💛 Caring for Them Starts with Caring for You: Supporting Parental Mental Health in the Speech Therapy Journey

Parenting a child is one of the most meaningful journeys a person can take. Parenting a child who needs additional support, such as speech therapy, adds layers of love, advocacy, and dedication — but also unique stressors that can quietly weigh heavy over time.

Between scheduling appointments, learning new strategies, practicing at home, and balancing work and family life, parents often carry an invisible load. It’s a load filled with hope, worry, pride, and exhaustion — all at once.

This World Mental Health Day, we want to pause and remind every parent and caregiver:

✨ Your mental health matters, too. ✨

Because when you take care of yourself, you’re not stepping away from your child’s growth — you’re building the strength to support them even better.

🌿 The Hidden Weight Parents Carry

It’s normal to feel stretched thin when supporting a child through therapy. Many parents describe feelings of guilt when they can’t fit in every practice session, or frustration when progress feels slow. Others experience loneliness when friends or family don’t fully understand the journey.

Research supports what so many families feel: parents of children with communication challenges often experience higher stress levels, emotional fatigue, and caregiver burnout (Baker-Ericzén et al., 2005; Gavidia-Payne & Hudson, 2002). These feelings aren’t signs of weakness — they’re signs that you care deeply.

You might recognize yourself in some of these thoughts:

• “Am I doing enough?”

• “What if I’m not helping the right way?”

• “I’m exhausted, but I don’t want to slow down.”

Take a deep breath. You are already doing so much. And you don’t have to do it all alone.

💬 Speech Therapy Is About the Whole Family

At Marigold Speech & Co, we believe every session is a partnership — and that includes you.

When parents are supported, children thrive.

In fact, research shows that parental well-being directly influences engagement and outcomes in therapy (Roberts & Kaiser, 2011). When parents feel confident and emotionally supported, they’re more likely to stay consistent with home practice, celebrate progress, and create positive interactions around communication at home.

That’s why we emphasize:

• 🧡 Flexibility: Home strategies that fit into your life, not someone else’s schedule.

• 🧡 Compassionate collaboration: We listen to your concerns and adjust goals together.

• 🧡 Celebration: Every small step counts — for your child and for you.

• 🧡 Perspective: Therapy is a journey, not a race. We walk it together.

You are not just a participant — you’re a powerful part of your child’s progress.

🧘‍♀️ Small Steps to Support Your Mental Health

Self-care doesn’t always mean a spa day or a weekend getaway. Sometimes it’s a few intentional moments that help you breathe a little deeper and feel a little more grounded. Try starting with one of these:

✨ Pause before practice: Take three deep breaths before beginning your child’s speech activities.

✨ Reframe your wins: Progress isn’t just new words or sounds — it’s shared laughter, connection, and persistence.

✨ Set realistic goals: Consistency matters more than perfection. Missing a day doesn’t erase progress.

✨ Ask for help: Your SLP is part of your support team — let us know when things feel heavy.

✨ Find your village: Join a parent support group, online or in person, where others “get it.”

Even a few mindful minutes can build resilience over time.

💛 A Gentle Reminder

You are not behind.

You are not failing.

You are not expected to do it all.

Your child’s growth is not just about therapy sessions — it’s about the love, patience, and advocacy you show every day. And your well-being is part of that equation.

On World Mental Health Day, give yourself permission to rest. To pause. To acknowledge the strength it takes to show up, again and again, for your child.

Your mental health is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. And it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your family.

🌼 At Marigold Speech & Co

We believe that when parents feel supported, children soar.

We are here to walk beside you — not only as your child’s therapists but as partners in building a balanced, compassionate, and sustainable path forward.

Let’s create a therapy journey that honors your child’s growth and your well-being.

If you ever need a reminder:

🌸 You’re doing enough.

🌸 You’re doing great.

🌸 You matter, too.

📚 References

• Baker-Ericzén, M. J., Brookman-Frazee, L., & Stahmer, A. (2005). Stress levels and adaptability in parents of toddlers with and without autism spectrum disorders. Research & Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 30(4), 194–204.

• Gavidia-Payne, S., & Hudson, A. (2002). Behavioral supports for parents of children with an intellectual disability and problem behaviors: An overview of the literature. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27(1), 31–45.

• Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2011). The effectiveness of parent-implemented language interventions: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 180–199.