-being, and diminish overall family cohesion over time.
Key Insights into Parental Stress
Parents and Caregivers of Children with SEN Experience Higher Levels of Stress
Parents often face significant stress because they must manage their child’s variable support needs, which can include sensory, or communication challenges and behaviours that require support. Navigating complex care systems, such as coordinating education plans, therapies, and medical appointments, can feel overwhelming. The emotional and physical demands of caregiving, combined with the need to advocate for their child, leave many parents feeling exhausted and stretched thin.
Stress Affects Parenting and Family Relationships
Stress can erode a parent’s confidence, making it harder to respond calmly or maintain consistent routines. This can lead to feelings of frustration and guilt. It can also strain marriages, with partners having less capacity to support each other. Siblings may feel overlooked or take on caregiving roles, which can lead to resentment or emotional pressure.
Stress Can Limit the Success of Interventions
Parents who are overwhelmed often struggle to follow through with parenting strategies or intervention plans. Fatigue and emotional strain can make it harder to stay consistent or apply techniques effectively, reducing the overall impact of the intervention. Stress may also hinder communication with professionals, making it harder to implement collaborative solutions.
How Can Parental Stress Be Addressed?
Providing Support for Parents
Stress Management Techniques: Approaches like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or cognitive-behavioural strategies can help parents manage their emotions. I recommend Insight Timer for meditation and breathing exercises. I use it every day.
Parent Support Groups: Speaking with others who share similar experiences can reduce isolation and create valuable peer networks.
Strengthening Parenting Approaches
Parent Training: Practical strategies can help parents and caregivers feel more prepared to understand their children’s unique needs and foster positive interactions.
Consistency Across Environments: Aligning strategies used at home with those used in educational or therapeutic settings can improve outcomes.
Use Multiple Services: Professionals such as educators, therapists, and healthcare providers should work together to ensure families receive consistent and comprehensive support.
Improving Family Well-Being
Mental Health Support: Counselling or therapy can help parents process emotions and develop healthier coping strategies.
Practical Assistance: Respite care, financial help, and other forms of practical support can reduce some of the daily pressures parents face.
The Role of Professionals
Educators, therapists, and other professionals play a key role in helping families manage stress. This can include:
Clear and Open Communication: Keeping parents informed and involved fosters trust.
Empathy and Validation: Acknowledging the challenges parents face and creating a judgment-free environment can go a long way.
Specialist Training: Equipping professionals with tools to identify and address parental stress ensures families are supported effectively.
Conclusion
Parental stress can have a significant impact on families of students with SEN. The research is clear: addressing this stress is vital; not only for parents’ well-being but for the overall health of the family and the success of interventions.
By focusing on family-centred approaches and building stronger support systems, we can create a stable foundation for students to grow and thrive, while helping parents feel more supported.
