Being a parent to a child with a disability can be challenging. Disabled children need more time, attention, and care than other children; and many times, it can be overwhelming. Here are tips to help you breathe, get organized, and provide the best possible care to your child as possible.
Educate Yourself
Learn as much as possible about your child’s disability. Do research on the internet, read internet forums, and, most importantly, talk to your child’s doctor. Understand the side effects of the disability and the long-term effects; don’t just think about now, think about the future. Find out what kind of services and programs your state has for disabled children; National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities is a great resource to find helpful resources in your state. The more you know, the more you’ll be prepared and able to meet your child’s needs.
Here are some great resources for disability education and helpful services around you:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Family Voices
March of Dimes
National Down Syndrome Congress
Spina Bifida Association of America
United Cerebral Palsy
Create a Support System
Parenting a disabled child can be more of a challenge than parenting other children. And like all other parents, there will be times when you feel completely overwhelmed. Talk to your friends and family about it. Find support groups in your area where you can discuss your personal issues and the issues of your child. Support groups are important because these are people experiencing the same things you are; they’ll be a source of educational and emotional support throughout your life.
Other Tips
Create and consistently follow a daily schedule.
Do everything you can to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Think about today, not next week. It is easy to get overwhelmed; take each day, one
at a time.
Try to keep a positive outlook.
Amber Paley is a guest post and article writer bringing to us tips for parents with
disabled children. Amber spends much of her professional life writing about abuse in nursing homes.
