The Umbrella Network

Parents Opinions

What Respite really means to Parents !

“Anytime, anywhere and any length of time away from the kids.. it’s the peace of mind that someone is capable of caring for them so you can rest..”

“All of the above. Anytime anywhere anyplace you can breath and close that 3rd eye is respite. Having someone who is capable of supporting a safe environment for your child while you close your mind and eyes is priceless.”

” To be honest, i wouldn’t know. We have never had any… not for a lack of trying… but we seem to end up continually being lumped in that ‘too hard’ basket. “

” In home .. but really what we (and Katie) often needed most was respite from our other three children so John & I could have special one on one time together with our gorgeous girl. “Respite” wouldn’t cover that but we felt that this was where we needed the most help. We succeeded at times by paying a babysitter. So thankful now for those precious memories … ♥

“to me it means,just help with whatever is going on around home,I find it hard to let someone do everything while I rest.I find the only way I can get a rest is to leave the house,even if I go to the shops that is a break for me.Like you Jen…”

“For us def in home. Then you know they are in a safe environment with all the things that they need and are safe for them. It also means someone who understands your kids and your needs and doesn’t give you that petrified look or judgemental attitude. But most of all it means SANITY! “

“A “well earned” break to clear my headspace and help me cope with the every day stresses and also some precious “couple” time for my husband and I.”

” Just having her house to herself to relax in for an hour or so . Bubble bath, read a book etc etc……”

“For me respite is so my children can miss me. They don’t have sleep over’s like other children because their support needs are so full on, and other parents don’t want to take on the responsibility. True Bliss is to wake up when I wake up not when someone needs me.”

“It is in home for me, and it’s just not the one with the disability that I need respite from I have other children that I need time out from as well….but no (especially family) will look after all of them they will take the easy ones …They come as a package…my husband wants to take me away for our 15th ann in September, at the moment that is only a dream as we don’t have anyone who is capable of looking after them from Friday til Sunday ….”

” it is my dream at the moment to have someone in my home to help care for my daughter long enough for me to do mundane things like scrub the bathroom and do the dishes all at once! I would even forego shaving my legs and washing my hair to do it! LOL “