| Finding time for leisure, for parents with a child | | | | Yes, a child with autism for the most part, |
| who has autism can be difficult. What is leisure? | | | | requires high maintenance and attention that |
| Many people believe leisure is a way to spend | | | | should not be overlooked. But, you as a parent |
| time when there is nothing else to do do. The | | | | should not be overlooked either, when it comes |
| dictionary defines the true meaning of leisure as," | | | | to finding time for leisure. |
| freedom from demands of work or duty, time | | | | You might want to take a walk, look at the stars |
| available, for recreation or relaxation, spare time." | | | | at night on the patio with a cup of coffee when |
| Parents can find leisure time for themselves, even | | | | your child is in bed. Go to a movie that is a |
| though they may have a child with autism. This is | | | | comedy, or rent one and watch it with the door |
| done by realizing, there is a difference between | | | | closed, with no disruptions. Getting a book that |
| having leisure time and engaging in a leisure | | | | you have always wanted to read, but did not |
| activity. Some leisure time could be filled with | | | | have the time or did not have the place for |
| dysfunctional activities that have no enjoyment. | | | | leisure. You may want to walk through a park, go |
| Often times parents will feel guilty if they spend | | | | to a zoo, enjoy the flowers, watch other people |
| leisure time to enjoy themselves, or do | | | | sitting on a park bench. For me, I love to take a |
| something out of the ordinary that requires fun, | | | | drive near a lake and watch sailboats, with my |
| relaxation and do exactly what you want without | | | | feet up on the patio furniture. It is soothing and |
| pressure, or forced to do it. You as a parent | | | | relaxing. |
| must overlook feeling guilty, so you can find time | | | | There are numerous things you can do for leisure. |
| for leisure. | | | | Be creative, and find out what you enjoy, want |
| It is imperative for you, not to to feel guilty by | | | | to do and are able to for yourself, even though |
| taking leisure time. It is healthy to find leisure time | | | | your child has autism. You may have to adjust |
| for yourself, even though you have an autistic | | | | your schedule or find another person who is |
| child. In addition, it is also healthy for your child to | | | | familiar with autism to watch your child, while you |
| understand, you are a person with needs and you | | | | find time to enjoy your leisure time. |
| also must fulfill them. | | | | It is healthy, both mentally and physically for you |
| Often parents with a child who has the disorder | | | | as parents and your child with autism to find |
| of autism feels they are not doing enough for | | | | leisure time. You will be more relaxed, enjoyable, |
| their child. They fill their day with so much | | | | more rejuvenated to take on new and challenging |
| attention towards their child, and sometimes | | | | tasks. |
| forget about themselves to take time for leisure. | | | | |